Preference (Paired Options)

Overview

In the independent writing task of the TOEFL test, one common type of essay question is the "preference (paired options)" prompt. This type of question presents test takers with two alternatives or options and asks them to express their preference between the two and provide reasons to support their choice. It is designed to assess the test taker's ability to express and justify personal opinions in English.

These preference prompts typically require the test taker to consider two contrasting viewpoints, situations, or courses of action. For instance, the question might ask whether the test taker prefers living in a big city or a small town, studying alone or in groups, or traveling by plane or train. The test taker must carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each option and clearly state their preference, while providing well-reasoned arguments to support their decision.

To effectively respond to this type of question, it is crucial for the test taker to carefully analyze the given options and consider various factors such as lifestyle preferences, personal experiences, and cultural backgrounds. It is important to present a clear stance and support it with specific examples, logical reasoning, and appropriate vocabulary and grammar.

In addressing the preference (paired options) prompt, test takers should structure their essays using a coherent and organized format. This typically involves an introduction where the preference is stated, followed by body paragraphs that present supporting points and examples, and a conclusion that summarizes the main arguments and restates the preference.

Overall, the preference (paired options) type of essay questions in the independent writing task of the TOEFL test challenges test takers to express their opinions and provide logical reasoning within a limited time frame. By carefully considering the given options, presenting a well-structured response, and supporting their preference with relevant examples and arguments, test takers can effectively demonstrate their English language proficiency and critical thinking skills.

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. Which opinion do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

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). Which of these two kinds of research centers do you recommend for your country? Use specific reasons in your recommendation.

Some high schools require all students to wear school uniforms. Other high schools permit students to decide what to wear to school. Which of these two school policies do you think is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

What do you consider to be the most important room in a house? Why is this room more important to you than any other room? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Some items (such as clothes or furniture) can be made by hand or by machine. Which do you prefer -- items made by hand or items made by machine? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your choice.

A gift (such as a camera, a soccer ball, or an animal) can contribute to a child's development. What gift would you give to help a child develop? Why? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.

Some people choose friends who are different from themselves. Others choose friends who are similar to themselves. Compare the advantages of having friends who are different from you with the advantages of having friends who are similar to you. Which kind of friend do you prefer for yourself? Why?

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. Compare these two approaches to life. Which approach do you prefer? Explain why.

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. Which of these methods of learning is best for you? Use specific examples to support your choice.

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. Compare the benefits of planning free-time activities with the benefits of not making plans. Which do you prefer -- planning or not planning for your leisure time? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice.

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. Which view do you agree with? Use examples to support your position.

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. Which one of these opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Some people like doing work by hand. Others prefer using machines. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

People listen to music for different reasons and at different times. Why is music important to many people? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

Groups or organizations are an important part of some people's lives. Why are groups or organizations important to people? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

Imagine that you are preparing for a trip. You plan to be away from your home for a year. In addition to clothing and personal care items, you can take one additional thing. What would you take and why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

When students move to a new school, they sometimes face problems. How can schools help these students with their problems? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your generation different from your parents' generation? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

Some students like classes where teachers lecture (do all of the talking) in class. Other students prefer classes where the students do some of the talking. Which type of class do you prefer? Give specific reasons and details to support your choice.

What are some of the qualities of a good parent? Use specific details and examples to explain your answer.

In your country, is there more need for land to be left in its natural condition or is there more need for land to be developed for housing and industry? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

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? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Films can tell us a lot about the country where they were made. What have you learned about a country from watching its movies? Use specific examples and details to support your response.

Some students prefer to study alone. Others prefer to study with a group of students. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

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? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.

Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Some universities require students to take classes in many subjects. Other universities require students to specialize in one subject. Which is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Is it more important to be able to work with a group of people on a team or to work independently? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

Some people say that the Internet provides people with a lot of valuable information. Others think access to so much information creates problems. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Some people prefer to live in places that have the same weather or climate all year long. Others like to live in areas where the weather changes several times a year. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.