Sample Opinion Essays from Years Past

TV is Good for Children
by Junna (2010)

Do you like to watch TV? There might be a lot of people who answer “Yes.” I also think so and I think that TV is very good for everyone. Of course, TV has a good influence on children. You might think that it is best that children play outside, but it is more important that children watch TV. I'll explain the reasons.

First, children can relax by watching TV. Everyone might have a favorite television program. Some children like cartoons, baseball games or music programs. When you watch your favorite program, you will be happy. Specifically, when you watch a comedy show, you can laugh very much and it cheers you up.

Next, children can know many things by watching TV. Children know only a few words and there aren't so many children who watch news. But it is possible to learn by watching news, so parents should show children news. Then children will remember many words and will be able to gain knowledge.

Finally, children can enjoy watching TV with their family. For example, children watch a quiz show with their parents. It is also good to watch sports games and support the team together. Then the family's atmosphere will improve. If you don't have a good relationship with your child, you should watch TV together. The family's relations will be good if you do so.

TV has various good effects on children. Children can relax and know many things by watching TV, and parents and children can be amused by TV. If you agree, you should try this right now. But don't show your children the late programs. It is good when the time to watch TV is firmly decided, because children should go to sleep early. If you keep to the schedule, your child will be a good child.

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Study Abroad is the Most Effective Way to Improve English
by K.I. (2011)

We have to study English when we are students. While we are studying in Japan, our pronunciation is not so good. Some people choose to go abroad for study. It is really useful for our skills. Study abroad is the most effective way to improve our English.

First, if we study abroad, we can speak English everywhere. If you do a home stay, you have to use English all the time. Also, you can speak with native speakers anytime, anywhere. However, if you do not communicate with your host family well, you might be in trouble about your daily life.

Second, by living abroad, we can know about a foreign country firsthand. It is truly a case of killing two birds with one stone. We can develop our global perspective. After you come back to Japan, you can still practice English with your foreign country friends.

Third, by studying abroad, we can develop not only our English skill, but also our personality. When we study abroad, it might be the first time for us to live on our own, so there may be many problems about study, living, and human relationships. We will experience many things which we have never done before. Therefore, we learn to solve our problems by ourselves. We can be more effective in handling adversity.

It is possible to learn English in Japan, but by studying abroad, we can speak English everywhere, we can learn about another country, and we can develop our personality. I think study abroad is the best way to study English. It costs a lot, but it is well worth it. If you have enough money and time, you had better study abroad, not in Japan.