今回の Topic は、Official Guide to the TOEFL の Independent Essay 第３問です。

１. Topic           

     Do you agree or disagree with the following statement.  It is better to use printed material such as books and articles to do research than it is to use the Internet.  Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

２. Struture

a) Thesis Statement (Introduction)                

     I disagree with the statement since the use of the Internet has several advantages over printed materials in terms of cost, efficiency, and broad and updated information.

b) Body の部分を構成する３つの Paragraph の Main Idea は、

第１ Paragraph　コストの点でインターネットの活用は、必要な書籍を購入するよりも遥かに低い

第２ Paragraph　研究調査を効率的に実施するという面においても、インターネット上でサーチエンジンを活用する方が、必要な本を探すよりも有利である

第３ Paragraph　情報の鮮度、広範さの点においても、インターネットは印刷されたメディアよりも遥かに優れている

３. Sample

     I disagree with the statement since the use of the Internet has several advantages over printed materials in terms of cost, efficiency, and broad and updated information.     

     To begin with, the cost of using the Internet is far less expensive than that of obtaining printed materials.  With a personal computer and affordable monthly fee for your Internet service provider, you can access various websites aimed at from introductory to advanced level learners.  This advantage is very beneficial for those who cannot afford to purchase many books and have no access to libraries which have specialized books written by the leading authorities in certain academic fields.     

     In addition, by utilizing the Internet you can engage in your research more efficiently than reading books.  For instance, if your research has a strict deadline, you can access necessary information as quickly as possible, using search engines on the Internet.  In contrast, finding appropriate books for your research takes significant amount of time and energy.  Therefore, under the pressing circumstances, utilizing the Internet is preferable to written materials.                                                                                     

     Finally, you can count on the Internet to access the latest information, which printed materials cannot provide.  In today’s fast changing world, your research has to keep up with the latest data, information, and achievements.  In this regard, contents on websites are updated minute by minute.  Also, as to the availability of comprehensive knowledge and theory to facilitate your research, you have access to virtually any knowledge and theory in the cyber space.  

     It is true that some information and knowledge on the Internet is unreliable and even misleading.  As a result, you have to cultivate ability to filter inappropriate websites for your research.  However, I disagree with the statement because of the three reasons I mentioned above. 

 

To be continued.