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WRITING TOPICS
Topics in the following list may appear in your actual
test. You should become familiar with this list before
you take the computer-based TOEFL test. Remember
that when you take the test you will not have a choice
of topics. You must write only on the topic that is
assigned to you.
1.People attend college or university for many different reasons (for
example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge).
Why do you think people attend college or university? Use specific
reasons and examples to support your answer.
★2.Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are
the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support
your answer.
4.It has been said, “Not everything that is learned is contained in
books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience
with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source
is more important? Why?
★8.Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television
has destroyed communication among friends and family. Use
specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
9.Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a
big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons
and details to support your answer.
12.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.
14.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.
★16.It has recently been announced that a new restaurant may be built
in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why?
Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
18.What are some important qualities of a good supervisor (boss)? Use
specific details and examples to explain why these qualities are
important.
19.Should governments spend more money on improving roads and
highways, or should governments spend more money on improving public
transportation (buses, trains, subways)? Why? Use specific reasons and
details to develop your essay.
★20.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.
21.In general, people are living longer now. Discuss the causes of this
phenomenon. Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
22.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.
23.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.
24.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.