TOEFL Writing Task 2

Most people agree that modern technology affects society in many different ways.  In my opinion, access to the Internet is enormously beneficial to both individuals and communities as a whole.  I feel this way for two reasons, which I will explore in the following essay.

 To begin with, online investigative reporting helps to expose political corruption and keep politicians honest.  In the past, there were only a limited number of news outlets, which often had deep connections to powerful politicians. As a result, they were extremely hesitant to criticize them. These days, however, there are many independent publications on the Internet that are willing to expose political misbehavior.  For example, an online magazine recently published a story revealing that the mayor of my hometown had taken bribes from a property developer. The report was so detailed and well-researched that the mayor had no choice but to resign. Although the evidence was not difficult to locate, only this independent website was willing to write about it.  This example demonstrates how the Internet helps to strengthen democracy in the modern world.

Secondly, people are more motivated than ever to become politically active because they can freely exchange ideas online.  In countries all over the globe, people use social networking services to share their ideas and opinions. While in the past people might have thought that they were alone in their beliefs, today they realize that others share their ideas. My own experience demonstrates this concept.  When I was a university student, I learned that a municipal park near my apartment was going to be demolished to make room for a massive parking lot. This bothered me a lot because I enjoyed spending my free time in the park. At first, I thought that there was nothing that I, as an individual, could do to stop this from happening.  However, I later joined a Facebook group dedicated to opposing the plan. When the members of the group learned how many people in the city loved the park we were happy to get together and enthusiastically protest in front of city hall until our voices were heard. I am convinced that finding each other on that social networking platform gave us the courage to actively protect our park.

 In conclusion, I strongly believe that the Internet has a positive effect on our lives.  This is because online journalism strengthens our democracy and because social networking sites encourage people to get involved in local politics.

 It is critically important that students use the best available resources when they do research.  In my opinion, it is far better to use printed materials than online sources. I feel this way for two reasons, which I will explore in the following essay.

To begin with, printed materials such as books and articles are more reliable than websites.  This is because websites can be edited by anyone in the world, regardless of whether or not they are qualified academics.  As a result of this, even articles in popular online encyclopedias often contain incorrect and biased information. My own experience demonstrates the danger of relying too heavily on online sources of information.  Two semesters ago, I was assigned a research paper in a freshman biology class. I cited data that I found on Wikipedia which later turned out to be completely incorrect. This data was so hopelessly wrong that my professor spotted it immediately, causing me to fail the assignment and receive a fairly low grade in the class at the end of the semester.  If I had taken the time to compare what I had read online to a book or a scholarly article, I would not have included it, and would not have received such a terrible score in the class.

Secondly, books are superior to online articles because they cover topics in much detail.  Textbooks are significantly longer than online articles, so they are more useful to students.  Students who use them when doing projects can also look at the detailed indexes which they include to focus on very specific topics. For example, I was assigned an essay last semester in a history class and the very first book that I consulted contained a long description of both the underlying causes and long-term effects of the historical event I was writing about.  In contrast, most of the online articles that I consulted contained little more than superficial facts and dates. I based my research on the book rather than these articles, so I was able to write a very insightful paper.

 In conclusion, I strongly believe that printed information is more useful than online resources.  This is because books and printed journals are less likely to be biased or contain errors and because books provide a superior level of detail.

It is critically important that students work as hard as possible when they are at school.  Personally, I believe that teachers can motivate students to work hard by giving them grades. I feel this way for two reasons, which I will explore in the following essay.

To begin with, students who are graded achieve a more comprehensive knowledge of academic subjects.  When a student has an opportunity to earn grades, he will spend more time working on his assignments and will therefore absorb more information and will achieve more comprehension.  On the other hand, students who do not have to worry about their grades won’t work very hard and will only superficially understand their subjects. My own experience as a student is a compelling example of this. During my sophomore year I had to complete a major assignment in a political science class I was taking.  According to the course syllabus, the assignment would make up about half of my total grade in the class, so I approached my work with diligence and care. I wrote an amazing speech and spent hours preparing for every possible question my classmates might think of. If the presentation had not been graded, I would not have spent so much time preparing for it.  I am sure that students all over the world today are motivated to work hard by the chance to achieve high grades from their professors.

Secondly, grades motivate students because they are a way to determine which people in a group are objectively most intelligent.  Grades are assigned in a systematic way, so they clearly demonstrate which students in a class are the best and brightest. For example, in my freshman year, I took a literature class where students merely got a “pass” or “fail” at the end.  Since only a moderate amount of effort was required to pass the class, I completed my assignments and presentations quite halfheartedly. In contrast, when I took a graded class on the same subject in my junior year, I spent hours in the library researching my papers so that I could show my professors that I was intellectually superior to my classmates.  This may appear somewhat shallow, but in today’s competitive academic environment, it is absolutely necessary for people to distinguish themselves.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that grades encourage students to learn.  This is because they force students to learn as much as possible, and because they give young learners a way to distinguish themselves from their peers.

The world has changed in many since my parents were young.  In my opinion, my lifestyle is superior to the one they enjoyed at that time. I feel this way for two reasons, which I will explore in the following essay.

First of all, my generation enjoys a lot more leisure time, which makes our lives more fulfilling and enables us to follow our passions.  People today take longer vacations and have more paid time off from their jobs than either of my parents did while they were still employed.  Similarly, we have much shorter working days than they did. For example, nowadays I receive five weeks off from my job each year. I can schedule these holidays as I wish, and even use all of my vacation days at the same time.  As a result, I have been able to pursue my love of travel. Unlike earlier generations, I have been able to maintain steady professional employment for my whole life so far, and have also been able to visit every continent on earth.  My parents, in contrast, were only able to travel following their retirement. At that time, however, their age and physical conditions limited their range of experiences.

         Secondly, society provides many more opportunities for women and minorities these days.  In the past, disadvantaged groups had a tough time achieving personal and professional success.  While this is still something of a concern, it is now much easier for members of such groups to follow their dreams.  My own experience is a compelling example of this. When I was a young woman I was encouraged to attend university and later enter the workforce. On the other hand, my mother was expected to raise children and be a homemaker.  She dreamed of being a business executive and making a lot of money, but her parents and teachers discouraged her from doing that. Unlike me, she was pressured to give up all of her professional aspirations. Her example demonstrates why my life is preferable to the life which she lived when she was young.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that I have an easier and better life than my parents had just a few decades ago.  This is because I enjoy much more leisure time than they did, and because women today have many more opportunities than they did in the past.

From childhood, “Always tell the Truth” is probably the commonest statement we heard. The virtue of speaking the truth can never be denied but one more important factor to consider while saying the truth is the “situation”. In today’s world, it is a belief that telling the truth is not at all the best policy always, especially while dealing with near and dear ones. It is a truth that hard truth on the face can ruin a relationship. Maybe, this is why truth itself is vague nowadays. This essay discusses why telling the truth is important in relationships.

Truth is sometimes bitter, too hard and it has the capability of offending to the listener. On the other side, lies are sweet and there is no better tool than lies to manipulate people. Be it the relationship or business world, lies like “will never break your trust” or “the finest product in the cheapest price” is in. but mostly the purpose of these lies is to gain the trust of the people on the other side for the time being. But, lies cannot be permanent always and truth unveils shortly.

In terms of relationships, we actually afraid to lose the people by saying the truth. We afraid of hurting our near and dear ones too with the harsh truths. We take the help of lies to suppress our confrontations and save ourselves from disputes. Here, the risk factor is the truth can unpredictably come in front in any form, which can cause utter chaos.

The untimely arrival of the truth destroys the basic trust of relationships, which we actually wanted to save with lies. Its impacts will hurt both in the future. So, telling the truth at the initial stage is necessary. If the relationship is destined to move forward it will, if it is destined to ruin just because of truth, no lie can save it.

Also, the habit of telling lies is like a toxic habit. In case, a person develops a habit of speaking lies, the habit of speaking the truth will slowly vanish. For every simple thing, he or she will take the help of lies. Shortly a day will come when no one will believe him or her as happened in “the boy who cried wolf.”

Lies can temporarily save a relationship, but in the future, it is like a burden that gets heavier day by day. So, speaking truth is always preferable for a strong bond because a lie no matter how small it is cannot be the base of a relationship. It can create serious trust issues. Telling the truth can create temporary bitterness, which can change shortly, but lies create serious trust issues that break the relationship forever.

Spending time keeping an eye on both professional and personal needs is considered a prerequisite. But in today’s time, the inclination is more towards professional work than giving time to one, therefore, I don’t agree with the statement mentioned above.

Firstly, in today’s time, most citizens engage in work-life way more and it then becomes a vital obligation. To explain, even more, studies state how most people are working more than the required time and even after the completion of their working hours due to the availability of internet connectivity on their smartphones and laptops. My work life is a typical example of what is indicated here, I work in an MNC with my working hours marked as 9 to 5 but that goes up to 8 hours of overtime every week. This is not performed out of blissfulness but as accountability towards the company and my family. Though it is not just me every other person works in the same manner. This is when the thought of my parents comes to my mind as they never received a call from their bosses during weekends or worked overtime during their time. All these reasons sum up the present generation’s emphasis more on work-life than on personal life.

Second of all, prominent leisure activities also fall under the sphere of self-improvement. Running, for instance, is a great way to promote one’s health. For instance, I generally spend my free time working out in my local gym which helps me build my stamina and keeps me fit for work. This helps me cooperate with my boss as well as my children. To conclude, it can be stated that hardly any person focuses more on personal enjoyment. Most of people are working throughout the day, and leisure activities are also in sync with self-improvement.

As you continue through life, you are likely to be impacted by both positive and negative experiences. Various types of fears, unfortunately, can have a debilitating effect on one’s ability to live comfortably, which is why it is important to overcome them. Personally, I’ve recently conquered my long-term fear of flying on airplanes through practicing meditation and joining support groups.

In general, living with a fear of flying can be extremely limiting. In my case, the mere thought of boarding an airplane sent chills down my spine. Although I had never flown on an airplane before, vivid memories of plane crashes from films I had seen as a child stuck with me. Consequently, I was forced to forgo numerous family functions and career workshops in different cities throughout my childhood and early adulthood years. For this reason, I realized that it was time to confront my fear of flying once and for all.

First and foremost, I decided to focus on relaxation techniques. In particular, I enrolled in a meditation course to ease my anxieties and clear my mind of apprehension and doubt. Through using specific breathing techniques, I immediately felt calmer and safer. In fact, I currently employ these skills when I fly on airplanes. Thus, they have been an integral component of overcoming my fear.

Next, I attended a support group, facilitated by a counselor, in order to speak to other people with similar fears. Specifically, I listened to peers feeling similar emotions, which made me feel more comfortable when confronting my own anxieties. Additionally, my specific group brought in guests who had triumphed over their fears, which provided me with the necessary courage. Consequently, I am now a guest speaker at the support group and offer assistance to those dealing with similar problems.

All in all, phobias can be an unnecessary burden, and it is important to work towards eliminating them from your life. Through reflective meditation and helpful support groups, I am proud to say that I have prevailed over my fear of flying.

The importance of protecting the environment has become a widely discussed topic in society. In order to conserve the environment’s most precious resources, people have committed to various lifestyle changes, ranging from using more recyclable products to being more conscious of energy use. I strongly believe that eating a vegan diet is the most worthwhile activity when it comes to protecting the environment, since it reduces global warming, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and allows for the expansion of forests.

To begin with, the elements of a plant-based diet require little to no factory use, which can cut back on global warming. By its nature, food production in factories negatively impacts the environment because it releases toxins, such as methane, into the atmosphere. As such, these chemicals negatively impact the environment by contributing to global warming. Through adhering to a vegan diet, however, toxic waste from factories would be reduced, resulting in a decrease of global warming.

Secondly, vegan diets can decrease greenhouse gas emissions because they eliminate the need for livestock rearing. For instance, non-vegan products such as meat, eggs, and milk all involve animal agriculture, releasing an increasing amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Further, feeding grain to animals, killing them for food, and later processing and storing their products results in higher electricity use. Consequently, a minimized demand for animal products can lead to fewer greenhouse gasses.

Finally, in addition to its ability to lessen directly harmful risks to the environment, a vegan diet can free up land used for agriculture. For example, a large amount of forests are cut down in order to grow crops for farm animals and supply land for pasture. However, the prevalence of vegan diets would eliminate the need for animal agriculture use, and allow for more forests and natural landscapes. Therefore, a higher amount of forests would aid in increasing oxygen levels and better air quality.

All in all, choosing to eat a vegan diet is the most beneficial lifestyle choice for the environment. Eliminating animal products from one’s diet would not only cut back on chemicals that negatively affect the environment, but it would also help provide more green space for our environment.

It is said that a new university will be established in our community. Some people think it is beneficial for the community to have a university while others believe that a new university will do more harm than good. As far I am concerned, I support the idea of establishing a university in the community because it can really give us more chance to improve ourselves.

To begin with, there are many advantages to building a new university in our community.  One advantage is that a university provides people with more chances to pursue advanced education. People living near here can go to the university library at their leisure time. They can use various resources of education, such as the book collection, and the computers. Furthermore, they can take some part-time continuing education course to improve their skills at work, or even pursue a higher degree.  Another advantage of establishing a university is that it will bring the community an academic atmosphere. With so many educated people around town, the community will make you feel so peaceful and in harmony.

On the other hand, there are disadvantages to building a new university in our community. One drawback is that a university may occupy the larger amount of land and use a lot of money which can be used for some other purposes: such as a shopping mall which can make people’s life more convenient, or a factory which can employ a lot of people. The benefits that can be brought by those facilities are more obvious and tangible. Another downside of having a new university is that university students may sometimes cause troubles such as drinking, speeding or having wild parties, which could probably destroy the quiet atmosphere of the community.

Overall, building a new university in our community has pros and cons. However, the advantages of having a new university outweigh the disadvantages of building a new university. Therefore, I am in favor of the idea of establishing a new university in our community.

There are many perspectives on whether or not the government should tax certain foods that have led to some fascinating discussions. There are certainly people who feel that the government is entitled to tax unhealthy food, and that this  is the correct course of action. However, I personally feel that the government doesn’t have the right to impose these taxes, for reasons I will explore in the following essay.

To begin with, it’s not fair to tax unhealthy foods, because there are many other activities that are not taxed, and they aren’t healthy either.  Specifically, many people have bad habits and do not pay more for them.  For example, when I was in college, my roommates drank a lot of alcohol. They consumed beer, wine, and vodka every weekend. They only paid the price tag on the alcohol, and didn’t pay an alcohol tax. Furthermore, as we all know, drinking alcohol is bad for your liver. It can lead to long-term problems such as cirrhosis of the liver, which negatively impacts a person’s lifespan. It can also lead to horrific accidents, such as when someone drinks and then drives and may crash their vehicle and hurt others permanently. For this reason, it’s clear to me that it isn’t equitable to tax one harmful substance and not the other.

What’s more, the government often wastes tax money which goes to activities not everyone supports. It’s clear that the government is a very wasteful institution, so we should not give them more of our hard-earned money. For instance, the government takes forty percent of my income every year in state and federal taxes, yet I do not see any benefits from them. For instance, there are many potholes on my street that have not been filled. However, the government pays for a very sophisticated military while some people feel this money should go to health care. In addition, the government spends a lot of money to pay its workers. Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House, has become a wealthy woman from tax money. She even has a refrigerator that costs twenty thousand dollars. These examples have caused me to conclude that not adding any additional taxes is more suitable for most people, even though some may disagree.

In conclusion, I do not agree that additional taxes on food are a good idea.  I feel this way not only because there are other products that are not taxed,  but also the government is extremely wasteful.  I have had enough life experiences with this issue to feel strongly about my opinion, although I understand others may feel just as strongly in the other direction.

The opportunity to help someone improve something is always a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Perhaps that is why it is not uncommon to see individuals giving back to their communities through volunteer work and community events. For me, it would be a meaningful opportunity for me to spend several hours improving my community. I have a deep feeling of concern for the environment but with a small effort in my community alone, I can make an impact. Our natural environment is being destroyed with increased deforestation and other destructive forces to make way for roads and industrial development. Even the climate has changed considerably.  I would love to plant more trees to do my part to save the environment and to contribute to a more beautiful community, and society.

First of all, I consider myself to be a part of the experience of the natural living world and not a superior entity. However, we, humans, are consistently damaging our environment. This is not a new phenomenon, but it has caused an untold destruction of the earth. Furthermore, I want to plant trees to beautify avenues, fill parks, and replace the fallen. I want to stop the felling of trees for the purposes of urbanization and enlarging unnatural human territory. Trees are being cut down daily, and it is destroying entire ecosystems. It is sad that many people do not seem to think twice about such a significant issue.

Finally, I want to plant more trees because they provide oxygen, and cast shade when the city is hot. Most are aware of global warming and I can definitely feel its effects, even in my own community. I have witnessed the weather change considerably over time; summers are hotter than ever and they feel longer and unbearable.

To conclude, I would plant trees in my community as one small means to improve it. I cannot advocate that people hug trees to protect them from the ax or saw but I can contribute, even if in a small way. I would happily commit several hours each month to planting trees to both beautify and restore areas of my community and the environment. I would feel fulfilled and satisfied for doing my small part.

It is an undeniable fact that dances play an important role in every culture. Across the planet, every large civilization or small group of people has come up with dances. These dances have been important because they help to mark important occasions. Additionally, many cultural activities involve going to see dances or seeing something that incorporates dance. Therefore, dancing has been and still is a very important part of human experience across all cultures.

To begin with, everyone from the earliest tribes to ancient civilizations, to modern countries create dances. Some dances are folk or tribal dances for weddings or religious ceremonies. Some dances have been group dances in which all people learn the same moves. While established countries have modern dance clubs, tribes of Africans also have dances, and Indian cultures use dances to mark important occasions. All across the globe and all through time people have gained great joy from dance and used it as a marker of cultural occasions.

Another indicator of dance as important to culture is the very fact that these dances are often used for special ceremonies. It is an integral part of western weddings to have the first dance between couples, followed by ceremonial dancing between father and daughter, and son and mother. Similarly, many cultures have coming of age dances. In Hispanic culture, a girl’s fifteenth birthday is marked with a large dance. Also, countries from America to Thailand have high school proms in which students host a dance to celebrate. Dance events are a crucial part of each culture’s festive holidays both secular and religious.

Alongside these festivities that incorporate dancing, people also attend cultural events in which they simply watch others dance. In European culture ballet used to play an important role in society for showcasing music, acting, and costumes. In many countries, plays and musical shows are accompanied by dancing. People are constantly attending events that include dancing, including the Olympic Ceremonies or the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Dance plays an important role, even in a secondary capacity, at most social gatherings through every culture.

All in all, dances are an obviously important part of the cultural experience. Given that each culture through all of time has invented dances, signifies the utter importance it plays. Also, dancing has been incorporated into important ceremonies and events both personal and religious. Alongside actually dancing, viewing dancing has been important at all social events. Dances help to reflect the various cultural intricacies that distinguish each people of the world as a unique culture.

Each country around the world is known for something specific, ranging from cuisine to history. If I were asked to send a representation of Italy to an international exhibition, I would choose a small replica of Michelangelo’s “David” statue, because it encapsulates the importance of artistic endeavors and perseverance in Italian culture.

To begin with, the “David” statue is a perfect example of Italy’s appreciation of artistic pursuits, which are on display for the international community. As such, citizens and tourists alike can both enjoy Michelangelo’s incredible statue throughout the year, since it has been open to the public for centuries along with other works of art. Instead of housing the sculpture in an area that is off limits, the government of Italy recognizes the importance of art and culture, and encourages visitors to learn about and admire works of art.

Following this idea further, the unique craftsmanship of “David” symbolizes Italian society’s persistence and dedication in difficult circumstances. In particular, the stunning completion of Michelangelo’s statue required more than three years, which is also representative of Italy’s uphill battles, including those faced during World War II and the recent economic crisis in 2008. In short, the statue embodies the tenacity of Italian society when faced with tough situations, and would positively showcase this in the exhibition.

Finally, the famous marble statue exemplifies Italy’s well-established presence throughout history. To illustrate this point, one would only need to visit the numerous museums and galleries located throughout the country, which display the incredible works of art and pieces of history. In fact, Italy is home to various UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including historical and architectural wonders dating back centuries. Thus, the fact that “David” was created in the 1500s and still exists today is a strong part of Italy’s history.

To sum up, I would definitely bring a miniature version of Michelangelo’s “David” statue in order to best represent my country in an international exhibition. This symbol demonstrates Italy’s strong artistic spirit and persistent nature, along with its rich history.

Sample Essay 2

A single item that would represent my country well at an international exhibition would be an iPhone. The telephone demonstrates the spirit of the United States in many ways. Similarly, a modern smartphone reflects many aspects of my countries current culture. Finally, this technology helps to demonstrate the global influence my country has had and continues to have. Overall, the telephone has great potential for demonstrating many qualities of my countries past and future culture and history.

Initially, the telephone is a good representative for showcasing many aspects of our cultural traits and history. Alexander Graham Bell, an American, invented the telephone. As such this shows the inventive spirit of America, where many of the worlds modern technologies got their start including also the automobile and the computer. American’s pride themselves on being creative and freethinking. The telephone demonstrates those characteristics by being an early American invention and one that encourages free dialogue amongst users. Thus the telephone would be a single item that shows the character of America.

With more modern importance, an iPhone would demonstrate our modern cultural adaptation and reliance on this machinery. Many industries have adapted to meet the expectations that they provide services or information that can be gained through the phone. Therefore modern banking, purchasing, directions, email, and games can all be conducted on a smartphone. Most people rely on their telephone for keeping them informed and at pace with the modern world. A smartphone demonstrates our current cultural dependence upon technology.

A final reason for an iPhone being the perfect exhibition piece is its ability to reflect the United States’ role as a global leader. Having been invented in the United States, and now a worldwide tool with many companies following in its path, this small item demonstrates how for a century or more our culture has been a model of world development. The United States has been a global powerhouse for the last century, leading technology in cars, computers, agriculture, space exploration, and telephones. The creation of an expansive use of this American creation continues to demonstrate our role as a global influence.

Therefore, given only a single item to represent my country at an international exhibition, I would choose an iPhone. It’s ability to demonstrate our history as inventors and freethinkers that reminds people of our glorious past. Its modern form that shows our cultural adaptation and current dependence on technology. Overall it shows the role of America as a global powerhouse and cultural determiner. An iPhone would be able to demonstrate so much about my countries past and present culture and ideals.

People nowadays tend to move to another country in search of better employment opportunities as well as for a better standard of living. With moving to another country comes the decision of whether to adapt to the lifestyle and culture of that country. Some people prefer to keep their own old customs because they are part of their identities. However, I prefer to make changes to adapt the new lifestyle and culture of a new country.

First of all,  I will learn the new language. Daily life will be very difficult without it. I will need the language to find things in stores, to understand TV programs, to go to school, and for many other things. I don’t have to stop speaking your own language, though. I can continue to speak it with family and friends. You need your language to maintain your connection with your own country and origins.

In addition, I will learn to eat the food in a new country. It will make my life easier. Stores and restaurants that sell my country’s food won’t be readily available. Eating the new country’s food also help me get to know more about the country and the people. If I shop and eat only in places that sell my country’s food, I will get to know only people from my country.

Finally, I will learn the new country’s work habits. If the custom is to be friendly with clients, invite them to restaurants, and so on, then I must do that. If the custom in the country is to arrive at work on time, I will do it. I will not be successful in my job if I refuse to adapt to the work habits in the new country. On a side note, I might keep some useful work habits from my own culture. For example, I might have more efficient methods of organizing work and share my ideas with my coworkers. They might appreciate it.

To sum up, there is nothing wrong with keeping old customs in a new country. However, to be successful in the new country, I have to adapt to its customs. That means learning the new language, new food, and new work habits.

The best possible ways to deal with the stresses of life are to do something that completely removes you from thinking about day-to-day life, since that’s typically what causes stress. One way to do this is by watching T.V. since it requires absolutely nothing from the viewer. A second way to completely turn the brain away from stress is to read a book. A final foolproof method for curbing stress is to do something artistic. All of these activities remove a person from thinking about their stressful situations.

An initial recommendation for alleviating stress is to simply turn on the television. Many shows or movies remove people from their actual life and let them see the joys and sorrows of another life. This helps people forget about their own life’s problems and stresses. Television also requires no effort, either physical or mental, so it is incredibly relaxing. This is also an activity that many people do with family and friends, who are good at distracting people from their problems. Television is a great way to reduce stress.

Along similar lines, reading a book is sure to limit stressful thinking. Books require no physical exertion and so allow a person to relax and calm down. Just as movies and television shows, books transport a person to another place and at times time. Fixating on another situation, whether fictional or not, allows a person to think outside of their own existence. When this happens they forget about their own problems for a few minutes and can stop stressing. A book is a form of reality escape that reduces stress.

One final way a person can reduce their stress is through doing anything artistic. The mental requirements of art are generally limited to being single-minded. When drawing pictures a person thinks only about the lines they’re drawing, and doesn’t turn towards contemplating life. Similarly, a person playing an instrument must focus all their attention towards their playing and cannot slip into aimless stressful thinking. Even more physical pursuits like dancing require so much singular thinking that they limit stressful thoughts. Art can be an amazing stress release by occupying all thinking.

Whether approaching stress through mindless efforts or through utter distraction, these three activities are guaranteed to alleviate stress. Watching television shuts the brain off and allows a person to occupy another life. Similarly, reading a book transports a person to another life where they can forget about their own problems. Finally, artistic pursuits encourage strong mental focus that doesn’t allow for stressful wandering of the mind. For these reasons, these three activities are guaranteed to help lighten stress and encourage relaxation.

Today, to travel a place 40 miles away from my place there are various modes of transport among which I could choose. The different modes of transport available would be a car, public transportation, and my bike.

To begin with, taking a private car is the most expensive, especially since I don’t own a car and I must borrow one from my parents. My parents also want me to pay for my own gas, which is a lot, and I must also pay for parking the car when I get to my destination. A car is the most dependable way to go if l need to get there fast. When convenience is your goal, you should pick a car.

Additionally, public transportation is another alternative that is inexpensive. The cost is minimal and shared by everyone on the bus or train. In addition, using public transportation is good for the Earth. By sharing resources, we waste less fuel. The less fuel is wasted, the fewer greenhouse gases are emitted.

At last, my bike is a less expensive alternative. The only cost is my manual labor to pedal from my home to a place 40 miles away. This method, however, is extremely time-consuming. I imagine it would take me all day. Biking is excellent exercise. If my only goal is to burn calories and strengthen my muscles, I should go by bike.

In conclusion, taking a private car, public transportation, and my bike all have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. However, I prefer the convenience of the car over the exercise of a bike and the benefits of public transportation. Therefore, I would choose to take a private car to travel to a place 40 miles away from my place.

Nowadays people have so many things to do that they almost always do not have enough time for it. When we go to bed we carefully think and plan our next day and it continues day in and day out. We wake up, recollect our checklist with things to do, and in a few minutes, we are already in a car on our way to the office. Often people do not have time for themselves. So, when people have some spare time they want to use it wisely. Some people prefer to plan activities for their free time very carefully. However, others prefer not to make any plans. In this essay, I will analyze both cases and present my view in favor of planning free-time activities.

On the one side, not making any plans and just letting the time pass by for some time have some benefits. First of all, a person can just relax, enjoy the beautiful moments, spend his or her time with loved ones, watch a movie, listen to relaxing music, observe the flowers in bloom from the window, contemplate about his or her life and just slow down the pace of life. I think it is a very good way to eliminate one’s stress and tension and just leave all troubles and worries behind.

On the other side, careful planning can bring many benefits too. First of all, one can travel. However, traveling requires some planning to be made. For example, one most likely will need a hotel room. So, the reservation should be made beforehand. Also, it is wise to check one’s car to avoid breakdowns and have an uninterrupted worry-free trip. Second of all, planning one’s activities allows spending one’s free time the way he/she likes. For instance, if I want to play tennis on the incoming weekend I will certainly make a reservation for a court because in this case I will not be disappointed with the waste of my time. Personally, I prefer to make plans for my free time because it allows me to spend my vacation or weekends the way I want it.

To sum up, I think careful planning allows people to derive maximum benefits from their free time. However, I must confess sometimes I allow myself just to stay at home with my friends and family and not make any plans.

Regardless of size, most dwellings consist of the same basic spaces. All rooms in a house are important, but some are more important than others. In fact, some houses don’t even have a dining room or a living room. This is likely because these rooms aren’t actually necessary. Arguably the most important room in a house is the bathroom because everyone uses it. It is the only space in which you can have complete privacy, and it’s a great place to relax.

First of all, the bathroom is the only place where you are able to enjoy some true private time. You can get some privacy in your bedroom, but your parents might go in your room while you are out, thus privacy is not guaranteed there. People often spend time together in the kitchen, so although it’s a nice space, there is no privacy there either.

Secondly, everyone uses the bathroom in a house; whether it’s the inhabitants of the house, neighbors who only have one bathroom, or even visitors from out of town, everyone uses the bathroom. The bathroom involves some dirty deeds, thus it is normally kept very clean, which is important.

Finally, it is a place to relax in complete privacy. For, in which other room of a house can you take a relaxing bath? The bathroom allows for you to not only clean yourself but it is the only room in which you can take a long relaxing bath or hot shower. For those of us not lucky enough to have a hot tub in our backyard, being able to take a nice, warm bubble bath is a close second.

Ultimately, each room in the house has its own purpose and significance, but the bathroom is surely the most important. For, in no other room of a house can a person take a relaxing, bubble bath in complete privacy. As well, it is a room that everyone uses out of necessity. It is an essential space that every dwelling requires.

For many, growing up and moving out of the family house is an exciting, yet scary, time. Some choose to live with roommates while others opt to live alone. Regardless, there are essentially two types of dwellings to choose from: a house or an apartment. If I could choose whether to live in an apartment or a traditional house, I would choose the latter. Certainly, there are many benefits to both, but I feel that there are more advantages to living in a house; there is nobody living above you, you have a yard, and overall it’s less stressful.

To begin, I have experience living in an apartment in a large building and my least favorite part of it was having someone living above me. When you live below someone in an apartment you can hear their footsteps, their music, and their chatter. For someone who worked odd hours, I found it very difficult to stay asleep once my upstairs neighbors woke up, mainly due to the noise.

Additionally, when living in an apartment there’s usually no option to have your own yard. As a lover of plants, it is important to me to have a yard in which to garden and grow plants and flowers. As well, I have always had a dog, and it is essential that my dog can go outside easily and freely, as dogs should not be cooped up indoors. A shared yard is sometimes a possibility when living in an apartment, but it is likely that the neighbors won’t appreciate sharing it with a dog.

Lastly, the stress of living in an apartment can be overwhelming. For, you are constantly worried about noise, appeasing neighbors, and hoping that you don’t do anything to upset the neighbors or landlord. Living in a traditional house provides a lot more freedom, which reduces the level of stress. And while there might be more involved in maintaining a house and its cleanliness, overall there are much fewer causes for worry.

All things considered, I would much prefer to live in a traditional house as opposed to an apartment if given the option. However, many people, unfortunately, don’t have the luxury of choosing where they live – they have to go with what they can afford. But, if given the freedom to choose, I would be happier and healthier living in a traditional house rather than in an apartment.

For many, growing up and moving out of the family house is an exciting, yet scary, time. Some choose to live with roommates while others opt to live alone. Regardless, there are essentially two types of dwellings to choose from: a house or an apartment. If I could choose whether to live in an apartment or a traditional house, I would choose the latter. Certainly, there are many benefits to both, but I feel that there are more advantages to living in a house; there is nobody living above you, you have a yard, and overall it’s less stressful.

To begin, I have experience living in an apartment in a large building and my least favorite part of it was having someone living above me. When you live below someone in an apartment you can hear their footsteps, their music, and their chatter. For someone who worked odd hours, I found it very difficult to stay asleep once my upstairs neighbors woke up, mainly due to the noise.

Additionally, when living in an apartment there’s usually no option to have your own yard. As a lover of plants, it is important to me to have a yard in which to garden and grow plants and flowers. As well, I have always had a dog, and it is essential that my dog can go outside easily and freely, as dogs should not be cooped up indoors. A shared yard is sometimes a possibility when living in an apartment, but it is likely that the neighbors won’t appreciate sharing it with a dog.

Lastly, the stress of living in an apartment can be overwhelming. For, you are constantly worried about noise, appeasing neighbors, and hoping that you don’t do anything to upset the neighbors or landlord. Living in a traditional house provides a lot more freedom, which reduces the level of stress. And while there might be more involved in maintaining a house and its cleanliness, overall there are much fewer causes for worry.

All things considered, I would much prefer to live in a traditional house as opposed to an apartment if given the option. However, many people, unfortunately, don’t have the luxury of choosing where they live – they have to go with what they can afford. But, if given the freedom to choose, I would be happier and healthier living in a traditional house rather than in an apartment.

The common expression, “Health is wealth” is very much true, in my opinion. Indeed, there is no better form of wealth than good health. After all, if a rich person is not healthy, their financial wealth very well may go to waste. However, one must make a consistent effort to remain healthy.People do many different things to remain healthy. Some maintain a healthy diet, others prioritize exercise, some take vitamins, and others do it all. In my view, I think it is best to be well-rounded and not focus only on one aspect. People must have a healthy diet, do regular exercise, and maintain an overall sense of awareness about health.

First, a healthy diet is very important for one’s health. People must be aware of the food they consume and have a balanced diet. For instance, Americans are currently facing an obesity epidemic. This is mostly due to their unhealthy diet and their mass consumption of fast food. Obesity leads to many other health problems like heart attacks, high blood pressure, and cholesterol problems. Obese people tend to work less and with less efficiency. While I sometimes eat food for its taste alone, I usually stick to my balanced diet which contains fruit, vegetables, and juices. I try not to eat highly oily or sugary food. Maintaining my healthy diet helps me stay healthy and in great shape.

Second, exercise is necessary. People tend to make lots of excuses to avoid doing exercise or anything physical. Some have time constraints, some have physical problems, and some don’t have enough space. But, I think these all are excuses; one can always find a little time to commit to being healthy. Most people are very busy these days but taking A few minutes out of one’s busy schedule each day can make a huge difference. I prefer Yoga, as it not only involves physical exercise but also mental relaxation. I love the meditation aspect and it helps me concentrate better on my work, as well as acts as a stress reliever.

Finally, having an overall awareness of health is a factor in why people are living longer. The lifespan of humans has increased over time. This is because people are now more aware of how to have a healthy lifestyle. More and more people are engaging in regular medical checkups, clean eating, health supplements. These days, people read the ingredients and nutritional facts of the food products they ingest. Personally, I select food according to my nutritional needs. I also schedule regular appointments with my physician once every six months. I also go to the dentist once every three months.

Overall, I want to remain healthy and for that, I will do whatever it takes. I also urge other people to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy food, exercising regularly, and visiting the doctor as recommended. It is not possible to have a healthy lifestyle when focusing on one of these aspects alone. One must commit to an overall balanced, healthy lifestyle by practicing all of these aspects of good health. I truly believe that prevention is better than a cure.

I passionately disagree with the notion that teachers should be paid based upon student achievement. Due to the various backgrounds of students, it is hard to justify a single approach to determining learning. Along similar lines, there is no accurate way to determine the level of student growth. Therefore, teachers must teach to student ability rather than expected knowledge of a grade level. These multifaceted factors make it nearly impossible to justify basing teacher salaries on student performance.

First of all, by no means should a teacher be held accountable for the limitations of a student’s background that impacts their knowledge. To accurately analyze student learning, schools and governments need to look at student backgrounds. Some kids come from very academically minded families where they are taught many things at home and encouraged to do well. Other students come from backgrounds that don’t value education or value the role of schools. To effectively teach students, their backgrounds need to be taken into consideration, and a single way of testing learning doesn’t account for the stimuli outside of teacher’s sphere of influence.

Secondly, considering the varied backgrounds of students, it is often impossible to determine an accurate level for a student’s growth. Each student comes in with different strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, a student can grow a lot in a single year with a great teacher but still be behind their classmates without their growth being acknowledged. Likewise, a student who begins the year advanced can grow little and still acquire test scores that are above average. While one student grows a lot and another only a little, a standardized test score only highlights the end level of knowledge and not actual growth. Therefore, a student’s end of year scores are not an accurate reflection of the knowledge acquired and should not influence teacher pay.

Given these last two points, a good teacher would teach each student at whatever ability level they come into the classroom. Unfortunately, standardized tests are given at whatever level the state thinks a student should be. If a teacher were to teach the test content it wouldn’t be at an appropriate level for some students. Those students would do poorly on the test, but it may not be an accurate reflection of the work they and their teacher have done during the year. Therefore, teachers should be allowed to teach to student ability rather than expected level to influence real learning instead of perceived learning.

In conclusion, there is no real justification for basing teacher salaries on student performance alone. No two students come from the same background experience and so we cannot reasonably expect their learning to be the same. Likewise, a single test cannot account for the beginning and ending levels of growth for each student. In the end teachers should be allowed to teach to ability rather than tests, and be paid based upon their own effort rather than on contingent student effort.

I agree with the statement that schools should ask students to evaluate their teachers. It is often believed that teachers are always right and it is not right on the part of students to judge and evaluating their teachers. However, I believe that evaluating teachers is good and has its own benefits.

Firstly, the feedback from the students would encourage and boost the confidence in teachers more and more. Also, the teachers would experience a sense of satisfaction regarding their teaching. Whether the feedback of students is positive or negative, it would help the teachers as the teachers would be boosted to work more on their performance. The teachers would also be motivated to try a new method of teaching the students and innovate and restructure his/her teaching method so that students are more interested in the subject which the teacher teaches.

Secondly, feedback of students would also bring changes with respect to the work carried out by the teachers. The teachers can work and practice upon how to manage the classroom and based on the feedback can take essential decisions. Also, the discipline of students will be easier to manage and their behavior problems can be solved. With the feedback of the students, teachers would be able to identify the problem areas which the students are facing and can thus emphasize on improving the student’s scores too.

To sum up, I think that the evaluation of teachers by their students will bring many benefits and allow students as well as teachers to gain more knowledge and experience.

In our rapidly changing world, people begin to understand more and more that nothing is so valuable but knowledge. Education has become an important part of people’s life. Therefore, some people think that children should begin their formal schooling at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school studies. Others believe that young children should spend most of their time playing. As far as I am concerned, these two views should be balanced so as not to go to the extremes.

First of all, if children start early on their studies,  it can be harmful to their physical development and personality.  I have seen many consequences of beginning education too early. Children are deprived of the enjoyment of their childhood years and their intrinsic desire to play. Some children cannot concentrate on their study and keep playing at school. What is more, the children who are not allowed to play and are forced to study can begin to detest the education process and the teachers.  When facing the question of early education it is also important to note that children who begin to study at an early age are often overloaded by studying material and homework, which they are not ready to cope with. Besides,  some parents neglect their children and do not pay enough attention to the children’s problems at school thinking that they are still young.

On the other hand,  if children just play without studying at all, they are not well prepared for their school life at all. They have no idea what he is going to do at school. In addition, research shows that early education can benefit children’s brain development and prepare them better for the futures school education. The most important time for early education could be missed if parents do not send their children to school at an appropriate age.

In conclusion, I would like to point out that that early education and play should be well balanced so that their enjoyment of childhood that is once in a lifetime would not be deprived. It is quite important for governments to design and implement an appropriate primary education system so that young children can have chances to both learn and play at school.

Young adults may be influenced by many aspects in forming their characters and outlooks on the world. Some people believe that family is the most important influence on young adults. Others think that friends influence young adults more as they have much more in common and may share their innermost secrets that they never let their parents know. In my view, the family has more influence than friends on young adults.

To begin with, it is generally accepted that parents are the first teachers in the growing process of their children. Parents teach their children how to utter the first word in their life, help them to step out their first place, witness their first love and give important suggestions when children need them.

Additionally, parents give teenagers financial supporting. Young adults can’t earn money to support them by themselves and all money they need is from family. As a result, family influence a lot on which life they can experience.

Finally, children follow their parents’ examples and even adore them when they are growing from little children to young adults. They are usually ready to turn to their parents who have more life experience than them for advice when they are faced with important decisions.

To sum up, it is true that friends may exert great influence on young adults since young people are easier to make friends with each other and communicate without bothering about the so-called generation gap. However, parents are the teacher and role model for young adults during childhood and adolescence. Thus, I think the family has more influence than friends on young adults.

History and literature are important for many reasons. History teaches us about our past so we understand how things came to be, and literature teaches us how to become better writers, which helps us in all parts of our lives. However, I believe science and mathematics hold a greater purpose in life. Science and math teach us many skills used in many careers, help us understand the world around us, and lead to greater inventions that help the world become a better place.

First of all, science and math are two subjects that teach logical reasoning, the organization of ideas, and how to analyze things. The subjects may be challenging but they are necessary to know. There are so many different types of science and math but even knowing just the basic ones can broaden our understanding of life and be useful every day. Basic math is used for keeping a checkbook, while more advanced mathematics help scientists measure things like gravity.

In addition, whereas history and literature are only used in certain careers, it is almost impossible to see a career that doesn’t involve some kind of math or science. Even a cashier has to use math. So much of today’s technology is thanks to science and mathematics. Architects use math and science to engineer and design complex buildings. Everything around us can be explained with either math or science.

Moreover, while history explains what people have done in the past, science goes even further. History speaks of people who used science and math to find out about the world’s greatest discoveries. It is science and mathematics that brought many inventions and discoveries such as assembly lines, mending machines, and electric appliances. These inventions have freed the most of the people from manual labors once and for all. Furthermore, with the advancement of technology, our world has become a better place to live. Modern systems for communication have improved our ability to keep in touch and also to share ideas. New transportation has made the world smaller and allowed for greater cultural diffusion. Most importantly, scientific advances in the medical field have helped us cure more diseases, and live healthier lives.

In conclusion, every subject has its own importance in our lives, but I have to disagree that history and literature are more important than math and science. Science and math are literally everywhere we look, even in nature. We must understand them to understand our surroundings and have better knowledge so we are more successful in our careers. After all, math and science are just as important as knowing how to read and write.

People take different views on whether or not art and music should be compulsory subjects in high schools. Some people think that art and music contribute nothing to developing skills required for the career. However, I believe that all students should be required to take arts and music courses during their secondary school years for two reasons.

First of all, studying arts and music in high school allow students to take a break between those mentally demanding courses such as math and physics. These arts and music course can even help students improve their results in math and physics, because a good relaxation can help students concentrate later on. Moreover, students can develop their interpersonal skills when participating in extra co-curricular activities such as instrument, vocal and painting groups. The sense of honor will encourage them to improve their results on science courses.

Additionally, art and music can relax our body and soul. For example, by listening to classical music that is played by traditional instruments, students can gain knowledge about the history of the music, cultivate their spirits, and broaden their horizon. In secondary schools, students are like wet mud; they can be molded into the shapes one likes. Art and music are activities that bring out a softer, mature and a complete person. Therefore, it is the school’s responsibility to provide art and music education and impart art and music knowledge to students.

In conclusion, art and music are an integral part of our life and they help students do better on other academic subjects. As the secondary school prepares students to enter into college and adult life, the education of art and music is necessary for secondary school.

It is common knowledge that even a little exercise, albeit regularly, can go a long way in staying healthy, as well as having a variety of other benefits for the body. Surely physical exercise should be a required part of every school day for all students. The rest of the school day can be devoted to academic studies, but there are so many reasons that daily exercise should be mandatory in schools. Dedicating a small portion of the school day to exercise is a simple means of preventing future health risks. In the age of fast-food and convenience, encouraging physical activity and daily exercise, particularly among today’s youth, is essential.

To begin with, it has been proven that students have better concentration if they exercise regularly. A healthy body fuels a healthy mind. Students need a break from constant mental stimulation and exercise can provide it in the best way. The common saying, “All work and no play make John a dull boy”, holds water here as play and physical activities contribute to a balanced body which also allows contributes to a balanced mind. Taking a mental break to do some physical education ensures the mind stays clear and improves overall focus.

Another important reason that daily physical exercise should be part of all school curriculums is its long-term benefits. Researchers have shown that a daily dose of exercise can greatly reduce the risk of contracting many diseases, especially heart disease. As well, regular physical exercise is one critical way of reducing the rising level of obesity in students. Implementing daily exercise into students’ lives is an effective way to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent future health risks.

To sum up, for maintaining good health one must prioritize daily physical exercise. So why not encourage an active lifestyle at a young age by making it mandatory in schools? An entire day of academic studies can make life dull for students and exercise acts as a pleasant and necessary escape to keep students feeling fresh and focused.

These days, many young children spend a lot of their time playing and practicing sports. Most parents are quite happy about this because sports are good for their kids’ health and teamwork development, however, some are worried about the negative aspects. For, some kids spend so much time practicing that it detracts from their focus on schoolwork and limits interest in and time spent on other activities. In my opinion, everything has pros and cons; the important thing is finding the proper balance.

On the one hand, practicing sports can help children’s physical development, as exercise helps them grow faster and stronger and stay healthy. As we know, during children’s key development periods, particularly from 10 to 16 years old, sports are especially beneficial for their mental and physical well-being. Being active and playing sports contributes to a strong body and reduces the possibility of contracting some diseases. Certainly, children benefit from sports in these ways and many others. Another advantage is that sports teach children and adults alike how to cooperate as part of a team. Most sports involve a great deal of teamwork, requiring cooperation and mutual understanding; these are not easy skills to master. Thus, in order to do well and achieve a common goal, we must practice teamwork skills and how to work together. For parents, it is surely enjoyable and rewarding to see their children gaining such skills through sports and physical activity.

On the other hand, practicing sports can sometimes occupy too much of a child’s spare time, leaving less time to concentrate on schoolwork. As a student, one’s major task is to study hard and to learn, which requires much of the student’s time. If children devote themselves to practicing sports, it significantly decreases the time that they have to concentrate on schoolwork. This consequence of practicing sports too much might influence their future negatively. Besides sports, there are still many other kinds of activities that are beneficial to children’s development, such as drawing and collecting things. If a child is solely focused on sports, it is inevitable that she/he will have less opportunity to explore other activities and possibly even lose out on some happiness involved in engaging in different experiences.

In conclusion, while we should encourage our children to participate in sports, we must also remind them not to be too engaged because they should also prioritize academics during their school time. As well, parents should promote the exploration of other activities to expand their children’s horizons. Moderation and balance are keys to development and success, and parents should ensure that their children understand this.

Essay 2

These days, it is not uncommon for adolescents to devote a great deal of their free time practicing various types of athletics, including both individual and team sports. In fact, these activities can range from participation in intramural groups to competitive sports associations. Although this can be helpful when encouraging children to develop healthy habits, including maintaining an active lifestyle through practicing sports, it can also take time away from other important facets of life, such as devoting adequate time to academic success.

To begin with, playing sports throughout adolescence can help children appreciate the benefits of upholding an active lifestyle. As such, giving youths the opportunity to devote time to practicing sports instills a sense of responsibility for one’s physical condition and health. For example, if children are able to recognize the importance of maintaining proper physical fitness in their formative years, they will be more apt to prioritize their health in the future, resulting in healthy generations in the long run. Thus, practicing sports is not only an excellent way to establish healthy habits in adolescents, but it also teaches the importance of caring for one’s physical condition.

On the other hand, prioritizing time for sports could negatively promote an unbalanced view of one’s responsibilities. When more emphasis is placed on keeping up with athletic pursuits, it is likely that less time will be put aside for academic success. For instance, if children are required to practice their respective sports outside of the classroom, they may not have enough time nor energy to spare when it comes to completing homework or studying for exams. Therefore, scheduling more time for sports practices could ultimately lead to negative results in scholastic pursuits.

To sum up, while young children can recognize the importance of good physical health through practicing sports, it can also negatively affect positive results when it comes to academics.

It is commonly said that life is short so we should enjoy it while we can. But, it seems that people tend to forget how to do this with age. Certainly, children are the best at living in the moment and enjoying life to the fullest. One’s childhood is not only special for this reason, but it is a critical period in which the brain develops rapidly and forms beliefs and values. Surely a person’s childhood years are indeed the most important years of his life for these reasons.

To begin with, the initial years of childhood are when a person learns a lot about himself, his family, society and the world in general. A child’s mind is extremely impressionable and he adopts values and learns behaviors that he observes around him. In fact, it is said that between the age of 0 and 7, children have the largest mental capacity to learn than at any other point in life. Thus, the role of his family and school is of utmost importance at this critical time.

Secondly, it has been shown that children who are given the love and support of their parents and teachers during their childhood turn out to be mature and emotionally-balanced teenagers and adults, for the most part. On the other hand, if we consider the childhood of criminals and individuals with antisocial characteristics, we find that most of them have been through some form of trauma as a child. They were most likely deprived of proper care, education, and love. Delinquents quite often also have a history of childhood abuse. Clearly, one’s childhood is the most crucial time in one’s entire life.

Lastly, children are always inquisitive and willing to learn. When they are given a stimulating environment in which they can develop their talents and learn to enjoy their work, they become good citizens who are an asset to the nation. Family is the most important institution in a child’s formative years because parents are the biggest role models to their children. Kids develop their ethics, moral values and temperament in tune with what they see in their parents and elder siblings. The type of personality and attitude that a child develops is difficult to change, thus it’s important to ensure good influences surround them at this important time.

In conclusion, children begin with a blank slate and are taught behaviors, values, ethics, morals, beliefs and more during their childhood. I firmly believe that childhood is a vital part of a person’s life that plays an important role in shaping his future. There is ample proof that children absorb information and learn behaviors that they observe, making it an essential point in one’s life.

Whether students should wear school uniforms or not is a hotly-debated topic. When asked about what students ought to wear to school – uniforms or not, some people hold the opinion that wearing matching uniforms is clearly better than the alternative for many reasons. Others, of course, strongly disagree that students should conform to such a dress code. From encouraging unity and focus to promoting safety, I believe that the advantages of wearing uniforms outweigh those of not wearing uniforms.

The first and foremost advantage is that wearing school uniforms allows the students to concentrate more on their studies. This is because students have one less insignificant decision to consider every day. For example, students that go to a school that requires them to wear uniforms surely have less trouble picking clothes to wear every morning. As well, when all students are wearing the same thing, they feel more united and do not pay attention to the clothes that others wear; this means that they can be more focused on their schoolwork.

Additionally, I advocate for the policy of mandatory matching uniforms because the uniforms are specially designed for the students. I believe this policy suits students much better and eliminates unnecessary choices. Surely, some students do not know what is good for them and might choose some clothes that do not suit them or even do harm to them. In these ways, uniforms are safer for the students.

In conclusion, allowing students to choose what to wear to school also has some advantages including that it enables children to develop decision-making skills and individuality. However, considering all factors, it is clear that the advantages of wearing uniforms carry more weight than the alternative. Therefore, based on the reasons mentioned above, we may safely conclude that wearing matching uniforms to school is better than a policy that does not require students to wear uniforms.

There are a lot of debates among parents, educators, and students regarding the issue of whether or not to allow students to study the courses that students want to study. It seems to be reasonable to many people that allowing students to choose the course they want can inspire their learning interest and help them find their talents in certain subjects and pursue further development. But if we do a deeper examination of the question, it is not difficult to make the judgment that students should have a set, mandatory curriculum. To ensure the students have a comprehensive knowledge of basic subjects is the main objective of high school education, therefore I disagree with the idea of allowing students to choose courses that they want to study.

To begin, most of us know that the main purpose of school is to provide a systematic education to all students. In order to have students be educated in all required areas, the curriculums must be properly researched and predefined by professional education institutions. If we let students select their courses, we would not be able to guarantee that all necessary subjects would be covered in the regular class time. Moreover, both parents and educators believe that high school education shall provide each student a fundamental knowledge base that is essential to their future development in society. It is the school’s responsibility to enforce the rule and make sure that all the necessary information is taught to all students.

On the other hand, we ought to consider introducing some optional courses to high school curriculums so that the students could choose some of their courses within the limitation of a broad syllabus. For example, for art classes, the school could offer music and painting courses and each student could choose either one of them according to his or her personal interest. But this is not to say that the students should have the freedom to choose any and all of their courses.

In conclusion, high school education is a standardized process with a defined curriculum in which major courses are predefined. Allowing students to choose a limited number of their courses from a set of courses that fulfill educational requirements is one thing, but to allow students to choose all their courses is unjustifiable. For, it is the duty of teachers, educators, and parents to ensure that students are educated in all necessary fields and that they build a common foundation for their development beyond high school.

Whether students should wear school uniforms or not is a hotly-debated topic. When asked about what students ought to wear to school – uniforms or not, some people hold the opinion that wearing matching uniforms is clearly better than the alternative for many reasons. Others, of course, strongly disagree that students should conform to such a dress code. From encouraging unity and focus to promoting safety, I believe that the advantages of wearing uniforms outweigh those of not wearing uniforms.

The first and foremost advantage is that wearing school uniforms allows the students to concentrate more on their studies. This is because students have one less insignificant decision to consider every day. For example, students that go to a school that requires them to wear uniforms surely have less trouble picking clothes to wear every morning. As well, when all students are wearing the same thing, they feel more united and do not pay attention to the clothes that others wear; this means that they can be more focused on their schoolwork.

Additionally, I advocate for the policy of mandatory matching uniforms because the uniforms are specially designed for the students. I believe this policy suits students much better and eliminates unnecessary choices. Surely, some students do not know what is good for them and might choose some clothes that do not suit them or even do harm to them. In these ways, uniforms are safer for the students.

In conclusion, allowing students to choose what to wear to school also has some advantages including that it enables children to develop decision-making skills and individuality. However, considering all factors, it is clear that the advantages of wearing uniforms carry more weight than the alternative. Therefore, based on the reasons mentioned above, we may safely conclude that wearing matching uniforms to school is better than a policy that does not require students to wear uniforms.

Whether it’s one long vacation each year or several short breaks throughout the school year, schools must provide vacations for their students. Some believe that all schools should offer the former, while others believe that schools should do the latter. Myself, I agree with those that believe that students should be given multiple breaks throughout the year, as opposed to a longer vacation during the summer. Three main reasons for my argument in favor of shorter breaks are: knowledge retention is better, students do not get overworked and stressed, and students would spend fewer days away from school.

First of all, when students are away from school for a long period of time because their institution requires one long vacation, they tend to forget what they have learned. There is an expression that is especially relevant here: “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” This is precisely what happens when students take an extended break from their studies. A long break inevitably leads to longer periods of time between learning and, as a result, retention of essential knowledge is hindered.

Secondly, students who attend school for months at a time tend to get bored more quickly. There is also a strong probability that students will be overworked and, thus, feel stressed and demotivated. Inevitably, some material will be repeated, leading to boredom and an overall lack of focus. If students were allowed to have regular breaks from learning, positive results would occur; students would have time to relax, regroup, and then reconnect with their studies upon their return to school. Surely, students would retain more knowledge and be able to pick up where they left off more easily.

Finally, schools that offered short breaks throughout the year would almost undoubtedly see fewer days of student absenteeism. For, parents plan their vacations around their own work schedule and are often not able to consider their children’s school calendar. Thus, high and sporadic levels of absenteeism occur. However, if parents were able to accommodate both schedules, students would miss fewer school days and parents would be able to spend more time with their children.

Ultimately, I believe that shorter breaks are better for students than a single, long summer vacation. While there are certainly some cons associated with this approach, the benefits greatly outweigh them and the few advantages of having one long break. As outlined above, students, parents, and the school would benefit considerably and a better quality of education would result.

While it is not recommended to spoil children with all kinds of fancy, expensive gifts, the act of gift-giving can have a great impact on a person’s special day and even their life. However, some gifts are more valuable or useful than others. That is, children can benefit developmentally from receiving particular types of gifts as certain gifts encourage learning while others do not. In order to aid in a child’s development, I feel as though parents should raise their children with pets – more so dogs than any other pet. For, giving a child a dog teaches them responsibility, love, and companionship.

First, children can learn responsibility when they help take care of a dog. Surely, it is unwise to give a dog to a child without the permission of the parents, but if they understand its contribution to the development of their child, it should easily be granted. Of course, parents should set clear expectations for the child as to what s/he must do for the dog and establish a structured routine. The child will not only enjoy feeling mature and responsible, s/he will also learn discipline.

Second, children learn about love and compassion when given their first pet. Most kids do already know what love is to a certain extent, as they feel it from their family and they witness it between others. However, the love that is given to and received from a dog is different; it gives new depths to the term, especially for young children. Through such a strong, loving bond, children also learn about compassion for other beings.

Third, companionship might be the greatest reason that parents should give their children a pet, especially a dog. Dogs are pack animals and once a dog recognizes that the child is part of its pack, per se, they become a team, and the dog will follow that child wherever he goes. They say a dog is the most loyal companion, and that kind of friendship is significant to any child. Companionship is good because it allows children to play and love something that is real – living and breathing – as opposed to a cheap toy or teddy bear.

Ultimately, there are too many benefits of giving a child a dog to list here. There are hardly any negative aspects. Kids love dogs and dogs love kids; and the love, responsibility, and compassion that the child will learn from having such a companion will lead to unprecedented personal growth and development of the child.

Childhood is a carefree time. A child usually has no worries, no responsibilities, and is generally happy. There is a time when children slowly learn to be responsible and eventually start to have worries. Eventually, they cross the line into adulthood. A person goes through many milestones as they change from child to adult, and the main experiences are going to college, getting a job, and getting married.

The first experience that helps shape children into adults is going to college. In college, a person grows as an individual and learns responsibility, gains independence, and learns some discipline. College students also learn how to contribute to society by learning more about the career path they wish to take. During this time they mature and develop skills required for adulthood. They come to know what their responsibilities are and how to handle them. It is at this point that young people truly start to consider their future, goals, and desires.

The second life event that makes a person an adult is getting that first “real” job. For, it is around this time when young people gradually start to realize that, one day, their own parents won’t be there to financially support them and that balancing work and life is a real challenge. Personally, I have always lived a frivolous life; I was pampered and had everything given to me. I didn’t understand pain or sacrifice for the longest of time. It was only after I started working that I started to realize the value of money, and how much time and effort goes into earning a living. My elders always told me that one day I would realize the value of money when I started earning my own. Many people have this same realization when they start their first job.

Finally, the most significant ceremony that marks the transformation from youth to adult is marriage. Now, while some people marry young, they quickly mature and grow into adults. Marriage definitely signifies a coming of age and a transition from child to adult. For, marriage requires commitment and responsibility to yourself and your partner, and any future children you may have. It shows that you are ready to take on responsibilities that come with marriage like sharing the bills, house duties, making tough decisions, and others.

In closing, growing up is hard to do and age often has nothing to do with it. Some children think like adults and some adults still think like children. However, it is the responsibilities and commitments that an adult accepts and undertakes that show when he has matured into an adult. Even people in their mid-20s, who are officially adults, may still be caught in between acting like a child and behaving like an adult. But, when a person has gone through each of these three experiences, I believe s/he can be said to truly be an adult.

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.

Opinions differ as to whether the government should assist children in getting preschool education. Some parents can afford preschool tuition fees on their own. Other parents need the authorities to step in and help their kids go to preschool. Personally, I agree that preschool education should be available to all children, and the government can make it happen. It can raise public awareness of the benefits of preschool education, let children get used to the school environment, and help kids from low-income families feel less disadvantaged.

First of all, the benefits of preschool education are undeniable, and government support is key to heightening public awareness of them. It is no secret that many parents believe their children can do just fine without preschool. Making preschool education affordable could be a game changer. The more children go to preschool, the more parents realize how much preschool education can contribute to early child development.

Secondly, the school environment is quite a shock for most children, and preschool is one way to make the transition smoother. My experience is a compelling example of this. When I went to elementary school, I had a hard time adjusting to the new reality. I could not figure out what I was supposed to do there. No wonder why I fell behind my classmates to the point of needing tutors. If I had gone to preschool, I would have studied well from the get-go.

Finally, when children from low-income households start school, they tend to feel somewhat disadvantaged. It is not uncommon for them to be a lot less psychologically prepared for school than their peers. This is something preschool education is meant to fix. If these kids can go to preschool regardless of their socioeconomic status, their academic achievement will not be affected by it either.

In conclusion, I am a huge proponent of making preschool available to every family. Making affordable preschool education the norm is bound to make the public aware of its benefits, help children get used to school before they start it, and let children from low-income families feel more comfortable in school.

It is true that it is great to educate children on books about real people, events, and facts. However, outside it, there is another world and that is the fictional world. Reading fictions has many benefits that reading books about real events cannot offer. Therefore, I disagree with the statement that people should read books only about the real event and people.

First, with a good fictional piece of work, you can see yourself transferred to the imaginary world. Reading such books indirectly or directly brushes up your writing skills as well. You have the free power of imagining many more things when you read a fictional piece. When I am reading fiction, I imagine or tend to analyze what the author or writer must have been thinking when writing the piece. I get amazed at the way they are able to structure all the ideas into a single book.

Additionally, fictions open our world up, exposing us to other times and different ways of living. Reading histories of those times would serve the same purpose, but histories are probably not as sharp and vivid as fictions. Reading an essay about poverty in Victorian England is not the same thing as reading Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. The image of a small boy being suffered in cold, poverty and hard labor are more horrifying than simply reading the statement, “Children were sold into labor”.

Finally, reading fictions makes a more lasting impression in our minds and emotions about the past. Besides, storytelling is an emotional need for human beings. From earliest times, humans have taught their children about life, not by telling them facts and figures, but by telling them stories. Some of these stories show what people are like and help us experience a wide range of feelings. Some tell us how we should act. Telling a child that it’s wrong to lie will make little impression, but telling him the story of a little boy whose nose grows longer every time he tells a lie will make a much stronger impression.

To sum up, reading books about real people teaches us about history while reading novels helps us develop creativity, improve writing skills, and makes a stronger impression in our minds about the past. Therefore, I disagree that people should read only those books about real events and people.

It is said that reading a book is better than watching a movie and that, if a book has been adapted into a movie, one should read the book before seeing the movie. This is because it allows us to use and expand our imagination. However, watching movies is much better than reading fiction as it is more enjoyable to watch movies. In fact, movies provide a firsthand experience and stir up real emotions. Movies can also be watched in the company of others, thus making for healthier relationships and a more dynamic experience.

First of all, movies tend to be generally much more well-received than fiction novels or short stories. Films are usually much more exciting and provide real-time, firsthand experience. More often than not, reading fiction gives only vicarious pleasure to the reader. Movies also tap into our emotions in a much more direct way. The scenes, physiognomy of characters and background music combine to create an incomparable experience for the viewer. Howsoever good a piece of fiction is, it often leaves much to be desired. The way that movies exhibit and elicit a wide gamut of emotions and experiences is difficult to find in fiction books.

Another major reason that movies are more enjoyable is that one can watch movies with other people. No such shared experience is possible when reading fiction novels and stories. The only pitfall of movie-watching is that the experience is brief and can end rather abruptly. Still, there is nothing like enjoying a film with the person you love or your family members, as it provides a setting in which all may have a pleasurable experience together.

In conclusion, I derive much greater pleasure, joy, and excitement from watching movies rather than by reading fiction. It creates a moving experience that can be enjoyed by a group of people in real time. Reading fiction is not quite as gripping nor does it take the reader on the same roller-coaster ride of emotions as watching a great film does. Thus, to me, watching movies will always hold the upper hand.

Music is universal. People have been making music for thousands of years. There isn’t a part of the world where music is not a part of everyday life. Whether it is created by nature in the rustling of leaves on a windy day or the sound of a key being pressed on a piano, music is everywhere. Music affects us in so many ways, and that is why it is so important to people. It can cheer us up, calm us down, and inspire us.

One reason music is so important to people is that it has the ability to cheer us up when we are feeling down. Turning on your favorite song and singing along after a bad day just melts all the worries away. It has the power to make you forget about everything that was troubling you and to make you want to move your body to the beat. It is hard to be upset when you just want to groove. Moreover, music is an excellent pick-me-up and a great stress reliever.

Secondly, music is very relaxing. There are a variety of genres that will ease not only physical stress but mental stress too. Classical music is one such genre, and it is said to help people study better. Other genres that can be very calming include Folk, Jazz, and Blues. Different people appreciate different kinds of music; some even find less soft music relaxing, too. Music calms, de-stresses, and uplifts people.

Finally, music is an art form that inspires people, as well as other art. Obviously, there is the art of dance, but many painters, designers, and other artists are inspired by music to create their own works. Sometimes the music is just so moving that it stirs an idea in us that is not necessarily an art form. Other times it inspires us to get through obstacles, speak our minds, or even create our own music.

In conclusion, music is a unique, universal language that will forever remain as such. A world without music seems unthinkable, and rather unbearable. It is the one thing that everyone on this planet can understand and relate to. It also inspires human connection and bonding. Music is played and celebrated everywhere; it is on the radio, in movies and television shows, at weddings, funerals, etc. Music is life.

Whereas the exploration of space has potential long-term benefits, there are too many issues that first require immediate attention on Earth. First of all, there is an inordinate number of hungry people including small children. Secondly, many of the seven billion people on the planet don’t have adequate shelter day after day. Finally, our own planet’s environment is in dire need of attention and repair. Before dedicating millions of dollars to funding projects with results in the distant future, the government should spend money on solving current and immediate problems.

While there have been many advances in agriculture in the form of modified seeds and pesticides, somehow many people are still going hungry each and every day. Despite some countries having an abundance of food and extensive food waste, there are still millions who suffer without proper nutrition. Children who don’t get proper nutrition cannot grow adequately and cannot get the education they deserve. The immediate need of curbing hunger within our borders should be a priority. We cannot justify spending trillions on rockets while people die daily from hunger.

In the same vein, there are too many people across the planet without proper shelter that live on the streets. In large countries and small countries alike there are people without beds, without toilets, and without proper drinking water. Those basic tenets of a home are missing from people’s lives. Without those, people freeze to death, catch contagious diseases, and do not prosper. When this includes children we jeopardize all potential for the planet’s future. Again, spending superfluous amounts on space exploration while millions wallow in waste on the streets cannot be justified.

Finally, without the immediate funding of environmental protection, we will not have a home planet from which to explore space. As we continue to reclaim land from the natural world many plants and species are dying. As we pollute the atmosphere, land, and oceans, species die and the globe gets hotter. Without drastic changes to how we treat the planet, we will not be around long enough to see the benefits of space travel. Therefore, we need to support some immediate funding of services that seek to curb our destruction of our own planet.

In conclusion, no argument can justify the spending of money on space exploration over the pressing needs of our own home planet. The people of Earth need proper food resources and proper shelter before we think about other planets and galaxies. Also, our planet’s natural habitat, including plants and animals, need protecting the planet, as we know it, ceases to exist. The many urgent needs of Earth far outweigh the knowledge gained from exploring outer space.

Among the natural resources that are being depleted by human activities, I believe that tropical rainforests are in dire need of preservation. Tropical rainforests are not only indispensable for ecological preservation, but also the protection of indigenous peoples whose cultures are inseparable from the tropical rainforests.

To begin with, tropical rainforests play a vital role in stabilizing the water cycle and reducing greenhouse gases and host over 50% of the plant and animal species on the earth, which serves a crucial function during the Anthropocene. Since the inception of industrialization in the 19th century, the amount of greenhouse gases has reached an unprecedented height, indicating the urgency to save rainforests. Yet, the deforestation of tropical rainforests is happening at an alarming age, which has deprived numerous terrestrial species of their home. Without trees that absorb carbon dioxide and generate oxygen, of which is generated by tropical forests, the greenhouse effect will only deteriorate drastically. With fewer trees to help maintain the equilibrium of the water cycle, humans will face more droughts.

Furthermore, the destruction of tropical rainforests is as threatening as the annihilation of species in the movie, Avatar. In fact, the setting of the movie mirrors Brazilian rainforest and indigenous peoples living there. For instance, the Brazilian government is building the world’s third largest dam, which will flood a vast wildlife habitat in the Amazon and force thousands of residents to relocate. Worse yet, uprooting the indigenous peoples from their homeland equals destroying their cultures.

In conclusion, tropical rainforests have been described by scientists as the lungs of the earth, and thus it is not difficult to envisage that just as dysfunctional human lungs will induce life-threating peril, the massive destruction of tropical rainforests will cause a devastating impact on the earth.

People have different views on how to spend their free time. Some people prefer to be alone while other prefer to spend their spare time with their friends. In my opinion, spending time with my friends is much more preferable to spending time alone because I can learn many things from them, I can escape the stress, and my friends can relate to my situations more.

To begin with, I can learn new things and pick brains from my friends. Each of my friends is professional in one profession. Each time we gather together, we are talking about a new subject which happens in our career. It helps each of us to learn new thing from each other. For example, I know computer and I can solve their computer issues while one of my friends is a professor in math and he can help me in my math exercises.

Moreover, being with close friends who know me helps me relieve my stress. Every day we may face different stressful conditions. I can talk to them about my stress and they will give me useful advice. Besides, we can go out together and have fun with each other which helps me to forget about my problems and be far from stressful times. We can also do some exercises together like playing basketball or badminton which helps to forget our hard times.

Finally, as my friends are in the same age as I am, they may have experienced the same situations which I’m experiencing so they can guide me how to solve my problems, whereas my parents are not in that situation, they are not able to help me to find a solution for my problem.

To sum up, human being needs to spend some of his time lonely so he has more time for thinking and deciding for his life but spending times with friends would be more beneficial because friends can help us relieve our stresses and have some fun, also they can teach us with the new technologies and sciences, and they can help us to solve our problems.

Friends are a treasured part of our lives. They are individuals who are not related to you by blood and yet they come to support you through thick and thin without hoping for anything in return other than friendship.

Sometimes we click with the opposite kind of people but in some cases people with different traits annoy each other. If I am with the wrong person and they end up pestering me, I completely flip out. However, sometimes there are people who are completely opposite to me and yet whom I adore a lot. They bring out the best in me, making me aware that I am capable of achieving things that I thought I would never be able to.

There are some people I have met who are completely like my mirror image. We all get along well and do things together that we love. However, there are trying times when we all end up bored because there is no calming or a storming factor when needed.

True friends need not necessarily be your opposite or your replica. I have different types of friends, from the sober to the crazy one, to the most eccentric, to the best advisor. You will be automatically drawn to the person who is opposite to you because in that manner, you both will have a lot to share. Similarly, a person of the same nature will understand you inside out, from your mood swings, to your tantrums, to your problems. They will be a remedy fix for you.

It is hard for me to choose which type of friend I would prefer having. At the end of the day, I would want someone to be true to me even if he or she is similar to my nature or not.

Friends are a treasured part of our lives. They are individuals who are not related to you by blood and yet they come to support you through thick and thin without hoping for anything in return other than friendship.

Sometimes we click with the opposite kind of people but in some cases people with different traits annoy each other. If I am with the wrong person and they end up pestering me, I completely flip out. However, sometimes there are people who are completely opposite to me and yet whom I adore a lot. They bring out the best in me, making me aware that I am capable of achieving things that I thought I would never be able to.

There are some people I have met who are completely like my mirror image. We all get along well and do things together that we love. However, there are trying times when we all end up bored because there is no calming or a storming factor when needed.

True friends need not necessarily be your opposite or your replica. I have different types of friends, from the sober to the crazy one, to the most eccentric, to the best advisor. You will be automatically drawn to the person who is opposite to you because in that manner, you both will have a lot to share. Similarly, a person of the same nature will understand you inside out, from your mood swings, to your tantrums, to your problems. They will be a remedy fix for you.

It is hard for me to choose which type of friend I would prefer having. At the end of the day, I would want someone to be true to me even if he or she is similar to my nature or not.

Recently, many people have been debating about whether it is a general truth that playing a game is fun only when you win. In various types of games and matches, the main focus of players on both sides seems to be winning. Of course, winning is not only for the individual players themselves but also for the honor of their team, and in certain cases, for the honor and pride of their nation. Frankly, I cannot agree with this side for more reasons than those that I will outline below. Games are meant to be fun and enjoyable with a bit of healthy competition certainly, but winning should not be the sole aim when playing a game.

First of all, the main problem with the argument that games are only fun when you win is that the true purpose of a game is to enjoy the process of the game; the result really does not matter. Consider the original games of our ancestors; the goal was to show their love of sports, their physical strength and to enjoy healthy competition together. The true purpose of their playing games was for amusement, fun and to de-stress. Another good example to highlight the essence of gaming is children, as they have more fun playing games than adults do. When we watch children play, we can understand that they are more concentrated on the game itself and do not care about the outcome or score. They are too young to realize the importance of winning the game, therefore they enjoy it more.

Additionally, when players play a game solely for the purpose of winning, they concentrate too heavily on the score and forget to enjoy the game. In this society, it seems that everyone wants to be a winner, for winners not only gain honor, but also fame, money, and so on. In the same way, the loser loses everything. Sadly, it appears that playing a game has become a way to earn material comfort, rather than the fulfillment of spirit or entertainment.

Finally, when players play only to win, they face stress from the team, possibly even from the nation, and they struggle to win. Sometimes, players will do anything, by fair means or foul, in order to win. They may use illegal drugs or bribe the judges. There are various scandals involving athletes in nearly every international sport and it seems to be getting more and more serious. Such behavior and poor sportsmanship are due to the fact that the results of games have been prioritized and linked to the gain or loss of money, fame, and the honor of a country.

To conclude, generally speaking, when you only want to win a game, sport or activity, you will lose out on the fun of playing the game. The stress brought on by this apparent need to win destroys the fun and takes away the enjoyment that is the true purpose of playing games. Considering all of these factors, we may conclude that it is wiser to learn to just enjoy playing without worrying about the outcome of a given match or game.

Does playing games teach us about life? Certainly, games play a significant role in some people’s daily lives. Often we can see children playing soccer or basketball in parks and adults enjoying themselves with bridge or cards in clubs and community centers. Games may become more and more complex as we grow up, but the enjoyment they bring does not cease. Games are one way to have lots fun, while simultaneously teaching us about life.

First of all, games teach us about strategies that we can apply in our real life. In fact, most games’ original ideas are inspired by real life. For instance, Chess imitates the battles between two countries or conflicts between two people. In the game of Chess, players must analyze the situation, evaluate assets, anticipate the opponent’s next steps, and make the best choice of several possibilities. Likewise, in real life when we encounter a challenge or enemy, we usually analyze the situation, estimate our ability and all possibilities, then decide what to do next. Therefore, it’s safe to say that games are mirrors of real life.

Secondly, playing games helps us learn how to deal with other people. Games and sports, such as soccer and basketball, teach us about teamwork and cooperation. No one person alone can win a team game even if s/he is the strongest and runs the fastest. Every team member must communicate with his/her teammates.

Finally, in real life, no one can survive without the assistance and cooperation of others. As well, cooperation and conflict resolution skills make life much easier and more satisfying. For example, a man who gets along well with his co-workers is likely to be more successful in his career than those who do not. Playing games also helps us focus our mind and energy on achieving the goal, and teaches us to break down difficult problems into several smaller tasks and solve them one by one. Adaptability is a necessary skill in life and one that is also learned through games as players adjust to each situation.

In conclusion, playing games certainly does teach us about life. Playing games helps us acquire necessary skills for succeeding in life. Games such as Chess teach us to plan, strategize, and adjust our strategies and pace – skills that can be applied in real life. Team games, such as soccer, help us develop teamwork, cooperation, and conflict resolution skills, which are necessary for the workplace. Life is not a game, but games surely teach us a lot about life.

Does playing games teach us about life? Certainly, games play a significant role in some people’s daily lives. Often we can see children playing soccer or basketball in parks and adults enjoying themselves with bridge or cards in clubs and community centers. Games may become more and more complex as we grow up, but the enjoyment they bring does not cease. Games are one way to have lots fun, while simultaneously teaching us about life.

First of all, games teach us about strategies that we can apply in our real life. In fact, most games’ original ideas are inspired by real life. For instance, Chess imitates the battles between two countries or conflicts between two people. In the game of Chess, players must analyze the situation, evaluate assets, anticipate the opponent’s next steps, and make the best choice of several possibilities. Likewise, in real life when we encounter a challenge or enemy, we usually analyze the situation, estimate our ability and all possibilities, then decide what to do next. Therefore, it’s safe to say that games are mirrors of real life.

Secondly, playing games helps us learn how to deal with other people. Games and sports, such as soccer and basketball, teach us about teamwork and cooperation. No one person alone can win a team game even if s/he is the strongest and runs the fastest. Every team member must communicate with his/her teammates.

Finally, in real life, no one can survive without the assistance and cooperation of others. As well, cooperation and conflict resolution skills make life much easier and more satisfying. For example, a man who gets along well with his co-workers is likely to be more successful in his career than those who do not. Playing games also helps us focus our mind and energy on achieving the goal, and teaches us to break down difficult problems into several smaller tasks and solve them one by one. Adaptability is a necessary skill in life and one that is also learned through games as players adjust to each situation.

In conclusion, playing games certainly does teach us about life. Playing games helps us acquire necessary skills for succeeding in life. Games such as Chess teach us to plan, strategize, and adjust our strategies and pace – skills that can be applied in real life. Team games, such as soccer, help us develop teamwork, cooperation, and conflict resolution skills, which are necessary for the workplace. Life is not a game, but games surely teach us a lot about life.

We feel good if we dress well. Clothes definitely make a man. They influence the way a wearer behaves and the onlooker thinks about the wearer.

If we put on our best dress, our confidence automatically rises and people acknowledge our presence and treat us with more respect. If we dress shabbily, people are turned off at the sight of us. Even if you are a well-learned person, if you are not dressed well or according to the occasion, then people will not receive you well.

If you are invited to a formal occasion, or to a party, you need to rise up to the occasion and dress up in your best formal attire. It is marked as an offense or bad manners if you end up going dressed casually. You can well imagine your situation when all the people are dressed and you find yourself out of place. So, it is always better to play safe.

You will notice yourself that the people with the best attire are always the people who turn out to be the most confident in the crowd. They think and feel good about themselves.

So, yes I definitely believe that different clothes influence the way people think and behave. People, who do not dress well feel inferior to present themselves to the public. Whereas, a person who is dressed well will be presentable on all occasions and can easily adapt to the crowd. He can fit into any kind of crowd because people are easily more attracted to such kind of a person first and foremost.

There is a saying that goes ‘do not make haste decisions’. I am a firm believer that it is ture. It is a good thing to be decisive, but sometimes your ideas may backfire. People should never make quick decisions without fully considering the factors that are influencing their decisions and the consequences of different decisions.

To begin with, when people make hasty decisions, they rarely care anything about the situation. Situation is a very important factor in making a right decision. Different decisions lead to different results, so it is very important to make a decision carefully. People who make quick decisions do not have time to look around and carefully analyze the consequences resulted by different decisions.

Secondly, there is a popular belief that people should decide quickly in order to catch opportunities. Unfortunately, that notion is completely wrong. If you made a quick decision without thinking carefully, how could you be able to catch the opportunities? “Chance favors the prepared mind,” as a famous saying goes. Only when you have fully prepared, can you really grab a good opportunity when time come. Otherwise the chance that you take hastily may result in a failure.

Thirdly, even if you can quickly analyze the situation based on the facts that are provided to you at the time that you make a decision, since you do not have enough time to verify the validity of those information, the information could be wrong, which could leads to wrong decisions. Even the president of the United States can make this kind of mistake. Mr. Bush made a decision to start the War on Iraq based on the false information that his subordinates provided to him, which claims that Iraq has dangerous biochemical weapons. Maybe someday history will prove that the decision to start the War was wrong.

To sum up, it is true that plans made on impulse are fun and sometimes surprisingly they turn out to be good decisiona. Coming up with ideas at the spur-of-the-moment are fun in some occasions, like going for a holiday and joining the bandwagon rather than pondering for hours and hours whether to act upon the idea or not. However, if you have to make a serious decision like say for your life, then you need to make the decision purely on careful thought and taking into considerations people’s opinions.