TOEFL Writing 185 Topics
Jeenn Lee Hsieh
ielts360toefl@hotmail.com
Topics in the following list may appear in your actual test. You should become familiar with this list before you take the TOEFL test. Remember that when you take the test you will NOT have a choice of topics. You must write only on the topic that is assigned to you.
--Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
--Which do you prefer?
--Do you support or oppose?
--What is your opinion?
--Which is better?
--Which way do you prefer?
--Which do you think is preferable?
--Which view do you agree with?
--Which of these opinions do you agree with?
--To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Why? Explain why? Or, why not?
Use specific reasons and examples (details) to support your answer.
1. People attend college or university for many different reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge).
2. Parents are the best teachers.
3. Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare.
4. It has been said, "Not everything that is learned is contained in books."
5. A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your community.
6. If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change?
7. How do movies or television influence people's behavior?
8. Television has destroyed communication among friends and family.
9. Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city.
10. "When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success."
11. Universities should give the same amount of money to their students' sports activities as they give to their university libraries.
12. Many people visit museums when they travel to new places.
13. Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home.
14. Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students.
15. Neighbors are the people who live near us.
16. It has recently been announced that a new restaurant may be built in your neighborhood.
17. Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher.
18. What are some important qualities of a good supervisor (boss)?
19. Should governments spend more money on improving roads and highways, or should governments spend more money on improving public transportation (buses, trains, subways)?
20. It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city.
21. In general, people are living longer now.
22. We all work or will work in our jobs with many kinds of people. In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a co-worker (someone you work closely with)?
23. In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students.
24. A person you know is planning to move to your town or city. What do you think this person would like and dislike about living in your town or city?
25. It has recently been announced that a large shopping center may be built in your neighborhood.
26. It has recently been announced that a new movie theater may be built in your neighborhood.
27. People should sometimes do things they do not enjoy doing.
28. Television, newspapers, magazines, and other media pay too much attention to the personal lives of famous people such as public figures and celebrities.
29. Some people believe that the Earth is being harmed (damaged) by human activity. Others feel that humjan activity makes the Earth a better place to live.
30. It has recently been announced that a new high school may be built in your community.
31. Some people spend their entire lives in one place. Others move a number of times throughout their lives, looking for a better job, house, community, or even climate.
32. Is it better to enjoy your money when you earn it or is it better to save your money for some time in the future?
33. You have received a gift of money. The money is enough to buy either a piece of jewelry you like or tickets to a concert you want to attend. Which would you buy?
34. Businesses should hire employees for their entire lives.
35. Attending a live performance (for example, a play, concert, or sporting event) is more enjoyable than watching the same event on television.
36. Choose one of the following transportation vehicles and explain why you think it has changed people's lives.
--automobiles
--bicycles
--airplanes
37. Do you agree or disagree that progress is always good?
38. Learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the present. Do you agree or disagree?
39. With the help of technology, students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more quickly.
40. The expression "Never, never give up" means to keep trying and never stop working for your goals. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
41. Some people think that human needs for farmland, housing, and industry are more important than saving land for endangered animals.
42. What is a very important skill a person should learn in order to be successful in the world today? (Choose one skill and use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
43. Why do you think some people are attracted to dangerous sports or other dangerous activities?
44. Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone.
45. Some people prefer to get up early in the morning and start the day's work. Others prefer to get up later in the day and work until late at night.
46. What are the important qualities of a good son or daughter? Have these qualities changed or remained the same over time in your culture?
47. Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small company.
48. People work because they need money to live. What are other reasons that people work?
49. Face-to-face communication is better than other types of communication, such as letters, email, or telephone calls.
50. Some people like to do only what they already do well. Other people prefer to try new things and take risks.
51. Some people believe that success in life comes from taking risks or chances. Others believe that success results from careful planning.
52. What change would make your hometown more appealing to people your age?
53. The most important aspect of a job is the money a person earns.
54. One should never judge a person by external appearances.
55. A person should never make an important decision alone.
56. A company is going to give some money either to support the arts or to protect the environment. Which do you think the company should choose?
57. Some movies are serious, designed to make the audience think. Other movies are designed primarily to amuse and entertain. Which type of movie do you prefer?
58. Businesses should do anything they can to make a profit.
59. Some people are always in a hurry to go places and get things done. Other people prefer to take their time and live life at a slower pace. Which do you prefer?
60. Games are as important for adults as they are for children.
61. Parents or other adult relatives should make important decisions for their older (15 to 18 year-old) teenage children.
62. What do you want most in a friend--someone who is intelligent, or someone who has a sense of humor, or someone who is reliable?
63. Most experiences in our lives that seemed difficult at the time become valuable lessons for the future.
64. Some people prefer to work for themselves or own a business. Others prefer to work for an employer.
65. Should a city try to preserve its old, historic buildings or destroy them and replace them with modern buildings?
66. Classmates are a more important influence than parents on a child's success in school.
67. If you were an employer, which kind of worker would you prefer to hire: an inexperienced worker at a lower salary or an experienced worker at a higher salary?
68. Many teachers assign homework to students every day. Do you think that daily homework is necessary for students?
69. If you could study a subject that you have never had the opportunity to study, what would you choose?
70. Some people think that the automobile has improved modern life. Others think that the automobile has caused serious problems. What is your opinion?
71. Which would you choose: a high-paying job with long hours that would give you little time with family and friends or a lower-paying job with shorter hours that would give you more time with family and friends?
72. Grades (marks) encourage students to learn.
73. Some people say that computers have made life easier and more convenient. Other people say that computers have made life more complex and stressful. What is your opinion?
74. The best way to travel is in a group led by a tour guide.
75. Some universities require students to take classes in many subjects. Other universities require students to specialize in one subject. Which is better?
76. Children should begin learning a foreign language as soon as they start school.
77. Boys and girls should attend separate schools.
78. Is it more important to work with a group of people on a team or to work independently?
79. Your city has decided to build a statue or monument to honor a famous person in your country. Who would you choose?
80. Describe a custom from your country that you would like people from other countries to adopt.
81. Technology has made the world a better place to live.
82. Advertising can tell you a lot about a country.
83. Modern technology is creating a single world culture.
84. Some people say that the Internet provides people with a lot of valuable information. Others think access to so much information creates problems.
85. A foreign visitor has only one day to spend in your country. Where should this visitor go on that day?
86. If you could go back to some time and place in the past, when and where would you go?
87. What discovery in the last 100 years has been most beneficial for people in your country?
88. Telephones and email have made communication between people less personal.
89. If you could travel back in time to meet a famous person in history, what person would you like to meet?
91. If you could ask a famous person one question, what would you ask? Why?
92. Some people prefer to live in places that have the same weather or climate all year round. Others like to live in areas where the weather changes several times a year. Which do you prefer?
93. Many students have to live with roommates while going to school or university. What are some of the important qualities of a good roommate?
94. Dacing plays an important role in the culture.
95. Some people think governments should spend as much money as posible exploring outer space (for example, traveling to the Moon and to other planets). Other people disagree and think governments should spend this money for our basic needs on Earth.
96. People have different ways of escaping the stress and difficulties of modern life. Some read; some exercise; others work in their gardens. What do you think are the best ways of reducing stress?
97. Teachers should be paid according to how much their students learn.
98. If you were asked to send one thing representing your country to an international exhibition, what would you choose?
99. You have been told that dormitory rooms at your university must be shared by two students. Would you rather have the university assign a student to share a room with you, or would you rather choose your own roommate?
100. Some people think that governments should spend as much money as possible on developing or buying computer technology. Other people disagree and think that this money should be spent on more basic needs.
101. Some people like doing work by hand. Others prefer using machines. Which do you prefer?
102. Schools should ask students to evaluate their teachers.
103. In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic (for example, honesty, intelligence, a sense of humor) that a person can have to be successful in life. (When you write your answer, you are not limited to the examples listed in the question.)
104. It is generally agreed that society benefits from the work of its members. Compare the contributions of artists to society with the contributions of scientists to society.
105. Students at universities often have a choice of places to live. They may choose to live in university dormitories, or they may choose to live in apartments in the community.
106. You need to travel from your home to a place 40 miles (64 kilometers0 away. Compare the different kinds of transportation you could use. Tell which method of travel you would choose.
107. Some people believe that a college or university education should be available to all students. Others believe that higher education should be available only to good students.
108. Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by listening to the advice of family and friends. Other people believe that the best way of learning about life is through personal experience.
109. When people move to another country, some of them decide to follow the customs of the new country. Other people prefer to keep their own customs.
110. Some people prefer to spend most of their time alone. Others like to be friends most of the time.
111. Some people prefer to spend time with one or two close friends. Others choose to spend time with a large number of friends.
112. Some people think that children should begin their formal education 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.
113. The government has announced that it plans to build a new university. Some people think that your community would be a good place to locate the university.
114. Some people think that the family is the most important influence on young adults. Other people think that friends are the most important influence on young adults.
115. Some people prefer to plan activities for their free time very carefully. Others choose not to make any plans at all for their free time.
116. People learn in different ways. Some people learn by doing things; other people learn by reading about things; others learn by listening to people talk about things.
117. Some people choose friends who are different from themselves. Others choose friends who are similar to themselves.
118. Some people enjoy change, and they look forward to new experiences. Others like their lives to stay the same, and they do not change their usual habits.
119. People behave differently when they wear different clothes.
120. The decisions that people make quickly are always wrong.
121. Some people trust their first impressions about a person's character because they believe these judgments are generally correct. Other people do not judge a person's characterquickly because they believe first impressions are often wrong.
122. People are never satisfied with what they have; they always want something more or something different.
123. People should read only those books that are about real events, real people, and established facts.
124. It is more important for students to study history and literature than it is for them to study science and mathematics.
125. All students should be required to study art and music in secondary school.
126. There is nothing that young people can teach old people.
127. Reading fiction (such as novels and short stories) is more enjoyable than watching movies.
128. Some people say that physical exercise should be a required part of every school day. Other people believe that students should spend the whole school day on academic studies.
129. A university plans to develop a new research center in your country. Some people want a center for business research. Other people want a center for research in agriculture (farming).
130. Some young children spend a great amount of time practicing sports.
131. Only people who earn a lot of money are successful.
132. If you could invent something new, what product would you develop?
133. A person's childhood years (the time from birth to twelve years of age) are the most important years of a person's life.
134. Children should be required to help with household tasks as soon as they are able to do so.
135. Some high schools require all students to wear school uniforms. Other high schools permit students to decide what to wear.
136. Playhing a game is fun only when you win.
137. High schools should allow students to study the courses that students want to study.
138. It is better to be a member of a group than to be the leader of the group.
139. What do you consider to be the most important room in a house? Why is this room more important than any other room?
140. Which do you prefer--items made by hand or items made by machine?
141. If you could make one important change in a school that you attended, what change would you make?
142. What gift would you give to help a child develop?
143. Some people believe that students should be given one long vacation each year. Others believe that students should have several short vacations throughout the year.
144. Would you prefer to live in a traditional house or in a modern apartment building?
145. Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things we really do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives.
146. Some people prefer to spend their free time outdoors. Other people prefer to spend their leisure time indoors.
147. Your school has received a gift of money What do you think is the best way for your school to spend this money?
148. Playing games teaches us about life.
149. Imagine that you have received some land to use as you wish. How would you use this land?
150. Watching television is bad for children.
151. What is the most important animal in your country? Why is the animal important?
152. Many parts of the world are losing important natural resources, such as forests, animals, or clean water. Choose one resource that is disappearing and explain why it needs to be saved.
153. A zoo has no useful purpose.
154. In some countries, people are no longer allowed to smoke in many public places and office buildings. Do you think this is a good rule or bad rule?
155. Plants can provide food, shelter, closing, or medicine. What is one kind of plant is important to you or the people in your country?
156. You have the opportunity to visit a foreign country for two weeks. Which country would you like to visit?
157. In the future, students may have the choice of studying at home by using technology such as computers or television or of studying at traditional schools. Which would you prefer?
158. When famous people such as actors, athletes and rock stars give their opinions, many people listen. Do you think we should pay attention to these opinions?
159. The twentieth century saw great change. In your opinion, what is one change that should be remembered about the twentieth century?
160. When people need to complain about a product or service, some people prefer to complain in writing and others prefer to complain in person. Which way do you prefer?
161. People remember special gifts or presents that they have received. Why?
162. Some famous athletes and entertainers earn millions of dollars every year. Do you think these people deserve such high salaries?
163. Is the ability to rad and write more important today than in the past? Why or why not?
164. People do many different things to stay healthy. What do you do for good health?
165. You have decided to give several hours of your time each month to improve the community where you live. What is one thing you will do to improve your community? Why?
166. People recognize a difference between children and adults. What events (experiences or ceremonies) make a person an adult?
167. Your school has enough money to purchase either computers for students or books for the library. Which should your school choose to buy--computers or books?
168. Many students choose to attend schools or universities outside their home countries. Why do some students study abroad?
169. People listen to music for different reasons and at different times. Why is music important to many people?
170. Groups or organizations are an important part of some people's lives. Why are groups or organizations important to people?
171. Imagine that you are preparing for a trip. You plan to be away from your home for one year. In addition to clothing and personal care items, you can take one additional thing. What would you take and why?
172. When students move to a new school, they sometimes face problems. How can schools help these students with their problems?
173. It is sometimes said that borrowing money from a friend can harm or damage the friendship. Do you agree?
174. Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your generation different from your parents' generation?
175. Some students like classes where teachers lecture (do all of the talking) in class. Other students prefer classes where students do some of the talking? Which type of class do you prefer?
176. Holiday honor people or events. If you could create a new holiday, what person or event would it honor and how would you want people to celebrate it?
177. A friend of yours has received some money and plans to use all of it either
--to go on a vacation
--to buy a car
Your friend has asked you for advice.
178. The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring?
179. What are some of the qualities of a good parent?
180. Movies are popular all over the world. Explain why movies are so popular.
181. In your country, is there more need for land to be left in its natural conditions or is there more need for land to be developed for housing and industry?
182. Many people have a close relationship with their pets. These people treat their birds, cats, or other animals as members of their family. In your opinion, are such relationships good? Why or why not?
183. Films can tell us a lot about the country where they were made. What have you learned about a country from watching its movies?
184. Some students prefer to study alone. Others prefer to study with a group of students. Which do you prefer?
185. You have enough money to purchase either a house or a business. Which would you choose to buy?
