TOEFL® ibt writing - Question types

[Fibi]

Hi there.

I'm taking the test this Saturday and I have a question regarding the independet essay.
I know that there are various question types and that you have to write a comparision sometimes but what if you have a question likes this:

"For many students, a small, rural college is much better than a big, urban college. Which dou you prefer?"

I got this question out of the Kaplan Toefl book.
I understand (out of the book) that they want me to write a comparison of the rural and urban college first and then state my opinion. Is that correct? Do I have to compare them first and how do I know?

It is much easier if they say:

"Compare the advantages and disadvantages of studying at a samll, rural college to those of studying at a big, urban school. Which type of school do you find preferable?"

There you habe the word "compare".

Thanks so much in advance for any help.

Fibi

[Gray]

Too late it is for me to comment, but it would be helpful to others :)

It's simple, lets go through the topic given --

"For many students, a small, rural college is much better than a big, urban college. Which dou you prefer?"

They have given their opinion and they are asking your. Obviously, you have to supplement it with reason and comparison. In this case, it is just a roundabout way of saying things without saying them actually ;)
_________________
First lesson - English, not english. I, not i. ~A student of English