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?
………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Introduction: some people think that children should only study online at home. My
opinion: completely disagree, the internet should be a supplementary tool for learning.
Body 1: need for schools (1) to discipline (2) teachers can supervise learning and give
individual feedback. (3) children learn social skills such as teamworking
Body 2: using the internet at home: (1) teaches children to become independent learners (2)
vast amount of educational resources now online.
Conclusion: disciplining and monitoring children, while at the same time supplementing
learning through online homework.
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-tofacelearning 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
Technology:
•
the digital revolution
Meaning: the advancement of technology to the digital technology available today Example:
The digital revolution has fundamentally changed the way that people work, communicate,
behave and even think.
•
advances in technology
Meaning:the improvement or development in technology
Example: Recent advances in medical technology are making a great contribution to the search
for a cure for Aids.
•
to be computer-literate
Meaning: able to use computers well
Example: In today’s competitive job market, it is essential to be computerliterate.
•
to have access to the internet
Meaning: to have the opportunity to use the internet
Example: Millions of people haveaccess the internet in cafes, libraries or other public places.
Education:
•
to impose discipline
Meaning: to make students obey the rules of the school or college
Example: If teachers fail to impose discipline in class, then students will not learn anything.
•
to study under supervision
Meaning: study under the direction of a responsible person
Example: At college, I discovered I did not have to study under supervision all the time, and
I was free to do independent research.
•
to give feedback
Meaning: to give guidance on the work of a student through comments or corrections
Example: It is essential for teachers to give some feedback to students, so that students
understand their mistakes and can improve.
•
to fall behind with your studies
Meaning: to improve more slowly in studying than other people so that you fail to learn the
course material at the necessary speed
Example: Irregular attendance at classes is one of reasons why some students
•
to tailor teaching strategies
Meaning:
to
make
or
prepare
teaching
styles
following particular
instructionsExample: When faced with classes of students with different levels of ability,
teachers should tailor their teaching strategies to deal with this challenge.
•
interactive learning
Meaning: 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.
Example: With or without the aid of technology, interactive learning helps students strengthen
problem solving and critical thinking skills.
•
face-to-face learning
Meaning: to study in the traditional way in a classroom with fellow students and a teacher
Example: Face-to-face learning motivates students and encourages interaction in the
classroom.
•
to sift information
Meaning: to remove unwanted or less useful informationExample: I had to sift hundreds of
pages of information to discover the data that I needed to support my theory.
•
higher education
Meaning: education at college or university levelExample: Some school leavers prefer to start
work rather than enter highereducation.
a vocational course