Is it better to marry someone who is similar to you than someone who is different

English as a Second Language Preparation for and help with the TOEFL® Test and
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To friends on ESL:
Thank you very much for correcting my work and providing your advice.

Question:
Do you agree or disagree with the statement? It is better to marry someone who is similar to you than someone who is different from you.

Answer:
To enter a marriage relationship means that one person will spend the rest of his life with another person and whether this marriage is successful or not depends on a number of factors, of which, if The two people have the same or different personalities is the key issue. You may marry someone who is like you or someone the total opposite of you. for me, To marry someone with whom i have much in common is a better option because it is safe and easy.

One adv of this kind of marriage is that it provides a certain degree of security because both of us share the same view towards most issues. for instance, we both agree that being respectful to other people’s viewpoint is necessary. when i want to buy the latest model car, my wife, though not happy with it, will understand that the desire for car is something born in men and , therefore, will accept it. As a result, there will be no argument but understanding to help us through when situations arise. This, consequently, provides a solid base for the relationship to continue.

Another adv is that it largely reduces the chance of misunderstanding because we know each other very well. in cases where one of us has to make solo decision, we will not be afraid of resulting in misunderstanding of another person since we know this decision is the one that will be agreed with by both of us, even if the decision is proved wrong later. This trust between a couple constitutes a good marriage.

Despite being different offering some level of excitement and new experiences, as some people feel, these differences are very likely to lead to disputes and i do not think it is worthy taking adventrue in marriage. Taking all the arguments into account, marrying the person of your type is the correct choice.

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TOEFL listening lectures: What does DNA analysis reveal about the domestication of horses?

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I am improving writing skill, too. So, my suggestion below can have some mistakes. Anyway, i hope it is useful for you.

To enter [ ENTERING ] a marriage relationship means that one person will spend the rest of his life with another person and whether this marriage is successful or not depends on a number of factors, of which, if The two people have the same or different personalities is the key issue [ ?! ]. You may marry someone who is like you or someone the total opposite of you. for me [ WORD CHOICE ], To marry [ MARRYING ] someone with whom i have much in common is a better option because it is safe and easy.

One adv of this kind of marriage is that it provides a certain degree of security because both of us share the same view towards most issues. for instance, we both agree that being respectful to other people’s viewpoint is necessary. when i want to buy the latest model car, my wife, though not happy with it, will understand that the desire for car is something born in men and , therefore, will accept it. As a result, there will be no argument but understanding to help us through when situations arise. This, consequently, provides a solid base for the relationship to continue.

Another adv is that it largely reduces the chance of misunderstanding because we know each other very well. in cases where one of us has to make solo decision, we will not be afraid of resulting in misunderstanding of another person since we know this decision is the one that will be agreed with by both of us, even if the decision is proved wrong later. This trust between a couple ( constitutes ) [RESULT IN] a good marriage.

Despite being different offering some level of excitement and new experiences, as some people feel, these differences are very likely to lead to disputes and i do not think it is worthy [ WORTH ] taking adventure in marriage. Taking all the arguments into account, marrying the person of your type is the correct choice.

P/S: i think you should use some transitional signals among paragraphs to make your essay’s structure more clearly. Using some phrases to show your opinions is advisable: from my perspective, in my opinion, etc

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Answer:
To enter a marriage relationship means that one person will spend the rest of his life with another person and whether this marriage is successful or not depends on a number of factors, of which, INCLUDING if The two people have the same or different personalities is the key issue. You may marry someone who is like you or someone the total opposite of you. for me, To marry someone with whom i have much in common is a better option because it is safe and easy.

One advANDTAGE of this kind of marriage is that it provides a certain degree of security because both of us share the same view towards most issues. For instance, we both agree that being respectful to other people’s viewpoint is necessary. When i want to buy the latest model car, my wife, though not happy with it, will understand that the desire for car is something born in men and , therefore, will accept it. As a result, there will be no argumentS but understanding to help us through when situations arise. This, consequently, provides a solid base for the relationship to continue.

Another advANTAGE is that it largely reduces the chance of misunderstanding because we know each other very well. In cases where one of us has to make solo decision, we will not be afraid of resulting in misunderstanding of another person since we know this decision is the one that will be agreed with by both of us, even if the decision is proved wrong later. This trust between a couple constitutes a good marriage.

Despite being different offering some level of excitement and new experiences, as some people feel, these differences are very likely to lead to disputes and i do not think it is worthy taking adventrue in marriage. Taking all the arguments into account, marrying the person of your type is the correct choice.

Would kindly start each sentence with a Capital letter?!:smiley:

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Thank you for the replies first. Second, does anyone has better ideas or can anyone provide a better answer to this topic? i’d love to see a good sample answer for reference.

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Hi Luinanniwan, here is my shot at writing a TOEFL essay on your topic. I think it is a good sample - let me know if you see any mistakes.

Question:
Do you agree or disagree with the statement? It is better to marry someone who is similar to you than someone who is different from you.

It is said 'opposites attract’. This is no doubt true: differences in one’s partner can lead to an exciting courtship. But I believe for a strong, stable marriage, too many differences can be a recipe for disaster. The exotic may be entrancing, but it is more advantageous to choose a spouse who is similar to you in personality, intelligence, and family background.

Marriage is a long-term commitment, and after the fleeting pleasures of the wedding ceremony are long past, shared personality traits will help keep a marriage strong. Communication is a key to any successful relationship. Partners with similar personalities tend to be able to communicate better. They unconsciously know what the other is thinking, because they are apt to think alike. Arguments will arise in any marriage, but spouses with similar personalities find it easier to “fight fair” and tackle small issues before they blow up into major conflicts.

Marriage is best when it is a marriage of equals. This certainly includes intelligence. A mutual level of intelligence enhances communication as one partner will not accuse the other of “talking over his head”. Both partners will find conversation more stimulating if they understand each other’s viewpoints and can share their opinions without fear of being looked down upon.

A shared background is also vital to a successful marriage. When you marry someone, you marry their family as well. Shared traditions can serve as a built-in springboard to an enhanced feeling of closeness between the couple. Family conflicts will be greatly reduced since they approach difficulties from a mutual background. Raising children, following a religion, and relating to parents are all potential pitfalls in a marriage; but shared values increase the chance of successfully surmounting these challenges.

It is easy to fall for the “tall dark stranger”, to desire a taste of the exotic. Our hearts often lead us toward the new and uncharted territory of a mysterious lover. But if at all possible, it is better to keep one’s heart in check and use reason to choose a mate who is more similar to you. The resultant marriage may be a tad less exhilarating, but is much more likely to be rock solid and last a lifetime.

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Hi, Luschen, this is an excellent work, thanks for sharing! and I learned a new meaning of the word ‘relate’, I’ll be sure to have you on my favorite list and seek help from you often, thanks again!

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Hi Luschen,
Are you able to edit the above post now? You might want it to reflect the (very minor) changes we discussed.

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Hi, I have modified my essay to incorporate Beeesneees’ suggestions. Please see my revised version below:

Question:
Do you agree or disagree with the statement? It is better to marry someone who is similar to you than someone who is different from you.

It is said 'opposites attract’. This is no doubt true: differences in one’s partner can lead to an exciting courtship. However, I believe for the creation of a strong, stable marriage, compatibility is paramount, as too many differences can be a recipe for disaster. The exotic may be entrancing, but it is more advantageous to choose a spouse who is similar to you in personality, intelligence, and family background.

Marriage is a long-term commitment, and after the fleeting pleasures of the wedding ceremony are long past, shared personality traits will help keep a marriage strong. Communication is a key to any successful relationship. Partners with similar personalities tend to be able to communicate better. They unconsciously know what the other is thinking, because they are apt to think alike. Arguments will arise in any marriage, but spouses with similar personalities find it easier to “fight fair” and tackle small issues before they blow up into major conflicts.

Marriage is best when it is a marriage of equals. This certainly includes intelligence. A mutual level of intellect enhances communication as the partners will not accuse each other of “talking over one another’s heads”. Both partners will find conversation more stimulating if they understand each other’s viewpoints and can share their opinions without fear of being looked down upon.

A shared background is also vital to a successful marriage. When you marry someone, you marry their family as well. Shared traditions can serve as a built-in springboard to an enhanced feeling of closeness between the couple. Family conflicts will be greatly reduced since they approach difficulties from a mutual background. Raising children, following a religion, and relating to parents are all potential pitfalls in a marriage; but shared values increase the chance of successfully surmounting these challenges.

It is easy to fall for the ‘tall dark stranger’, to desire a taste of the exotic. Our hearts often lead us toward the new and uncharted territory of a mysterious lover. Even so, if at all possible, it is better to keep one’s heart in check and use reason to choose a mate who is more familiar and compatible. The resultant marriage may be a tad less exhilarating, but is much more likely to be rock solid and last a lifetime.

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Luschen and Beeesneees,
I noticed few changes made, but do not understand the reasons. Could either of you provide an explanation?

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Hi Luinanniwan. Sorry, Beeesneees made her suggestions in this thread: english-test.net/forum/ftopi … lar_to_you