今回の Topic は、Official Guide to the TOEFL の Independent Essay 第４０問です。

１. Topic           

         Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Sometimes it is better not to tell the truth.”  Use details and reasons to support your answer.  

２. Struture

a) Thesis Statement (Introduction)                

  　  I agree with the statement because some truth about personal and social facts is inappropriate to talk about to foster positive relationships with other people.

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

第１ Paragraph　円滑な対人関係を維持するには、年齢、収入等の個人的事実を指摘することは避けるべき

第２ Paragraph　少数派のグループに所属している事実や、その政治的、宗教的思考を公にすることはその人々に危害が及ぶ危険性がある

第３ Paragraph　政府や地方自治体は公共の福祉を阻害する恐れのある事実は公表すべきではない

 

 ３. Sample         

     I agree with the statement because some truth about personal and social facts is inappropriate to talk about to foster positive relationships with other people.                                           

     To begin with, in order for us to maintain good relationships in a community life, we might as well eschew referring to truth about personal matters.  Since everyone has a thing or two which he or she doesn’t want to disclose, we need to be careful not to point out them.  As is often said, talking about other people’s private aspects, such as age, salary, and educational background, let alone criminal records or medical history, should be avoided.                                                       

 

     In addition, talking about other people’s political and religious preferences are not appropriate topics in many situations.  For example, those who belong to minority groups are likely to be offended due to their political and religious belief, because some people are not tolerant enough to accept political and religious diversity.  Therefore, it is better not to talk about these matters to avoid unnecessary disputes or troubles in our daily conversations.                                                                                                                                                             

     Finally, local governments and national government should not always tell the truth to the public if the facts are not compatible with maintaining social orders or stability.  For example, some facts which have direct impact on core national interests could not be allowed to release.  Therefore, in a public sector, the government should be careful not to induce unnecessary troubles by informing the public of the truth about delicate social matters.                                                         

     It is true that time will surely come when everyone will know the truth however well it is kept secret.  But this doesn’t follow that you should always tell the truth.  Therefore, I agree with the statement due to the three reasons I mentioned above. 

 

To be continued.