English learning

IX. A sample TOEFL essay (based on the outline above) It is a good idea for teenagers to have jobs while they are students because they can learn about responsibility; they can learn the value of money and they can learn how to work as a member of a team. When teenagers have jobs while they are students, they can learn how to be responsible. As an employee, you must follow a weekly schedule. This means, you have to come to work on time. If you are scheduled to begin work at 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning, you have to be there at 8 a.m. It doesn’t matter if you went to a party the night before and do not want to get up. You have to get up. Your boss is relying on you to do your job. As an employee, you also learn that you must serve the customer in a friendly manner. If you are not friendly, the store may lose business and you may lose your job. Finally, an employee is responsible for maintaining the store shelves with inventory. If you work in a department store, you have to ...

VIII. A sample TOEFL outline: TOEFL Question: In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details. I. It is a good idea for teenagers to have jobs while they are students because they can learn about responsibility; they can learn the value of money and they can learn how to work as a member of a team. II. Students can learn responsibility a. They have to come to work on time every day b. They must serve customers in a friendly manner c. They have to maintain the store shelves with inventory III. Students can learn the value of money a. Students will learn that it takes a lot of time and effort to make money b. Students will make wiser choices when buying things with their own money IV. Students will learn how to work as a member of a team a. Students will learn how to compromise with other employees (helping out when someone is sick, etc.) b. Students will learn about the...

V. How to write good body paragraphs: Each paragraph in your essay introduces a new idea. It should include a thesis statement followed by support and examples. Be sure to use LOTS of examples. Within and between paragraphs be sure to use transition words like: on the other hand, however, though, for example, in contrast, likewise, in addition, first, finally. The paragraph should end with a concluding sentence which briefly summarizes the ideas in the paragraph. VI. The elements of a good concluding paragraph: A good concluding paragraph should include a summary of your main points. It may also include the author’s opinion. It should NOT introduce any new ideas. A good concluding paragraph often leaves an impression on the reader. It may make the reader think more deeply about the topic. VII. Preparing to write and writing your answer: I. Read and understand the essay question. (2 minutes). II. Organize your ideas on paper by writing a short outline of the introduction,...

TOEFL essay question #2: Is it better for children to participate in team sports or individual sports? Why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Restatement & Thesis: It is better for children to participate in team sports rather than individual sports. In team sports, children learn how to cooperate. They learn good sportsmanship and how to rely on their teammates. These are important lessons that will benefit children throughout their lives. Analysis: The first sentence clearly states the author’s opinion. This is followed by three reasons for the opinion. Finally, the author mentions life lessons. In the essay, the three reasons will make up the three main idea paragraphs in the body of the essay. In addition, the author will mention how each main idea is useful throughout life. TOEFL essay question #3: Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons an...

III. The parts of an essay: In every essay, there should be an introduction, a body and conclusion. A. The introduction: The introduction restates the question using different vocabulary and/or sentence structure. The introduction also includes your thesis statement…the most important sentence in your essay. B. The body: The body of your essay is also the “heart” of your essay. It will include your main ideas and details and examples to support those ideas. Each new idea should be a new paragraph. Typically, a TOEFL essay will have 3 – 4 body paragraphs. C. The conclusion: The conclusion will be your final paragraph. It will summarize all the main ideas in your essay and it may also include your opinion. IV. How to write a good introduction: Let’s look at some more essay questions to see how to restate the question and how to write your thesis statement. TOEFL essay question #1: Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare a...

I. Before you begin: I. Relax and feel confident. II. Remember that you have 30 minutes to write your essay. Use your time wisely. III. You may write your essay on the computer or on paper. Choose the one you are MOST comfortable with. II. You can write an excellent essay if you remember all these tips! II. Understanding the TOEFL question: There are different types of TOEFL questions. You never know which question you will receive, so you must be prepared to write on ALL the types of questions. It is very important that you completely understand the question BEFORE you begin to write. Below are some different essay question types. 1. Choose a point of view and support that view. Example: Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer. This type of question asks you to...

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