Writing

The writing section is mandatory for the TOEFL and preparation exams for Bilgi, Koc, Yeditepe, and Bilkent Universities.
Lesson 10 - Conclusions

Last lesson we looked at this past TOEFL topic:

"It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and details to develope your essay."

We prepared a short outline and came up with the following introduction:

Advantages - growing up in country:
1 - less traffic
2 - safer
3 - cleaner air, environment

Advantages - growing up in city:
1 - better education, health care
2 - more social activities
3 - more job opportunities

"Although there are many people who prefer to bring up their children in the city because of better education and job possibilities, other people want their children to grow up in a healthier, less stressful environment."


We prepared the topic sentences for our 2 body paragraphs:

1) "The main advantage of growing up in the city is having access to better schools."
2) "Although living in the city can give you the chance to attend a good school, there are also several disadvantages."


We supported these 2 topic sentences with reasons or examples:

1) "The main advantage of growing up in the city is having access to better schools. In my country people who live in villages or small towns can't always find quality education. One of my colleagues grew up in a village in Central Anatolia. He said it was very difficult for him and his family because he had to attend high school in another town and his family didn't have enough money to send him there...."

2) "Although living in the city can give you the chance to attend a good school, there are also several disadvantages. In a big city like Istanbul children can't go out alone because of the traffic. Because families have fewer children now, this can cause many children to feel lonely..."


Now let's think about how to conclude (bitirmek) the essay.
There are many ways that you can do this of course.
One of the best ways to finish is with a restatement of your opinion. Many students like to use expressions like:

"In conclusion, All in all, Finally, etc.".

You can use these, but they sound a bit unnatural.
Try using instead one of the transitions that we discussed before like "although, even though, while, as, because, since".

Also make sure that you use some variety. The people who grade your test don't want to see the same words again and again.

"While it is important to have access to good schools and other social facilities, I believe that the disadvantages of growing up in a city outweigh the advantages. Children also need access to fresh air and green, open areas. For this reason, I would prefer to bring my child up in the country."

Again, we are not trying to write great literature. We are trying to write a simple well-organized essay that will pass the test.
Do you think you can do this?


* Homework *
Try writing conclusions using the above format for the following topics. If you want us to examine them, send them to:
toefl20m@hotmail.com
We would be happy to give you advice and suggestions.

"Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
People should sometimes do things that they do NOT enjoy doing.
Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer."

"Some people like to do only what they already do well. Other people prefer to try new things and take risks. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice."

"Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support you choice."