今回の Topic は、Official Guide to the TOEFL の Independent Essay 第２２問です。

１. Topic           

      Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?  “Universities should give the same amount money to students’ sport activities as they give to the university libraries.”  Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

２. Struture

a) Thesis Statement (Introduction)                

       I disagree with the statement because universities have responsibilities for having their students more cultivated and prepared for career advancement, rather than having them familiar with sport activities.

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

第１ Paragraph　大学は学生が高い教養とクリティカル・シンキングの手法を習得するのを支援すべく、図書館の充実を図るべきである

第２ Paragraph　即戦力としての人材を求めている企業のニーズに応えるべく、キャリア・プランニングの専門家の雇用を大学は進めるべきである

第３ Paragraph　スポーツを通して得ることの出来るメリットの多くは、他の活動からも獲得可能である

 

３. Sample      

     I disagree with the statement because universities have responsibilities for having their students more cultivated and prepared for career advancement, rather than having them familiar with sport activities.                  

     To begin with, universities should spend more money on libraries since liberal studies, such as history and classic literatures, are essential to advance careers when AI prevails in every aspect of life.  Although AI is much more efficient in processing big data or executing routine jobs than humans, it will never be able to acquire sophisticated personality as it lacks emotions.  In this regard, reading classic works of liberal studies would help students develop their personalities.                                     

     In addition, universities need to spend more money on career planning of their students since businesses expect students to achieve goals right after they are graduated from universities.  Therefore, undergraduates have to prepare for specific jobs through internships to acquire specific knowledge and the way of critical thinking.  As a result, it is necessary for universities to hire more specialists for career planning who have string connections with diverse industries.                                                                                                             

     Finally, when it comes to sport activities for students, universities should make the most of current resources, instead of increasing budget for them.  Needless to say, sports are very important to develop the team spirit, which is a vital to work in organizations.  However, this can be attainable without spending more money on sport activities.  For instance, students can join volunteer groups to learn how to collaborate with each other to complete their projects.                              

     It is true that universities should make every effort to increase budget on sport activities without having negative impact on academic learning and career planning for students.  However, because of the three reasons I mentioned above, I disagree with the statement.  

 

To be continued.