TOEFL essay: Some intensive English program in the US offer a foreign student...

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Topic: Some intensive English program in the US offer a foreign student the option of living with an American family while he or she is studying abroad. In a short essay, discuss one or two advantages of living with an American family and then state one or two disadvantages. Tell whether you're in favor of or opposed to the idea of the home-stay. Give examples to support your opinion.

Essay:
There is much disagreement over whether it is necessary for a foreign student who is studying in the US to live with an American family. Some people maintain that the home-stay program is meaningless. However , others argue that such the home-stay program is a a valuable part of their total learning experience. In my opinion, the better position is the latter.

Why do some people dislike the idea of staying with an American family? Firstly, they thick that living with an American family involves both a lack of privacy and independence. For example, the student may find that the family expects him or her to join them in group activities such as watching TV or gardening, etc. Although, at times , the student might enjoy staying alone to read book or to write letters to his or her family. Secondly, the student may be treated like a child. Parents might decide who will the student make friends with. Besides, parents may control how the student spend spare time.

Although there are 1 or 2 disadvantages of living with an American family, the advantages are far outweigh them. For one thing, the student gains an excellent opportunity to learn about American customs. Taking part in group activities, festivals or parties, the student learns how to behave on different occasions. Besides, he or she will learn about many other aspects of American life such as how American economics acts, how schools are run. The family wants to make certain that the student gets acquainted to the new life. For another, living with an American family provide the student with an ideal environment to improve his or her English. Through the conversations with family members, the student's pronunciation will be corrected. Even the young children may help him or her with the homework. As a result, English will surround the student most of the time during the time he or she stays in the US.

In conclusion, I think the advantages of living with an American family are more obvious than its disadvantages. If I have an opportunity to study in the US following this program, I'll be very happy. Because I 'll learn much more than what I can learn in the university.
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