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Gợi ý cho đề thi IELTS Writing 24.09.2024: Bar Charts and Teaching in 2050

Task 1: The graph below shows snow depth (cm) at a particular ski resort in New Zealand in 2010 – 2012. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Biểu đồ đề thi IELTS Writing Task 1 ngày 15.09.2023

Guidelines:

  1. Introduction:
  • Purpose: Briefly introduce what the graph or chart is showing. This typically includes what is being measured, where (if relevant), and when.
  • Example:
    • The bar chart illustrates the average snow depth in centimeters by month at a ski resort in New Zealand over three consecutive years (2010, 2011, and 2012), with data presented from November to April.
  1. Overview (General Trends):
  • Purpose: Summarize the main features of the graph. This should provide an overall picture without going into specific details.
  • Steps:
    1. Identify overall patterns and trends (e.g., which months have the highest or lowest values?).
    2. Compare different years to highlight key similarities or differences.
    3. Avoid specific numbers or data points here; this section is for general observations.
  • Example:
    • Overall, it is evident that snow depth significantly increased from November to February across all three years. Year Three consistently had the highest snow depths in the first three months, whereas Year One and Two showed relatively higher snow levels from February onwards.
  1. Detailed Description (Body Paragraphs):
  • Purpose: Provide detailed descriptions of the data in the graph, using numbers and comparisons.
  • Steps:
    1. Paragraph 1 (First Half of the Data):
      • Break down the first half of the time period (e.g., November–January).
      • Mention specific data points and compare between the years.
      • Use expressions to show changes or trends (e.g., “increased,” “remained steady,” “reached,” etc.).
    2. Paragraph 2 (Second Half of the Data):
      • Describe the remaining months (e.g., February–April).
      • Continue to use specific figures and compare years where relevant.
  • Example for Paragraph 1:
    • In detail, snow depth in November was relatively low for all years, ranging between 80 and 120 cm. The trend continued in December and January, with a moderate increase in snow depth, especially in Year One and Year Three, both recording just around 150 cm. Year Two exhibited a slight rise to over 100 cm.
  • Example for Paragraph 2:
    • In February, Year One and Year Two reached snow depths at nearly 450 cm and 400 cm respectively, while Year Three lagged behind at around 350 cm. The highest snow depths occurred in March and April. Year One saw its maximum in March at roughly 450 cm, while Year Two peaked in April at around 470 cm. Year Three consistently registered the least snow depth in the last two months.
  1. Comparative Language:
  • Use comparative and superlative forms to compare data points across years.
    • E.g., Year Three consistently had the highest snow depths, Year One reached its maximum, Year Two exhibited a slight rise, Year Three lagged behind.
  1. Data Representation:
  • Mention specific values but vary the way you refer to numbers to avoid repetition.
    • E.g., nearly 450 cm, just around 150 cm, approximately 350 cm.
  1. Linking Words:
  • Use appropriate linking words and phrases to connect your ideas and sentences smoothly.
    • For trends: increased steadily, remained constant, declined slightly.
    • For comparisons: whereas, while, compared to, in contrast.
    • For time progression: from November to April, over the course of the three years.
  1. Tense and Grammar:
  • Use the past tense to describe events in a specific period (e.g., Year One had the highest snow depth in March).
  • Avoid personal opinions or unnecessary explanations. Focus on describing what you see.

Common Errors to Avoid:

  • Overcomplicating the introduction with too many details.
  • Forgetting the overview or not providing a clear summary.
  • Not providing enough comparisons between years or not using specific data to support your claims.
  • Repetition of the same phrases (use a variety of vocabulary for trends and comparisons).

SAMPLE ESSAY:

The bar chart illustrates the average snow depth in centimeters by month at a ski resort in New Zealand over three consecutive years (2010, 2011, and 2012), with data presented from November to April.

Overall, it is evident that snow depth significantly increased from November to February across all three years. Year Three consistently had the highest snow depths in the first three months, whereas Year One and Two showed relatively higher snow levels from February onwards.

In detail, snow depth in November was relatively low for all years, ranging between 80 and 100 cm. The trend continued in December and January, with a moderate increase in snow depth, especially in Year One and Year Three, both recording just around 150 cm. Year Two exhibited a slight rise to over 100 cm.

In February, Year One and Year Two reached snow depths at nearly 450 cm and 400 cm respectively, while Year Three lagged behind at around 350 cm.

The highest snow depths occurred in March and April. Year One saw its maximum in March at roughly 450 cm, while Year Two peaked in Aprile at around 470 cm. Year Three consistently registered the least snow depth in the last two months.

Task 2: The typical teaching situation of a teacher and students in the class will not exist by the year 2050. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Guidelines:

  1. Understand the Topic:
    • The statement suggests that traditional teaching, where teachers instruct students in a classroom, will no longer exist by 2050. You are asked to express whether you agree or disagree with this prediction and to what extent.
    • Make sure you interpret the essay task correctly. The topic is about the future of education and how it might evolve by 2050.
  2. Structure Your Essay: Introduction:
    • Paraphrase the essay prompt.
    • Clearly state whether you agree or disagree and to what extent (completely agree, partially agree, or disagree).

    Body Paragraphs:

    • Paragraph 1: Present arguments for why the traditional teaching method might disappear (if you agree).
      • Talk about trends like online learning, technology advancements (AI, VR), and changing learning environments.
      • Give examples, such as the rise of e-learning platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and AI-powered tutors.
    • Paragraph 2: Present arguments for why the traditional classroom might still exist (if you disagree or partially agree).
      • Discuss the importance of in-person interaction, social skills, and the role of teachers as mentors.
      • Mention situations where technology might not fully replace teachers, such as in early childhood education or for students who need special guidance.

    Conclusion:

    • Summarize the key points from your essay.
    • Reinforce your opinion (to what extent you agree or disagree).
  3. Develop Key Ideas:
    • Agreeing Points:
      • Technology replacing traditional education (AI tutors, personalized learning).
      • The flexibility of online learning environments.
      • The potential for remote learning to reduce the need for physical classrooms.
    • Disagreeing Points:
      • The need for face-to-face interaction for social development.
      • Teachers provide emotional support and guidance beyond academics.
      • Some subjects or age groups require a physical classroom for effective learning.
  4. Use Linking Words:
    • To introduce points: Firstly, In addition, Furthermore, On the other hand.
    • To compare ideas: Although, However, Nevertheless, Despite.
    • To conclude: In conclusion, Overall, Therefore.
  5. Balance Your Argument:
    • It’s perfectly fine to have a balanced view. You can agree that while some aspects of traditional teaching will change, it is unlikely that the entire system will disappear by 2050.

SAMPLE ANSWER

The advancement of technology has revolutionized many sectors, including education. By 2050, some argue that the conventional classroom, where a teacher instructs students face-to-face, will become obsolete. While I acknowledge the rapid rise of technology in education, I believe that traditional teaching will not completely disappear by 2050, though it may evolve significantly.

Firstly, it is undeniable that technology has already transformed how education is delivered. The growth of online learning platforms, such as Coursera and Khan Academy, has allowed students to access knowledge from anywhere in the world, reducing the need for a physical classroom. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) are beginning to offer personalized learning experiences. AI tutors, for instance, can adapt to a student’s learning style and provide targeted feedback, making traditional teacher-led instruction seem less essential. By 2050, these advancements may become even more sophisticated, making education more accessible and flexible.

However, despite these innovations, I believe there are still significant reasons why the traditional teaching model will continue to exist. One of the most important aspects of education is the social interaction between students and teachers. In-person classes help students develop communication and teamwork skills, which are difficult to replicate in a fully digital environment. Furthermore, teachers do more than just transfer knowledge; they also provide mentorship, emotional support, and motivation, all of which are crucial for students’ overall development. These roles are difficult for technology to fully replace.

Moreover, certain subjects and student demographics may always require in-person instruction. For example, young children, especially in primary school, benefit from hands-on activities and direct supervision. Additionally, students with special educational needs often require personalized attention that may be challenging to deliver through technology alone. Therefore, while the teaching environment may change, the teacher-student relationship will remain a fundamental part of the educational process.

In conclusion, although technology will likely reshape how education is delivered by 2050, I do not believe it will completely eliminate the traditional classroom setting. While more flexible and digital methods of teaching may become widespread, the human element provided by teachers in a classroom will still play an essential role in students’ learning experiences.