You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Schools are no longer necessary because children can get so much information available through the internet, and they can study just as well at home. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
It is true that the digital revolution has had profound affects on important aspects of our lives, including education. While advances in technology have led some people to argue that children no longer need schooling, but should instead study online at home, I completely disagree with such a view.
Schools are necessary because they play an essential role in educating children. Firstly, even assuming that all children are computer-literate and have access to the internet at home, teachers impose discipline. In many households, both parents are out at work, so it is unrealistic to imagine a child sitting alone studying online all day, without distractions. Secondly, studying under supervision, children are not only disciplined but their progress is monitored and supervised, with teachers giving feedback and guidance. In this way, children will not fall behind with their studies. Finally, student interaction in the classroom promotes vital social skills of cooperation and teamwork, for example through classroom projects.
On the other hand, the internet is unsuitable as a unique teaching tool for children to educate themselves at home. Whereas teachers tailor their teaching strategies to meet the needs of individual students, the internet has no such flexibility. Interactive learning is possible through some online sites, but this can only take the form of multiple-choice questions and answers. It is no substitute for face-to- face learning in which students interact with both teachers and fellow-students. There is another important consideration. The development of the ability to sift information available online only comes later when students enter higher education or enrol on a vocational course.
In conclusion, although there are excellent study sites online, schools provide the necessary structural framework in which learning can take place in a disciplined study environment.
289 words
Vocab Highlights
the digital revolution: the advancement of technology to the digital technology available today
advances in technology: the improvement or development in technology
to be computer-literate : able to use computers well
to have access to the internet: to have the opportunity to use the internet
to impose discipline: to make students obey the rules of the school or college
to study under supervision: study under the direction of a responsible person
to give feedback: to give guidance on the work of a student through comments or corrections
to fall behind with your studies: to improve more slowly in studying than other people so that you fail to learn the course material at the necessary speed
to tailor teaching strategies: to make or prepare teaching styles following particular instructions
interactive learning: refers to a method of teaching and learning in which teachers ask questions in class, assign and check homework, or hold class or group discussions.
face-to-face learning: to study in the traditional way in a classroom with fellow students and a teacher
to sift information: to remove unwanted or less useful information
higher education: education at college or university level
a vocational course: courses which provide students with the skills and knowledge that they need to do a particular job