iBT Writing Question: Independent (Themes) When you’re writing the independent response, you need to give a response that varies in the way it approaches the subject. The best place to do this is in the body. The body is the central part of your essay between the introduction and the conclusion. This center is extremely important because it is the place where you will demonstrate your ability to think in English. I recommend approaching each paragraph, usually three, with a different theme. The first paragraph should compare and contrast the different sides of the question. For example, if the question asks whether you agree or disagree that money can buy happiness, then you can write about your choice and how it compares or contrasts with people who choose the other position. Let’s say I disagree, so I will mention that people who agree focus on material things whereas I’m more concerned with relationships. The next paragraph’s theme can center on your argument for your choice. This is a good place to demonstrate your ability to use logic. Maybe you can think of facts or general situations that prove your point. For example, I would support my claim that money cannot buy happiness by explaining that intelligence is the most important quality of all and it is difficult to buy such a thing. Then I would support this with examples. Perhaps, I can mention famous people who make a lot of money but live superficial lives that really don’t contribute much to the world other than a laugh. The fourth paragraph’s theme should focus on your personal experience. Concentrate on how details from your life support your claim. In this case, I would write about my rich uncle and how he has little happiness in his life. Then, I might include a story about my cousin who works for a non-profit organization and seems to be the happiest person in the world. With this variety of three different ways of looking at the subject (compare and contrast, argument, and personal experience), your paper will raise above the others! POSTED BY TOEFL TIGER AT 5:11 AM LINKS TO THIS POST LABELS: IBT WRITING QUESTION: INDEPENDENT FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2007