TWE Sample
Essay Questions
Identifying the Issues:
Now let's look at some
sample essays questions of TOEFL's TWE,
which are downloaded from ETS' TOEFL OnLine (http://www.toefl.org).
Please pay particular attention to the key words,
hint, and idea under each
question respectively as illustrated in the following
samples, so that you
may practice identifying the issues of TWE.
Test of Written English (TWE®)
Sample Essay Questions
SAMPLE 1
Some people say that the best preparation for
life is learning to work with
others and be cooperative. Others take the
opposite view and say that
learning to be competitive is the best preparation.
Discuss these positions,
using concrete examples of both. Tell which
one you agree with and explain why.
Key Words: Which position, Concrete Examples.
Hint: Do not favor both positions.
Idea: Take a position, support it with
concrete examples, restate your
position.
SAMPLE 2
Supporters of technology say that it solves problems
and makes life better.
Opponents argue that technology creates new
problems that may threaten or
damage the quality of life. Using one or two
examples, discuss these two
positions. Which view of technology do you
support? Why?
Key Words: Which position, Examples.
Hint: Do not favor both positions.
Idea: Take a position, support it with
one or two examples, restate your
position.
SAMPLE 3
Some people believe that automobiles are useful
and necessary. Others
believe that automobiles cause problems that
affect our health and well-being.
Which position do you support? Give specific
reasons for your answer.
Key Words: Which position, Reasons.
Hint: Do not favor both positions.
Idea: Take a position, support it with
specific reasons, restate your
position.
SAMPLE 4
Inventions such as eyeglasses and the sewing
machine have had an important
effect on our lives. Choose another invention
that you think is important. Give
specific reasons for your choice.
Key Words: Choice, Reasons.
Hint: Do not discuss eyeglasses and
the sewing machine.
Idea: Choose another invention, support
it with specific reasons,
restate your choice.
SAMPLE 5
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
-
Teachers should make learning enjoyable
and fun for their students.
Use reasons and specific examples to support
your opinion.
Key Words: Opinion, Reasons, Examples.
Hint: Do not favor both statements (agreement
and disagreement).
Idea: Take a position, support it with
reasons and specific examples,
restate your position.
(Taken from TOEFL OnLine, http://www.toefl.org)
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