TOEFL ESSAY PROMPT #1

Question: Describe a custom from your country that you would like people from other country to adopt. Explain your choice, using examples and reasons.

The world we live in has been significantly influenced by globalization. Each country is no longer separated from each other, but rather interacts with one another, such as in area of politics, world economy, as well as culture and customs. I want to describe some positive aspects of one custom of Korea, the act of bowing, which I would like people from other countries to adopt.

I firmly believe bowing is the easiest way to share people’s feelings. Koreans bow every time they come across a person. Bowing can also be a very meaningful act towards an opponent. It does not only have the meaning of saying hello but most importantly, you are showing respect to another person. Therefore, after bowing, people naturally feel pleasant.

Moreover, bowing leads to the start of good relationship. It is likely that two people meeting for the first time will create awkward atmosphere. However, if they were to bow to each other as a welcoming gesture, this will break the ice. For example, making a good relationship also applies to between a student and a teacher. Especially when a student and a teacher are meeting for the first time, the student will often bow first as an act of politeness in Korea even before sharing his/her name. Most likely, the teacher will bow back which will result in an exchange of smiles which marks the perfect start of a relationship. Also, a student bowing first is more memorable to a teacher than those who did not. As far as I know, there isn’t a single nation that doesn’t think it is important to behave politely to others. The act of bowing prevents anxiety and stress that can frequently arise between people.

On the other hand, bowing isn’t only for meeting people. Koreans also bow when expressing that they are sorry. We could question, “Isn’t it enough to just say sorry?” However, bowing is a very effective way to ask for forgiveness. By lowering oneself, one’s true feelings can be directly conveyed in a simple gesture. This behavior of moderating ourselves can bring many benefits. People accepting our bow as sincere will view us as credible. It is difficult to gain the trust of others. We have to show them by behavior that we are trustworthy. Trustworthy behavior can be shown when we keep ourselves from being arrogant. People would abhor anyone who always boasts and disdains others. The act of bowing can also be a start of showing personality traits such as kindness and dependability.                  

People in the modern world tend to focus on themselves, and at times only care about their own problems. In addition, people always stay vigilant to others whom they don’t know, and, they do not even want to know about neighbors. I believe we need to have at least, basic manners toward other people. The act of bowing may not seem to hold any special meanings because it is so simple and easy. However, this simple act can contribute greatly to establishing respect between strangers that may grow to become lifelong friends.