Joy English · レベル B2 · エッセイjoy-english.com

賛否を述べるエッセイ

名前:日付:

ある問題について、賛成と反対の両方の意見を示してから自分の結論に至る、バランスのよいエッセイを書きましょう。

Should homework be banned in primary schools?

Homework has long been a standard part of school life, yet an increasing number of parents and teachers are questioning its value for younger children. There are strong arguments on both sides of this debate.

On the one hand, banning homework could have several benefits. Young children who spend six hours a day in the classroom need time to play, rest and develop interests outside school. Moreover, homework can create tension at home, particularly when parents are too busy or lack the knowledge to help. Some researchers also suggest that, at this age, homework has little measurable effect on achievement.

On the other hand, regular homework can teach children valuable habits such as organisation and independent study. In addition, short tasks like reading with a parent help families stay informed about what their children are learning. Critics of a ban argue that abolishing homework entirely might make the transition to secondary school, where workloads are heavier, more difficult.

In conclusion, while excessive homework is clearly unhelpful for young learners, a complete ban may go too far. In my view, a limited amount of enjoyable, practical homework offers the best balance.

対比とバランス

最も適切な語、句、または文を選びましょう。

___ the high cost, many families choose to send their children to summer camps.
- a) Although
- b) Despite
- c) However
___ online learning is flexible, some students find it hard to stay motivated.
- a) Despite
- b) In spite
- c) Although
Electric cars produce less pollution in cities. ___, they are still too expensive for many drivers.
- a) On the other hand
- b) Despite
- c) Whereas
Some people prefer to work alone, ___ others are more productive in a team.
- a) despite
- b) whereas
- c) moreover
___, the advantages of a four-day school week outweigh the disadvantages.
- a) On balance
- b) On the one hand
- c) Despite
Which sentence is the most suitable for the main body of a for-and-against essay?
- a) I totally hate this idea!
- b) It is often argued that tourism can damage local traditions.
- c) Everybody knows tourism is terrible.
A major ___ of working from home is the lack of contact with colleagues.
- a) drawback
- b) benefit
- c) advantage

エッセイの構成を考える

'Should schools replace printed textbooks with tablets?' というタイトルのエッセイの文を読みましょう。それぞれの文がエッセイのどの部分に入るかを選んでください。

Many schools are deciding whether to replace printed textbooks with tablets, and opinions are divided.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion
Critics claim that looking at screens for hours can cause tiredness and headaches.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion
Supporters argue that tablets can hold hundreds of books, so students carry less weight.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion
A major drawback is that tablets are expensive to buy and repair.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion
Furthermore, digital textbooks can be updated instantly when information changes.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion
On balance, a mix of printed books and digital resources seems the most sensible approach.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion

ライティング課題

先生から、次のタイトルで賛否を述べるエッセイを書くように言われました：「Should teenagers have a part-time job while they are still at school?」両方の立場の意見を示し、結論で自分の意見を述べましょう。

180〜260語

文章を確認する

導入でトピックを中立的に示した。
賛成意見の段落と反対意見の段落を1つずつ書いた。
それぞれの意見を、説明または例で裏付けた。
On the one hand、Moreover、On the other hand などのつなぎ言葉を使った。
本文の段落で、フォーマルで人称を避けた文体を使った。
自分の意見は結論でのみ述べた。

解答

対比とバランス

b) DespiteDespite のあとには名詞句が続きます（the high cost）。Although には動詞を含む完全な節が必要です。
c) AlthoughAlthough のあとには、主語と動詞を含む節が続きます: online learning is flexible。
a) On the other handOn the other hand は新しい文を始め、反対の立場を導きます。
b) whereasWhereas は、対照的な2つの事実を1つの文でつなぎます。
a) On balanceOn balance は、両方の立場を考えたあとの最終的な判断を導きます。
b) It is often argued that tourism can damage local traditions.It is often argued that ... は、人称を避けた、バランスのよい表現です。ほかの文は感情的か、大げさです。
a) drawback接触の不足は悪い点なので、drawback（不利な点）が正解です。

エッセイの構成を考える

a) Introductionトピックを中立的に示し、意見が分かれていると述べているので、導入に入ります。
c) Arguments againstCritics claim は、タブレットの使用に反対する意見を導きます。
b) Arguments forSupporters argue は、タブレットに賛成する意見を導きます。
c) Arguments againstA major drawback は、不利な点を導きます。
b) Arguments forFurthermore は、デジタル教科書のもう1つの利点を加えます。
d) ConclusionOn balance は、両方の立場を比べたあとの、書き手の最終的な判断を導きます。

解答例

In many countries, it is common for teenagers to combine their studies with a part-time job, for example in a shop or a café. However, opinions differ as to whether this is a good idea.

On the one hand, a part-time job can teach young people important lessons that school cannot. They learn to manage their time, deal with customers and take responsibility for their own money. Moreover, earning a wage can increase their independence and help them understand the value of hard work. Work experience may also make their CVs more attractive to future employers.

On the other hand, there are serious concerns about the effect on education. Students who work long hours in the evenings or at weekends may have less time for homework and revision, and their results could suffer as a consequence. In addition, tiredness can affect their health and leave little time for friends, sport or hobbies.

In conclusion, a part-time job clearly has both benefits and risks. On balance, I believe it can be a positive experience, provided that teenagers work only a few hours a week and their studies remain the priority.