IELTS Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 1184 - Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet
- Details
- Last Updated: Wednesday, 19 April 2023 15:56
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 81489
IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet so that people can study online.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer 1: [Viewpoint: Overall, it is a positive development.]
Online education is a comparatively new trend and thousands of educational institutes have already embraced this method to offer their courses. While some negative aspects of this development could not be ignored, the advantages of it far outweigh the demerits.
To begin with, many universities in developed countries offer online degrees and short courses, and they have started doing so only after proper research. The research proved that Internet-based courses are advantageous both for students and teachers. The intuitive and methodical lessons offered by an online course are planned by several university teachers and technology experts and hence they maintain an uncompromising quality. The widespread use of the Internet makes it handy for people to enrol in a course without considering time and distance. This trend has attracted thousands of professionals, housewives and elderly people to continue their education or take courses of their choice. For instance, as many as twenty-five thousand housewives in the USA complete their preferred online courses and diplomas in a year. Attending traditional classroom-based courses was impossible for this large number of housewives and busy professionals.
Moreover, Internet-based courses are easier to follow and someone can retake the same lessons over and over again, unlike traditional classes. Thus many students have reported the Khan Academy, Linda, and Udemy, renowned Internet-based online course websites, to be their preferred learning tools. Many skill-developing online courses, for example, have assisted thousands of young people to pursue their careers in technology and this has all been possible with Internet-based learning.
The downside of this trend is the cost and lack of proper supervision by a teacher. Courses offered by prestigious universities are often far too expensive for a poor student to bear. Teachers' guidance and motivation often play a great role in a pupil's success and the online course cannot be a suitable substitute for the motivation teachers can offer.
To conclude, technological advancements in education, especially online education, are a great leap towards a world without illiteracy and unemployment. Hence, this is such a positive development though it lacks a teacher's motivation and direct supervision.
Sample Answer 2: [Viewpoint: It is a positive development]
Online education has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many universities offering courses over the internet. Some people believe that this is a positive development, while others see it as a negative trend. In this essay, I will examine both views and argue that online education can be a positive development.
On the one hand, some people argue that online education is a negative development because it can reduce the quality of education. In traditional universities, students can interact with their professors and classmates, ask questions, and receive immediate feedback. Online courses, however, lack the personal interaction and face-to-face communication that is present in a traditional classroom.
On the other hand, there are several benefits to online education. Firstly, it provides access to education for people who may not otherwise be able to attend a traditional university. For example, people who live in rural areas, have physical disabilities, or have family or work commitments may find it difficult to attend classes in person. Online education allows them to access the same courses as traditional students from anywhere with an internet connection. Furthermore, online education can be more flexible than traditional education, allowing students to study at their own pace and on their own schedule. This can be particularly beneficial for students who have work or family commitments.
In conclusion, while some people view online education as a negative development, I believe that it is a positive trend. Online education can provide access to education for people who may not otherwise be able to attend traditional universities, and it can offer flexibility and convenience for students with work or family commitments.
Sample Answer 3: [Viewpoint: It is a negative development]
As technology advances, many universities have started offering their courses online. While this may seem like a positive trend, I strongly believe that it is a negative one. In this essay, I will discuss why online courses can have negative impacts on students.
Firstly, online courses can be impersonal and isolating. Students who study online may feel disconnected from their peers and professors, leading to a lack of motivation and engagement. They may also miss out on the collaborative and interactive learning experience that comes with attending physical classes. This can have a detrimental effect on their learning and overall academic performance.
Secondly, online courses may not provide the same level of support and resources as physical courses. Students may not have access to the same quality of teaching, equipment, and facilities as they would on campus. This can limit their learning and skills development, potentially hindering their future career prospects.
Lastly, online courses can also have negative effects on mental health. Students who study online may experience higher levels of stress and anxiety, as they may struggle with time management, motivation, and the lack of social interaction. This can lead to burnout and a decreased ability to cope with the demands of academic life.
In conclusion, while the availability of online courses may seem like a positive development, I believe that it can have negative impacts on students. The impersonal nature of online learning, the lack of support and resources, and the potential negative effects on mental health are all valid concerns. Therefore, I believe that physical classes are still the best way to ensure a quality education and a positive learning experience.
Report