The Question

Some people prefer to eat meals at restaurants, while others like to prepare and eat food in their own home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

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The Sample Essay

         These days, people can choose from many different dining options. It is now possible to eat food at wonderful restaurants serving dishes from around the world, and to use modern technology to prepare great food in the comfort of our own homes.  Personally, I prefer to eat at home, rather than going out. I feel this way for two reasons, which I will explore in the following essay.

          To begin with, meals cooked at home are healthier than meals from restaurants, and I strongly value my health.  While meals prepared at restaurants are certainly delicious, they usually include a lot of oil, salt and sugar. Over-consumption of unhealthy ingredients can have a profound effect on our health, and can even lead to chronic illnesses.  When I cook for myself at home, I precisely measure the amounts of everything that goes into my food and try my best to limit unhealthy ingredients whenever possible. It is true that my meals may not taste quite as nice as those I might get at a fancy restaurant, but I still enjoy my creations.  Rather than enjoying just the taste of the food, much of my pleasure is derived from the enjoyment that went into the cooking of it, and the peace of mind that I gain from knowing that I am taking care of my body.

         Secondly, everyone knows that restaurants are incredibly expensive.  I do not blame restaurant owners for this because I know they must pay a lot for labor, real estate and utilities,  but it is true that a meal that might cost five dollars to prepare at home will cost ten times that amount when served to me at a restaurant.  Moreover, my country has a tipping culture, which adds increased costs every time I eat out. For example, I remember last month how I paid about fifteen dollars for a simple meal of fish and chips.  Potatoes are clearly one of the most inexpensive vegetables in the world, and since I live near the sea, fresh fish can be bought at a local market for just a few dollars a pound. I enjoyed myself, but the amount I paid for it made me feel like I was being irresponsible with my money.

          In conclusion, I certainly prefer to eat at home rather than at a restaurant.  I feel this way because eating at home is healthier, and it makes a lot more economic sense than going out for an expensive meal. (415 words)

Note

This is a sample TOEFL paired choice essay written by a native speaker.  It follows our TOEFL writing templates for independent essays.  If you find it useful, please remember that we have many more sample essays for you to read!

 

 

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