今回の Topic は、Official Guide to the TOEFL の Independent Essay 第１３問です。

１. Topic           

       Is it better to enjoy your money when you earn it or is it better to save it for some time in the future?   Use specific reasons and details to support your opinion.

２. Struture

a) Thesis Statement (Introduction)                

     In my opinion, it is better to save my money for the future as a safety net.

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

第１ Paragraph　将来の不測の事態に備えて収入の一部を貯蓄しておく必要がある

第２ Paragraph　平均寿命が年々上昇していることを考慮すると、今から貯蓄を始めることが不可欠である

第３ Paragraph　現在の所、直ぐに必要な物は（食品、日用品を除き）ほとんどない為、貯蓄し易い環境にある

 

３. Sample

     In my opinion, it is better to save my money for the future as a safety net.            

     To begin with, money goes a long way in today’s fast changing world since it is very difficult to foresee what will become of economic situation in the future.  Although I have a job and I am healthy at this point, I can’t rely on the possibility that this situation will last over the next decades.  And given the volatility of the economy, I am not sure whether I can hold the same job for long.  Therefore, considering these fragile aspects of life, it is much better to save money for the future use.                           

     In addition, the longer we live, the more money we need to lead a decent life.  It is said that life expectancy of human beings will be longer and longer, especially in the developed countries such as Japan.  As life expectancy in Japanese male is reached around eighty years, it’s highly likely that I will live in my eighties.  However, it’s uncertain whether I will be able to stay healthy after turning sixty.  If so, I would have little choice but to save money to prepare for the several risks I will face in the future.                                                                                              

     Finally, these days, I make a point of saving money because there are few things I would like to buy.  Recently, I have come to realize that I’ve already had basic necessities for my life.  And I appreciate reading books and listening to music, which is the inexpensive way to make my life fulfilling.  As a result, I can afford to save a part of my earnings without having negative effects on life.  In this regard, I might be fortunate in that I don’t place high values on material possession.                          

     It is true that some aspects of my life could be improved if I spent more money on recreation.  However, because of the three reasons I mentioned above it is better to save my money for some time in the future.  

 

To be continued.