You should spend about 40 minutes on IELTS writing task 2.
Many people argue that in order to improve educational quality, high school students should be encouraged to question and offer criticism of their teachers. Others think this will lead to a loss of respect and discipline in the classroom. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
Our education system has been clinging to the same old beliefs throughout the decades. Today, some contend that high school students should have greater latitude to critique and question their teachers, despite the risks this presents for classroom management. I am firmly in agreement as this enables the ideal learning environment. In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall discuss both views and give reasons to support my point of view.
Critics of the now prevalent belief that students need to question point out that teachers’ positions require respect. A teacher who is consistently being interrupted by students will not be able to lecture, assign and mark homework well. For example, many students, termed ‘backbenchers’, exploit this mode of learning that encourages questions to derail lessons by asking unnecessary questions and undermining the teacher intentionally. Further, there is also the possibility that the negative attitude of some students will create general unrest that is not conducive to gaining knowledge.
On the other hand, the free discussion of ideas is essential to the best learning. Students sitting quietly and feigning interest in class are likely to become less motivated. But in a class studying a work of literature or an event in history, for example, if students are encouraged to ask questions in a planned way, they will engage more fully in lessons. The interactions might also lead the class to novel insights if the teacher is confident enough to embark on collaborative explorations. Moreover, the appearance of respect when most students question their teachers in private holds little value beyond preserving unwarranted pride.
Therefore, I believe by asking questions, even if these queries are loosely defined as criticisms of what is being taught, they will definitely have a reason to learn, and the lesson will become more memorable for all students. In conclusion, although certain educational institutions fear that questions may undermine teachers, they are the foundation of a positive learning environment. Schools should embrace academic rigor in all its forms.
Structure of the essay
You were given a discussion essay for which you had to give an opinion.
Therefore, choose a side and state your opinion on it.
General Statement – Our education system has been clinging to the same old beliefs throughout the decades.
Question Paraphrased – Today, some contend that high school students should have greater latitude to critique and question their teachers, despite the risks this presents for classroom management.
A thesis statement – I am firmly in agreement as this enables the ideal learning environment.
Outline of the essay – In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall discuss both views and give reasons to support my point of view.
Body Paragraph 1:
Central Idea: Teachers’ positions require respect. Supporting points:
- A teacher who is consistently being interrupted by students will not be able to lecture and assign and mark homework well.
- For example, backbenchers might exploit a rule that encourages questions to derail lessons and undermine the teacher intentionally.
- There is also the possibility that the negative attitude of some students will create general unrest that is not conducive to gaining knowledge.
Body Paragraph 2:
Central Idea: The free discussion of ideas is essential to the best learning. Supporting points:
- Students sitting quietly and feigning interest in class are likely to become less motivated.
- If a class is studying a work of literature or an event in history, students will engage more fully in lessons if they are allowed to ask questions in a planned way.
- The questions might also lead the class to novel insights if the teacher is confident enough to embark on collaborative explorations.
- The appearance of respect when most students question their teachers in private holds little value beyond preserving unwarranted pride.
Conclusion:
Central Idea: Support your viewpoint and conclude
- Therefore, I believe by asking questions, even if these queries are loosely defined as criticisms of what is being taught, they will suddenly have a reason to learn, and the lesson will become more memorable for all students.
- In conclusion, although certain educational institutions fear that questions may undermine teachers, they are the foundation of a positive learning environment. Schools should embrace academic rigor in all its forms.