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Academic Discussion prompt

What do you think? Is online learning a better alternative to traditional classroom learning? Why or why not?

Every scored sample answer Reach120 publishes for this prompt, banded so you can see the range rather than one version of "good".

1 sample answerEducation

The prompt

As it appears in practice

Online learning refers to education that takes place over the internet. It has gained popularity due to its flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to learn from anywhere in the world. However, it also poses challenges such as the need for self-discipline and the lack of face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers.

Sample answers, by band

1 published

Reach120 practice band estimate — not an official ETS score How we estimate

Middle response

Band 4.53.5/5 rubric
I believe that online education is more beneficial, although some people might think that it has drawbacks. Despite these concerns, I am convinced that this approach offers numerous advantages. To begin with, I strongly agree with Mehran’s perspective that remote learning offers students far-reaching benefits. Additionally, I would like to point out that this phenomenon enables students to improve their academic achievement, thereby allowing them to acquire knowledge more efficiently. For instance, many of my classmates leverage internet-based learning platforms to enhance their educational outcomes and tackle challenging academic problems. Another significant reason is that harnessing virtual sessions helps learners alleviate stress and concentrate more deeply, allowing them to keep up with coursework and remain engaged in the learning process. Empirical evidence suggests that virtual education can improve students' academic outcomes. Taking everything into consideration, online education offers significant advantages by promoting flexibility, improving learning outcomes, and expanding access to knowledge.

What worked

  • Clear position on online learning
  • Relevant explanations and examples
  • Logical structure and flow

What cost points

  • Lack of specificity in examples
  • Minor grammatical errors
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