In these exercises, you will be given various kinds of TWE writing prompts. After reading the prompt, write down what the writing task is for this prompt. For example, if you read:
It has been said, "Not all learning takes place in the classroom." Compare and contrast knowledge gained from personal experience with knowledge gained from classroom instruction. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?
You understand that the prompt can be broken down into:
Then, you write,
Step 1: The question asks for 4 things: Compare two things; Contrast two things; State which is more important; Give reasons.
Step 2: From these 4 things, the first three constitutes the essay introduction. The fourth - each of the reasons - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: The contributions that scientists and artists make to our society are significant and have many similarities.(The previous sentence addresses the "compare" part of the prompt) In my opinion, the contribution that scientists / artists make is much more valuable. (The previous sentences addresses the "state" part of the prompt)
Step 4: Pre-body: There are two / three reasons why I make such an assertion. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, the contribution that a scientist / artist is far more valuable in society today.
Example2: It has been said, "Not
all learning takes place in the classroom." Compare and contrast knowledge gained
from personal experience with knowledge gained from classroom instruction. In
your opinion, which source is more important? Why?
First, recognise that this essay
contains:
Having made the above assessment in one's mind's eye, we proceed to the 5-step pre-write:
Step 1: The question asks for 4 things: Compare two things; Contrast two things;State which is more important; Give reasons.
Step 2: From these 4 things, the first three constitutes the essay introduction. The fourth - each of the reasons - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: Knowledge gained from personal experience has similarities to as well as differences from knowledge gained from classroom instruction. (The previous sentence addresses both the "compare" and the "contrast" part of the prompt) In my opinion, knowledge gained from personal experience is much more important. (The previous sentences addresses the "state" part of the prompt)
Step 4: Pre-body: There are two / three reasons why I make such an assertion. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, knowledge gained from personal experience is far more valuable in society today.
Directions: Write down precisely what the following essays are asking for as explained by "Decoding the prompt". Then, create a pre-outline for the essay. When done, click the solution link.
1. It is generally agreed that society benefits from the work of its members. Compare the contributions of artists to society with the contributions of scientists to society. Which type of contribution do you think is valued more by your society? Give specific reasons to support your answer. (View solution and next exercise)
1. Compare (i.e., show similarities) the contributions of artists to society with the contributions of scientists to society.
2. Which type of contribution do you think is valued more by your society?
3. Give specific reasons to support your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 3 things: Compare two things; Contrast two things; State which is more important; Give reasons.
Step 2: From these 3 things, the first two constitute the essay introduction. The third - each of the reasons - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: Contributions made by artists are in some ways vastly different yet in some ways extremely similar to the contributions that scientists make. (The previous sentence addresses both the "compare" and the "contrast" part of the prompt) From looking around me, it appears that our artists are short changed while our science practitioners are rewarded far in excess of their actual contribution. (The previous sentences addresses the "state" part of the prompt)
Step 4: Pre-body: There are two / three reasons why I make such an assertion. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, artists have gotten the short end of the straw in the valuation stakes despite the fact that their contributions are likely to be far more enduring than those made by scientists. O that we could return to the civilisation of Rome when artists were atop the societal hierarchy and scientists lagged in oblivion!
2. Your government has announced that it wishes to build a military base near your community. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on your community. Do you support or oppose the military base? Explain your position.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Discuss the advantages of building a military base near your community.
2. Discuss the disadvantages of building a military base near your community.
Step 1: The question asks for 4 things: Discuss advantages; Discuss disadvantages;State your support or opposition; Give reasons for your position.
Step 2: From these 4 things, the first three constitute the essay introduction. The fourth - each of the reasons - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: Building a military base near our community offers compelling pro and con arguments. (The previous sentence addresses both the "advantages" and the "disadvantages" part of the prompt). Personally I would lean towards support of building such a military base. (The previous sentences addresses the "state" part of the prompt)
Step 4: Pre-body: There are two / three reasons why I make such an assertion. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, the building of a military base near our community is a cause which deserves enthusiastic support.
3. Some students prefer to attend
a small university. Others prefer to attend a big university. Discuss the advantages
of each. Then indicate which type of university you prefer? Use specific reasons
and details to support your answer.(View solution and next
exercise)
1. Discuss the advantages (i.e., benefits) of attending a small university.
2. Discuss the advantages (i.e., benefits) of attending a big university.
3. Then indicate which type of university you prefer?
4. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 4 things: Discuss advantages of a small uni.; Discuss advantages of a big uni.;State a preferance; Give reasons for your position.
Step 2: From these 4 things, the first three constitute the essay introduction. The fourth - each of the reasons - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: As we may know, both small and large schools have advantages due to their size. (The previous sentence addresses both "advantages" parts of the prompt). Personally I prefer to spend my college years at a small school. (The previous sentence addresses the "state" part of the prompt)
Step 4: Pre-body: There are two / three reasons why I have such a preferance. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, I am a committed believer in the benefit of attending a small school.
4. Students at universities often have a choice of places to live. They may choose to live in university dormitories, or they may choose to live in apartments in the community. Compare the advantages of living in university housing with the advantages of living in an apartment in the community. Where would you prefer to live? Give reasons for your preference.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Show the advantages of living in university housing.
2. Show the advantages of living in an apartment in the community.
3. Where would you prefer to live?
4. Give reasons for your preference.
Step 1: The question asks for 4 things: Discuss advantages of living in university housing; Discuss advantages of living in an apartment in the community;State a preferance; Give reasons for your position.
Step 2: From these 4 things, the first three are addressed in the essay introduction. The fourth - each of the reasons - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: As we may know, both living in university housing and living in an appartment in the community have numerous advantages. (The previous sentence addresses both "advantages" parts of the prompt). Personally, I can see greater benefit from living in university housing. (The previous sentence addresses the "state" part of the prompt)
Step 4: Pre-body: There are two / three reasons why I have such a preferance. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, I much prefer to live in university provided housing.
5. Choose one of the following transportation vehicles and explain why you think it has changed people's lives.
• automobiles
• bicycles
• airplanes
(View solution and next exercise)
1. Choose one (i.e., you must choose one from the list) of the following transportation vehicles: automobiles, bicycles, airplanes.
2. Explain why you think it has changed people's lives.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: Choose an item from a list; Explain why you think this item has changed people's lives..
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons for that choice- will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: I would choose the airplane as a mode of transportation that has undoubtedly changed people's lives. (The previous sentence addresses the "choose an item" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: There are two / three reasons why the airplane has impacted people's lives. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, the airplane has effected far-reaching and irreversible change in people's lives.
6. What is a very important skill a person should learn in order to be successful in the world today? Choose one skill and use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.(View solution and next exercise)
1. What is a very important skill a person should learn in order to be successful in the world today?
2. Choose one (i.e., you must only write about one skill) skill.
3. Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: Choose a learned skill that makes one successful; Give reasons and examples as to why you chose this skill..
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons for that choice- will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: If one wants to be successful in today's world, I would recommend one gain language proficiency in as many foreign tongues as possible. (The previous sentence addresses the "choose a learned skill" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: There are two / three reasons why acquiring skill in language will caterpault one's future. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, there is no better mastery to gain in today's world that that of language proficiency.
7. "When people succeed in life, it is because of hard work. Being lucky has nothing to do with success in life." Do you agree or disagree with the quotation above? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.(View solution and next exercise)
1. State whether you agree or disagree (i.e., you must assert a position) with the quote: "When people succeed in life, it is because of hard work. Being lucky has nothing to do with success in life."
2. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State agreement or disagreement with the given quote; Give reasons/examples for your position.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and examples - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: My position on the given quote is one of unequivocal agreement. (The previous sentence addresses both "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: There are two / three reasons why I hold such a position. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, I am firmly of the opinion that there is absolutely no relationship between success and luck.
8. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Universities should give the same amount of money to their students' sports activities as they give to their university libraries. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Do you agree or disagree (i.e., you must assert a position) that universities should give the same amount of money to their students' sports activities as they give to their university libraries?
2. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State agreement or disagreement with a given position; Give reasons/examples for your position.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and examples - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: I would be firmly opposed to the idea presented in the essay prompt. (The previous sentence addresses both "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: There are two / three reasons why I hold such a position. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, I think universities are wholly justified in spending greater amounts of money on libraries as compared to sports activities..
9. Many people visit museums when they travel to new places. Why do you think people visit museums? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Why do you think people visit museums?
2. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: Give reasons why people visit museums; Give specific reasons/examples as support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and examples - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: The reasons people visit museums are numerous and wide-ranging. (The previous sentence addresses the "reasons" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: Some of those reasons will be hereby discussed. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, people will continue to patronise museums as excellent ways to both relax and learn. .
10. Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Do you prefer (i.e., choose one of the positions) eating at food stands or restaurants or preparing and eating food at home.2. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: Choose a position from two alternatives; Give reasons/examples for your position.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and examples - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: I am much happier preparing and eating my meals at home. (The previous sentence addresses the "choose" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: There are two / three reasons why I prefer such a lifestyle. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, while eating out is fine on high-days and holidays, there is nothing better and more satisfying than enjoyong one's meal in the comforst of one's own home.
11. Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Which point (i.e., choose one of the positions) of view do you agree with: making attendance a requirement or making attendance optional?
2. Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State agreement with one of two positions; Give reasons/examples for your position.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and examples - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: I am inclined to think that making attendance a requirement is better for all sides of the equation. (The previous sentence addresses the "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: There are two / three reasons why I hold such a position. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, students had better be required to attend class for the good of themselves and the whole education system.
12. In general, people are living longer now. Discuss the causes of this phenomenon. Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Discuss why people are living longer.
2. Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: Discuss causes; Give reasons/details for your position.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and details - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: People are indeed living longer due to improvements in lifestyle and technology. (The previous sentence addresses the "causes" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: I will discuss each of these improvements in turn. First, Second.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, a person's longevity has become a topic of immense interest - further contributing to the phenomenon of people living longer and longer.
13.We all work or will work in our jobs with many different kinds of people. In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a co-worker (someone you work closely with)? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these characteristics are important.(View solution and next exercise)
1. What are some important characteristics (i.e., you must list at least two) of a co-worker (someone you work closely with)?
2. Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these characteristics are important.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: Discuss at least two important characterisitics; Give reasons/examples explaining their importance.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and details - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: Two of the most important characteristics of one's co-worker are honesty and cheerfulness. (The previous sentence addresses the "discuss" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: I will discuss reasons for the importance of each of these characteristics in turn. First, Second.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, a co-worker lacking in honesty and cheerfulness is not the kind of colleague to promote a thriving and harmonious work environment..
14. In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Do you think it is good (i.e., you must assert a position) for teenagers to have jobs while they are still students ?
2. Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State an opinion; Give reasons/details by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and details - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: I would answer with agreement concerning whether teenagers can have jobs while they are still students. (The previous sentence addresses the "discuss" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My three reasons for such a stance are as follows. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, teenagers are better off in their own right and as budding productive citizens when holding down gainful employment in conjunction with their studies..
15. A person you know is planning to move to your town or city. What do you think this person would like and dislike about living in your town or city? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.(View solution and next exercise)
1. What do you think this person would like about living in your town or city? Use specific reasons and details.
2. What do you think this person would dislike about living in your town or city? Use specific reasons and details.
3. Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
Step 1: The question asks for 3 things: Discuss advantages of your city; Discuss disadvantages of your city; Give reasons/details in the essay development.
Step 2: From these 3 things, the first 2 are addressed in the essay introduction. The third - reasons/details - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: If a person is planning to move to my city, I would be most scrupulous to point out the pluses and the minuses about the life here. (The previous sentence addresses both the "advantages" and the "disadvantages" part of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: The reasons why one may or not not like living here would depend on one's reaction to the following three issues. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, living in my city is a complex not-to-be-taken-lighly decision which will depend as much on the personna on the individual as on the actual conditions that exist here.
16. It has recently been announced that a large shopping center may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Do you support or oppose (i.e., you must assert a position) the plan to build a large shopping center in your neighborhood ?
2. Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State an opinion; Give reasons/details by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and details - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: It seems to me that a plan to build a large shopping center in my neighborhood would have benfits far outweighing any drawbacks. (The previous sentence addresses the "discuss" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for such a claim are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, I would be a fervent supporter of a plan to bring a large shopping center to my neighborhood since we are in dire need of the economic stimulus such a venture would spark to this delapidated, downtrodden region.
17. It has recently been announced that a new movie theater may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. (View solution and next exercise)
1. Do you support or oppose (i.e., you must assert a position) the plan to build a new movie theater in your neighborhood ?
2. Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State an opinion; Give reasons/details by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and details - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: It seems to me that a plan to build a movie theater in my neighborhood would have benfits far outweighing any drawbacks. (The previous sentence addresses the "discuss" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for such a claim are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, I would be an impassioned supporter of a plan to bring a movie theater to my neighborhood since this area is becoming a cultural wasteland necessetating a 35 minute drive to enjoy the simple, joyful, light-hearted entertainment that only movies afford.
18. 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.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Do you agree or disagree (i.e., you must assert a position) that people should sometimes do things that they do not enjoy doing.
2. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State an opinion; Give reasons/examples by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and details - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: Not only do I agree with the statement in the prompt but I would also add that people should gladly accept doing things that they do not enjoy. (The previous sentence addresses the "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for such a position are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, I urge people to embrace the unpleasant tasks of life in order to enjoy smelling the roses when the time duly rolls around..
19. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television, newspapers, magazines, and other media pay too much attention to the personal lives of famous people such as public figures and celebrities. Use specific reasons and details to explain your opinion.(View solution and next exercise)
Correct answer:
1. Do you agree or disagree (i.e., you must assert a position) that television, newspapers, magazines, and other media pay too much attention to the personal lives of famous people such as public figures and celebrities.
2. Use specific reasons and details to explain your opinion.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State an opinion; Give reasons/details by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and details - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: I would wholeheartedly disagree with the statement presented that the media pay too much attention to the personal lives of famous people such as public figures and celebrities. (The previous sentence addresses the "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for such a position are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, I look forward to the day when we can gaze on public figures and celebrities 24-7 since we are the ones who put them in the spotlight and, therefore, we deserve to have access to their lives.
20. Some people believe that the Earth is being harmed (damaged) by human activity. Others feel that human activity makes the Earth a better place to live. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.(View solution and next exercise)
1. What is your opinion: are humans good or bad for the Earth (you must state a clear position)?
2. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State an opinion; Give reasons/examples by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and examples - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: By looking all around me, I can unequivocally contend that human activity makes the Earth a better place to live.(The previous sentence addresses the "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for holding such a view are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, accrued benefit that human activity has contributed far exceeds percieved harm, for which reason we should only feel proud and privledged to live on an earth that through time continues to become a better and better place for human beings to inhabit.
21. It has recently been announced that a new high school may be built in your community. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details in your answer.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Do you support or oppose the plan (i.e., you must assert a position) to build a new high school in your community?
2. Why? Use specific reasons and details in your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State an opinion; Give reasons/details by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and details - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: It is a hard-to-contest position that this community is desperately in need to an additional high school. (The previous sentence addresses the "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for such a platform are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, for the sake of our children and our children's children, we need to abandon short-term thinking and earnestly set about the task of revitalising our area by construction of a much-needed high school.
22. Some people spend their entire lives in one place. Others move a number of times throughout their lives, looking for a better job, house, community, or even climate. Which do you prefer: staying in one place or moving in search of another place? Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Which do you prefer (i.e., you must choose one of the positions): staying in one place or moving in search of another place?
2. Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State an opinion; Give reasons/examples by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and examples - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: My view is that it is far preferable to be prepared to relocate if necessary rather than be forever tied to one place. (The previous sentence addresses the "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for this view are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, by moving from place to place one has a far greater chance for happiness, success and fullfillment than by thinking that one's life-long needs can be met in one single place.
23. Is it better to enjoy your money when you earn it or is it better to save your money for some time in the future? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Which is better (i.e., you must choose one of the positions): enjoy your money now or save it for the future?
2. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State an opinion; Give reasons/examples by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and examples - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: It would appear to me to be an irrefutable truth that it is better to save one's money for the future. (The previous sentence addresses the "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for asserting this are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, one is far smarter saving one's hard earned money for the day when one can fully enjoy it without the worry of whether one has enough to see one through "rainy days".
24. You have received a gift of money. The money is enough to buy either a piece of jewelry you like or tickets to a concert you want to attend. Which would you buy? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Which would you buy with the gift of money: jewelry or tickets to a concert? You must choose one of the two.
2. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: Choose from two alternatives; Give reasons/details by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and details - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: Given that there are only two alternatives, I would lean towards buying the piece of jewelry rather than attending a concert - no matter how fanatical I am about the performer. (The previous sentence addresses the "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for choosing this course of action are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, owning jewelry will be far more valuable to one's life than attending a concert and so, without hesitation, would be the choice I would make.
25. Businesses should hire employees for their entire lives. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Do you agree or disagree (i.e., you must assert a position) that businesses should hire employees for their entire lives?
2. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: Choose from two alternatives; Give reasons/examples by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and examples - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: The position stated is, in my opinion, an outdated and flawed 20th-century notion - one that should be vigorously opposed.(The previous sentence addresses the "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for choosing to slay this position are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, we should relinquish old-school thinking that citizens need to be mollycoddled from cradle to crave and instead give employers license to recruit and dispense with labor as prevaling market conditions dictate.
26. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Attending a live performance (for example, a play, concert, or sporting event) is more enjoyable than watching the same event on television. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Do you agree or disagree (i.e., you must assert a position) that attending a live performance (for example, a play, concert, or sporting event) is more enjoyable than watching the same event on television?
2. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State agreement or disagreement; Give reasons/examples by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and examples - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: It would seem to me to be an incontrovertible fact that attending a live performance such as a play, concert or sporting event is substantially more enjoyable that watching the same event on television. (The previous sentence addresses the "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for such an emphatic thesis are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, I infinitely prefer the pleasure, thrill and excitement generated from live entertainment over watching it on television.
27. Do you agree or disagree that progress is always good? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Do you agree or disagree (i.e., you must assert a position) that progress is always good?
2. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State agreement or disagreement; Give reasons/examples by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and examples - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: I would side with the position that progress is always good. (The previous sentence addresses the "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for holding this position are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, unless we want to move back to the dark ages, we need to embrace change and, for the good of our human race, firmly oppose those who seek to stop progress in its tracks.
28. Learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the present. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Do you agree or disagree (i.e., you must assert a position) that learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the present.
2. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State agreement or disagreement; Give reasons/examples by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and examples - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: I would be opposed to the view that learning from the past has no value for us in the present. (The previous sentence addresses the "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for holding this position are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, the past is ignored at our peril and so we should ensure that everyone is made aware of how humanity arraived at the place it is at today.
29. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? With the help of technology, students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more quickly. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Do you agree or disagree (i.e., you must assert a position) that with the help of technology students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more quickly?
2. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State agreement or disagreement; Give reasons/examples by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and examples - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: I would suggest that technology is highly beneficial for students to learn more information and indeed to learn that information more quickly. (The previous sentence addresses the "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for holding this position are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, technology is an indispensible part of a student's learning experience and as such should be encouraged and promoted for maximal use by all.
30. The expression "Never, never give up" means to keep trying and never stop working for your goals. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.(View solution and next exercise)
1. Do you agree or disagree (i.e., you must assert a position) with this statement: "Never, never give up" means to keep trying and never stop working for your goals?
2. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State agreement or disagreement; Give reasons/examples by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and examples - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: My position would be one of unqualified agreement with the expression "Never, never give up" meaning that one should work unceasingly towards one goals. (The previous sentence addresses the "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for holding this position are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, if one wants to reach the height of one's potentiality (both personal and career) one had been be prepared to keep on going no matter what curveballs life throws one's way.
31. Some people think that human needs for farmland, housing, and industry are more important than saving land for endangered animals. Do you agree or disagree with this point of view? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.(View solution)
1. Do you agree or disagree (i.e., you must assert a position) that human needs for farmland, housing, and industry are more important than saving land for endangered animals.
2. Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Step 1: The question asks for 2 things: State agreement or disagreement; Give reasons/examples by way of support.
Step 2: From these 2 things, the first is addressed in the essay introduction. The second - the reasons and examples - will be the essay body.
Step 3. Pre-Intrduction: I take the position that human needs for farmland, housing and industry are of greater importance than saving that land for endangered species. (The previous sentence addresses the "state" parts of the prompt).
Step 4: Pre-body: My reasons for holding this position are threefold. First, Second, Third.
Step 5: Pre-conclusion: In conclusion and for the reasons outlined, while we homo sapiens occupy the top of the evolutionary chain, it is our perogative to exercise stewardship over the earth as we see fit including using the earth resources for our needs rather than for needs of species lower down the chain.