IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion Essay Topic: Discuss the benefits of group study and individual learning

Janice Thompson

4 min read

Updated On Dec 20, 2021

Outline
Sample Essay
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Some teachers prefer the group study methods for their students while others prefer the individual learning method. Which one do you prefer? Discuss the benefits of group study and individual learning.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Outline

Essay Type

Discussion Essay

Introduction

Paraphrase the topic of the essay and mention the view.

Body

Paragraph 1 – Group study creates a happiness factor that motivates the students. In group study, there are opportunities where students can teach others.

Paragraph 2 – When students learn in isolation, they are held responsible for their scores. This serves as a positive fear factor that urges them to complete all the lessons on time.

Conclusion

Conclude the essay by summarizing the topic and stating the final verdict.

Sample Essay

Learning methodologies have long been a subject of debate. Some teachers advocate studying in groups while others don’t recommend it. Students are confused as to which strategy is better for improving their performance. Each of these approaches has its merits and demerits. However, in my opinion, group study is better and result oriented. In the following paragraphs, I shall discuss both sides and explain which is beneficial for the student community.

Group study creates a happiness factor that motivates the students. In group study, there are opportunities where students can teach others. The concepts which seemed to be vague may become easier with the explanation offered by someone in the group. When student A has convincingly explained a concept to student B, the confidence level of student A increases. Student B will also feel relieved because he has gained knowledge over an area that seemed impossible to comprehend. Since they understand every concept, it is easier to recall the answers in the exam hall.

Au contraire, when students learn in isolation, they are held responsible for their scores. This serves as a positive fear factor that urges them to complete all the lessons on time. They are independent in choosing the order in which they want to study. For example, student A may want to finish studying math lessons first because it might be more difficult for him. They can concentrate better. They can start studying at their convenience and need not keep waiting for others to arrive. Sometimes there may be ego clashes between students in the group about the understanding of an idea, which will harm the study environment. There are no such risks in individual learning.

In conclusion, both techniques have their merits and demerits. Though individual learning methods put the student in control of his study environment, I think group study is more productive. Group study reduces stress, and students become more confident because of knowledge sharing.

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The system of studying that is followed by students is greatly influenced by personal disposition. The mode of learning selected divides individuals into two segments, one of which includes group study preferrers and the other is comprised of people inclined towards self-learning. I believe there is more utility in an isolated form of study as opposed to doing so in a group. In the following paragraphs, I will elaborate on both these approaches to determine which is more advantageous.

Firstly, let’s take a look at the individual learning style which has been widely followed by the current and the previous generations. This particular manner of study involves book learning with minimal to zero aid from others. Such a practice is quite desirable if a student is required to completely focus on the subject in concern without any distractions. Consequently, due to the absence of any kind of disturbance or interference, an individual can take full advantage of their time and mental energy.

Contrastingly, there are various merits to the group study approach as well, which have made it a highly prevalent convention, especially in modern times. One of the key benefits of having a group of peers along, when preparing for examinations or doing academic work in general, is the ease and convenience enjoyed in solving doubts or understanding tricky concepts. For example, if a student is unable to solve a tough mathematics problem, they can simply refer to their friend’s or any other group member’s solution and move along to the next question. Such facilities are exclusively available to students when they are studying with a group.

Finally, I would like to conclude by saying that, objectively, both these techniques of academic learning have their benefits and the choice of either one will be entirely dependent on the individual bias. Nevertheless, a solitary means of learning is a more productive use of a student’s time and efforts.