2008新托福TOEFL-iBT写作思维训练(二)

Sample 1

Topic: Some intensive English programs in the United States offer a foreign student the option of living with an American family while he or she is studying abroad. Many students feel that such a home-stay program is a valuable part of their total learning experience. However, others may feel that such a plan offers little value. In a short essay, discuss one or two advantages of living with an American family and then state one or two disadvantages. Tell whether you are in favor of or opposed to the idea of home-stay. Give examples to support your opinion.

Writing 1

       A foreign student who plans to come to the United States must have some definite goals in mind. For the student who wants to improve his English quickly and learn about American customs firsthand, there is often an opportunity to live with an American family. There may be one or two disadvantages to this living arrangement; however, I believe that there are far more advantages.

       First of all, some minor disadvantages to living with an American family include both a lack of privacy and little opportunity to have independence (be independent). For instance, the foreign student may find that the family expects him to join them in group activities such as watching television and going on picnics. At times, however, he might enjoy staying in his room to read or to write letters to his family and friends. Another drawback to living in an American home involves the possibility that the family may treat the student like a child. For example, the parents may want to decide who his friends will be and where he will go during his leisure time away from home.

       Even though there may be one or two disadvantages to living with an American family, the advantages far outweigh them. By taking part in a homestay program, the student has an excellent opportunity to learn about American customs. He will find out how to behave in different social situations such as parties and serionies (ceremonies) and how to dress (dress on) these occasions. Also, he will learn about many other aspects of the American way of life, such as the way schools are run in the United States. With a family close by, he can ask questions about attendance rules and school costs. The family will make certain that he becomes acquainted with this new way of life, and soon be will feel at home.

       Another advantage to living with an American family is that the student is in an ideal environment to improve his English. For example, each time he has a conversation with someone in the family, this native speaker can help him with his pronounciation (pronunciation) and grammer (grammar). Maybe the younger children in the family can help the student with his homework, too. But the most important thing is that he will be surround (surrounded) by English most of the time during his stay in the United States.

       Although I agree that there may be a couple of disadvantages to living with an American family, I feel that the advantages are more obvious. In a home-stay program, the student can learn about American customs in the most natural way possible. In addition, he will find himself in an atmosphere in which his English will certainly improve. In my opinion, these are the two most important goals for him to consider, and living with an American family is the best way to achieve them.

Writing 2

    Every year, many foreign students go to America to study English. Some of this (them) will participate in a homestay program and live with an American family. However, others will take (make) a different decision. They will live with friends from their own country. I believe that if a foreign student looks at both possibilities, he will decide to live with an american (American) family. Even though there are one or two drawbacks to the home-stay way (option), there are far more benefits.

    In taking (making) his decision about how to live in the United States, the foreign student is smart (wise) to consider one or two disadvantages to living with an American family. First of all, he must realize that he is going to feel homesick at first. Living in an American home with people of other (another) language and culture may cause this feeling to increase. Also, the American family could become very protective of him. They may ask him where he is going when he leaves home and when he will return. Despite these two disadvantages, there is a stronger idea (argument) in favor of living with Americans.

    By living in American (an American) home, the student has (has an) opportunity to become familiar with American customs and culture. For instance, he will learn how important the (the importance of) family closeness is (closeness). He can see how the children communicate with their parents and how the parents educate their children. He will not feel like a stranger because the American family will help him adjusting (adjust) to a new life.

    In an American home, he can learn English fast. Family members can help him with his homeworks (homework). When he speaks English, they can point (point out) his errors. In this way, he can learn English naturally.

    Although there are some disadvantage (disadvantages) to living with an American family, there are heavier (greater) benefits. If the foreign student at first realizes the values of learning about a new culture and improving his English at the same time, he will definitely choose to experience a home-stay in the United States. With an American family, he will find studying there a very big( rewarding) experience.