Some people believe that the academic success of students depends on good teachers at schools. Others think that it depends on the attitude and determination of the students. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

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Sample Response

1

There is an ongoing debate about whether students' academic success depends primarily onis primarily influenced by the quality of their teachers or by their own determination and attitude. While some argue that a student's mindset and perseverance are the key factors, others believe that skilled and dedicated teachers play a more significant rolethe most significant role in shaping academic achievement. This essay will explore both perspectives and outline that learners' academic success largely depends on excellent schools and qualified teachers.

2

On the one hand, proponents of student-driven success argue that motivation and personal commitment are crucial. They contend that even the best teachers cannot guarantee success if a student lacks discipline or interest. For instance, highly motivatedambitious students often take the initiative to study independently, seek additional resources, and practice extensively. Furthermore, with the rise of online education, many learners achieve excellent academic resultsachieve excellence through self-study, proving that determination can lead to academic progress regardless of teaching quality.

3

However, despite the importance of self-motivation, it is less likely that students will reachhighly unlikely that students can reach their full potential without the guidance of exceptional educators. Good teachers provide structured instructionlearning, simplify complex concepts, and create engaging lessons tailored to different learning styles. For example, many students struggle with subjects such as mathematics and sciencesubjects like mathematics and science until a knowledgeable teacher explains the concepts in an accessible way. Moreover, teachers inspire confidence, cultivate curiosity, and offerprovide mentorship, all of which contribute to long-term academic success. Without proper instruction, even the most determined students may struggle to achieve their goals as efficientlyachieve their goals efficiently.

4

In conclusion, while personal determination is undoubtedly a factor in academic achievement, the influence of skilled and passionate teachers is far greater. A student’s potential can only be fully realised with the right guidance, making good teachers and schools the cornerstone of educational success.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 8.0

The response addresses both views directly, maintains a clear opinion, and develops its reasoning through well-chosen explanations and examples in a highly coherent structure. Its main limitation is that some support remains generalized and the conclusion states the teacher-led position rather absolutely. The highest-priority improvement is to add slightly more nuanced, specific evidence showing how teacher quality and student agency interact.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TR

Task Response

8.0
Scoring rule

Both views are fully addressed, the opinion is consistent, and the central ideas are well developed with relevant explanation and examples.

Next step

Add a more nuanced example that acknowledges how strong teaching and student motivation can reinforce each other.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

8.0
Scoring rule

Ideas progress smoothly through a well-controlled paragraph structure, with cohesive devices used clearly and appropriately.

Next step

Refine the transition into the preferred view so the comparative judgment emerges even more naturally from the discussion.

LR

Lexical Resource

8.0
Scoring rule

Vocabulary is wide, precise, and consistently appropriate, with flexible use of education-related language and natural collocations.

Next step

Avoid slightly formulaic or absolute phrasing by choosing more qualified expressions where the argument requires nuance.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

8.5
Scoring rule

A wide range of complex structures is used accurately and fluently, with virtually no grammatical errors affecting the response.

Next step

Maintain this control while experimenting with even more concise sentence patterns to sharpen emphasis.