I guess that restating the statement is rather undesirable, unless sometimes we cannot figure out a proper beginning, which is also a problem to me. Many books and teachers from the New Oriental School tell us that "Rewrite but not Restate" is an advisable way. This may correspond to the reply from G-cat's friend from abroad, that analysis the topic to some extent and further represent her own positon. What's more, through the reply, I can see that the spirit of critical thinking is prevailing, whch may indicate that the very spirit is emphasized heavily in the education abroad and therefore the reason why ETS chooses this as a crucial requirements.
I also favor the template a little more. But I am thinking about whether there is a third approach, a creative beginning. This is what I want to do sometimes, though subjects to my English ability. I am just thinking that a creative beginning may result in a good first impression. Of course, the very logic and content of the
issue is superior.