admiration b. horror Questions that have more than one answer. A few questions may have more than one possible correct

Some television shows are dramas, some are situation comedies, and some are “reality” shows that deal with real people in real situations. Which type of television show do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. As you can see, the topic is general enough for anyone to write about. There’s no right or wrong answer; the point is for you to state your preference and explain why that is your preference. While the essay prompts are all of this general “take a position” type, they can be organized into five more specific categories:

1. Agree or disagree with a statement.

This is probably the most common kind of essay prompt on the TOEFL exam. You will be presented with a statement and be asked to agree or disagree with that statement. Here are some examples: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Sometimes, you have to lose in order to win. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Do you agree that money is the root of all evil? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Schools should require students to wear uniforms rather than wear whatever clothing they desire. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. TIP: For example, you might answer the third prompt like this: “Students should not have to wear uni- forms, but there should definitely be restrictions on what kind of clothing students can wear.”

2. Take a position and explain it.

This is the second most common type of prompt. It asks you to state your position on a general issue. Often the prompt follows this formula: “Some people prefer X. Others prefer Y. Which do you prefer?” Here are some examples: Nowadays, communicating with others is faster and easier thanks to technology like email, cellular phones, and beepers. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Some people prefer to travel widely and live in faraway places. Others would rather stay close to home and live near family. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. – W R I T I N G – 1 1 0