Question: A friend of yours has received some money and plans to use all of it either to go on vacation or to buy a car your friend has asked you for advice.
Sample Essay
The development of technology and different industries has delivered us many conveniences. With the help of modern conveniences such as cars, buses, trains, and planes, one can travel a great distance in a short period of time. Recently, one of my friends received a gift of a large sum of money. He is deciding whether to use this money to buy a new car or go on a vacation. Personally, I would suggest that my friend buy a car as that is what I would do. For, a car means convenience and less commuting time.
First, a car provides more convenience. Undoubtedly, nowadays people rely on cars for transportation more than ever before. For example, when one drives a car to go shopping, it is more convenient and thus, he can pick up more groceries than before because he can put groceries in the trunk instead of carrying them and juggling bags on the bus or train. Furthermore, when he wants to pick somebody up or travel to a scenic spot, a car is more convenient as there are no time constraints and no long routes with multiple stops.
Another advantage to buying a car is that it would significantly reduce the time spent commuting. Every day, many people waste too much time on waiting for and riding on a bus, train, subway - or combination of all of them - to work. We have all experienced the frustration of taking a bus. Having a personal car would eliminate such stressors and problems immediately as there would be no more waiting for the bus, running to catch the bus, sharing someone's personal space, finding change to pay the bus fare, etc. To offset any costs, one could even start a carpool with coworkers and/or friends.
That said, there are some advantages to taking a vacation, also. For example, a vacation might increase one's personal experience and knowledge. As well, there wouldn't be any of the troubles that come with owning a car, such as gas costs, repairs, parking, etc. However, considering all factors, I think that the advantages of buying a car carry more weight than those of going on vacation.
Based on the reasons above, I have come to the conclusion that buying a car would be the superior choice. For, a car would reduce commute times significantly, provide more convenience, and even offer more freedom. In fact, with my own car, I could take a road trip or take a vacation to a place to which I could drive myself.
Learn How to Tackle TOEFL Independent Writing - Preference Essays
Tip 1: Follow a standard TOEFL essay structure
| Introductory Paragraph |
1. Provide background information about the essay topic. Here are a few techniques:
2. Write a strong thesis statement Lesson: How to write a high-scoring TOEFL introductory paragraph part 1 Lesson: How to write a high-scoring TOEFL introductory paragraph part 2 |
|
Body Paragraph A Body Paragraph B Body Paragraph C (Optional) |
1. Include a transition word/phrase at the beginning 2. Write a topic sentence 3. Include supporting sentences Lesson: How to write a high-scoring TOEFL body paragraph |
Conclusion Paragraph |
1. Include a restatement of the thesis statement you wrote in your introduction 2. Provide a brief summary of your main ideas Lesson: How to write a high-scoring TOEFL conclusion paragraph |
There's no maximum length for your essay, but a good response is usually at least 300 words.
Tip 2: Use transition words and phrases
You need to use transition words and phrases to connect your ideas in your essay. You should have 2 transition words/phrases every 4-5 sentences.
| Type of connection | Transition words |
| These words can help you show the order of ideas. |
First/Second/Third Firstly (or "First of all")/Secondly/Thirdly (or "Lastly") For one thing/For another thing/Finally (or "Lastly") In the first place/in the second place/Finally (or "Lastly") Instead of "First", "First of all" and "Firstly", we can use "To begin with", "To start with", or "For starters". We can also use "First and foremost" to state that the first key point is the most important one among all key points. Likewise, instead of "Finally" and "Lastly", we can use "Last but not least" to state that the final key point is just as important as the others, despite it being mentioned last. |
| These words can help you add information | In addition, furthermore, additionally, also, next, moreover, what's more, on top of that |
| These words can help you conclude or to summarize: | To sum up, in summary, in conclusion, to conclude, all in all, all things considered ,overall, taking everything into consideration, in a nutshell |
| These words can help you demonstrate contrast | Conversely, on the contrary, by contrast, by way of contrast, on one hand/on the other hand |
| These words can help you compare or demonstrate similarity | Similarly, likewise, by the same token, along similar lines |
| These words can help you state a result. | As a result, as a consequence, consequently, therefore |
| These words can help you state a generalization. | Generally, on the whole, in most cases, in general |
| These words can help you clarify a point. | That is, in other words, to put it simply, That is to say, just to reiterate |
| These words can help you give examples. | For example, for instance, take something, for example, to give a clear example |
| These words can help you state an alternative. | Alternatively, as another possibility |
Tip 3: Vary your sentence structure
To achieve a higher score or a perfect 5 out of 5 on the TOEFL English language criteria, you must show that you can accurately and flexibly use a variety of structures.
Lesson: Achieving sentence variety part 1Lesson: Achieving sentence variety part 2
Lesson: Achieving sentence variety part 3
Tip 4: Avoid grammar and spelling mistakes
You should avoid any grammar and spelling mistakes, otherwise your score will be deducted.
Lesson: Countable nouns and Uncountable nounsLesson: Subject verb agreement rules
Lesson: Use the right article
Lesson: Relative pronouns and relative clauses
Lesson: Achieving sentence variety part 1 (Pay attention to the lesson content related to punctuation)
Lesson: Achieving sentence variety part 2 (Pay attention to the lesson content related to punctuation)
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Tip 5: Vary your vocabulary
You should avoid using the same vocabulary throughout your essay. Instead, you can use synonyms or phrases that have the same meaning of words.
Here are some ways you can improve on this area:
- Read our sample essays and pay attention to words you are not familiar with.
- Utilize our TOEFL Vocabulary system
- Utilize our TOEFL synonyms exercises