Write for an Academic Discussion

A professor has posted a question about a topic and students have responded with their thoughts and ideas. Make a contribution to the discussion.
You will have 10 minutes to write.

Your professor is teaching a class on psychology.

In your response, you should do the following.

• • Express and support your opinion.
• • Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

Professor’s question:

A popular theory in psychology suggests that a person's birth order—whether they are the oldest, middle, youngest, or an only child—has a significant impact on their personality development. For example, firstborns are often described as responsible leaders. Do you believe birth order is a major factor in shaping who we become, or are its effects generally exaggerated? Why?

Student response 1:

I believe birth order is a very influential factor because the role you have in your family shapes you from a young age. For instance, my older brother was always expected to be a responsible role model, and I think that's why he is so organized and serious as an adult.

Student response 2:

I think the importance of birth order is often exaggerated. Factors like parenting style, economic conditions, and individual life experiences have a much stronger impact on personality. Therefore, focusing only on birth order is too simplistic and overlooks these more significant influences, however interesting the idea might be.