Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which one do you prefer? Use specific reasons to develop your essay.

Same questionCompare 3 different answers (Band 6–6.5)

Sample Response

1

Learning is a process that requires a strategic approach to acquire knowledge effectivelygain the knowledge completely. Various proven approaches exist to learn different kinds of knowledgedifferent knowledge and skills. Traditionally, teachingthe teaching is done by an experienced teacher who is believed to have mastered the skill he teaches. However, some people believe that self-learning is a better approach and thus learn from books without the help of a tutor. It is preferableHowever, it is preferred to have a teacher whenever possible. This can be demonstratedproven by analysing how teachers follow a systematic approach, correct our mistakes, and provide valuable feedback to help us succeedlead us to achieve success in learning. A systematic approach is essential forin learning and this requires subject-matter expertiseit requires subject matter expertise to understand how to learnknow the secrets of learning that particular subject. For example, skills such asthe skills like swimming and driving require a systematic approach to learninglearn them. Only an experienced tutor can teach such skillssuch a skills and self-learning will not help in such scenarios. Moreover, self-learning may lead to dangerous situationsend up in dangerous situations if certain steps are performed incorrectlysome learning steps go wrong. Thus, it is apparent that some learning some skills effectively requires a teacherskills require teachers to learn effectively. Mistakes are common in the learning process. A teacher can help studentshelp the students by correcting their mistakes and also providing feedback whenever required. On the other hand, a self-learner may not know whether they are makingif he or she is making a mistake in the learning process and may learn it incorrectlyend up learning it wrongly. For instance, a child learning mathematics without a teacher may end up using thea wrong arithmetic formula because there is nobody to guide themas there is nobody to guide. This shows that a teacher's help in correction and suggestion is important to a successful learning process. In conclusion, it is apparent that a teacher can help students in learning by following a systematic learning style, and amend pupil's mistakes, and provide suggestions and feedback whenever required. Thus, it is a preferred way to learn with tutors.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 6.5

The response maintains a clear preference for teacher-led learning and supports it with relevant examples from swimming, driving, and mathematics. Its strongest feature is the practical explanation of correction and safety; the main limitation is repetitive development and a single-block structure, alongside recurring language errors. Prioritise separate body paragraphs for systematic instruction and feedback, using more varied vocabulary and carefully controlled sentence patterns.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TR

Task Response

7.0
Scoring rule

A clear preference is consistently supported by two relevant, developed reasons and specific practical examples.

Next step

Briefly acknowledge when self-study might work, then explain why teacher guidance remains preferable overall.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

6.0
Scoring rule

The argument has a logical two-reason progression, but the absence of paragraph breaks and substantial repetition weaken cohesion.

Next step

Separate systematic instruction and corrective feedback into distinct body paragraphs with concise topic sentences.

LR

Lexical Resource

6.0
Scoring rule

Vocabulary is adequate for the topic, although repeated wording and several awkward combinations limit flexibility.

Next step

Vary repeated uses of 'learning' and 'systematic approach' and refine phrases such as 'gain the knowledge completely'.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

6.0
Scoring rule

A mix of sentence structures communicates meaning clearly overall, despite recurring errors in articles, agreement, and parallelism.

Next step

Correct patterns such as 'such skills' and maintain parallel verb forms in lists, especially in the conclusion.

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IELTS Writing Task 2

Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which one do you prefer? Use specific reasons to develop your essay.

Your response

Words0
40:00

Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.