Moving to a new place is not a good decision because of the lost of old friends

[Ipathigo]

Dear Kitosdad

Could you please correct my essay?

Thank you in advanced. =)

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is often not a good thing to move to a new city or a new country because of the lost of old friends.

For modern people, the living environment is an important factor when they decide where they live. Some people think that living in old places is a good choice because their old friends who are the people realize them the most are living there. However, others don’t agree with the idea. In my opinion, moving to a new place can make new friends and experience new thing which benefit them to know a lot of knowledge.

To begin with, moving to a new place is beneficial for people to train their ability of independence. In this modern society, the ability of independence is of the crucial importance, because we can not expect that every time when facing problems, we can get other people’s help. Therefore, moving to a new place, especially just oneself, is a fairly big help for people. Take me as an example, before moving out to live alone, the only cuisine I can do is cooking eggs. But now, I already can prepare a delicious dinner in one hour. Also, I can handle everything happened in daily life by myself.

In addition, people need to continuously contact new things or new people which will stimulate them to acquire more energy in their daily life. Therefore, moving to a new city and making new friends is the best choice. In this way, people can gain a happier life. For example, my brother had a large number of good friends. When on holiday, they always gone outside to do exercise or to go shopping. After a period of time, he seldom gone with them because he felt so boring. He was really not so happy on that time. Until moving to a new place and making new friends, he participated in swimming club and climbing club and started having a happy life. Indeed, changing a new environment is a good choice.

What’s more, people can experience many different cultures which they might not undergo before. This experience may inspire people to have many ideas and views. For instance, I like to listen to my uncle, who ever lived many countries, tells these stories. In his stories, I know many different ways of life. And his stories also encourage me to go outside and to experience various cultures in the world.

In conclusion, form what I have discuss above, I think that moving to a new city or a new country is the better decision for people than just staying in a old place. They can know the importance of independence, acquire much new energy which lead to a happy life and realize different cultures.

TOEFL listening discussions: A conversation between two students at their university cafeteria

[Kitosdad]

[Ipathigo]

Dear Kitosdad

I have a question and want to consult you.

In my second paragraph, I use the word "continuouslly". Actually, before your correction, I can't distinguish the difference between "continuous" and "continual".

Then I found the answer from this website: http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic14075.html

Clearly they both refer to something going on and continuing. Continuous just describes 'not stopping'. You would refer to a continuous programme at a cinema that means when the film has finished, it then starts again. Continual also means not stopping but adds also the idea that you would like it to stop. You would talk about the 'continual barking of a dog', that means that the dog never stops barking and you wish it would stop because it is annoying you.

So if I want to express that people need to contact new things and don't stop to contact them in their daily life, whether "continuously" is better than "continually"?

Expect your answer!!

And, again, thanks for your correction!! =)

[Kitosdad]

You beat me to the reply. I think that continually fits the context of the sentence more logically.
Don't forget that you are free to ignore my corrections when you feel your word is better suited. I'm pleased that you sought the answer yourself.
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