Sample 7: Comparison
CLASSROOM LEARNING AND INTERNETBASED TEACHING
Since the late 1990s internet-based teaching (also known as e-education) has emerged as a potential rival to traditional classroom learning. It normally involves having access to a secure site on the internet where a graded series of lessons are available, and which have assignments sent and returned by email. Although on-line courses are now offered by many institutions, it is by no means clear that they offer real advantages compared to classroom education. Little research has been done so far on their effectiveness, but this essay sets out to examine the arguments on both sides and attempts to draw conclusions from them.
Two main advantages of internet use in education are put forward. Firstly, it is seen as more economical, in that once a course is prepared, it can be used by large numbers of students. The savings made by not having to employ so many teachers should be reflected in cheaper course fees. The second benefit is convenience; instead of having to attend classes at fixed times and places, students are free to study when they choose and progress at their own pace. Furthermore, by studying from home there is no need to travel to the college or university, saving both time and money. A student living in a small town in China, for example, can now study a course at an American college without the worry of travelling, accommodation or homesickness.
Despite the considerations mentioned above, classroom learning shows no signs of being replaced by e-learning. It seems that face-to-face contact with a teacher is still widely regarded as the best way for students to make progress, despite the expense and inconvenience involved. Not only the personal contact with a teacher, but also the support and encouragement gained from being part of a class may be one reason for this. Membership of a group may also create a useful spirit of competition, which stimulates learning.
Given the increasing pressure on university places in many countries, internet-based teaching is often seen as a convenient development. However, e-learning eliminates personal contact and travel from education, which are possibly the aspects many students value. Sitting at home working on a computer may be economical, but clearly cannot replace the social experience of attending courses. However, there are many people who are unable, either through work or family commitments, or due to lack of funds, to go to classes, and who would clearly find internet learning beneficial. On-line courses can also be used to support taught courses, for instance by providing access to extra materials. In many ways these kinds of courses are similar to ?universities of the air?, such as Britain?s Open University, which have developed distance learning so successfully in the last 40 years.
Faced by growing demand for university places, more institutions are likely to develop on-line courses, but the apparent benefits of e-learning may be less than are generally believed. Students seem to value the personal contact of the classroom highly, despite its cost and
inconvenience. There may be a role for internet-based courses to supplement teacher-taught ones, and certainly for people with other commitments they will be the only practical option. There is an urgent need for research on the effectiveness of this type of learning, which should help maximise its advantages in the future. (Approximately 550 words)
Sample 8: Argument
Now complete the outline of the model essay:
Separating the Sexes, Just for the Tough Years
I. Introduction (explanation of the issue)
Thesis statement: _______________________________________ II. Body
A. Opposing argument 1
Opponents of single-sex education claim that test scores show that there is no advantage to all-girl or all-boy classes. Rebuttal to argument 1
1. Research is inconclusive-show opposite results 2. Other results that cannot be calculated a. Girls
_____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
b. Boys
____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________ B. Opposing argument
2____________________________________________________________ Rebuttal to argument 2
_________________________________________________________ a. Settling squabbles with siblings
b. Negotiating with opposite-sex parent
C. Opposing argument 3
_________________________________________________________ Rebuttal to argument 3
___________________________________________________________
a. _______________________________________________________ b. Teachers call on boys more often III.Conclusion
1. Same-sex classes provide a better learning environment Reasons
a. Boys and girls ____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ b. Girl_____________________________________________________________________ c. Boys ____________________________________________________________________ 2. ______________________________________________________________________ 3. _________________________________________________________________________