谢振礼谈托福雅思写作【16】Topic Pairs

TOEFL-IELTS Writing: Topic Pairs
by Mr. Jeenn Lee Hsieh
for www.360abc.com

If some writing topics are similar between TOEFL and IELTS, there should be no coincidence. Subjects of common interests are always popular topics. In view of this, it is therefore pointless to separate IELTS writing from TOEFL writing. It is writing in English as a foreign language, just the same.

A number of writing topics selected from the Test of Written English and Independent Writing Task 2 are nearly identical. Examples come in pairs as follows:

TOEFL-1
In some countries, people are no longer allowed to smoke in many public places and office buildings. Do you think this is a good rule or a bad rule? Use specific reasons and details to support your position.

IELTS-2
Some people claim that using tobacco has brought social problems and smoking should be banned. Do you agree or disagree?

TOEFL-3
Many people have a close relationship with their pets. These people treat their birds, cats or other animals as members of their family. In your opinion, are such relationships good? Ehy or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
IELTS-4
Many people keep dogs and cats as companions. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pet ownership for animals involved and for the community as a whole.

TOEFL-5
Some people say that the Internet provides people with a lot of valuable information. Others think access to so much information creates problems. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
IELTS-6
The Internet has provided great benefits, but at the same time it has also created new problems. Is it possible to control some of these problems?

TOEFL-7
Do you agree or disagree with the followinng statement? A zoo has no useful purpose. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
IELTS-8
Zoos are sometimes seen as necessary but poor alternatives to natural environment. Discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages for/against keeping animals in zoos.

TOEFL-9
Do you agree or disagree that progress is not always good? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
IELTS-10
Life was simpler without so much of technology. Give your views in not less than 250 words.

TOEFL-11
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Technology has made the world a better place to live in. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

IELTS-12
Modern technology is transforming the way we work and is of benefit to our society. How far do you think that our lives influenced by modern technology?

TOEFL-13
Many teachers give homework to students everyday. Do you think that daily homework is necessary for students? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

IELTS-14
Nowadays, children have a lot of homework to do. Some people believe that less homework means less stress for children, so they will be able to learn other skills, too. What is your opinion?

TOEFL-15
Some people think that the automobile has improved modern life. Others think that the automobile has caused serious problems. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

IELTS-16
The private motor vehicle has greatly improved individuals' freedom of movement. Yet, the use of private motor vehicle has contributed to some of today's most serious problems. How can the use of private motor vehicles be reduced?

TOEFL-17
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 examples to develop your essay.
IELTS-18
Should a child be brought up in a village or a city?

TOEFL-19
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Watching television is bad for children. Use specific details and examples to support your answer.

IELTS-20
Many modern children spend a great deal of time sitting in front of television screen. This is extremely harmful to their development. Therefore parents should strictly limit the time that children spend in this way. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

TOEFL-21
Some people believe that the Earth is being harmed (damaged) by human activity. Others feel that human activity makes the Earth a better living place. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

IELTS-22
Damage to the environment is an inevitable consequence of world-wide improvements in the standard of living. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

TOEFL-23
Some people say that physical exercise should be a required part of every school day. Other people believe that students should spend the whole school day on academic studies. Which opinion do you agree? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

IELTS-24
Because of the pressure of new subjects, many schools have dropped sport or physical education from the curriculum. How important is physical exercise in a young person's education?

TOEFL-25
Some people prefer to work for themselves or own a business. Others prefer to work for an employer. Would you rather be self-smployed, work for someone else, or own a business? Use specific reasons to explain your choice.

IELTS-26
Some people say that self-employment is better than a job in a company or an institution. Discuss. Which is your opinion?

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