Argument Materials for TOEFL Speaking & Writing: Topic 01 – Reading

These model paragraphs argue that reading is the best way to learn, in answer to a "which way of learning works best for you" question. The bolded phrases are sentence patterns you can reuse in any opinion answer, written or spoken.

Question/Topic

Some people learn best by doing things themselves, some by reading, and some by listening to others explain. Which of these ways of learning works best for you? Support your choice with specific reasons and examples.

Sample Argument Materials

❶ Communication Skills

Reading is one of the most useful skills a person can have. The ability to read well is highly valued and very important for success at school and at work. Building a reading habit early in life can prove to be one of the most valuable things a child ever does. As a result of reading regularly, children become more comfortable reading aloud and speaking in front of other people. This is a very marketable skill to have, both in school and in the workforce.

❷ Comprehension

One of the effects that reading has on a person is the ability to understand more words and ideas over time. Reading can be a challenge, but it is a challenge worth meeting. Confidence in reading comes from daily practice, and the simplest way to build it is to read books regularly. When you meet an unfamiliar word, look it up, write it down, and say it aloud a few times. Then try using the new word in everyday conversation — that's what turns it into part of your active vocabulary and makes you a more confident speaker.

❸ Vocabulary Growth

The second effect of reading is vocabulary growth. A large vocabulary is not only impressive but also useful in many areas of life, especially public speaking. Good speakers can explain the same idea in several different ways without sounding repetitive, and that ability comes largely from an extensive vocabulary. Reading constantly exposes you to synonyms — different words with similar meanings — and when you look one up, you often find it's close to a word you already know. Noticing these connections is how a vocabulary grows. As a result of reading books over a long period, learning new words becomes a habit rather than a chore.

See also Topic 02 – Studying Abroad and Topic 03 – Online Study for the same kind of practice on different topics, or Transition Words & Phrases for Your TOEFL Essay for more ways to connect your points.