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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Should students be grouped by ability in schools?

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Title: Should students be grouped by ability in schools?

In recent years, there has been an increasing debate about whether students should be grouped by their abilities in schools or not. Some argue that streaming students based on their abilities is essential for effective learning, while others believe that it leads to social divisions and stigmatization of lower-ability students. In this essay, I will discuss both sides of the argument and provide my own view on whether students should be grouped by ability in schools or not.

On one hand, streaming students based on their abilities has some benefits. Firstly, it allows teachers to tailor their teaching methods according to the needs of each group. For instance, higher-ability students can be challenged with more complex tasks, while lower-ability students can receive additional support in areas where they are struggling. This leads to a more efficient use of resources and a better learning experience for all students. Additionally, streaming helps to create a competitive environment that encourages high-ability students to excel and strive for academic success. In the long run, this may lead to improved academic outcomes for both high and low-ability students.

On the other hand, there are also several arguments against streaming students by ability. One of the main concerns is that it can create a sense of social division among students. When students are sorted into different groups based on their abilities, it can lead to stereotypes and stigmatization, which may negatively impact students' self-esteem and motivation. Moreover, research has shown that peer influences play a significant role in learning, and being placed in a group of lower-ability students might hinder the progress of high-ability students due to the lack of academic challenge.

In conclusion, while there are some potential benefits to streaming students by their abilities, such as tailored teaching methods and a competitive environment, there are also significant drawbacks, including social divisions and potential negative impacts on self-esteem and motivation. Therefore, it is important for educators to carefully consider the consequences of implementing ability-based grouping in schools and explore alternative approaches that promote a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Overall, I would rate this essay as Band 7, as it presents a balanced discussion of both sides of the argument and provides a clear conclusion. The argument is well-structured and coherent, with appropriate use of examples to support each point. However, some sentences could be more concise, and the language used is slightly too formal for an IELTS essay.

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