Difference Between Online and Offline Classes: IELTS Essay

One of the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics is ‘What is the difference between online and offline classes?’ This IELTS essay topic is the one that I have seen across many IELTS papers now. While this may seem a common topic, it can be challenging, too, when it comes to supporting your opinions. So, what must you write in the essay to present your authentic views while yielding a high IELTS score?

In this article, I have included two samples for the ‘offline vs online learning’ IELTS essay to help you craft your answer better. Read on to learn how the question is presented and the tips you can use to score a higher IELTS band.

Understanding the IELTS Essay Requirement

Task 2 of the IELTS Writing section requires you to write an essay in response to the statement that is presented to you. However, what is important is to understand the question and address all parts of it, which would, in turn, help you to achieve a higher band score.

You must plan your answer, for which you must begin with an introduction, followed by main body paragraphs where you give more details with supporting explanations and relevant examples, and at last, conclude with a summary of your point of view. 

Tips for Writing an Effective Essay

While writing an essay in Task 2, keep in mind that a candidate is marked based on four criteria – task response, lexical resource, coherence and cohesion, and grammatical range and accuracy. 

Each of these criteria contributes to 25% of your overall score for the essay writing task. Therefore, a response that does not meet any criterion might lead to a lower score. This can play a crucial role in your study abroad application.

Here are some tips you can follow to write an effective essay. 

• Allocate enough time 

The writing section is of 60 minutes, in which you can dedicate 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for the essay task.You must plan carefully how to utilize the 40 minutes. For instance, you can invest 5 to 10 minutes to read the statement and plan your answer, 15 to 20 minutes to draft your answer, and the last 10 minutes should be for reviewing and editing your essay. 

• Plan your response efficiently

After reading the question, don’t simply jump into answering it. Rather, take some time to chalk out a structure. For that, you must highlight the important areas that need to be addressed and think how you can expand on your thoughts so as to include some more points. 

• Connect your ideas

Connecting your ideas clearly is essential to achieving a high score in the essay. You can use words like ‘furthermore’, ‘however’, ‘alternatively’, and ‘on the other hand’. However, do not overdo it, rather use linking phrases only where appropriate.

• Avoid informal language

After the planning phase, it’s time to draft your essay. While writing your essay, make sure you do not use informal language and avoid spelling and grammatical errors. Also, it is better to use a mix of sentence structures such as simple sentences, complex sentences, and compound sentences to make your essay more effective.

• Proofread and edit your essay

After you have written the essay, you should proofread it and edit the sentences that are too long, do not make sense, pose spelling mistakes, or have repetitions. 

Difference Between Online and Offline Classes: IELTS Essay Task Question

The most common question for this IELTS Writing Task topic is as follows: 

Some people believe that online learning is very effective for students and that they can learn more easily than in the classroom, while others believe studying in a classroom with other students is much better. Which group do you agree with? Why? Another probable topic could be the following- In today’s world, some prefer online courses, whereas others prefer classroom teaching.

You must read the question and its instructions carefully to understand what is required from you in the answer. This will help you enhance your chances of obtaining a higher IELTS band in this section. 

Let us now look at online vs offline education essay samples you can use to frame your answers for the IELTS Writing Task 2.

Difference Between Online and Offline Classes: Sample Essay 1 

There are distinct differences between online and offline classes that deserve to be highlighted, per the topic of this essay. The biggest difference lies in their respective nomenclatures, i.e., online classes are done digitally, and knowledge is transmitted to students anywhere and anytime over a virtual classroom setting. All interactions with teachers and fellow students happen virtually at the time of the class. Knowledge delivery is backed up by several technological tools for video calls and conferences. All relevant material is shared online or shown on the screen to students. 

We equate offline classes with learning at all levels, including school, college, and higher education institutions. They involve teaching and delivering knowledge physically to classroom students through direct interactions with teachers and fellow students. If you judge based on convenience, online classes are better options, with their anytime and anywhere format. Students can log in, record lectures, and access all other material online.

However, the disadvantages of online classes are numerous; technical glitches and connectivity disruptions keep derailing lectures. Secondly, not everyone can afford uninterrupted connectivity throughout the day, which is costly. Thirdly and most importantly, the lack of face-to-face interactions with teachers and peers amidst a proper learning environment is not positive. It robs students of vital interpersonal interaction, learning, and social and communication skills while hindering their ability to absorb knowledge. 

I believe offline classes represent a better method of learning as compared to their online counterparts. Offline classes, while being more time-consuming and requiring adherence to a routine and other aspects, offer invaluable interactions and engagement directly with teachers and fellow students. This is why I feel they are better choices for students at all junctures. 

Tentative band score: 6 / Total Word Count: 284

Difference Between Online and Offline Classes: Sample Essay 2

Learning involves not only academic lectures or knowledge-gathering but also interpersonal engagement and interactions. Children not only gain academic knowledge but also develop their communication and social skills as a result of learning offline at school, college, or elsewhere. They gain valuable interaction and idea-exchange opportunities with their peers, teachers, and other parts of the ecosystem. They learn self-sufficiency and other valuable life skills. Studies have also shown how offline classes are the best way for children to learn, question, get their doubts clarified, and build relationships for life. 

The essay topic discusses the differences between offline and online classes. My opinions have already been expressed above, making it clear that I consider offline learning to be the bedrock for a better future. Online learning can be a temporary substitute or used for upskilling; it does not lead to anything other than getting the basic task accomplished, i.e., staying on track with the syllabus and delivering academic knowledge that the students require. 

However, beyond these aspects, online learning cannot be a replacement for the conventional method of learning. It offers convenience but uses much more resources in terms of electricity and connectivity. Institutions should be prepared for online learning whenever the situation warrants the same, such as the COVID-19 outbreak. However, they should look to restore normalcy by opening up campuses for learners as swiftly as possible. To conclude, learning is a collaborative and cooperative exercise. Studying online emphasizes a solitary approach that is not beneficial from all perspectives. 

Tentative band score: 6 / Total Word Count: 258

Conclusion

No matter what your opinion on a particular topic of the IELTS Writing Task 2 is, it is important to present it effectively and justify your thoughts. Addressing each part of your answer, having a good vocabulary, having coherence of ideas in your essay, and being grammatically correct will help you score well in the ‘online and offline education’ essay and other IELTS essay topics. 

So, start practicing as much as you can to master the IELTS essay writing. 

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