TOEFL Essay Sample #2

Living in an apartment instead of a university dormitory has advantages and disadvantages. Discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of apartment living and then defend your preference.

When a person decides to enter a university away from home, he or she must also consider living accommodations. Although most universities offer student dormitories, students frequently choose to live in an apartment. While there are many advantages to apartment living, there are also many disadvantages. Before a student decides to live in an apartment, he or she should review all the advantages and disadvantages to living in an apartment.

Living in an apartment has many advantages. First, students can choose to live in a quiet neighborhood. A quiet neighborhood is beneficial to studying. Away from the distractions of campus life, students can be more serious about their studies. Second, apartment life allows students to be more independent. For example, they can cook whatever they want to eat and have their meals whenever they want them. Third, students can often find apartments that are cheaper than the fee for room and board in a dormitory. However, living in an apartment also has disadvantages. Being away from campus life can make students feel isolated.

Another disadvantage is that apartments close to campus are usually expensive, and those farther away are not within walking distance. Therefore, transportation must be considered. Finally, students who live in apartments must cook their own meals, shop for food, do the laundry and clean their entire apartment - not just their room.

Even though there are many advantages to apartment living, I would prefer to live in the university dormitory for the following reasons. First. I will be new at the university and meeting people will be easier in a dormitory setting. Second, I won't have to worry about purchasing and cooking food or cleaning up afterwards. Consequently, I will have more time for my studies. Finally, I will be within walking distance of my classes and the university library. In conclusion, living on campus is more advantageous for me than living in an apartment.

Source: J. Gear, Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test

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