Sample TOEFL essay answer: 1>Childhood is one of the most important and memorable periods of our lives.

We come into the world innocent and unaware and in just a few short years make great physical and mental progress. Although play is an important component of our young lives, in my view, there are significant benefits to be gained from beginning formal education at an early age. My view is based on intellectual and social reasons. Intellectually, the period from birth to six years is the most significant for brain growth. A child who is surrounded by a rich multi-sensory environment develops infinitely more connection between brain cells, which are the basis of what we call intelligence. In this connection, the process of learning to read is of particular significance because it has such a strong positive influence on neural development. Although parents can provide this early intellectual stimulation, in most cases working parents find it difficult to do so. This strengthens the case for enrolling children in a formal education system, which can provide the necessary resources and trained personnel to bring out the best in the child. Socially, being in a school environment teaches children both how to behave themselves and also how to get along with other children and adults. These lessons in human behaviour are as important as the formal subjects a child must study. By learning how to follow rules, take turns and be respectful a child becomes a part of the social nexus to which we all belong. The formal academic experience, in an objective context, away from the family structure, also satisfies the childs growing sense of independence. Most children often play school in any case, particularly if they have older siblings. In conclusion, early education offers children a host of benefits at different levels. A child can always play after coming home; in the meantime, the school experience sets the child on a path to success and self-confidence in a competitive, demanding world. 326 words

2>Going to university is a coveted goal for most students around the world. Many parents
dream of their children having the opportunity to receive a university education, as a gateway to a successful future. Although it is possible to receive a degree without attending classes, in my view, attendance plays a critical part in the university experience. The bases for my views are educational, social and intellectual. From an academic standpoint, attending classes simply enables students to learn more. After all, professors do not simply parrot what is written in university textbooks; they add to this knowledge from their own professional experience, reading and research. This provides an opportunity for students to receive key perspectives, as well as relevant and up to date information in their specialized fields. Since acquiring knowledge and developing critical thinking skills are important goals of higher education, attendance at classes should be considered a mandatory requirement for graduation. Socially, university life offers young people the opportunity to form meaningful friendships, relationships and connections, some of which last for life. One can make good friends or even meet a future life partner while in college or university. In addition, ones classmates may become the movers and shakers of tomorrows corporations and industries. These important contacts are also made while attending university classes, studying and partying together. Lastly, from an intellectual perspective, a student can gain tremendously by matching wits with other bright students from around the world. In the context of classes, students can discuss issues, exchange views, explore ideas, solve problems and develop cross-cultural skills through interaction with international students. This can be a critical experience that helps students define themselves and their political and ideological place in the world.

In summary, attending university classes benefits students in myriad ways. Broadly speaking, it enables students to make the best of their years in university. Therefore, it should be regarded as a desirable and meaningful means to achieving various important life goals.

3>As social beings, we are naturally influenced by those we meet in the course of our lives.
This is particularly true for young people, whose character and personality are still malleable. Although friends play a central role in the lives of teenagers, in my opinion, it is the family which has a greater impact on young people. My view is based on psychological, intellectual and financial reasons. Psychologically, the family is the central grounding factor for a young person, because the parents, brothers and sisters are the ones who actually love him or her. It is through thousands of life situations and family discussions that norms, values, customs, traditions and expectations are passed on to the youngster. The depth of relationship, developed over the years through shared joys and sorrows, place family members in an incomparably close bond which cannot easily be replicated by friends or anyone else. Intellectually, the family impacts the young persons ability to think. Parents create the intellectual climate in the home. Whether children develop the habit of reading, studying hard or striving to achieve their goals depends largely on the parents' example. Whether youngsters agree or disagree with their parents political or religious views, the family remains a reference point against which young people develop their individuality. In Asian cultures, where respect for elders is an important value, the family plays an even more central role in shaping the young person's world view. Financially, the family influences the youngster by providing a certain type of lifestyle. Home, school, friends, hobbies, clothes, holidays and material possessions - all of these are impacted by the family's prosperity. The same holds true for the youngster growing up in a poor family- a totally different reality will surround that young person. No friend could have this powerful or tangible an influence on the teenager. In conclusion, though friends can have a strong influence on a young person, it is finally the family which provides the more powerful backdrop in a young persons life. The family's influence is permanent, unforgettable and inescapable.

4>Pursuing higher studies abroad has become a popular choice for students from around the
globe. Each year, young people spend thousands of dollars to travel, live and study in universities, colleges and schools overseas. In my view, this life-changing decision is based on the premise that education is an investment in ones future. My opinion is based on academic, professional and personal reasons. In my opinion, the primary reason for studying abroad is academic. Students wish to reap the benefits associated with attending a reputable educational institute. In addition, gaining admission to prestigious college or university is often regarded as an achievement in itself. The quality of the academic programs, the level of specialized instruction and the availability of professional resources are all high. It is no wonder that students long to graduate from well-known institutes. From a professional viewpoint, graduating from foreign universities is often a gateway to a successful career. The connection is direct and provides strong motivation for young people to study abroad. The hope is that such graduates have an added advantage over their peers in a highly competitive job market. In some cases, top students from prestigious universities land job offers even before completing their studies. Furthermore, well-known

corporations vie to attract the fresh new talent, who will help achieve corporate profitability in the future. From a personal angle, studying abroad enables young people to mature quickly and develop independence. For instance, joining a foreign academic institution is often the first experience students have of living away from parents, siblings and friends. In ones home country, this strong nexus provides support, assistance and guidance. However, while abroad, students must overcome the initial homesickness and culture shock, conform to a different teaching style, adapt to unfamiliar social and cultural expectations and develop proficiency in a new language. These challenging tasks enable youngsters to emerge with greater maturity and self-confidence. In conclusion, the desire to study abroad is based on several concrete benefits for students in terms of the present and the future. This is why most students would gladly accept an opportunity to go abroad and would work quite diligently to turn this opportunity into a resounding success.

5>It is said that money makes the world go round. We spend the majority of our waking
hours at work - earning a living, providing for our families and saving for our retirement. Although money no doubt plays a critical role in determining the quality and nature of our lifestyles, in my opinion, the size of ones paycheque is not a measure of ones success in life. The bases of my views are philosophical, social and personal. Philosophically, success can be defined in myriad ways. For some, success is an external concept to be measured in terms of high income, huge bank balances, fancy cars, expensive mansions, luxurious holidays and so on. However, in my view, success is a reflection of internal human qualities, such as compassion, kindness, honesty, understanding and more. By this definition, the mere fact of earning a high income does not determine or define success. Socially, success depends on how we treat other human beings. Do we regard others with respect or do we impose our will on them? Are we mindful of their needs and desires or do we behave selfishly? Do we encourage and support our friends, family and communities or do we insist they only follow the path we think best? It is clear that a critical aspect of success lies in the answers to such questions for they reveal the quality of relationships we share with our fellow human beings. Personally, success can only be self-defined. My idea of success may not be the same as another persons vision. This is as it should be. Each of us is a product of diverse social, cultural, economic, political, religious and ideological influences. When we add to that mix the free will that each of us exercises, we can understand clearly how each of us fashions his / her own aspirations for what we consider to be success in our own lives. In conclusion, success is a concept which can be interpreted in a million different ways.Each individuals version adds to the richness of our world and makes our planet a more delightful, amazing and colourful place to live.

6>Life is challenging. In order to be happy and successful, we need to prepare ourselves on

many fronts. Although participating in enjoyable activities is always desirable, in my view it is also necessary at times to do things we do not enjoy. The bases for my view are personal, social and financial. Personally, doing things we dont care for builds character and helps us mature. For instance, when parents have their first baby they are forced to give up their freedom in order to look after the child. There are times when parents barely get enough sleep and still

have to get up and go to work in the morning. Similarly, when students are in school and university, they need to spend a lot of time studying. In spite of being tempted to go out with friends and attend parties, those who have self-control and keep their priorities straight are the ones who get high grades. Through such life experiences people become stronger, wiser and more responsible. From a social perspective, we live in an interdependent world which imposes its obligations on us. Each person belongs to diverse social groups and plays various social roles. Each of us has to attend birthday parties, weddings and funerals to show we care about our fellow human beings. Participating in events for the sake of others teaches us to go beyond our own selfish needs and to share in the joys and sorrows of others. Financially-speaking, people need to work - and spend - to keep the local, national and international economy growing. We need to support our own family in particular and our community in general. In fact, most of us work many more hours than we would like to work. What propels us to continue working is our financial needs, commitments and obligations. Only in this way are we able to live comfortable lifestyles and save for our retirement days. In conclusion, life places huge demands on us. By participating in a wide variety of activities, both pleasant and unpleasant, we can discover more about our unique selves and live fuller lives.

7>What is the best quality of a good son or daughter? Why? Use specific reasons
and details to support your choice. Introduction I think the most important quality is kindness. Body This is because kindness automatically includes so many other qualities. First, kindness implies that a son or daughter is helpful to the parents. This is critical no matter how old the child is. Second, kindness means being respectful. There is nothing that touches parents hearts more than being treated well by a child. Conversely, nothing hurts parent more than when a child shouts at them. Last, kindness incorporates so many other positive traits such as thoughtfulness, cooperation, caring, compassion, understanding and so on. Conclusion In todays world, having loving parents is a blessing and children of all ages should honour that through their kind actions. TASK 1 - SAMPLE 2 What is your favourite day of the year? Use reasons to support your answer. Introduction My favourite day of the year is December 31. Body This is due to many reasons. Personally, December 31 is full of hope and promise for the year ahead. Like others, I love to make resolutions to improve myself in the coming year. December 31 makes everything seem possible. Professionally, since I have my own business, December 31 enables me to take stock of my strengths and weaknesses. It forces me to make better plans for the next year Socially, Dec 31 shows me who means the most to me because you usually think of those people on this day. It is a lovely time when people from around the world are united in joy.

Conclusion All days in life are special but December 31 makes me feel the most optimistic, hopeful and thankful of all. 8>Do you like to try new kinds of food or eat the same kind of food all the time? Use details and examples to support your answer. Introduction I prefer to eat the food I know most of the time. Body From the time I was young, I was always a bit fussy and finicky about eating. I dont really know the reason why. I never liked to feel an unfamiliar taste in my mouth. Its almost as if I could tell how foods tasted without trying them, and so I restricted my diet to those foods I really enjoyed. As I got older, I realized that I was actually very healthy, even if I was a little thin. So I continued to eat the foods I loved, when I was at home or in restaurants. I never enjoyed going to peoples homes for dinner because the choices would be limited and I didnt know in advance what they were going to cook. Conclusion Oh well, everyone has their pet peeves and this one is mine! TASK 2 - SAMPLE 2 Do you prefer to go out to dinner or stay home and cook a meal? Use reasons to support your response. Introduction I love cooking in my own home. Body There are so many reasons for this. First, financially, its impossible to eat out often. You would end up spending a lot of extra money for no reason. Second, health-wise, when I cook at home, I have control and can produce much more nutritious meals. Outside, I have no idea of the quality or quantity of the ingredients they have used. Third, emotionally, cooking at home makes me feel relaxed, happy and secure. It gives me a warm feeling to know that my home smells of the delicious food that I have cooked. I also enjoy sharing a meal with my loved ones. Conclusion Thats why I only eat out on very special occasions or when I have no choice.

1>The consequences of today are determined by the actions of the past. To change your future, alter your decisions today.
"A friend in need is a friend indeed" "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. "When the cat's away, the mice will play!" "A stitch in time, saves nine" "Rome wasn't built in a day" "Barking dogs seldom bite" "There's no smoke without fire"

"Necessity, who is the mother of invention."

We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience Theres no next time. Its now or never There are no ordinary moments. There is always something going on. What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us Dont put off living to next week, next month, next year or next decade. The only time youre ever living is in this moment. My life is my message. Gandhi Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom. Make your life a mission not an intermission Dont let the past steal your present Be present it is the only moment that matters. Peaceful Warrior Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. Thats why we call it the present. Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. What you are is what you have been. What youll be is what you do now. Buddha Everyone faces challenges in life. Its a matter of how you learn to overcome them and using them to your advantage. If what youre doing is not your passion, you have nothing to lose. At first dreams seem impossible, then improbable, then inevitable. Do what you love and the money will follow. All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. You will not do incredible things without an incredible dream. I am not my memories. I am my dreams. ~ Terry Hostetler You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. Les Brown In life, as in football, you wont go far unless you know where the goalposts are. Arnold H. Glasgow The most important thing about goals is having one. Geoffry F. Abert

Everything is always created twice, first in the mind and then in reality. You need a plan to build a house. To build a life, it is even more important to have a plan or goal. Zig Ziglar. The tragedy of life doesnt lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goals to reach. ~ Benjamin Mays People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine. A goal is a dream with a deadline. Napolean Hill There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure.~ Colin Powell The harder I work, the luckier I get. Gary Player Success is 99% attitude and 1% aptitude. It is your attitude, not your aptitude, that determines your altitude. Zig Ziglar Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones weve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. Barack Obama The greatest advantage of speaking the truth is that you dont have to remember what you said. Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere. ~ Albert Einstein.
You can do anything, but not everything. David Allen The richest man is not he who has the most, but he who needs the least You must be the change you wish to see in the world. Gandhi Watch your Watch your Watch your Watch your Watch your Lao-Tze thoughts; they become words. words; they become actions. actions; they become habits. habits; they become character. character; it becomes your destiny.

If you judge people, you have no time to love them. Mother Teresa "At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet." Plato There is no remedy for love but to love more. Henry David Thoreau

Once a word has been allowed to escape, it cannot be recalled. The best way to keep one's word is not to give it. Talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand.

Be careful of your thoughts; they may become words at any moment. An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language. If you cant explain it simply, you dont understand it well enough. Albert Einstein Music is the soul of language. Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.
Only your real friends tell you when your face is dirty. Im the person your mother warned you about.

"A man in love is incomplete until he has married. Then he's finished." "If there is such a thing as a good marriage, it is because it resembles friendship rather than love." "I first learned the concepts of non-violence in my marriage." "We've all heard that we have to learn from our mistakes, but I think it's more important to learn from successes. If you learn only from your mistakes, you are inclined to learn only errors." "I have not failed. I've just found 10, 000 ways that won't work." Thomas A. Edison "The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." "Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it." "Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success. "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says "I'm possible"!" "Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing."