Remote learning has become a hot topic in recent years, especially due to the global pandemic. This shift in education has significantly affected student-teacher relationships, making it a relevant subject for IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current educational developments, we can expect this theme to appear frequently in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze high-scoring responses to help you prepare effectively.
The impact of digital technology on traditional education has been profound, and remote learning is a prime example of this transformation. As we delve into the sample essays, we’ll see how different perspectives on this topic can be articulated to achieve various band scores.
Sample Question and Analysis
Some people believe that remote learning has negatively impacted the relationship between students and teachers. Others argue that it has created new opportunities for interaction. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the negative impacts of remote learning on student-teacher relationships
- Explore the new opportunities for interaction created by remote learning
- Provide a personal opinion on the overall impact
Now, let’s examine three sample essays that demonstrate different levels of proficiency.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The shift towards remote learning has sparked a debate about its effects on student-teacher relationships. While some argue that this digital transition has eroded the personal connection between educators and learners, others contend that it has opened up novel avenues for engagement. In my opinion, while remote learning presents certain challenges, it ultimately offers more benefits than drawbacks in terms of student-teacher interactions.
Those who criticize remote learning often point to the loss of face-to-face interactions. They argue that the physical classroom environment fosters a sense of community and allows for immediate, non-verbal communication, which is crucial for building rapport and understanding. Moreover, the absence of direct supervision can lead to decreased student engagement and make it harder for teachers to provide personalized attention.
On the other hand, proponents of remote learning highlight its potential to break down barriers and create more inclusive learning environments. Digital platforms enable more frequent and flexible communication between students and teachers through various channels such as video calls, chat functions, and collaborative online tools. This can lead to more individualized support and encourage shy students to participate more actively. Additionally, the recorded nature of many online lessons allows for repeated viewing, benefiting students who may need extra time to grasp concepts.
In my view, while the challenges of remote learning are valid, the opportunities it presents outweigh the drawbacks. The digital landscape allows for innovative teaching methods and more diverse forms of interaction that can cater to different learning styles. Furthermore, it prepares students for a future where digital literacy and remote collaboration are increasingly important skills. However, it is crucial that educators receive proper training to leverage these tools effectively and maintain a strong connection with their students.
In conclusion, remote learning has indeed transformed the student-teacher relationship, but not necessarily for the worse. By embracing its potential and addressing its limitations, we can create a more flexible and inclusive educational experience that enhances rather than diminishes the bond between learners and educators.
(Word count: 313)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Note the use of phrases like “eroded the personal connection,” “novel avenues for engagement,” and “inclusive learning environments.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively, such as “By embracing its potential and addressing its limitations, we can create a more flexible and inclusive educational experience…”
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Remote learning has become very common nowadays, and people have different opinions about how it affects the relationship between students and teachers. Some think it’s bad for their connection, while others see new chances for interaction. I will discuss both sides and give my own thoughts.
Those who believe remote learning is negative for student-teacher relationships have some good points. When students and teachers are not in the same room, it can be harder to build a close relationship. Teachers might find it difficult to see if students are understanding the lesson or if they need help. Also, students might feel less connected to their teachers and classmates, which could make them less interested in learning.
However, there are also positive aspects of remote learning for student-teacher relationships. Online platforms allow students and teachers to communicate in new ways, like through chat or video calls. This can be helpful for shy students who might not speak up in a regular classroom. Teachers can also give more individual attention to students through online messages or small group video chats.
In my opinion, remote learning has both good and bad effects on student-teacher relationships. While it’s true that face-to-face interaction is important, I think the new technologies can also help create strong connections if used well. Teachers need to learn how to use these tools effectively to keep students engaged and support them properly.
To conclude, remote learning has changed how students and teachers interact, but it’s not all negative. If we focus on using the good parts of online learning and try to solve the problems, we can still have good relationships between students and teachers in remote settings.
(Word count: 269)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are organized logically, with some use of cohesive devices. However, the linking between ideas could be more sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: There is a sufficient range of vocabulary, with some attempts at less common words. However, the language is sometimes repetitive or imprecise.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used, with generally good control. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: Main ideas are relevant and supported, but the development could be more thorough and nuanced.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, many students study from home using computers. Some people think this is bad for students and teachers. Other people think it is good. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
Some people say remote learning is not good because students and teachers can’t meet face to face. This makes it hard to have a good relationship. Teachers can’t see if students understand the lesson easily. Students might feel alone and not want to study hard.
But other people think remote learning can be good. Students and teachers can talk using video calls and chat. This can help shy students talk more. Teachers can give help to students one by one online.
I think remote learning has good and bad things. It’s true that meeting in person is important. But new technology can also help students and teachers be close. Teachers should learn how to use computers well to teach students.
In the end, remote learning changes how students and teachers talk to each other. It has some problems, but also some good things. We should try to make it better so students and teachers can still have good relationships.
(Word count: 181)
Essay Analysis (Band 5-6)
This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 5-6 criteria:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, presenting both views and a personal opinion, but the treatment is somewhat superficial.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but the progression of ideas is not always clear. Cohesive devices are limited and sometimes inaccurate.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with some inaccuracies in word choice and usage.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Simple sentences are used accurately, but there is limited range. Errors occur when attempting more complex structures.
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Development of Ideas: Main ideas are present but underdeveloped. There is a lack of specific examples or detailed explanations.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Remote learning (noun) – /rɪˈməʊt ˈlɜːrnɪŋ/ – Education that takes place outside of a traditional classroom setting, typically online.
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Engagement (noun) – /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/ – The act of being involved or participating actively.
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Rapport (noun) – /ræˈpɔːr/ – A close and harmonious relationship with mutual understanding.
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Innovative (adjective) – /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ – Introducing new ideas or methods.
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Personalized (adjective) – /ˈpɜːrsənəlaɪzd/ – Designed or produced to meet someone’s individual requirements.
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Inclusive (adjective) – /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/ – Not excluding any section of society or any party involved in something.
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Digital literacy (noun) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – The ability to use information and communication technologies effectively.
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Collaboration (noun) – /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃn/ – The action of working with someone to produce something.
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Flexibility (noun) – /ˌfleksəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being easily adapted or modified.
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Interaction (noun) – /ˌɪntərˈækʃn/ – Reciprocal action or influence between people or things.
In conclusion, the topic of how remote learning is changing student-teacher relationships is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of technology in modern education
- Advantages and disadvantages of online learning platforms
- The future of traditional classroom settings in the digital age
- Balancing screen time and face-to-face interactions in education
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning will significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills.