Writing Task Two (Academic and General ) - IELTS Cambridge 20 ( Test 3 ), 2025​

 

Question: Many people today use digital platforms to learn new skills instead of attending traditional classes. Do the advantages of online learning outweigh the disadvantages?

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The rapid development of technology has made online learning an attractive alternative to classroom education. While virtual platforms provide flexibility and accessibility, they cannot fully replace the benefits of face-to-face instruction.

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On the positive side, online learning offers opportunities for people who would otherwise struggle to access education. For instance, individuals in remote areas or those with full-time jobs can acquire new qualifications through digital platforms. Moreover, online courses are often cheaper than attending physical classes, making them more inclusive and affordable.

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However, digital education has significant drawbacks. Learners often lack personal interaction with teachers and peers, which can reduce motivation and limit opportunities for collaboration. In addition, self-discipline is required to succeed in online learning, and not all students possess the necessary time-management skills. Finally, subjects requiring practical training, such as medicine or engineering, cannot be effectively mastered without hands-on experience.

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In conclusion, online learning brings remarkable convenience and accessibility, but its limitations in social interaction and practical training mean that it cannot fully replace traditional education. Overall, the advantages are important, but they do not outweigh the disadvantages.

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Word count: 268

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Commentary on the grammar used:

Intro:
"The rapid development of technology has made online learning an attractive alternative to classroom education. While virtual platforms provide flexibility and accessibility, they cannot fully replace the benefits of face-to-face instruction."

• Present perfect ("has made") for recent change.

• Subordinate clause with "While" to contrast.

• Modal verb "cannot."

Body 1:
"On the positive side, online learning offers opportunities for people who would otherwise struggle to access education. For instance, individuals in remote areas or those with full-time jobs can acquire new qualifications through digital platforms. Moreover, online courses are often cheaper than attending physical classes, making them more inclusive and affordable."

• Conditional clause: "who would otherwise struggle..."

• Modal "can acquire."

• Comparative adjectives: "cheaper," "more inclusive."

• Participle clause: "making them more inclusive and affordable."

Body 2:
"However, digital education has significant drawbacks. Learners often lack personal interaction with teachers and peers, which can reduce motivation and limit opportunities for collaboration. In addition, self-discipline is required to succeed in online learning, and not all students possess the necessary time-management skills. Finally, subjects requiring practical training, such as medicine or engineering, cannot be effectively mastered without hands-on experience."

• Linking adverbs: "However," "In addition," "Finally."

• Passive voice: "is required."

• Relative clause: "subjects requiring practical training."

• Modality: "cannot be effectively mastered."

Conclusion:
"In conclusion, online learning brings remarkable convenience and accessibility, but its limitations in social interaction and practical training mean that it cannot fully replace traditional education. Overall, the advantages are important, but they do not outweigh the disadvantages."

• Balanced structure: "but its limitations... mean that it cannot..."

• Summarising adverb: "Overall."

• Repetition of the essay question language ("advantages... disadvantages") → cohesion.