Table of Contents
BEST IELTS Writing Task 2, 25th December
IELTS WRITING TASK 2
IELTS WRITING TASK 2
A huge number of students choose to study English independently on a self- study basis rather than attend a formal course. However, without the assistance of a teacher, students often find it difficult to manage their studies.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
SAMPLE ANSWER
The emergence of new technology over recent years has brought a wealth of learning opportunities into the home or workplace. Powerful computers aligned with the Internet mean that students can access websites and podcasts, and enter into even live communication with other students from around the world through video conferencing technologies. This, along with the explosion of freely available learning content should mean that students choosing to study English on a self-study basis have all the opportunities they need to progress. However, is this really the case?
One of the benefits of studying formally as part of a small group or class is that the school will have a system in place to manage the learning process. Each teacher will be required to follow a syllabus and will try to make sure that all the necessary content and skills are covered, and in the best order to facilitate learning.
However, students working independently will often not have access to this expertise and will be left alone to organise their own learning. This might have serious consequences for students working to a tight deadline, for example, with an intention of passing an exam. Will they spend too long on practice tests and not enough time on learning exam strategies? Will they have an appreciation of how best to develop their English skills generally? Knowing what IS required and when to learn it is probably something that the teacher has a better awareness of than the student.
To sum up, a great deal can be learnt independently and the main requirements for success are always motivation and hard work, qualities that the self-study student often possesses in abundance. However, I do feel that an experienced teacher can offer students a structure to their studies that will mean they spend their time more efficiently and effectively than when they study on their own.
