Scholar-Path-PPT (1)

Who are you closest to at home?
Record a 45 second response

Who are you closest to at home?
To give an interesting and developed answer, you have to go beyond
the initial question. A simple answer like “my brother” does not tell us
very much (and does not fill the time). Remember, the listener doesn’t
know anything about the person you are talking about.
Let’s try some brainstorming exercises to develop some ideas.
First, just write down the first family member you think when reading
the question. Remember to not overthink these questions.
For me, I have two brothers and they are both very close to me. I could waist all
of my time thinking about which one really is the closest. That time would be
much better spent just picking one randomly and focusing on developing my
explanation of him and why we are close.

Who are you closest to at home?
Brainstorm ideas – Share about his/her character:
- How old is he/she?
The exact age is not as important as the relational age. How much older or
younger?
- What parts of his or her appearance stand out to you?
- Does he/she look similar to you or different?
Did you think about this much while growing up?
- Did his or her size/appearance have any impact on you growing up?
- How did his or her style have any impact on you?
- What aspects of his or her character stand out?
- What makes them unique?
Can you think of any examples where this characteristic was on display?
- How did he/she treat you?
- How did his or her interests have any impact on you?

Who are you closest to at home?
Other things to consider:
- How much of the family to describe:
You don’t have to explain or even list every family member to complete the
answer. It all depends on how much you have to say about each family
member and how much the context of other family members matters to
understanding your answer.
- How does this person feel about you?
- Does blood relations mean more than

Is it better to have siblings or be an only child?
Record a 90 second response

Is it better to have siblings or be an only child?
For this question, you have more time to give your answer. It means you are
encouraged to develop the topic in the question. Do not worry! You can be a
great communicator as usual. All you have to do is to follow the tips in the
previous question. Think of some sub-questions that can give more specific
details to the listener. What can be some sub-questions you think of?
Look at the phrase: “Is it better?” Well, think about it. It seems like you can
compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages between having
siblings and being the only child before deciding a final conclusion. In the end
of your analysis, which one have more advantages in your opinion?
In the next slide, we have some recommended sub-questions for you.

Is it better to have siblings or be an only child?
What position in the family are you?
Are you an only child or do you have siblings?
If you have siblings, are you the eldest, middle, or youngest child?
Do you think your experience is typical of other families?
What benefits / drawbacks did you have growing up?
Do you think those are typical?
What other benefits / drawbacks could there be?

Is it better to have siblings or be an only child?
If you are still hesitant to deliver your answer, take time to read these articles. These articles
discuss the advantages of having siblings and the advantages of being the only child. Take notes
when you read to answer the following sub-questions:
What are the discussed advantages for each case? Which article do you agree with from your
perspectives?
1. Ten ways sibling make you a happier, healthier and better person:
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/benefits-of-having-asibling_us_58eb9b91e4b05413bfe4cadb
2. Having Only Child: Better for Kids?
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-is-2020/201209/having-only-one-child-easierparents-better-kids

WEAK Topic Development - Is it better to have siblings or be an only child?
Unclear thesis / details
Make sure you state your answer to the
prompt directly before you delve into
more details. It is okay to show that you
have considered both sides, but it must be
clear which side your final opinion is on. Use
strong and direct statements so the
listener/reader.
- Use a variety of adjectives. Avoid vague
words like "good" and "things".
-Use connectives to build complex sentences
and connect your ideas.
I have siblings. I have one older brother. His
name is Tim. I have one younger sister. Her name
is Jessica. I think it is very good to have siblings. I
can do many things with my brothers and sisters.
They are fun. We do many things together. My
siblings help me learn so many things.
Sometimes I fight with them though. Being an
only child is good too. I think some brothers and
sisters are not nice. Maybe I am lucky because
my siblings are nice and we have fun. I can be
only child too. Then I can get more things from
my parents.

Outline
Only Child
- Exp. - siblings
- Parents - no time
Kids left alone = bad
- Less outgoing
- Only child = more time
Contrast opposite opinions
Show you have considered both sides or that
your opinion is unconventional with:
- even so
- although
- however
- (Example 1) but at the same time
- as much as (example 1), (example 2 - is different)
Personally, I believe there are more advantages to being an only
child than to having siblings. This may surprise you, but I have
many siblings and it is not that I had a bad experience with them.
Honestly, I love them very much, but at the same time, my house
was very crammed. Our parents were busy working hard to feed
all five of us and didn't have time to give the attention we each
craved, so we largely raised each other and we didn't always do a
great job at that. As much as I love them, when the time comes, I
will seriously consider having only one child. I want to be able to
give my child all the resources and attention possible. Of course
there are a lot of great memories I have with my siblings, but
because we had each other, to hangout with or fight with, I think I
was less outgoing in some ways. I believe I would have tried out
for more activities and sports, had I been an only child. In my
opinion, it is best to be an only child, as long as you are given the
right opportunities to form a variety of social bonds.
COMMENT: Text your own example using the language from the Extension Technique

STRONG Topic Development - Is it better to have siblings or be an only child?
Everybody is greatly influenced by their siblings or lack of siblings. There are advantages to both
having siblings and being an only child, however, I personally believe being an only child would be
better. This is for two main reasons.
First of all, only children receive more attention and care from their parents. Parents with more
children have more bills to pay and less time for each child. This may surprise you, but I actually have
many siblings. I love them all and had a good childhood, but I have to admit it seemed like my parents
were exhausted from having too little time for their four children. Instead of their guidance, we were
largely left to raise each other. We didn't always do a good job with that.
Secondly, only children can be pushed to be more outgoing and social. Joining school clubs and
sports are more beneficial than staying home and always being around siblings. From my experience, I
always played, and fought, with my siblings after school. If I were an only child, I would have been more
inclined to join clubs and activities to escape boredom. Playing with siblings was familiar, so I avoided
the challenge of pushing myself in front of new people and possibly failing. Only children are pushed
into the unfamiliar, which helps build character.
In conclusion, being an only child would be better than having siblings because they receive more
attention from parents and they can be motivated to meet new people and have new experiences.