今回の Topic は、Official Guide to the TOEFL の Independent Essay 第４問です。

１. Topic           

     Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: grades encourage students to learn.  Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

２. Struture

a) Thesis Statement (Introduction)                

      I agree with the statement since students are likely to study harder to get higher grades and to stay competitive, and they would become appreciative of academic learning. 

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

第１ Paragraph　学生はより高い成績が社会において有利に働くことを十分に理解しており、それ故最高の成績の獲得を目指して自発的に学習するようなる

第２ Paragraph　上記の様な競争的環境においては、学生は他の学生に成績面で後れを取らない様に、各自が十全の努力をせざるを得ない

第３ Paragraph　より良い成績を獲得する為の自発的な努力と競争的環境によって育まれた学習意欲は、いずれ学習自体を楽しむものとして生活の一部となる

３. Sample

     I agree with the statement since students are likely to study harder to get higher grades and to stay competitive, and they would become appreciative of academic learning.     

     To begin with, students understand very well that higher grades benefit them in crucial aspects of life.  Since grades are an objective assessment for academic performance, universities or companies often use average grade points (AGP) for screening students.  As a result, students are motivated spontaneously to study hard to be better qualified for prestigious universities or corporations.  Needless to say, in order for them to achieve higher grades, they would spend more time learning to stay ahead of competition.        

     In addition, under such a rivalry circumstances among students, they would have little choice but to devote themselves to advancing their learning.  For example, students from privileged background might hire private tutors to get the highest grades and students from disadvantaged background should make the most of resources available not to fall behind wealthy students.  In any case, this competitive environment would make students study extremely diligently.                                                                                             

     Finally, the positive attitude towards learning developed by spontaneous effort and competitive environment would surely lead them to appreciate the sophisticated nature of academic learning.  Some students might choose to study abroad to further their research and other students might go on studying at graduate schools.  When they reach this stage of scholarly activities, their learning would become indispensable part of life.  

     It is true that placing excessive value on grades would distort students’ mindset to learn and cut throat competition might lead to misconduct in achievement tests.  However, I agree with the statement because of the three reasons I mentioned above.  

 

To be continued.