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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Grades (marks) encourage students to learn. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Grades (marks) encourage students to learn. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

I totally agree that grades can motivate students to learn. When students receive good grades, it boosts their confidence and encourages them to keep learning and improving. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and makes them feel that their efforts are paying off.

For instance, in my own experience, when I received high grades in my exams, I felt proud of my hard work and was motivated to continue studying. I was more eager to participate in class discussions, complete assignments, and engage in further reading. Good grades also opened up opportunities for me, such as scholarships and academic recognition, which further motivated me to excel in my studies.

On the other hand, some argue that grades create unnecessary pressure and competition among students, leading to stress and anxiety. However, I believe that healthy competition can be beneficial as it pushes students to strive for excellence and work harder. It also prepares them for the challenges they may face in their future careers where performance evaluations are common.

In conclusion, while some may argue that grades can have negative effects, I believe that they play a crucial role in motivating students to learn and achieve their full potential. When used constructively, grades can serve as a valuable tool to encourage students to excel in their studies and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Model Essay #2:

Grades (marks) encourage students to learn. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

I disagree with the statement that grades encourage students to learn. In fact, I believe that grades can often have a negative impact on students' motivation to learn. When students focus solely on achieving high grades, they may prioritize rote memorization and exam performance over true understanding and critical thinking skills.

For example, many students may resort to memorizing information just to score well on tests, without actually comprehending the material. This hinders their ability to apply knowledge in real-life situations and stifles their curiosity and creativity. Additionally, the fear of receiving low grades can lead to stress and anxiety, creating a negative learning environment.

Furthermore, grades can foster an unhealthy sense of competition among students, leading to a lack of collaboration and support for one another. Rather than working together to learn and grow, students may become solely focused on outperforming their peers, which can be detrimental to their overall development.

In conclusion, while grades are intended to measure academic performance, they can inadvertently hinder students' genuine desire to learn and understand. It is essential to consider alternative methods of assessment that focus on holistic learning and skill development rather than just grades. Encouraging a love for learning and fostering a growth mindset should be the primary goal of education, rather than solely emphasizing grades.

Model Essay #3:

Grades (marks) encourage students to learn. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

I agree that grades can encourage students to learn. Grades act as a form of motivation for students to put effort into their studies. When students know that their performance will be evaluated and graded, they are more likely to work hard and strive for good grades. For example, in a study conducted by a university, it was found that students who were given grades showed higher levels of engagement and effort in their studies compared to those who were not given any grades.

Additionally, grades provide a clear indication of a student's academic progress. They serve as a feedback mechanism, allowing students to understand their strengths and weaknesses in different subjects. This feedback can help students identify the areas where they need to improve and focus their efforts accordingly. For instance, if a student receives a low grade in mathematics, they are more likely to seek extra help or practice more to improve their understanding of the subject.

Moreover, grades can also create a sense of healthy competition among students. When students see their peers achieving high grades, it motivates them to work harder and strive for similar success. This healthy competition can foster a positive learning environment and encourage students to push their boundaries and excel in their studies.

However, it is important to note that while grades can be a motivating factor for many students, they should not be the sole measure of a student's abilities. It is crucial for educators to provide constructive feedback and support to students, helping them understand that learning is a continuous process and that grades do not define their worth as individuals.

In conclusion, grades play a significant role in encouraging students to learn by serving as a source of motivation, providing feedback, and fostering healthy competition. While grades are important, it is essential for educators to balance their approach by providing holistic support to students in their learning journey.

Model Essay #4:

Grades (marks) encourage students to learn. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

I disagree with the statement that grades encourage students to learn. While grades are often seen as a form of motivation, they can also have detrimental effects on a student's learning experience. Instead of fostering genuine interest in learning, grades can lead to a focus on achieving high scores rather than understanding the subject matter.

Firstly, the pressure of obtaining good grades can lead to stress and anxiety among students. In a survey conducted by a school, it was found that a significant number of students reported feeling overwhelmed and anxious due to the emphasis on grades. This stress can hinder their ability to absorb and retain information, ultimately impeding their learning process.

Furthermore, the pursuit of high grades can lead to a culture of academic dishonesty. Students may resort to cheating or plagiarism in order to maintain a high GPA, compromising the integrity of their learning. This undermines the purpose of education, which should be focused on acquiring knowledge and skills rather than simply achieving high marks.

Moreover, grades can be demotivating for students who struggle to meet academic expectations. When students consistently receive low grades, they may develop a sense of inadequacy and lose confidence in their abilities. This can have long-term effects on their attitude towards learning and their overall academic performance.

In conclusion, while grades are intended to motivate students, they can have negative consequences on their learning experience. Instead of promoting genuine interest and understanding, the focus on grades can lead to stress, academic dishonesty, and demotivation. It is important for educators to consider alternative methods of assessment and provide support to students beyond the scope of grades.

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