Question: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children nowadays have too much freedom. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Sample Essay
Just as society continues to evolve, opinions regarding childhood development have also changed over time. For instance, some people believe that children have an overabundance of liberties in present-day society, while others reckon that adolescents have an adequate amount of freedom. I, myself, agree with the latter. Currently, children are given a healthy amount of freedom which encourages responsibility, fosters creativity, and prepares them for adulthood.
First off, allowing children to gain independence from an early age will likely encourage them to manage responsibilities more efficiently. With more freedom to choose hobbies in addition to academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, adolescents can develop responsible habits. For instance, if a teenager is given the opportunity to spend the weekend with friends, he or she will be more apt to complete necessary assignments and meet deadlines beforehand. Thus, the mere fact that adolescents have freedom in their personal lives could help them successfully manage important responsibilities.
Secondly, the prevalence of social media platforms has provided the current generation of youths with an unprecedented freedom of expression. Thanks to the increasing ability to connect and communicate with a diverse set of peers, children can utilize these opportunities to further their creative skill sets. For example, with the freedom to create social media profiles, ranging from an online photography portfolio to a collaborative video network, teenagers can express themselves while potentially learning necessary, artistic skills. Consequently, this positive, creative license can create well-rounded, bright individuals with a plethora of interests.
Lastly, introducing autonomy naturally to children will better prepare them for life as adults. As such, the standards in present-day society allow children to adequately experiment with appropriate amounts of independence. In some areas of the United States, for example, fifteen-year-olds are legally permitted to begin driving and work part-time, in addition to attending school. It is important that young people experience these liberties first-hand, as they will be less likely to become overwhelmed with the pressures of adulthood in the long-run.
To sum up, adolescents do not have an excessive amount of freedom, but rather, have been given an appropriate amount that is on par with an ever-changing society. By instilling positive traits, such as creativity and responsibility, this sense of liberty will also prepare children to become successful adults.
Word Count: 377
Learn How to Tackle TOEFL Independent Writing - Agree and Disagree 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)
If you are a premium member, you will have up to 50 free essay grammar corrections.
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