If the question asks you 'Is this a positive or negative development?', you are being asked to give your opinion. Therefore, I consider this to be an "opinion" question, similar to the question 'To what extent do you agree or disagree?'.
Notice the use of the word 'or': positive or negative, agree or disagree. You are not being told to discuss the positives and negatives.
Having said that, it is perfectly acceptable for you to write about both sides. For example, look at the following question and my introduction and conclusion below. Can you see how I give a clear answer that mentions both sides?
Question:
Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet so that people can study online. Is this a positive or negative development?
Introduction:
It is true that online courses are becoming a common feature of university education. Although there are some drawbacks of Internet-based learning, I would argue that there are far more benefits.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while I recognise the possible disadvantages of online learning, I consider this to be a positive development overall.
I'll show you a full essay for this topic next week.
Thanks a lot! NOW I'm m pursuing your method that's very effective! From Vietnam
Posted by: Hong Nhung | March 22, 2017 at 16:24
here is a general viewpoint from my side :
Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet so that people can study online. Is this a positive or negative development?
Education to students is comparable to what is fragrance is to rose, identity. Many methods of imparting knowledge are available these days for example online, offline, formal, informal etc. A trend is trending these days by universities to give education through internet so that anytime, anywhere learning can be had. Whereas for many it is a merit, many consider it as full of demerits.
Online education, according to those who are in favour, is an innovative way of giving knowledge as it saves time. Not only this, people can learn at their own pace. In this technological world, people don’t have much time to attend classes because of their work schedule , so online education help them in pursuing their dreams without disturbing their life. Moreover, the fee structure is affordable as compared to regular coaching. However , as every coin has two sides, so many think that it is negative development.
Not everyone has access to computer because of many reasons so many advises to have online education. Conventional way of teaching and learning is preferable to many. Other factors like internet speed, accessibility, power failure also can be counted as hindrance to success of online method of teaching and learning. Solving queries will be difficult because of non availability of teacher.
So to construe, I believe that even though online education has some demerits but for future it is certainly as positive development.
Posted by: satinder paul singh | March 23, 2017 at 02:38
Dear Teacher Simon and anyone who lives in the UK,
I read the newspaper this morning and I found out that the UK had just been seriously attacked by terrorists, many people had lost their life.
I am so sorry to hear about that. Please know that the UK is always in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless and strengthen the UK.
My deepest condolences.
Posted by: Nam Anh | March 23, 2017 at 08:45
We live in the era of modernization where the advent of computer has changed the life style of inhabitants of this globe, especially in the field of education. It is true that on-line courses are becoming the common feature of university education. Although there are some drawbacks of internet based learning, I would argue that there are far more benefits.
To begin with, some people believe that it is not a proper way of teaching, as there would be a lack of concentration while studying on internet, the reason behind this is that, there is no one to one contact with teacher and also different environment from class room. In addition, there is also a lack of social interaction with other students in the class room which is also very important source of learning.
On the contrary side, I believe that this is the excellent idea to teach university students with the help of technology which can help them as it is very time saving method and convenient way of education. Firstly, the university students are mature enough and they can concentrate on their study very easily and convenience to them as they do not need to go to university and E-learning is the only possible solution especially for disabled students who want to carry on their study. Secondly, It is true that most of the students do not have enough money and universities offer less fee packages for such type of education which is easily affordable. Finally, no transportation is required in this type of courses which save the travelling expensive and decrease the burden from students which is very necessary for their peace of mind.
In conclusion, While I recognize the possible disadvantages of on-line learning, I consider this to be a positive development overall.
Posted by: Muhammad Imran Asif | March 23, 2017 at 12:17
Thanks Anh. Yes, it was a sad day yesterday.
Posted by: Simon | March 23, 2017 at 14:14
Hi Simon
can I choose to say that there are both positives and negatives in my opinion, without saying that I prefer one side of the argument?
Posted by: Safa | March 25, 2017 at 11:08
hi sir,
there was a question in recent ielts about used items gaining popularity. what do you think is it a positive or negative trend.give reasons
how we have to write
Posted by: umer | March 25, 2017 at 21:46
Studying online is a relatively recent phenomenon, which has brought considerable convenience to students. However, Some people make an argument that there are some drawbacks of it. My point is that online courses have certain benefits in some aspects.
With the rapid development of internet technology, Accessing information has become faster and easier. Due to the repository of online courses, students can save a great deal of time than before, when they often needed to take long for searching useful materials in library.
In addition, remote learning also has other advanatges. for instance, students who live in remote areas without roads or even no enough fund to pay for tuition to attend qualified school far away, an internet connection solves it. This is the traditional method cannot match.
Of course, it is not to say that online courses can complete replace the classroom-based learning. One of the reasons is that lack of interaction between students in online courses which may affect their learning progress.
To summarise, i believe that online courses make universities more accessible and flexible than past, even though it still has some demerits.
Posted by: Kevin Jang | March 27, 2017 at 08:15
Hi Simon,
This introduction is similar to advantages OUTWEIGH the disadvantages, I mean the second and the last line. So is it alright to adopt the similar style of writing in positive OR negatives as well?
Posted by: sheen | March 27, 2017 at 09:09
#self-revised
Studying online is a relatively recent phenomenon, which has brought considerable convenience to students. However, Some people make an argument that there are some limitations. My point is that online courses have certain benefits in some aspects.
With the rapid development of internet technology, Accessing information has become faster and easier. Due to the repository of online courses, students can save a great deal of time than before, when they often needed to take long for searching useful materials in a library. Truly there is a great value in this.
In addition, remote learning also has other advantages. for instance, students who live in remote areas without roads or even no enough fund to pay for tuition to attend qualified school far away, an internet connection solves it. This is the traditional method cannot match. Also, students will develop the ability of independent thinking by taking online courses.
Of course, it is not to say that online courses can replace the classroom-based learning. One of the reasons is that lack of interaction between students in online courses, which may affect their learning progress because they complete their assignments independently and do not have opportunities to socialise with their peers. The failure of build up a network of contacts will have a negative impact on their future career.
To summarise, the online courses make universities more accessible and flexible than the past, even though there are still some demerits. I believe that this to be a positive development overall.
Posted by: Kevin Jang | March 27, 2017 at 11:03
What about GT writing task 2? Is it utterly same with AT writing task 2?
Posted by: Yigit | March 27, 2017 at 23:28
plz mam help me in writing and speaking i'm too weak in these two modules..
Posted by: chahat | April 04, 2017 at 03:52
With the high advanced technology, students in some universities can get online courses. This new educational system have brought severe controversy whether it has positive effects on students. However, I believe that, for students, online courses running in some universities have more disadvantages for the students.
Admittedly, online courses might have positive effects on students. The advantage that students taking online courses can have more flexible time allow them have more chances to spend more time learning non-academic subjects like arts classes holding out of the universities as well as participating in various social clubs, leading them expand personal connections but also making them concentrate on their studying more by releasing their stress through those activities. In addition, students can build problem solving skills naturally during the online classes since they are required to find answers about question they have by themselves by using internet sites containing various information.
However, I think that some universities offering online courses bring negative effects on their students. First, university students participating in online courses are not likely to focus on studying than other students being in classroom because unlike the atmosphere of the real classroom with professors and other classmates, students being alone to take online classes can be easily distracted from the comfortable air, giving rise for them to get bad performance in their study. Second, with the reason that students can not have discussion time as well as listen other students' opinions, students can not broaden their perspectives, the important factor to help them work creatively, which will not result in the success in their work in the future.
In conclusion, even though online courses might give few positive effects on students, I strongly believe that students taking online classess have more negative effects on many aspects of students' developments.
Posted by: SUN | August 03, 2017 at 17:57
Hi Simon,
Would you please post an example of 'discussion' essay together with an 'opinion' essay? Such comparison is more clearly. Thank you.
Posted by: Joan | August 08, 2017 at 08:25
This is my full essay for this question.Please give me some pieces of advice.Thanks!
In recent years, online studying has gained popularity in many countries, especially developing ones, causing some public controversy. Although offering college course on the Internet seems to come at the expense of conventional learning, this has had beneficial impacts on the students and the societies.
On the one hand, students may derive more benefits from studying online courses offered by universities. First, by choosing to learn those on the Internet, learners might save an exorbitant amounts of money compared to taking the classes. In fact, since computerization allows students to do way with a great deal of textbooks, they certainly do not spend much money purchasing ones, which can only be achieved if they join university courses delivered online. Second, Internet-based learning ensures the learners’ flexibility. This means that they could acquire a wealth of knowledge and arm themselves with various academic theories even if they are either at home or at work.
On the other hand, Internet- based studying does a lot of good for the society. First, if students were more reliant on online courses, traffic congestion and road accidents would be curbed. In fact, in order to avoid urban sprawls and accidents on the transportation, many students nowadays opt for online learning, thereby contributing to a decreasing number of travelers on the road, especially in rush hours. Second, if the percentage of universities offering online courses kept increasing like in the present, they would be less reliant on the governments’ financial support as little resources might be injected into updating college facilities. Therefore, the governors could channel more money on sustaining economic growth and improving healthcare.
In conclusion, universities should throw themselves into offering online courses. This benefits not only the students but the societies in different ways as well.
Posted by: Trang Trang | September 07, 2017 at 14:44
This is my first body paragraph on this question. I appreciate if anyone could make some comments on it:
There are various reasons why online courses are considered by many to not fully constitute the true learning experience. Firstly, it is true that the role of teachers in online institution was simplified as mediums of transmitting textbook knowledges while indeed, they play a much more important factor in traditional classroom setting. An expeienced teacher could instill his enthusiasm to his student or be able to uplift the learning atmosphere within the classroom and capture everyone's attention the the matter at hand. However, this effect is reduced to a large extent with impersonal online studying platforms. Secondly, education through the Internet has completely eliminated the element of peer networking which is often deemed essential to one's learning. Other than chatting platforms, online learners is granted few occasions to expose to their peers. Hence, they lost the much-valued opportunity to find a close-minded friend to whom they can share meaningful discussions or companionship in learning.
Posted by: Chau | September 17, 2017 at 12:22
Among the major shortcomings of online university courses is the serious lack of human interaction to its education approach. Mostly anyone can agree that a certain amount of value personal interaction established during learning brings subtle yet meaningful incentives to their performances while inspiring academic effort and a sense of self-discipline. As regards to this element, traditional classrooms have absolutely prevailed over Internet-based courses, whose platforms were a downplay on the true nature of making interpersonal connections. Online learners must resort to impersonal chatting forums or electronic means such as emails which minimizes the intimacy and expressiveness that face-to-face encounters provide. In short, despite its technological advances, this Internet learning trend would have hard time emulating human interaction in ways that conventional learning do.
Posted by: dc | September 25, 2017 at 17:15
Hi,
I ma confused between agree/disagree and to what extent do you agree disagre.
Please tell me the template..
Posted by: Manpreet kaur | November 15, 2017 at 07:29
Here is my essay:
it is a fact that online courses are becomming more and more popular these days. Although there are many critics to e-learning, I believe there are more benefit than drawbacks.
Most people do not like the idea of online teaching due to lack of direct interaction. Instead of sit together in a classroom, talking about the academic issues with classmates and lecturer, web courses takers should use their own computers or mobile phones to watch the class videos alone. It is just not regarded as an integrated study experience to many people. This may be not most efficient way to study because the students are not be able to ask a question and more important, get the feedback instantly. What's more, not everybody treat the computers or smart phones as just tools to gain knowledge. With the Facebook or Youtube just right next to the E-Course app, there is little chance users can risist the urge to just relax, which means distraction.
However, I still believe the rise of far-end education a symbol of progress, literally. It is a more equal way for the students. Every member of the society can have an access to the best knowledge which was restricted to few selected elites before, with just a simple click on the screen. In addition, finance for the education opportunity may not be a problem to most families as the cost of tuition is much lower than tranditional way. To some people at work, the online courses are quite a flexible trainning program as they may have control of their own study progress. I took a lot of python courses from Coursera these years, and it is a very good experience for me. Whenever I may have a chance to rest, I can open the app and watch the programming or economic lectures.
In conclusion, with the fact that online courses are not so perfect, I think it does more good than harm.
Posted by: Youngtsen | January 10, 2018 at 15:04
Hi Simon, what is your take on questions that ask, "is this a positive or negative development? AND To what extent do you support this development?" These pop up surprisingly often but it is rather redundant, is it not? A student may be tempted to address this as a two-question task but how can one do that here?
Posted by: Helen | March 23, 2020 at 20:54