TOEFL-ETS Some people believe that automobiles are useful and necessary.

Hi All,

I'm trying to write about this subject because I'm preparing to the TOFEL after a week.
Please I need some help because I feel confused.

Some people believe that automobiles are useful and necessary. Others believe that automobiles cause problems that affect our health and well-being. Which position do you support? Give specific reasons for your answer.

I support and believe that automobiles are useful and necessary for my life because it keeps you more flexible to do all your work very easy. For example, when I was in my country I used to drive a car and do all my work easy, but when I came to United States everything become more difficult for me because I need to wait a bus or ride my bike to the school and that means more harder than when I was in my country. Although, when I need to go to my vacation that means I need to rent a car and that cost a lot of money.

You present an interesting position on the topic provided. However, there is a lot more you can do to develop the answer. I will provide my suggestions below.


Tareqkh, your answer is not an acceptable TOEFL answer. All answers to the prompts given need to be in essay format. That means your answer should be comprised of at least 5 paragraphs with a minimum of 3 sentences per paragraph. Your answer is too straight forward and does not offer an insight for the examiner to judge how well you understood the prompt and how well you can discuss a topic in English. Therefore, I suggest that you revise this essay in order to better discuss it. I would advice you to do it this way.

1. Create an interesting introductory statement to the topic. Then state your stand at the end of it.
2. Discuss the side that opposes the stand given in the prompt. ( 1-2 paragraphs)
3. Discuss the stand that supports the prompt. (1-2 paragraphs)
4. Prepare a closing statement.
5. Conclude your essay summarizing the important points and thesis.

Don't lose heart Tareqkh. This is a very good start for a practice essay. You just need to further develop your reasoning skills in a written form. I am sure you can do it. We will do our best to help you get to that point before your test :-) Just keep writing and practicing.