Writing Ideas

Topic

Agree or disagree: Some people say that people in Japan spend too much time at work. Do you agree with this opinion?

Points

• Family
• Salary
• Work-life balance

Task Instructions

• Choose TWO of the above points to support your idea.
• Write approximately 120–150 words.
• Use a clear structure (intro, main body, conclusion).
• Spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Use the phrase, "On the whole", in your answer.

QUESTION: Do you think high school students spend too much time watching TV?

Task instructions

• Write your answer to the question.
• Give TWO reasons for your opinion.
• Write approximately 50–60 words.

Try to use the words "prefer" and "amount" in your answer.

For centuries, people have followed the Latin proverb, Docendo discimus—"By teaching, we learn." 

Write a few sentences about what the proverb means, and perhaps a time when you have experienced it in your own life.

What did your parents teach you about money? How did they do it? Do you agree now with what they taught you? 

What will you teach (or have you taught) your children about money? How?

Topic: Will societies with low birthrates face a crisis in the future?

Points

• Workforce
• Food shortage
• Technological innovation
• Environmental problem

Task instructions

• Choose TWO of the above points to support your idea.
• Write approximately 120–150 words.
• Use a clear structure (intro, main body, conclusion).
• Spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Question: Where will you be in 10 years?

This is a typical job interview question. Write your answer as though you are in an actual interview.

When you hear the word "peace", what comes to mind?

Question: How long do you expect to work for this company?

This is a typical job interview question. Write your answer as though you are in an actual interview.

QUESTION: Do you think it is important for students to learn how to give presentations at school?

Task instructions

• Write your answer to the question.
• Give TWO reasons for your opinion.
• Write approximately 50–60 words.

Topic

Agree or disagree: Japanese companies should hire more foreign workers.

Points

• Aging population
• Costs
• Cultural differences
• Globalization

Task instructions

• Choose TWO of the above points to support your idea.
• Write approximately 120–150 words.
• Use a clear structure (intro, main body, conclusion).
• Spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Question: If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?

This is a typical job interview question. Write your answer as though you are in an actual interview.

A vegetarian diet is better than a diet that includes meat. Do you agree?

Give both sides of the argument in your answer, then state your own conclusion.

QUESTION: What is your favorite day of the week?

Task instructions

• You were asked the question above by a FOREIGN FRIEND.
• Write TWO of your thoughts and reasons for your answer to the question in English.
• Write approximately 25–35 words.

QUESTION: Do you like reading books?

Task instructions

• You were asked the question above by a FOREIGN FRIEND.
• Write TWO of your thoughts and reasons for your answer to the question in English.
• Write approximately 25–35 words.

Use the phrase "am (am not) interested in" in your answer. [You can use the phrase positively or negatively, and change the tense of the verb, if needed.]

Situation: Your team, together with a team from another company, have successfully finished a project for a client.

Task: Write an email to the project manager of the other team, thanking the team for their work.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Write a paragraph to support your opinion.

A teacher’s ability to relate well with students is more important than excellent knowledge of the subject being taught.