今回の Topic は、Official Guide to the TOEFL の Independent Essay 第３０問です。

１. Topic           

     Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher.  Others think it is always better to have a teacher.  Which do you prefer?  Use specific reasons to develop your essay.

２. Struture

a) Thesis Statement (Introduction)                

       In my opinion, I always prefer to study with a teacher in terms of productivity in learning, identifying and improving our shortcomings, and keeping us motivated.

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

第１ Paragraph　教師は一人で学習する場合と比較してより効率的な学習方法を示すことができる

第２ Paragraph　教師は学習上の弱点を指摘しそれらを改善する方法を教えてくれる

第３ Paragraph　教師は過去の経験から学習意欲を持続させる方法を熟知している

 

 ３. Sample

     In my opinion, I always prefer to study with a teacher in terms of productivity in learning, identifying and improving our shortcomings, and keeping us motivated.                            

     To begin with, studying with a teacher would be more efficient, informative, and productive than studying alone.  From his or her experience in teaching, any teacher comprehends the most effective way to master certain academic subjects.  In other words, any teacher would lead us to learn from basics to advanced level step by step by showing the crucial points in each stage.  All we need to do is to follow exactly what the teacher shows us.                                                            

     In addition, teachers are good at identifying and improving our shortcomings we need to fix to advance progress in our learning.  When we study alone, sometimes we don’t notice our weak aspects of learning.  But teachers could identify our weakness in leaning to achieve further performance at schools.  In any case, the teachers would remind us what we don’t recognize as weak or strong points in learning.  In this way, they could help us avoid wasting time or make our study more enjoyable.                                                                                                                                      

     Finally, teachers would stimulate our motivation for studying.  At some points in learning, we might lose enthusiasm for making higher learning achievement.  Otherwise, we might become unable to maintain our confidence in study.  In such cases, from their past experience, teachers should know the way to save us from the hardship and help us resume our study by telling us success stories in which other students overcame similar study troubles we are facing.                                                    

     It is true that studying with a teacher sometimes foster dependent attitude towards learning.  However, because of the three reasons I mentioned above, I would always study with a teacher rather than studying alone.

 

To be continued.