IELTS Essay Task 2 on Online vs. Traditional Education

Online education and traditional classroom learning are widely debated topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. While online learning offers flexibility and convenience, traditional education provides in-person interaction and structured guidance. This essay topic requires discussing both views and giving an opinion on which is more effective.

IELTS Essay Topic on Online vs. Traditional Education

Some people believe that online education is as effective as traditional classroom learning, while others think it is less effective. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Video of IELTS Essay on Online vs. Traditional Education

IELTS Essay on Online vs. Traditional Education

In my opinion, in today’s busy world, online learning is more practical and convenient than traditional classes. In this article, I will give you a few main things to confirm my thoughts about comparing online learning with traditional classroom.

First of all, in these busy worlds, time management is very important for doing daily tasks. Therefore, it is not easy to spend time and money for going to class. Also, Online learning is more flexible than traditional classroom. We can practice and study in a way that suits our best.

Moreover, we can use today’s advanced technologies for online learning like Google AI Studio for language learning. We can practice easily with AI platforms as teacher or language patterns. For instance, we improve speaking and listening skills by interacting with the AI without fear of making mistakes. So, learners are more comfortable and more confident about their learning experience. Also, the AI platform corrects pronunciation and grammar mistakes in real-time interaction.

Also, traditional education provides in-person interaction just in class time. While we have access to teachers or other before and after class time in online learning by some platform like commentating as we have in LELB Society.

In conclusion, I would be more interested with online learning because it is more accessible, effective and practical than traditional classroom.

Assessment and Scoring Criteria

Content and Ideas

Strengths:

• The essay presents a clear opinion in favor of online education.
• Several reasons are given to support the argument, such as flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and the role of AI in language learning.
• Some examples, like using AI platforms for language learning, are relevant and help illustrate points.

Weaknesses:

• The essay does not fully address both views. While it strongly supports online learning, it barely acknowledges the opposing viewpoint (the effectiveness of traditional learning). A more balanced discussion is required.
• Some points lack depth. For example, the mention of time management could be expanded by discussing how online education helps working professionals or students in remote areas.
• Some ideas, like “commentating in LELB Society,” are vague and not well explained for an unfamiliar audience.

Suggestions for Improvement:

• Present both views more clearly and then give a personal opinion.
• Provide more specific examples or comparisons between online and traditional learning.
• Acknowledge at least one advantage of traditional learning before refuting it.

Organization and Coherence

Strengths:

• The essay follows a basic structure: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
• Some linking words are used, such as “moreover” and “for instance.”

Weaknesses:

• The introduction is weak. It starts with “In my opinion” and “I will give you a few main things,” which is informal and not suitable for academic writing. A better approach would be to introduce the topic in a neutral way before stating the opinion.
• The first body paragraph is unclear and repetitive (“busy world” and “time management” are mentioned twice).
• The third paragraph, starting with “Also, traditional education,” is not well-connected to the previous points and lacks smooth transitions.
• The conclusion is too short and does not summarize the main points effectively.

Suggestions for Improvement:

• Revise the introduction to clearly introduce the debate before giving an opinion.
• Use topic sentences in each paragraph to improve clarity.
• Use better transitions or conjunctions between ideas (e.g., “On the other hand,” “However,” “In contrast”).
• Expand the conclusion to restate key points concisely.

Language and Grammar

Strengths:

• Some complex structures are attempted, such as “we improve speaking and listening skills by interacting with AI.”
• The vocabulary includes relevant academic words, like “effective,” “practical,” and “flexible.”

Weaknesses:

• Many grammatical errors and awkward phrases make the essay less fluent:
  • “In these busy worlds” → “In today’s fast-paced world” (Singular, not plural)
  • “It is not easy to spend time and money for going to class” → “It is not easy to spend time and money on attending classes.”
  • “Online learning is more flexible than traditional classroom” → “Online learning is more flexible than traditional classroom learning.”
  • “We can practice and study in a way that suits our best” → “We can practice and study in a way that suits us best.”
  • “Some platform like commentating as we have in LELB Society” → “Some platforms, such as discussion forums like those in LELB Society.”
• Informal phrases like “I would be more interested with online learning” should be avoided. It should be “I prefer online learning because…”
• Repetitive use of “Also” at the beginning of paragraphs makes the writing sound mechanical.

Suggestions for Improvement:

• Pay attention to article use (e.g., “the traditional classroom” instead of “traditional classroom”).
• Avoid informal phrases like “I will give you a few main things.”
• Use a variety of linking words to improve fluency.

Score

Band 5.5 if errors are not corrected and both views are not discussed adequately.
Band 6.0 if grammatical mistakes are reduced and coherence is improved.

How to Improve:

• Revise the introduction and conclusion.
• Develop both perspectives before stating an opinion.
• Improve grammar and sentence structure.
• Use a wider variety of linking words and formal expressions.