Question: Some people say that the Internet provides people with a lot of valuable information. Others think access to so much information creates problems. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Sample Essay
Although at times the Internet seems to provide people with a never-ending supply of information that creates more problems than good, overall it offers the chance for greater good. For students, the Internet provides grander access to knowledge and numerous resources. As a means of communicating, the Internet affords valuable contact information as well as means for staying in touch. Also, it offers great advice and time-saving capabilities through reviews for various businesses. The information provided by the Internet is of great advantage to all people when properly utilized.
An initial advantage the Internet offers is the spread of information and the creation of various applications for gaining knowledge. Through online encyclopedias to discussion forums, students now have access to information to grant them additional resources for learning material. While writing papers, people now have secondary sources at their fingertips rather than needing to utilize the limited resources of a library. Also, the Internet has come with the creation of new tools for learning information. Various websites offer language course and games, mathematics lessons, grammar games, or video lectures The Internet is now filled with valuable knowledge that many people wouldn’t have been able to access in the past.
On a different note, but similarly useful, is the prevalence of contact information and methods of communication provided by the Internet. People are now able to store phone numbers, addresses, and birthday information through Facebook or Gmail. These resources help people stay organized and in touch with those people they love. Through email or various video chat websites, people can also send instantaneous messages or speak as if in person. A resident of Argentina can speak with a friend in Denmark with amazing ease. These tools provide people with valuable information and a means for using that information.
Some final sources of useful intelligence that wouldn’t have otherwise existed are the forums for reviewing businesses. A person can now get online and review or read reviews of hotels, restaurants, or businesses. Rather than gambling on a bad restaurant or a poor electrician, a person now has valuable information about hours, prices, and service. This is useful locally for finding services, but also globally. To ensure an amazing trip a person can now review airlines, hotels, and travel companies from across the globe. This information is nothing but conveniently advantageous to the people utilizing the technology.
All in all, when used properly, the Internet is full of highly beneficial information. Some of that intelligence comes in the form of resources for education. Also, the many tools for storing communication material and using it are a great advantage. Finally, the potential for writing and reading reviews of businesses provides useful intelligence. The Internet is a global encyclopedia, filled with any information a person could want, and can be of the highest value.
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