Directions for exercise: At the top of your screen, you will see a TWE prompt for which you are given a possible main idea. For this given main idea, practice creating a shopping list into support and sub-support ideas. Click the link to see suggested solutions and the next exercise. There are twenty exercises in total.
1. People attend school for many different reasons (for example, expanded knowledge, societal awareness, and enhanced interpersonal relationships). Why do you think people decide to go to school? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Main Idea: Some students may attend school to learn about Geography and to learn more about small business administration.)(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: Some students may attend school to learn about Geography and to learn more about small business administration. | |
| Support idea: School can offer a person knowledge about academic subjects such as Geography. | Support idea: Many students attend school so they can learn small business administration |
| Sub-support idea: Student can learn about how mountains are formed, developing a deeper respect for them. | Sub-support idea: Student studies in an MBA program, so he can return to work in his father's company. |
| Sub-support idea: Student may decide to take Geography to learn more about the world's population trends.. | Sub-support idea: This student wants to attend school now so that he can develop the entrepreneurial skills |
2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Coaches are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Main Idea: Coaches are great teachers.)(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: Coaches are great teachers. | |
| Support idea: He prepares ourselves for competition. | Support idea: From these daily workouts, I learned lessons. |
| Sub-support idea: He gives us good track workouts. | Sub-support idea: I learned hard work, pacing myself. |
| Sub-support idea: He teaches us how to warm-up and warm down. | Sub-support idea: My coach taught me that true honest hard work would be rewarded. |
| Sub-support idea: Our cross-country team won a very big championship. | Sub-support idea: I have also learned how to accomplish big obstacles in life |
3. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Coaches are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Main Idea: Coach can teach the students personally (man to man))(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: Coach can teach the students personally (man to man) | |
| Support idea: Students can ask the questions to coaches whenever they want. | Support idea: Students do not have to concern about their time and place. |
| Sub-support idea: In a classroom, students do not ask questions because it bothers other students. | Sub-support idea: If you are morning person, you can study in the morning with your coach. |
| Sub-support idea: A student can ask a coach questions because it will not bother others | Sub-support idea: If you an evening person, you can study in the evening with your coach. |
| Sub-support idea: A student in my English class asked too many questions. It made others angry. | Sub-support idea: If you do not want to study in your room or study room, you can study at café or restaurant with your coach. |
4. Nowadays, with the invention of the microwave and with the popularity of fast food restaurants, food has become easier to prepare than ever. Do you think microwave ovens and fast food restaurants are beneficial to society? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Main Idea: The microwave and fast food restaurants do not benefit our society)(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: The microwave and fast food restaurants do not benefit our society | |
| Support idea: They contribute to obesity. | Support idea: They contribute to the destruction of the family unit. |
| Sub-support idea: Microwave dinners/meals and fast foods are often high in fats and sugars. | Sub-support idea: That many people eat microwave dinners and that they frequent fast food restaurants indicates they are not having the traditional family dinner. |
| Sub-support idea: If a person eats a lot of high fat and sugary foods, he will become fat. | Sub-support idea: So more and more families are eating dinner while watching television instead of having conversation with each other. Thus, the family unit is not as strong as it used to be. |
| Sub-support idea: In my country, more and more people are becoming overweight. | Sub-support idea: The divorce rate is up, and one main cause of that might be due to a lack of communication. This failure can in part be traced back to not eating together at the dinner table. |
5. 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? (Main Idea: Each of these methods of learning has similarities and differences.)(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: Each of these methods of learning has similarities and differences. | ||
| Support idea: Both classroom instruction and personal experience are similar in that they are necessary for one to survive in the workplace. | Support idea: The two modes of instruction are very different in that classroom instruction is explicitly taught, while personal experience knowledge is acquired naturally. | Support idea: Classroom instruction is a more important source of knowledge. |
| Sub-support idea: The classroom instruction will give the programmer the basic skills by which to work. | Sub-support idea: A student must go to school for many years in order to learn what is taught in the classroom. | Sub-support idea: Our global economy is becoming more and more information based. |
| Sub-support idea: Every programmer will encounter problems for which no solution was taught in the classroom, and he will have to use trial and error in order to solve the problem. And through personal experience, the programmer will learn to solve more and more complex problems. | Sub-support idea: But he will not need any formal education at all to learn personal experience knowledge. | Sub-support idea: Consequently, it is more important than ever to get specialized instruction in the classroom in order to keep up with our ever changing technological advances. |
6. 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. (Main Idea: Upon construction, a military base could has advantages and disadvantages on my community.)(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: Upon construction, a military base could has advantages and disadvantages on my community. | ||
| Support idea: An increase in jobs. | Support idea: An increase in crime and pollution. | Support idea: I favor having a military base in my community |
| Sub-support idea: Soldiers will buy things in the city. | Sub-support idea: Soldiers who go into city to drink beer might commit crime. | Sub-support idea: A military base could bring me more money. |
| Sub-support idea: This will generate more revenue/jobs for the city. | Sub-support idea: Military vehicles emit harmful fumes to the environment. | Sub-support idea: A military base could bring more respect to my town. |
7. If you could change one important thing about your country, what would you change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer. (Main Idea: A reduction in taxes both for people and businesses. )(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: A reduction in taxes both for people and businesses. | |
| Support idea: The people in my country have been paying higher and higher taxes. | Support idea: Many small and large businesses pay too many taxes. |
| Sub-support idea: Lowering the taxes would offer relief to these people. | Sub-support idea: Lowering taxes on businesses might them more inclined to hire more workers. |
| Sub-support idea: These people could give money back to the economy by buying more consumer products. | Sub-support idea: Businesses could create more jobs in my country. |
| Sub-support idea: The increase in the purchasing of products such as furniture, automobiles, appliances, and so on could give my country more economic strength. | Sub-support idea: Reducing the taxes would increase the company's profits, allowing them to expand their business to international markets. |
8. How does advertising influence people's behavior? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer. (Main Idea: Advertising can influence people's behavior politically and economically) (View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: Advertising can influence people's behavior politically and economically | |
| Support idea: A politician must have name recognition in order to be elected. | Support idea: A consumer will not buy a product that he is unfamiliar with |
| Sub-support idea: Short thirty-second TV commercials are a very effective way for people in a country to become acquainted with a politician. | Sub-support idea: Many times a consumer will make an unconscious decision to buy a particular brand of toothpaste solely based on the fact that he has seen that product advertised. |
| Sub-support idea: Billboards and radio ads can influence people to vote for or against a particular political candidate. | Sub-support idea: The consumer has been conditioned by the advertiser to buy that particular brand of toothpaste. |
9. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The invention of the Internet has had negative effects on your civilization. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Main Idea: The Internet has helped mankind more than harm it.) (View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: The Internet has helped mankind more than harm it. | ||
| Support idea: the cheapest and easiest way to communicate. | Support idea: Internet is also a very good form of entertainment. | Support idea: Internet can be negative. |
| Sub-support idea: You can convey your messages and feelings with the help of an e-card, chat, or a mail at the mere click of your mouse. | Sub-support idea: Download songs and movies. | Sub-support idea: Pornographic and other obscene sites. |
| Sub-support idea: Cheaper and faster than E-mail. | Sub-support idea: You can surf the Net for a couple of hours everyday as a hobby. | Sub-support idea: Parents need to educate our children in a way that they learn to identify between the good and bad. |
10. 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. (Main Idea: Should the university be big or small? )(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: Should the university be big or small? | ||
| Support idea: Attending a small university has its advantages for the student who likes to be a big fish in a small pond | Support idea: The large university has its advantages for the student who likes to be a small fish in a big pond. | Support idea: I am a "big fish in a small pond" kind of student. |
| Sub-support idea: Small sized classes with the more personal teaching style. | Sub-support idea: Many parties and activities which may happen on a daily basis. | Sub-support idea: I prefer a similar small town atmosphere at the university. |
| Sub-support idea: The student sees many opportunities to serve in clubs and leadership positions. | Sub-support idea: There are many types of campus facilities which may not be offered at a smaller university. | Sub-support idea: I don't like to get lost in the masses of a large university. |
11. "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. (Main Idea: I disagree with this quote. )(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: I disagree with this quote. | |
| Support idea: The key to success is by working harder/smarter not by being lucky. | Support idea: A person must plan his success. |
| Sub-support idea: Putting in more overtime. | Sub-support idea: He researches out a market for his product. |
| Sub-support idea: Doing the job faster. | Sub-support idea: He begins selling it at the most opportune time |
| Sub-support idea: Use intelligent business sense. | Sub-support idea: He plans a budget for his business. |
12. 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. (Main Idea: Universities imparting education to students should give equal attention to sports and academics.)(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: Universities imparting education to students should give equal attention to sports and academics. | ||
| Support idea: Sports bring out the competitive spirit in a person, which is good for a person. | Support idea: A student's capability should not be judged alone on his or her academic results. | Support idea: Sports bring respect and revenue to a school. So equal money should be given to sports. |
| Sub-support idea: The urge to perform well on a sports ground builds confidence in a student. | Sub-support idea: Students should be helped to develop their talent in sports. The students should be rewarded for their efforts. | Sub-support idea: Successful sports programs bring respect to a school. |
| Sub-support idea: Participating in a team sport enhances a student's ability to interact with people around and to coordinate with others | Sub-support idea: Academics and sports combined make a person a well-rounded individual. So a students should not only be judged on academics. | Sub-support idea: Enrollments increase if a school has a good football or basketball team. Increased enrollment means additional money. |
13. 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. (Main Idea: People have several reasons for visiting museums.)(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: People have several reasons for visiting museums. | ||
| Support idea: Learn about history. | Support idea: Enjoyment | Support idea: Learn about countries culture. |
| Sub-support idea: A museum in Italy can teach you about World War I. | Sub-support idea: Pictures, sculptures are beautiful to look at. | Sub-support idea: A museum in Russia teaches tourists about different marriage traditions. |
| Sub-support idea: Museums about shipwrecks teach us about the types of transportation used in the past. | Sub-support idea: Many enjoy being educated in museums. | Sub-support idea: Museum in Washington D.C. in the US teaches one about famous rock singers of the past. |
14. 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. (Main Idea: Eating at home is the better alternative of the two) (View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: Eating at home is the better alternative of the two | ||
| Support idea: Less expensive. | Support idea: More convenient. | Support idea: Healthier. |
| Sub-support idea: When I ate at Denny's, the cost for my meal was $8.50. | Sub-support idea: If I eat out, I know it will take me a long time to get to the restaurant, either because of problems with icy roads or because of traffic. | Sub-support idea: I seem to gain weight easily when I eat out ( not healthy) |
| Sub-support idea: Monthly grocery bill was only $90 when I only ate at home. | Sub-support idea: I prepare my own food right in my own kitchen at whatever time is convenient for me. | Sub-support idea: I am happy to say that I have now lost 15 lbs due to not eating out (healthy) |
15. 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. (Main Idea: It is not mandatory for university students to attend classes.)(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: It is not mandatory for university students to attend classes. | ||
| Support idea: Learning through correspondence is beneficial. | Support idea: Handicapped people have better opportunities. | Support idea: Some people are very far from school. |
| Sub-support idea: Distance learning courses enable mothers to study. | Sub-support idea: Wheel chair bound students don't have to travel to school. | Sub-support idea: A person may live in a city that does not have a university. |
| Sub-support idea: Correspondence learning is good for people who have multiple jobs or a very busy daily routine. | Sub-support idea: Deaf people can study on Online Courses. | Sub-support idea: A person may want to attend a university in another country without having to travel. |
16. Neighbors are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good neighbor? Use specific details and examples in your answer. (Main Idea: Good neighbors are always welcomed because they have many good qualities. )(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: Good neighbors are always welcomed because they have many good qualities. | ||
| Support idea: Helpful in times of need. | Support idea: Provide company when we are alone. | Support idea: Provide security in the neighborhood. |
| Sub-support idea: Mike mowed his neighbor's lawn while his neighbor was in the hospital. | Sub-support idea: Neighbor visited my grandmother while I was gone. | Sub-support idea: Steve called the police when someone tried to break into my house. |
| Sub-support idea: Steve rides with his neighbor to school. | Sub-support idea: My neighbor watches football games with me. | Sub-support idea: My neighbor watches my house while I go on vacation. |
17. In general, people are living longer now. Discuss the causes of this phenomenon. Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay. (Main Idea: In contrast to the past, many live longer for several reasons.)(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: In contrast to the past, many live longer for several reasons. | ||
| Support idea: Cures against disease. | Support idea: More accessible medical research on preventative medicine. | Support idea: Drives against world hunger. |
| Sub-support idea: Small pox now has a cure. | Sub-support idea: Web Site titled WebMD gives people knowledge about preventative medicine. | Sub-support idea: Michael Jackson's "Feed the World" raised a lot of money for hungry children. |
| Sub-support idea: Bubonic Plague has a cure. | Sub-support idea: Popular magazines have many articles about healthy lifestyles. | Sub-support idea: Television ads in the US solicit donations to feed starving children. |
18. 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. (Main Idea: I prefer to work with a communicable, generous and clever colleague.)(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: I prefer to work with a communicable, generous and clever colleague. | ||
| Support idea: Communicable | Support idea: Generous. | Support idea: Clever |
| Sub-support idea: Each worker must help to support a friendly atmosphere by communicating openly with others. | Sub-support idea: Being jealous, not generous, is harmful not only for us, but for all team members. | Sub-support idea: Being wise is important in resolving tasks. |
| Sub-support idea: Being communicable allows one to be a team with other workers. | Sub-support idea: Being helpful and generous helps workers to complete job sooner. | Sub-support idea: Clever colleagues help company make more profits. |
19. 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. (Main Idea: Having a part-time or full-time job is disadvantageous.)(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: Having a part-time or full-time job is disadvantageous. | ||
| Support idea: Takes away vital studying time, causes grades to drop. | Support idea: Less time for extracurricular involvement in school activities. | Support idea: Money may distract the teenager from more important priorities |
| Sub-support idea: Working at a part-time job would interfere with needed 3-4 hours of daily studying. | Sub-support idea: To become well-rounded, a student should join a football team, a school band, or a club, not get a job. | Sub-support idea: My friend got a job to buy a truck, not to save money for college; his goals changed. |
| Sub-support idea: Not being able to study because of job would cause grades to drop. | Sub-support idea: Universities favor students with extracurricular involvement, not ones with jobs. | Sub-support idea: Shifting his priorities--instead of concentrating on his studies, he had to work overtime to keep ahead of his monthly payments on his truck. |
20. 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. (Main Idea: Before moving to my hometown, he should consider the pros (advantages) and cons (disadvantages))(View solution and next exercise)
| Main Idea: Before moving to my hometown, he should consider the pros (advantages) and cons (disadvantages). | ||||
| Support idea: Like--Climate. | Support idea: Like-Many forms of entertainment. | Support idea: Like-Low crime. | Support idea: Dislike-Traffic. | Support idea: Dislike-Expensive housing. |
| Sub-support idea: An onshore ocean breeze almost every afternoon. | Sub-support idea: Play volleyball, swim at the nearby beach. | Sub-support idea: More than enough police officers to patrol the streets. | Sub-support idea: There is often traffic congestion in my hometown. | Sub-support idea: The prices of residential houses have gone up dramatically in the last thirty years; most house are near the beach. |
| Sub-support idea: Cool summers and mild winters. | Sub-support idea: Many shopping malls and plazas. | Sub-support idea: My city has not had a murder in more than five years. | Sub-support idea: There is often more than 150,000 people working, driving, and shopping in my city during the week despite my city's 55,000 permanent population base. | Sub-support idea: My parents paid only $150,000 for our house some thirty years ago; but now it is worth $980,000. |