今回の Topic は、Official Guide to the TOEFL の Independent Essay 第２１問です。

１. Topic           

       It is better for children to grow up in the country side rather than a big city.  Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay

２. Struture

a) Thesis Statement (Introduction)                

       I agree with the statement that it is better for children to grow up in the country side than a big city since parents have more time with children, spend more money on children and the children are given more chances for children to develop environmentally-friendly mind and the sense of community membership.

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

第１ Paragraph　郊外では住職が接近していて通勤に時間がかからないので、両親は子供と過ごす時間を増やせる

第２ Paragraph　郊外では、生活費、とりわけ住宅費用が都会と比較して低いため、その節約分を子供の教育費様に充当できる

第３ Paragraph　郊外では自然と触れ合う、あるいはコミュニティ主催のイベントに参加する機会が多いため、環境保護、コミュニティの一員であるという意識を子供たちは育むことができる

 

３. Sample       

     I agree with the statement that it is better for children to grow up in the country side than a big city since parents have more time with children, spend more money on children and the children are given more chances for children to develop environmentally-friendly mind and the sense of community membership.                   

     To begin with, parents have more time with their children because parents would spend less time on commuting in the country side than in a big city.  In rural or suburban area, people usually live close to workplace.  As a result, they don’t need to spend hours to travel between their home and workplace.  Therefore, in suburban areas, workers could enjoy quality time with their family members.  In contrast, workers who live in metropolitan areas have to spend at least two to three hours a day just to commute.                                          

     In addition, the lower cost of living in the country side would make it easier for the parents to invest more money on their children.  As is often pointed out, cost of living, housing costs in particular, is much higher in metropolitan areas than country areas.  With less money spent on housing, parents could save money and invest the money into the future of their children.  For instance, they would afford to buy more books or other educational materials for their children.                                                                                                                       

     Finally, in the country, children would develop and foster environmentally-friendly mind and a sense of the members of the community.  In the country side, children have plenty of opportunities to appreciate natural environment including varieties of wildlife.  Also they could participate in diverse activities which their communities provide.  These opportunities would lead them to become environmentally-conscious and responsible for their community.                                    

     In conclusion, I agree with the statement due to the three reasons I mentioned above.

 

To be continued.