Teacher Dean

TOEFL iBT Writing，Integrated Task，以 TPO 25 為例。畫底線部分為模板（template）架構。整合寫作的精神：力求事務性地直指核心──這也是我這個模板和範文所欲表現的。

The two texts deal with the question whether those excavated clay jars, each containing a copper cylinder surrounding an iron rod, were used as batteries at the time they were produced. The reading passage proposes three arguments to deny the possibility that they were used as batteries, while the lecturer disagrees with the passage, counterattacking the three arguments respectively.

First, the accessory issue. The passage mentions that no battery accessories, such as metal wires, were found, so these vessels must have not been batteries, since otherwise there should have been wires excavated with them to make sense. However, the lecturer stresses that it was some villagers, not trained archaeologists, that discovered those vessels first; since they were not experts, they might have overlooked, even thrown away, the seemingly insignificant wires. So the “absence” of the wires doesn’t necessarily justify that they never existed.

Second, the purpose issue. The passage points out that the copper cylinders in the vessels must have been used for the same purpose as those similar in structure discovered in a nearby city: to hold scrolls of texts. The lecturer agrees on the similarity part, but goes on to say it does not necessarily mean that the vessels could not later be adapted for another purpose, that is, serving as batteries. If you start off as a scholar, it doesn’t mean you have to be a scholar all of your life.

Third, the uselessness issue. The passage brings forth a question: what should ancient people do with these vessels, if they were used as batteries? There were no things relying on electricity at that time! The lecturer replies that the small electricity discharges from the vessels could actually be utilized by people then. For example, a man could use that electric shock to convince others that he had magical powers. Also, the mild discharges could have medical significance at that time; they could be used to treat patients.

template and sample essay by Teacher Dean