Outline

Thesis Statement : In the debate between trusting first impressions and not judging quickly, I believe in the latter approach as first impressions can be misleading and influenced by biases and prejudices; taking time to know a person helps in making informed decisions.

I. Introduction

  • Background information
  • Explanation of the two attitudes
  • Thesis statement

II. Advantages of trusting first impressions

  • Saves time and effort
  • Helps in making quick decisions
  • Example

III. Disadvantages of trusting first impressions

  • Can be misleading
  • Biases and prejudices may influence the judgment
  • Example

IV. Advantages of not judging quickly

  • Gives a chance to know the person better
  • Helps to make informed decisions
  • Example

V. Disadvantages of not judging quickly

  • Can delay decision-making
  • May miss opportunities
  • Example

VI. Conclusion

  • Recap of the main points
  • Restate the thesis
  • Final thoughts and recommendations

Note The above is only a general outline; the examples and explanations can be adjusted to suit the writer’s perspective and experience.

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Model Essay

Human beings are naturally inclined to make quick judgments about others based on first impressions. While some people trust their first impressions, others prefer to take their time to know the person better before making any judgments. In this essay, I will compare the advantages and disadvantages of these two attitudes and argue that taking time to know a person before judging is a more effective approach.

Trusting first impressions can have advantages such as saving time and effort. When you meet someone for the first time, your brain processes the information and forms an opinion about the person quickly. This opinion helps you in making quick decisions such as whether to pursue a relationship or accept a job offer. For instance, if you meet a person who seems confident and articulate, you might assume that they are capable of performing well in their job.

However, there are disadvantages to trusting first impressions. First impressions can be misleading and may not be an accurate reflection of a person’s character or abilities. Additionally, our biases and prejudices may influence our judgment, leading us to stereotype individuals based on their gender, race, or appearance. For example, if you meet a person who speaks with a foreign accent, you might assume that they are less intelligent or less capable than someone who speaks without an accent.

Not judging quickly, on the other hand, has advantages such as giving a chance to know the person better before making any judgments. Taking time to observe a person’s behavior, values, and communication styles can help you in making informed decisions. For instance, if you are considering someone for a job, you might conduct a background check, ask for references, or conduct an interview to know more about their work experience and qualifications.

However, not judging quickly can also have disadvantages such as delaying decision-making and missing opportunities. For example, if you are looking for a life partner, taking too long to get to know someone might cause you to miss out on the opportunity to build a meaningful relationship.

In conclusion, while trusting first impressions might seem like a convenient and efficient way of making judgments about others, it is not always reliable. By taking time to know a person better before making judgments, we can avoid biases and make informed decisions. By being aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of these two attitudes, we can make the best possible choices for ourselves and our interactions with others.