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TOEFL writing sample
2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are
the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.
Throughout my life, I have been lucky enough to have a very good
relationship with my parents. They have supported me, given me necessary
criticism, and taught me a great deal about how to live my life. Parents
can be very important teachers in our lives; however, they are not
always the best teachers.
Parents may be too close to their children emotionally. Sometimes they
can only see their children through the eyes of a protector. For
example, they may limit a child's freedom in the name of safety. A
teacher might see a trip to a big city as a valuable new experience.
However, it might seem too dangerous to a parent.
Another problem is that parents may expect their children's interests to
be similar to their own. They can't seem to separate from their children
in their mind. If they love science, they may try to force their child
to love science too. But what if their child's true love is art, or
writing, or car repair?
Parents are usually eager to pass on their values to their children. But
should children always believe what their parents do? Maybe different
generations need different ways of thinking. When children are young,
they believe that their parents are always right. But when they get
older, they realize there are other views. Sometimes parents, especially
older ones, can't keep up with rapid social or technological changes. A
student who has friends of all different races and backgrounds at school
may find that his parents have narrower views. A student who loves
computers may find that her parents don't really understand or value the
digital revolution. Sometimes kids have to find their own ways to what
they believe in.
The most important thing to realize is that we all have many teachers in
our lives. Our parents teach us, our teachers teach us, and our peers
teach us. Books and newspapers and television also teach us. All of them
are valuable.
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