IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 1197 - Distance-learning programmes cannot bring benefits as attending colleges does
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Many people join distance-learning programmes (study materials, posts, TV, Internet) and study at home, but some people think that it cannot bring the same benefit as attending colleges or universities does.
How far do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer 1: [Agreement]
Distance learning, a modern phenomenon in education, has become widely popular, especially after the invention of the Internet. In the pre-internet era, it was confined to posts and TV and could attract a nominal number of learners. Despite a surge in home-based learning trends due to technological advancements, it is not as beneficial as attending a formal educational institute, as far as I am concerned.
To commence with, university education is not restricted to textbooks as it also focuses on creating an enlightened generation through a favourable environment where students learn to interact with each other, discover the diversity of cultures, and learn to face real-life challenges. Some video scripts and printed documents cannot teach them how to learn those life skills and use the lessons learned in the practical world. For instance, someone who learns a skill online finds it difficult to implement it in the real world. Thus their poor performance in professional life is imminent.
Moreover, instructors have extensive experience in dealing with students from different backgrounds and modify their lessons according to the capacity of the students. This is completely missing in the distance learning method, and thus the single-package-fits-all model is less productive. Taking an online course to learn to play the guitar could be a classic example here. A recent study by the University of Sussex reveals that nine out of ten online guitar learners fail to master it due to a lack of motivation, and this is where formal education comes in - motivating students. Taking distance learning courses for learning a programming language, or how to cook a cuisine can be useful for many, but this can never be an alternative to the education we receive from colleges and universities.
To conclude, we attend educational institutes to learn and become enlightened citizens, not to memorise lessons and pass exams. While distance learning can be a bonus to our already enlightened minds, it can never be the same as studying at a college or university.
Sample Answer 2: [Disgreement]
Distance learning programmes and online courses have gained huge momentum after the invention of the internet, and it has become a major tool for education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite some people's claim that it can never be as beneficial as the classroom-based education system, I beg to differ with the notion.
The coronavirus pandemic, and restrictions due to this, forced us to adopt an online-based learning system to such an extent that people never imagined would happen. It has not only made learners get used to online learning but has also made teachers more adept at conducting online classes and exams. People now realise that online learning is a highly advantageous and less expensive way of learning and gaining skills. New tools like better LMS (Learning Management System), communication tools, exam tools, and assessment tools have revolutionised the whole concept of distance learning. It has also opened our eyes that technology has much to offer than just conducting online classes. For instance, during the corona pandemic, my younger sister's college adopted an online education and exam portal which they still use as the main method of assignment submission and conducting exams.
Moreover, online learning platforms enable people from any age group and any region to enrol in courses and develop their skills at a very affordable price. For instance, a housewife from India can take a graphic design course offered by a teacher or a group of skilled graphic designers from the USA. This proves how online learning is going to replace many traditional learning methods due to its immense possibility and global accessibility.
In conclusion, the aspects that we have always believed online and distance learning methods can not offer have been achieved by technology and adopted by teachers and learners alike. Online learning is now mainstream and going to be as beneficial, and in some cases even more beneficial, as the traditional education system.
Model Answer 3: [Agreement]
Distance learning has become increasingly popular in recent years as people opt for the convenience of studying at home. However, many people believe that studying through distance learning programmes cannot provide the same benefits as attending universities or colleges in person. I completely agree with the view. This essay explains my position on the topic.
To begin with, distance learning programmes lack face-to-face interaction between students and teachers, which is an essential component of traditional learning. Classroom discussions, debates, and interactions with professors and classmates provide an opportunity for students to develop their critical thinking and communication skills. Moreover, it allows students to receive immediate feedback and guidance from their teachers, which can be invaluable in shaping their understanding of the subject.
In addition to the lack of interaction, distance learning programmes often require students to be self-disciplined and motivated in order to succeed. Students who study through these programmes may not have access to the same resources, such as libraries, laboratories, and extracurricular activities, that are available on university campuses. Moreover, they may not have the opportunity to participate in collaborative projects and group activities, which are crucial for developing teamwork and leadership skills.
Furthermore, distance learning programmes may not be suitable for all subjects, particularly those that require practical training, such as laboratory work, fieldwork, or internships, for example. These experiences cannot be replicated through distance learning, and students may miss out on crucial learning opportunities. For instance, in the medical field, distance learning certainly is not as effective as attending traditional classes, as students require hands-on experience and direct interaction with patients to develop essential skills.
In conclusion, while distance learning programmes offer convenience and flexibility, they cannot match the benefits of traditional campus-based learning. Classroom interactions, access to resources, and practical training opportunities are essential components of education that cannot be replicated through distance learning.
Model Answer 4: [Disagreement]
Distance learning has become a popular alternative for people who want to pursue education but cannot attend traditional colleges or universities. While some argue that studying at home cannot provide the same benefits as attending universities, I believe that distance learning can be as much beneficial as the traditional education system is, and sometimes offer unique advantages that the campus-based education system lacks.
Distance learning can be as effective as traditional campus-based learning. Advances in technology have made it possible for students to engage with course materials and instructors in a way that simulates a traditional classroom environment. For instance, video conferencing software, discussion forums, and online tutorials can all facilitate interactions between students and teachers. Additionally, the convenience of distance learning can reduce the time and money that students would otherwise spend commuting to a campus.
Moreover, distance learning allows students to have more flexibility in their schedules. Students can study at their own pace and choose their own study hours, which can be especially helpful for those who have work or family commitments. For example, a working parent can take care of their children during the day and study at night, allowing them to balance both their responsibilities. In this sense, it is an effective method to enable people to learn even if they have other commitments.
In conclusion, distance learning programmes can offer various benefits to students, including flexibility, access to a wider range of courses and programmes, and valuable skills. Sometimes, it has unique benefits that make it a preferred alternative to the traditional study method for many. So it is expected that distance learning would be made more useful and acceptable in the future.
Do you agree or disagree?
In this concurrent world, it is undoubtedly true that owing to the pandemic situation, many people are studying online through the internet whether they are young ones or varsity pupils. Some people concur that it is a boon in this ongoing circumstance of Covid-19. Conversely, others assert that it would not be that much significant to pupils as attending real classes. I firmly agree with the latter perspective. The following paragraphs shed light on my notion with relative examples.
Adequate evidence is obtainable to substantiate the concept of learning online was not much fruitful and having rancid consequences. The top-notch concrete reason is intellectuality . Nowadays most lectures are pre-recorded and repetitively played on the online platform. Hence, students could not ask questions if they have ambiguity in the concept. Although some university has endeavoured to provide live classes, they are not effective as traditional classrooms as it consumes a significant amount of time of all the students. Another rationale that hauls me to Petron is the inability to deliver practical knowledge. With the assistance of online learning, it is not possible to teach practical insights as it is performed in practical laboratories in colleges. Thus, pupils remain restricted from the practical aspect of those subjects.
Additionally, the rearmost coherent factor to be considered which cannot be neglected is distraction owing to the availability of the internet 24X7. To uphold my notion, I would quote today's living instance. As we know this era where we live, is the social media era. There is multifarious social media application like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook etc. Furthermore, mobile games have gone to an exorbitant level. Therefore it is found ubiquitously in the mobile phones of students as well as adults. While attending online classes, they get notifications from those applications and games that draw the attention of students away from learning. However, no cellphones are allowed in university classrooms which increased the learning ability of pupils.
In recapitulation, I reiterate that there are innumerable strong factors that support attending offline classrooms rather than online ones. Consequently, I firmly agree that studying at colleges is much useful than attending them virtually.
Many people join distance-learning programmes (study material, post, TV, Internet) and study at home, but some people think that it cannot bring the same benefit as attending colleges or universities does.
Do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays, distance-learning schools are getting trendy and many students study at home. However, some people opine that this type of schooling is not much beneficial compared to attending classes at colleges or universities. Personally, I strongly agree with this opinion because the merits of higher education contain meeting people and learning from them, and in-person classes are prone to be more practical for students.
The primary reason why I believe that the classroom-based education system is superior to online courses is that meeting others, who could be from diverse cultural backgrounds, directly offer numerous benefits. During my time at university, I used to enjoy conversations with friends before and after classes and learned many things from our conversations. On the contrary, online classes deprive students of these opportunities as students usually turn off their connection with virtual classroom just after the end of the class. Real-life conversations with professors and other students would broaden their horizons, enhance their communication skills and strengthen their communities which could help them learn more efficiently in the long run.
Another point behind my viewpoint is that discussions in normal classes tend to be more lively and engaging. This is because it would be easier for teachers to grasp the level of talents and interests of students, thus teachers could facilitate effectively to intrigue students’ attention. Successful facilitation of classes would fairly contribute to increment in satisfaction of school life. Moreover, just sitting still in front of a computer screen often degrade students’ concentration in classes and make them distracted.
To recapitulate, although the distance-learning trend will be more dominating with technological advancements, I completely agree with the notion that the advantages of attending educational institutions outweigh the ones of online learning. Classroom-based teaching enhances communications among students and exalts overall productivity.
Firstly, virtual learning can give you books and materials to read and online lectures to listen to, but it misses the understanding part. Actually, it is a single way of learning only, you have to learn by yourself, no one will be there to help you out in case you fail to understand. It has an edge as learners have teachers available online who can answer their questions and clear ambiguities about subjects. But it lacks the most essential part of learning - personal supervision. No teacher is there to help out a weak student or support and motivate mentally.
Moreover, students who attend colleges or universities physically, gain more skills than online learners. Their skills are polished by their teachers as well as the administration of the institute. They perform extraordinarily in their careers. This skill set can not be gained by the students learning virtually.
By way of conclusion, I will reaffirm my insurmountable contention that distance learning is for having a degree or to upgrade your CV, whereas regular college learning equips you with a plethora of skills, which are beneficial for you and your career. Learning just to have a piece of paper called "a degree" is not real learning.
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