In recent years, the topic of digital literacy for educators has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. The frequency of this subject appearing in actual tests has been steadily rising, reflecting the growing importance of technology in education. As we look to the future, it’s highly likely that questions related to “why teachers should be trained in digital tools” will continue to be a common theme in IELTS examinations.
Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS tests and is likely to resurface in various forms:
Some people think that teachers should be responsible for teaching students to judge right from wrong and to behave well. Others say that teachers should only teach students academic subjects. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
While this question doesn’t directly mention digital tools, it touches on the broader topic of teachers’ responsibilities, which can include digital literacy in today’s tech-driven world. Let’s analyze this question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question presents two contrasting views on the role of teachers:
- Teachers should teach moral values and behavior.
- Teachers should focus solely on academic subjects.
To answer this effectively, you need to:
- Discuss both perspectives
- Provide your own opinion
- Support your arguments with relevant examples
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over teachers’ responsibilities in shaping students’ moral compass versus focusing solely on academic instruction is a contentious one. While both perspectives have merit, I believe that educators should strike a balance between these two crucial aspects of education.
Those who argue that teachers should exclusively teach academic subjects contend that the primary purpose of schooling is to impart knowledge and develop intellectual skills. They maintain that moral education is the responsibility of parents and society at large. This view emphasizes the importance of academic excellence and specialized subject knowledge in preparing students for future careers and higher education. Moreover, proponents of this stance might argue that teachers are not necessarily equipped to handle the complex and often culturally sensitive task of moral instruction.
On the other hand, advocates for teachers taking on the role of moral educators argue that schools play a crucial part in shaping well-rounded individuals. They believe that academic knowledge alone is insufficient for creating responsible citizens and that teachers have a unique opportunity to guide students in developing ethical reasoning skills. This perspective recognizes the significant amount of time students spend in school and the potential influence teachers can have on their moral development.
In my opinion, the ideal approach lies in integrating both academic instruction and moral guidance. In today’s digital age, this integration becomes even more critical as students navigate the complexities of online information and interactions. Teachers should be trained in digital tools not only to enhance academic learning but also to guide students in ethical online behavior and critical thinking in the digital realm. For instance, lessons on information literacy can simultaneously develop academic research skills and the ability to discern right from wrong in the context of online misinformation.
Furthermore, the separation of academic and moral education creates a false dichotomy. Many academic subjects, such as literature and history, inherently involve discussions of ethics and human behavior. By incorporating digital tools into these discussions, teachers can make moral lessons more engaging and relevant to students’ lives, fostering both academic and personal growth.
In conclusion, while the primary focus of teachers should remain on academic subjects, this should not preclude them from playing a role in students’ moral development. By integrating digital tools and ethical considerations into their teaching, educators can prepare students for the challenges of the modern world, both academically and morally.
(Word count: 379)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s own opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central topic, and ideas are logically linked.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex phrases like “contentious,” “moral compass,” and “false dichotomy” demonstrate sophistication.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately. It demonstrates controlled use of complex language.
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Development and Support: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, particularly in relating the topic to digital literacy.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The role of teachers in society is often debated. Some people think teachers should teach students about right and wrong and good behavior, while others believe teachers should only focus on academic subjects. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who think teachers should teach morals and behavior have some good points. Teachers spend a lot of time with students and can have a big influence on them. They can teach important values like honesty, respect, and kindness. This can help create better citizens for the future. Also, good behavior in class helps students learn better.
On the other hand, people who say teachers should only teach academic subjects also have valid arguments. They might say that moral education is the job of parents, not teachers. Teachers are trained in subjects like math, science, and languages, not in ethics. There’s also the problem that different families might have different values, so it could be difficult for teachers to decide what to teach.
In my opinion, teachers should do both. They should mainly focus on academic subjects, but also include some lessons on good behavior and ethics. This is especially important in today’s digital world, where students need guidance on how to use the internet responsibly. Teachers should be trained in digital tools to help with this. For example, they can teach students how to spot fake news online, which combines academic skills (like critical thinking) with moral lessons (like honesty).
To conclude, while teachers’ main job should be teaching academic subjects, they can’t ignore their role in shaping students’ character. By using digital tools and including ethical lessons in their teaching, they can prepare students for both their studies and life in general.
(Word count: 298)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with clear paragraphing. Some linking words are used, but more sophisticated linking devices could improve cohesion.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempts at less common words. However, the range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are no major errors that impede communication.
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Development and Support: Main points are supported with reasons and examples, but these could be more fully elaborated.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Moral compass (noun phrase) /ˈmɒrəl ˈkʌmpəs/ – an inner sense of right and wrong
- Dichotomy (noun) /daɪˈkɒtəmi/ – a division or contrast between two things
- Ethics (noun) /ˈeθɪks/ – moral principles that govern behavior
- Critical thinking (noun phrase) /ˈkrɪtɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue
- Digital literacy (noun phrase) /ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – the ability to use digital technology effectively
- Misinformation (noun) /ˌmɪsɪnfəˈmeɪʃən/ – false or inaccurate information
- Integrate (verb) /ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/ – combine one thing with another to form a whole
- Inherently (adverb) /ɪnˈhɪərəntli/ – in a permanent, essential or characteristic way
- Well-rounded (adjective) /wel raʊndɪd/ – having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects
Conclusion
The topic of teachers’ responsibilities, particularly in the digital age, is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might focus more explicitly on digital literacy, such as:
- “Do you think schools should prioritize teaching digital skills over traditional subjects?”
- “How can teachers effectively integrate technology into their classrooms?”
- “Should digital literacy be a mandatory subject in schools?”
To prepare for such questions, practice writing essays that discuss the role of technology in education, the changing responsibilities of teachers, and the importance of digital skills in the modern world. Remember to always address all parts of the question, provide balanced arguments, and support your points with relevant examples.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the topic discussed in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the actual test.