IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer - Education

IELTS Task 2 Essay: Universities and colleges are now

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This is a high-scoring sample answer for the following IELTS Task 2 essay question: Universities and colleges are now offering qualifications through distance learning from the internet rather than teachers in the classroom. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages? Below is a list of less common vocabulary with definitions. Other collocations for task 2 essays on education can be found here. Read the sample answer, then send me your essay in the comments. I will give you a quick score and also some comments if I have time. Start today, unless you’re struggling for ideas.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Quiz – Do You Know Enough?

IELTS Writing Task 2 Quiz

IELTS Task 2 Essay Sample Answer

Universities and colleges are now offering qualifications through distance learning from the internet rather than teachers in the classroom.
Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Currently, tertiary educational institutions provide online courses instead of classroom teaching for students to qualify. I strongly believe that although learning online is not ideal, it is more beneficial than being taught in a classroom by a teacher these days.


To many, the disadvantages are clear. First, university, in particular, is not only promoted just as an academic learning experience, but also a social one for students who are often living away from home for the first time. However, for a section of the student population each year, this newly found social life has dire consequences, resulting in failure. In addition, despite the traditional argument that students can have face-to-face discussions with their course tutor or professor in the classroom, email, video chat, and forums are just as effective and usually have fewer distractions.


The major benefits of online classes for these courses, however, are twofold. Firstly, although many colleges and universities have leading lecturers in their field, these institutions have rising tuition fees and astronomical accommodation costs, which many cannot afford. Being accepted by a first-choice university, for instance, may mean that the student needs to live in another town and travel each day. These points alone make a convincing argument for online tuition, video lessons, and being able to review classes repeatedly. Furthermore, most agree that graduating is the primary factor, so learning by whatever means takes precedence over where it is done.


In conclusion, if the economic and pandemic circumstances were different and more students could afford to pay their tuition, I would say teacher led classroom learning would be more practical. Nevertheless, this is not the case, so I firmly believe that the benefits of online learning outweigh its drawbacks.

Remember to post your essay in the comments at the bottom of this page so I can give you a score!

Less Common Vocabulary for this Essay

tertiary educational institutions – places of learning after secondary school, such as universities, colleges and polytechnics

newly found – something that a person has recently discovered, such as freedom, financial independence ….

social life – socialising with friends and family, doing hobbies and sports. Not related to work

dire – terrible, dreadful

twofold – two, twice, double

astronomical – extremely large, huge, enormous

first-choice university – the university an applicant wants to go to most

a convincing argument – an argument that really persuades someone

primary factor – the most important point

to take precedence over something – is more important than (in this essay)

Even more vocabulary on education is available here.

Remember to post your essay in the comments at the bottom of this page so I can give you a score!

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