今回の Topic は、２０１９年度早稲田大学政治経済学部の入試問題からです。

１. Topic           

       Do you agree or disagree; “Every university students in Japan should be required to study abroad for at least one semester.”   

２. Struture

a) Thesis Statement          

      I agree with the statement in terms of fostering adaptability, developing global mind, and improving foreign language skills.

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

第１ Paragraph　海外留学は、学生の新たな環境への適応能力を高める

第２ Paragraph　海外留学で培われた多様性への受容性は、グローバルマインド育む基礎となる

第３ Paragraph　海外留学は、留学前に学習していた外国語の運用能力を磨く良い機会となる

３. Sample

      I agree with the statement in terms of fostering adaptability, developing global mind, and improving foreign language skills.        

     To begin with, living in unfamiliar culture, surrounded by newly met people, a student studying abroad is highly likely to foster adaptability to a new environment.  In today’s fast changing business world, adaptability is essential because whatever you have learned would become obsolete rapidly.  Studying abroad should give the student real opportunity to practice necessary skills to live through unexpected tough situations.  This experience would be invaluable asset after the student starts working.         

     In addition, mixed in a new environment, where the student can meet the people from diverse national and cultural backgrounds, the student should develop global mind, which one hardly can acquire living in his or her home country.  The student would acquire the ability to get the situation in perspective and become receptive to a wide range of knowledge, ideas, and paradigm.  This open and receptive attitude towards diversity is the basis for developing global mind.           

     Finally, being in a foreign country, the student has no choice but to communicate with others using languages other than Japanese.  In most cases, the student has spent a significant amount time learning foreign languages, such as English, French, or Chinese, to prepare for studying abroad.  And the student could take advantage of this opportunity to improve his or her language skills through real-world experience.  This language skill would give the student competitive edge over other candidates when he or she seeks for jobs in international settings.    

     It is true that there are many university students who can’t afford to study abroad due to financial reasons.  However, because of the three reasons I mentioned above, I agree with the statement. 

 

To be continued.