In the past, lectures were the traditional method of teaching large numbers of students in a classroom. Nowadays new technology is increasingly being used to teach students. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach in teaching?
Sample Response
The conventional approach of teaching students through lectures has largely been replaced by the widespread use of new technologies in and out of the classroom. While this new approach has numerous benefits, it also has some disadvantages. This essay shall examine the benefits and drawbacks of using the latest technologies in education.
One major advantage of using technology to teach students is that it provides them with access to a wide range of learning resources that teachers can prepare. With the internet, students can access a wealth of information on various subjects that they may not be able to find in traditional textbooks. Additionally, online platforms such as video tutorials, interactive quizzes, and simulations make learning more engaging and effective. This way learning is more intuitive and effective.
Another advantage of technology in teaching is that it allows for personalized learning. With the help of technology, teachers can assess the individual learning styles of their students and tailor the content to suit their needs. This approach can lead to improved learning outcomes, as students can progress at their own pace and receive individualized feedback. For instance, many colleges in Canada have adopted this tailored teaching method which has increased academic performance by up to 30%, which is a tremendous boost.
However, there are some disadvantages to using technology in teaching as well. One potential disadvantage is that it can be costly, and not all schools may have the resources to invest in the latest technology. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 60% of students in poor or developing countries could not afford laptops and an internet connection. Additionally, some students may struggle to adapt to online learning environments and may require more guidance and support than others. Finally, the widespread use and access to the internet can often distract learners from studying.
In conclusion, the widespread use of technology in teaching and learning has both benefits and drawbacks. So, technology must be embraced and incorporated in schools to an extent that would ensure a conducive learning environment while not making the process harder or unreachable for the poor.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Use direct academic tense Original: This essay shall examine Suggested revision: This essay examines Why it matters: The simple present states the essay's purpose more directly and concisely.
- 2. Clarify resource description Original: resources that teachers can prepare Suggested revision: resources prepared by teachers Why it matters: The revision makes the relationship between teachers and the learning resources more direct.
- 3. Correct category label Original: platforms Suggested revision: resources Why it matters: Video tutorials are resources delivered through platforms rather than platforms themselves.
- 4. Add introductory comma Original: This way learning Suggested revision: This way, learning Why it matters: The introductory phrase “This way” should be followed by a comma.
- 5. Streamline noun phrase Original: individual learning styles of their students Suggested revision: their students' individual learning styles Why it matters: The possessive construction is more concise while preserving the intended meaning.
- 6. Use precise country term Original: poor or developing countries Suggested revision: low-income or developing countries Why it matters: “Low-income” is a more precise and neutral descriptor than “poor.”
- 7. Align singular objects Original: laptops and an internet connection Suggested revision: a laptop and an internet connection Why it matters: Each student is described as needing one laptop and one internet connection.
- 8. Fix coordinated prepositions Original: widespread use and access to the internet Suggested revision: widespread access to and use of the internet Why it matters: The revision gives each coordinated noun its required preposition.
- 9. Fix incorporation preposition Original: in Suggested revision: into Why it matters: The verb “incorporate” takes “into” when something is introduced as part of a system.
- 10. Clarify access problem Original: harder or unreachable for the poor Suggested revision: more difficult or inaccessible for low-income students Why it matters: The revision uses natural comparative wording and identifies the affected group precisely.
- 11. Sentence rewrite Original: For instance, many colleges in Canada have adopted this tailored teaching method which has increased academic performance by up to 30%, which is a tremendous boost. Suggested revision: For instance, many colleges in Canada have adopted this tailored teaching method, increasing academic performance by up to 30%, a tremendous boost. Why it matters: The rewrite removes the repeated “which” clauses and makes the stated result easier to follow.
Suggested Rewrites
- This essay shall examine This essay examines
- resources that teachers can prepare resources prepared by teachers
- platforms resources
- This way learning This way, learning
- individual learning styles of their students their students' individual learning styles
- poor or developing countries low-income or developing countries
Why this response received Band 8.0
The response gives a direct, balanced, and well-organised examination of technology's educational benefits and drawbacks, with relevant explanation and examples throughout. Its main limitation is occasional repetition and some claims or phrases that could be more precisely framed, especially in the examples and conclusion. The highest-priority improvement is to make the evidence more carefully qualified and express the final recommendation with greater precision.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
The advantages and disadvantages are both fully addressed through relevant, clearly developed ideas and supporting examples.
Qualify the numerical examples or replace them with concrete reasoning that does not depend on unverified figures.
Coherence and Cohesion
Focused paragraphs and effective linking create a clear progression from distinct benefits to several drawbacks.
Remove repeated statements about learning being effective and vary paragraph openings for more economical cohesion.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is broad and generally precise, although repetition and a few awkward expressions slightly limit naturalness.
Refine phrases such as "widespread use and access" and "unreachable for the poor" while reducing repetition of "technology."
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide variety of complex structures is used accurately, with only occasional minor errors or awkward constructions.
Polish relative-clause punctuation and avoid repeated "which" clauses when expressing evidence and results.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
In the past, lectures were the traditional method of teaching large numbers of students in a classroom. Nowadays new technology is increasingly being used to teach students. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach in teaching?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.