http://www.bettertoeflscores.com Michael Buckhoff, founder and materials writer for the 7 Step System to Pass the TOEFL iBT, read, evaluates, scores an essay written by one of his TOEFL iBT students.
Students at universities often have a choice of places to live. They may choose to live in university dormitories, or they may choose to live in apartments in the community. Compare the advantages of living in university housing with the advantages of living in an apartment in the community. Where would you prefer to live? Give reasons for your preference.
On campus student housing - that is, a dormitory - has certain advantages over apartments.The dormitory is inexpensive and may contain almost everything students need,from laundry facilities to a afetaria.Nonetheless, student housing also has so many drawbacks that an apartment in the community is probably the better place to live.
For example,disadvantages of dormitory life include noise,overcrowding, and lack of privacy.In such a situation,where some students play stereos loudly,get drunk often, and show no respect for others 'property'.It is difficult to study or even sleep .Moreover, small differences between students may become magnified into major quarrels and sometimes lead to violence.There is a temptation to steal others belongings. A student with unpopular views or unpleasant mannerisms may find himself harassed and even injured.There are also moments when one simply must be alone, for study or whatever other reason,and in a dormitory setting,solitude can be difficult to arrange.
For all these reasons, an apartment is better than a dormitory.The apartment may be more expensive,but it also offer the individual more control over his or her personal environment.One can have silence or music, as one wishes:keep late hours without disturbing anyone:sleep without disturbance;and be reasonbly secure against thievery.Studying is easier in the privacy of one's apartment than in a crowded, noisy dormitory,and if one desires company,then it is a simple matter to invite friends to the apartment for a visit.
Although one may have pay more for an apartment than for a dormitory room,the advantages of apartment living more than outweigh the additional cost.Given a choice between a dormitory and a decent apartment,the apartment is almost always better option.
