TOEFL Writing for an Academic Discussion Practise 3

TOEFL Writing for an Academic Discussion Practise 3

Instructions: Your professor is teaching a class on Psychology. Write a post responding to the professor's question. In your response you should:

- express and support your personal opinion

- make a contribution to the discussion

An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

Professor Henson:

In the realm of psychology, the assessment of first impressions is a topic of fascinating discussion. Some people trust their first impressions about a person’s character because they are convinced that these swift judgments accurately reflect a person's nature. On the other hand, there are those who adopt a more cautious approach. They do not judge a person’s character quickly because they believe first impressions can be misleading. Now, considering these viewpoints, which attitude resonates with you? Support your choice with specific examples.

Nora: 

I personally lean towards not forming quick judgments about a person's character based solely on first impressions. While initial perceptions can provide insights, they may not always capture the complexity of an individual. For instance, a colleague might seem reserved at first, but with time, I discovered their insightful contributions to discussions. Similarly, someone might come across as confident but might be masking insecurities. By allowing time for interactions and understanding different facets, we gain a more accurate understanding of a person's character. Therefore, I believe in giving people the opportunity to reveal their true selves beyond initial impressions.

 

Arzu:

I tend to believe that forming quick judgments about a person's character based on first impressions can be misleading. It's because these initial assessments might not reveal the full picture of someone's personality. For instance, I once met someone who seemed reserved and distant at first, but as I got to know them better, I discovered their warm and caring nature. On the other hand, hasty judgments can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for meaningful connections. Therefore, I prefer to give people a chance to reveal their true selves over time, as it often leads to a more accurate understanding of their character.

 

You: