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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Should students be grouped by ability in schools?

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Topic: Should students be grouped by ability in schools?

Model Answer:

In today's highly competitive world, education plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's future. The effectiveness of the educational system has been a subject of debate for many years. One of the significant aspects of this debate is whether students should be grouped by their abilities in schools or not. Some argue that ability-based grouping leads to better academic performance, while others claim that it can create social divisions and hinder students' development. In this essay, I will discuss both sides of the argument and provide my own perspective on the matter.

On one hand, proponents of ability-based grouping believe that it is essential for providing an appropriate learning environment tailored to each student's needs. They argue that when students are grouped according to their abilities, teachers can focus more on individual students' strengths and weaknesses. This allows them to deliver lessons at a pace suitable for the students, ensuring better understanding of the material. For instance, students who excel in a particular subject can be challenged with more advanced tasks, while those who struggle can receive targeted support. As a result, the overall quality of education is believed to improve as teachers can devote their attention to specific needs.

On the other hand, opponents of ability-based grouping argue that such practices can create social divisions and hinder students' development. They assert that segregating students by their abilities may lead to stigmatization and self-perpetuating cycles of low expectations for those in lower groups. Additionally, they suggest that placing students with diverse abilities in the same classroom can foster a more inclusive learning environment where everyone can learn from each other. This interaction not only encourages collaboration but also helps develop empathy and respect among students from different backgrounds.

In conclusion, the debate on whether students should be grouped by their abilities in schools is complex and multifaceted. While ability-based grouping may offer certain benefits in terms of targeted teaching and learning, it could also have unintended consequences such as social divisions and stigmatization. To strike a balance between these factors, a comprehensive approach that considers both the academic needs of students and their emotional well-being should be adopted. This might involve incorporating elements of ability-based grouping while ensuring that students are given opportunities to interact with their peers from different backgrounds and abilities.

Overall Score: Band 8

The overall score for this essay is 8, which reflects a good control of language and coherence in the presentation of ideas. The writer provides a well-balanced discussion of both sides of the argument, supports each point with relevant examples, and offers a thoughtful conclusion. Some minor errors may be found in grammar or punctuation; however, they do not significantly affect the overall understanding of the essay.

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