今回の Topic は、Official Guide to the TOEFL の Independent Essay 第３８問です。

１. Topic           

         Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “A person should never make an important decision alone.” 

２. Struture

a) Thesis Statement (Introduction)                

        I disagree with the statement because when the person decide personal matters, is in the leadership positions and takes entrance or qualifying examinations, it is he or she who has to make decisions alone.

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

第１ Paragraph　個人的な問題に関しては、その個人が自ら何をするかを決定すべきである

第２ Paragraph　組織（ティーム、部門、企業）の責任者は、重要な事項に関し最終決定は一人で行うべきである

第３ Paragraph　入学試験等の一定の状況下では、自分自身以外にどうすべきかを決定を出来る者はいない

 

 ３. Sample  

     I disagree with the statement because when the person decide personal matters, is in the leadership positions and takes entrance or qualifying examinations, it is he or she who has to make decisions alone.                                        

     To begin with, when it comes to personal matters, it is the person who should decide what to do.  Needless to say, the person can ask someone advice or suggestion to make informed decision.  But the final choice is to be kept for the person.  Because he or she has to take on responsibility for whatever the outcome is.  This independent attitude should help the person to get the situation in perspective to make well calculated and informed decision.                                                      

     In addition, when the person is in a position to lead a team, department, or entire organization, it is the person who should make the final decision by himself or herself.  Before making decisions, the leader can discuss the critical issues with other experts or consultants.  However, the person should make the decision regarding the important questions alone because only the person has to assume responsibility of the outcome of the decision.                                                                                                                                                         

     Finally, in some situations, such as entrance examinations or qualifying examinations, the person who takes the examination has to make decisions alone.  The person can prepare for the examinations with the help of private tutors or preparatory schools or family members.  But in the examination, the person has no one else but himself or herself who can rely on.  Only the person should deal with the challenging questions he or she is facing.                                                          

     It is true that in representative democracy, most important social and economic issues should be decided majority vote in the local councils and the national parliament.  However, I disagree with the statement due to the three reasons I mentioned above.

 

To be continued.