Some people say that a teacher’s main role in school is to motivate and inspire students. However, others believe that a teacher’s primary role is to pass on knowledge. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Sample Response
In the realm of education, there is an ongoing debate regarding the primary role of a teacher. While some assert that teachers should primarily serve as motivators and sources of inspiration, others argue that their central duty lies in the transmission of knowledge. This essay will explore both perspectives and ultimately contend that while motivation and inspiration are important, dissemination of knowledge is the primary role of a teacher.
On the one hand, proponents of the belief that teachers should primarily motivate and inspire students argue that instilling a passion for learning is paramount. A teacher's ability to spark enthusiasm can lead students to explore subjects more deeply and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. For example, Mrs. Emma - an English teacher from our high school - known for her charismatic teaching style and ability to inspire had been a role model for many students. Her ability to inspire her students through engaging lessons and motivational speeches has resulted in countless success stories, as students have gone on to excel in their academic pursuits and careers due to this.
Conversely, those who emphasize the teacher's primary role as a knowledge transmitter contend that inspiring students without providing them with substantial content is futile. Knowledge forms the foundation upon which motivation and inspiration can flourish. To illustrate, imagine a science teacher who, in addition to kindling his students' curiosity about the natural world, imparts a deep understanding of scientific principles. These students are not only motivated but also equipped with the tools to explore and innovate in their chosen fields. Therefore, a teacher should first instil knowledge among their students and then inspire students to learn more and be curious to explore and innovate.
In conclusion, while motivation and inspiration are integral aspects of teaching, the primary role of a teacher should be the transmission of knowledge. Effective teaching is based on a strong educational foundation and then inspiration. It enables students to thrive academically and personally.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Use concise phrasing Original: regarding Suggested revision: about Why it matters: The revision is a more direct and natural way to introduce the topic.
- 2. Use a direct verb Original: central duty lies in the transmission of knowledge Suggested revision: central duty is to transmit knowledge Why it matters: The verb-led construction expresses the same idea more concisely.
- 3. Tighten the signposting Original: will explore both perspectives and ultimately contend Suggested revision: examines both perspectives and argues Why it matters: Direct present-tense verbs make the essay signposting more concise.
- 4. Add the article Original: dissemination of knowledge Suggested revision: the dissemination of knowledge Why it matters: The specific role under discussion requires the definite article.
- 5. Remove redundant wording Original: proponents of the belief that teachers should primarily motivate and inspire students argue that Suggested revision: supporters of the motivational role argue that Why it matters: The revision avoids expressing the same act of holding a view twice.
- 6. Clarify the reference Original: due to this Suggested revision: because of her influence Why it matters: The revision identifies the cause instead of relying on the vague reference 'this'.
- 7. Name the content precisely Original: substantial content Suggested revision: substantive subject knowledge Why it matters: The revision specifies the educational content that teachers provide.
- 8. Simplify the expression Original: Knowledge forms the foundation upon which Suggested revision: Knowledge provides the foundation on which Why it matters: The revised collocation is clearer while preserving the metaphor.
- 9. Clarify the pronoun Original: It enables students Suggested revision: This combination enables students Why it matters: The explicit noun phrase clearly links the final claim to knowledge and inspiration together.
- 10. Use concise phrasing Original: In the realm of education Suggested revision: In education Why it matters: The shorter phrase introduces the educational context without unnecessary abstraction.
- 11. Sentence rewrite Original: For example, Mrs. Emma - an English teacher from our high school - known for her charismatic teaching style and ability to inspire had been a role model for many students. Suggested revision: For example, Mrs Emma, an English teacher at our high school, was a role model for many students because of her charismatic and inspiring teaching style. Why it matters: The rewrite supplies the missing finite structure and uses a consistent past tense.
- 12. Sentence rewrite Original: Effective teaching is based on a strong educational foundation and then inspiration. Suggested revision: Effective teaching combines a strong educational foundation with inspiration. Why it matters: The rewrite creates a grammatically parallel relationship between the two elements.
Suggested Rewrites
- regarding about
- central duty lies in the transmission of knowledge central duty is to transmit knowledge
- will explore both perspectives and ultimately contend examines both perspectives and argues
- dissemination of knowledge the dissemination of knowledge
- proponents of the belief that teachers should primarily motivate and inspire students argue that supporters of the motivational role argue that
- due to this because of her influence
Why this response received Band 7.5
The essay presents both views clearly, sustains a consistent opinion, and supports its reasoning with relevant illustrations in a logical structure. Its main limitation is occasional awkward or grammatically unstable expression, especially in the first example, alongside some repeated wording; the highest-priority improvement is to edit complex sentences for complete clause structure and more precise, concise phrasing.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both perspectives are explored in depth and the writer's preference for knowledge transmission remains clear throughout.
Qualify the priority given to knowledge with a more detailed explanation of situations where motivation may be equally essential.
Coherence and Cohesion
The essay is logically sequenced into focused paragraphs, and relationships between contrasting ideas are consistently clear.
Tighten the final paragraph so its last two sentences connect more explicitly to the stated opinion.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is varied and generally precise, with effective topic-specific choices despite occasional awkward combinations and repetition.
Use more natural collocations, such as “impart knowledge to students,” and avoid repeatedly using “inspire” in close proximity.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A broad range of complex structures is generally well controlled, though several local errors and one malformed example sentence are noticeable.
Check long sentences for complete main clauses, consistent tense, and clearly attached modifying phrases.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Some people say that a teacher’s main role in school is to motivate and inspire students. However, others believe that a teacher’s primary role is to pass on knowledge. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.