今回の Topic は、Official Guide to the TOEFL の Independent Essay 第３７問です。

１. Topic           

         Do you agree or disagree with the following statement:  “We can learn more from people at a higher level than us (like teachers) than from people who at the same level as us.”

２. Struture

a) Thesis Statement (Introduction)                

        I disagree with the statement because we can learn anything equally from anyone depending on our mindset.  

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

第１ Paragraph　個人の人格形成の重要さを学ぶことは、相手の能力の高低とは無関係に可能である

第２ Paragraph　状況を大局的に把握し、様々な局面を正確に理解する洞察力を養う点においても、相手の能力は重要ではない

第３ Paragraph　社会の一員として生きていくための対人的スキルを習得する場合、相手の能力は無関係である

 

 ３. Sample    

     I disagree with the statement because we can learn anything equally from anyone depending on our mindset.                                       

     To begin with, we can learn the importance of personality not only from those who are at a higher level than us but also from those who are at the same level as us.  In the age of globalization, there are many chances to enjoy a wide variety of culture from abroad.  In that context, developing personality which is open to appreciate various way of thinking or living is crucial.  To that end, it doesn’t matter whether they are at a higher level than us or not.                                                      

     In addition, in order for us to become able to get the situation in perspective and also gain insight into diverse aspects of life, we can develop these mental capacities by meeting as many people as possible.  Although some people have more knowledge or better skills than us, it doesn’t follow that they are superior to us in terms of creativity and originality.  By being receptive, we can see anybody as a role model to develop our own perspective and insight.                                                                                                                                                       

     Finally, when it comes to foster good relationships with other people, we can learn social skills from anybody regardless of their mental ability.  Those who are at higher level than us talk about the importance of friendship or collaboration.  But, in most cases, it is those who are at the same level as us who can give us real life opportunities to experience interaction and communication in the society.  Since humans are social being, we can learn social skills from anyone in our community.                                                           

     It is true that it take less time and energy to learn basics on certain academic subjects from those who are superior to us in that regard than from those who are at the same level as us.  However, I disagree with the statement due to the three reasons I mentioned above.    

 

To be continued.