IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Should universities offer more online courses?
IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1712299114
IELTS Writing Topic: "Should universities offer more online courses?"
Model Answer:
Over the past few years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of students seeking higher education from diverse backgrounds and locations. With this surge in demand, traditional on-campus universities have had to adapt and evolve their educational models to cater to this diverse group of learners. One such adaptation has been the rise of online courses offered by universities. This essay will discuss whether or not universities should offer more online courses by examining the benefits and drawbacks of these programs.
On the one hand, there are several reasons why universities should consider offering more online courses. Firstly, online education provides students with greater flexibility in their learning schedule. Unlike traditional on-campus courses, which require students to attend classes at specific times, online courses allow learners to access materials and engage in coursework at their convenience. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for working professionals or adult learners who may have family commitments that make attending a physical classroom difficult. Additionally, online education can be more cost-effective for both the institution and the student. Universities can save money on infrastructure costs by not needing to build or maintain physical classrooms, while students can save money on commuting expenses, housing, and other related costs. Furthermore, online courses have the potential to reach a wider audience, including individuals from remote areas who may not have access to traditional higher education institutions.
On the other hand, there are also significant drawbacks to offering more online courses. One of the most apparent concerns is the quality of education. Online courses often lack the interactive and engaging experience that can be found in a physical classroom setting. This can result in lower levels of student engagement and retention. Additionally, online learning can be isolating for students, as they may miss out on the social aspects and networking opportunities that are inherent to traditional campus life. Another issue is the potential for academic dishonesty in online courses. As there are fewer opportunities for faculty to monitor students' work, the likelihood of plagiarism or cheating can increase.
In conclusion, while offering more online courses has many advantages such as flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and the potential to reach a wider audience, it is essential that universities carefully consider these benefits alongside the potential drawbacks. Ensuring that online education maintains high standards of quality and engagement should be a top priority when deciding to expand online course offerings.
Scoring:
Task Response:
9 - The candidate has addressed all parts of the question and provided relevant information.
Coherence and Cohesion:
8 - The response flows logically, with appropriate coherence and cohesion between different parts of the response. There may be a few instances where the flow is not fully smooth or there are minor misplaced sentences or phrases.
Lexical Resource:
9 - The vocabulary used is largely appropriate and accurate, demonstrating a good range of word choices with only minor lapses.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
8 - The grammar in the response is mostly accurate but may have some errors that occasionally affect clarity.
Overall
Band Score:
8.75 (This score rounds to
9, as it's close to the boundary between a band
8 and a band
9, and considering the overall quality of the model answer, it is reasonable to round up)
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