81. School children are becoming far too dependent on computers. This is having an alarming effect on reading and writing skills. Teachers need to avoid using computers in the classroom at all costs and go back to teaching basic study skills. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Answer 1

Band 8.5

Computers have become an integral part of education in many schools around the world. However, some people argue that this is detrimental to the development of reading and writing skills among students, and that teachers should refrain from using computers and focus on teaching basic study skills instead. I disagree with this view, as I believe that computers can enhance the learning process and complement the teaching of study skills.

First of all, computers can provide access to a vast amount of information and resources that can enrich the students' reading and writing experience. For example, students can use online platforms such as Google Scholar, Wikipedia, and Coursera to find academic articles, encyclopedias, and courses on various topics that interest them. They can also use digital tools such as Grammarly, Turnitin, and Hemingway to check their spelling, grammar, and style, and improve their writing quality. These features can help students develop their critical thinking, research, and writing skills, which are essential for academic success.

Secondly, computers can facilitate the interaction and collaboration among students and teachers, and foster a more engaging and dynamic learning environment. For instance, students can use social media, blogs, and forums to share their opinions, feedback, and ideas with their peers and teachers, and learn from different perspectives and cultures. They can also use online applications such as Google Docs, Slides, and Forms to create and present their projects, assignments, and quizzes, and receive instant feedback and evaluation. These activities can help students enhance their communication, creativity, and teamwork skills, which are valuable for their personal and professional development.

In conclusion, I do not agree that school children are becoming too dependent on computers, or that teachers should avoid using computers in the classroom. On the contrary, I think that computers can offer many benefits and opportunities for students to improve their reading and writing skills, as well as other study skills. Therefore, I believe that teachers should embrace the use of computers and integrate them effectively into their curriculum and pedagogy.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Integral: (adjective) - Essential or crucial part of something.

Example: Computers have become an integral part of many aspects of modern life, including education.

Detrimental: (adjective) - Causing harm or damage.

Example: Some people worry that excessive screen time could be detrimental to children's physical and mental health.

Refrain: (verb) - To choose not to do something.

Example: The author disagrees with those who advocate refraining from using computers in the classroom.

Vast: (adjective) - Very large or great in amount.

Example: Computers grant access to a vast array of educational resources like online research databases and interactive learning platforms.

Enrich: (verb) - To make something more interesting, valuable, or fulfilling.

Example: Digital tools like writing assistants and language learning apps can enrich the writing and learning experience for students.

Facilitate: (verb) - To make something easier or more convenient.

Example: Online collaboration platforms facilitate interaction and exchange of ideas between students and teachers.

Dynamic: (adjective) - Changing or developing continuously.

Example: Technology provides opportunities for a more dynamic and engaging learning environment compared to traditional classroom settings.

Pedagogy: (noun) - The art or science of teaching.

Example: Effective integration of technology into the curriculum requires innovative pedagogical approaches.

81. School children are becoming far too dependent on computers. This is having an alarming effect on reading and writing skills. Teachers need to avoid using computers in the classroom at all costs and go back to teaching basic study skills. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Answer 2

Band 8.5

The advent of computers has revolutionized the field of education and brought many changes to the way students learn and teachers teach. However, some people claim that this has a negative impact on the reading and writing skills of school children, and that teachers should eliminate the use of computers in the classroom and return to teaching basic study skills. I strongly disagree with this statement, as I think that computers can support the learning process and supplement the teaching of study skills.

One reason why I disagree is that computers can enable students to access a wide range of information and resources that can improve their reading and writing skills. For example, students can use the internet to search for and read various sources of information, such as books, journals, newspapers, and magazines, on topics that they are interested in or need to study. They can also use word processors, spell checkers, and plagiarism detectors to write, edit, and proofread their essays, reports, and dissertations, and ensure their writing quality. These functions can help students develop their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills, which are crucial for academic achievement.

Another reason why I disagree is that computers can promote the communication and cooperation among students and teachers, and create a more interactive and stimulating learning atmosphere. For example, students can use email, chat, and video conferencing to communicate with their classmates and teachers, and exchange their views, suggestions, and questions. They can also use online platforms such as Moodle, Canvas, and Kahoot to submit and review their work, assignments, and tests, and get immediate feedback and assessment. These tasks can help students improve their speaking, listening, and collaboration skills, which are important for their personal and professional growth.

To sum up, I do not agree that school children are becoming overly dependent on computers, or that teachers should avoid using computers in the classroom. On the contrary, I believe that computers can provide many advantages and possibilities for students to enhance their reading and writing skills, as well as other study skills. Therefore, I think that teachers should adopt the use of computers and incorporate them effectively into their syllabus and methodology.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Advent: (noun) - The arrival or start of something important.

Example: The advent of computers fundamentally changed the teaching and learning landscape.

Revolutionized: (verb) - Changed completely and fundamentally.

Example: Computers revolutionized how students access information and engage with learning materials.

Supplemented: (verb) - Added to something to make it better or more complete.

Example: Computers can supplement traditional learning methods by providing interactive tools and multimedia resources.

Enable: (verb) - Make it possible for someone to do something.

Example: Internet access enables students to explore diverse sources and perspectives beyond traditional textbooks.

Comprehension: (noun) - The ability to understand something.

Example: Reading various online materials can enhance students' understanding of complex topics.

Word: Stimulating: (adjective) - Causing excitement or interest.

Example: Interactive digital tools can create a more stimulating and engaging learning environment than traditional lectures.

Collaboration: (noun) - Working together on something.

Example: Online platforms can promote collaboration by allowing students to work together on projects and share ideas.

Assessment: (noun) - The process of judging someone's skills or abilities.

Example: Online quizzes and polls offer fast and personalized assessment for both students and teachers.