Memorization of Information by Frequent Repetition Plays a Role in Most Education Systems-IELTS Writing Task 2

Memorization of information by frequent repetition (rote learning) plays a role in most education systems. Do the advantages of this method of learning outweigh its disadvantages?

Outline

Essay Type

Advantages/Disadvantages Essay

Introduction

Paraphrase the topic.

State my view and what the following paragraphs are about.

Body Paragraphs

The advantages to rote learning and how it is an easy way of learning.

The disadvantages of rote learning and its negative effects.

Conclusion

Summarize the topic and state my opinion.

Sample Essay

Learning every topic by heart as preparation for examinations has been the norm followed by students since time immemorial. Although this rote learning method does have its merits, its demerits make it a risky habit to possess. In the following paragraphs, I will touch on the positives and negatives of this approach to learning.

To begin with, if a student has mastered the technique of committing information to memory to the best of their ability, they are likely to perform better than others in examinations, especially at the school level. Since this method of memorization helps retain information without delving into the subject matter, students require comparatively less time to cover multiple topics making it a very undemanding and time-efficient means of studying. With that in mind, during the assessments of subjects like History, where the examinee is at the mercy of what they can recollect, memorizing by repetition is the only avenue left.

However, since this tactic does not facilitate the in-depth understanding of concepts and only involves mindless memorization, it can have consequential effects on the aptitude and cognition of an individual later in life. So, if a person is accustomed to this approach, they might find themselves in a plight when a situation arrives where conceptual knowledge is mandatory. Secondly, human memory is not permanent, and when information is retained through this means, anything learned is bound to be forgotten in the future. Furthermore, this technique of retention is a habitual one, and if a person intends on changing it later on, it can turn out to be quite a difficult task.

I would like to conclude by saying that we all have resorted to this approach at least once in our lives, and it has been beneficial in many cases. Nevertheless, as we grow and gain more experience, it becomes more and more evident that rote memorization is an inexpedient practice, and its drawbacks far surpass its benefits.

Vocabulary

• Norm

Meaning: Standard, something that is typical
Eg: Praying together before breakfast is a norm in this institution.

• Possess

Meaning: have as an ability
Eg: Swimming is an important skill to possess.

• Delving

Meaning: Looking into, exploring
Eg: There is no use delving into that case again.

• Undemanding

Meaning: Easy, effortless
Eg: His last job was an undemanding one and so he quit it.

• Avenue

Meaning: a way of approaching a problem
Eg: If you look further into the issue, you will find various avenues to solve it.

• Facilitate

Meaning: promote, encourage
Eg: The government decided to facilitate the flow of funds.

• Consequential

Meaning: significant, life-changing
Eg: She wanted to do something consequential with her life.

• Cognition

Meaning: the process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought or experience
Eg: She has excellent cognition and interpretation skills for her age.

• Plight

Meaning: a difficult situation
Eg: The flood victims shared their plight on the news.

• Inexpedient

Meaning: not practical or advisable
Eg: Under such a situation, it was inexpedient to have such an expensive party.

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