TOEFL essay composition – choosing a side

Hello,

I have a question concerning composition of a TOEFL essay the

topic of which states an idea that the writer should either agree

or disagree with. Sometimes, it is not difficult at all to choose a

side

"Do you agree or disagree that education is important?"

Here, the answer just suggests itself. But in some other cases

choosing a side just contradicts the common sense. For instance,

here is one of the official TOEFL topics:

"Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Most

experiences in our lives that seemed difficult at the time become

valuable lessons for the future."

I believe it is obvious that some experiences will be valuable

lessons for the future, while others will not. It depends on many

factors. So, the first idea that comes to mind is to write "It depends."

Moreover, agreeing or disagreeing with the idea that "most

experiences are valuable" means that the writer may count all

possible experiences, then to count all valuable ones, and finally

weight these numbers. Such calculations seem objectively

impossible.

However, it was once highly recommended to me always to take

one side and argue for it even if the contrary opinion may exist

and be well argued for.

What is your opinion? Would you recommend considering both sides

of an issue in the TOEFL essay or sticking to one view and support

it throughout the essay?

P.S. I'd like to emphasize that this question is TOEFL-peculiar and

general writing recomendations probably won't be of any help.

Thanks in advance.

--

Victor