Welcome to this guide on the impact of technology on education. By working through this material, you will not only be able to construct a powerful essay for IELTS Writing Task 2, but you will also learn new vocabulary and key grammatical structures. Upon completion, you will be able to confidently discuss the complex ways digital advancements have reshaped modern learning.
A 50-word Article:
The integration of technology into education presents a paradigm shift, offering students unprecedented access to information and resources. However, it can also exacerbate the digital divide, creating disparities in learning opportunities. This change demands that educators reassess traditional teaching methodologies to harness technology’s full potential.
Step 1- Analysis of New Words
The 2 New Words ：Paradigm，Exacerbate
Paradigm
- Definition: A typical example or pattern of something; a model.
- Synonyms: model, pattern, example, blueprint, standard.
- Comparison: While model is a general term for a representation, paradigm is a more academic term, referring to a fundamental shift in approach or a conceptual framework, such as a “paradigm shift in scientific thought.”
Exacerbate
- Definition: To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
- Synonyms: worsen, aggravate, intensify, inflame.
- Comparison: Worsen is a simple verb. Exacerbate is a more formal and forceful verb that highlights a conscious or indirect action that makes a bad situation more severe, as in “exacerbating a difficult situation.”
Step 2- Analysis of Grammar point
Grammar point: Using if clauses (Conditionals)
An Example Questions from IELTS Reading:
IELTS Reading Questions Answer the following questions based on the article above.
- What two effects of technology in education are in opposition to each other? 2. What does the article suggest is a potential negative consequence of using technology in education?
- What is required of educators due to this change?
- Does the author believe that technology has fully reached its potential in education? (True/False/Not Given)
- Is the integration of technology into education a minor change, according to the text? (True/False/Not Given)
Grammar Point from the Article The grammar point is the use of if clauses (conditionals) to discuss consequences and possibilities.
Explain the Grammar Point and Give a Chance to Use It If clauses, or conditional sentences, are used to talk about possible situations and their outcomes. They are essential for discussing causes and effects, which is a key part of an IELTS Task 2 essay.
Example from the article: “This change demands that educators reassess traditional teaching methodologies if they are to harness technology’s full potential.”
Your turn: Combine the following two ideas using an if clause:
- Students have access to a wealth of information.
- They can learn independently.
Your answer: _________________
Step 3- New Words Application in Speaking and Writing
1.Speaking Mini Challenge
In your opinion, has technology created a paradigm shift in the way students learn?
How might it exacerbate the gap between students with different financial backgrounds?
Example of Band 6 and 7:
Band 6 Answer: “Yes, I think technology has really changed how students learn. It’s a big change, a new paradigm, because they can get information easily. But it can also exacerbate the problem for students who don’t have computers at home, making it harder for them to study.”
Band 7 Answer: “I believe we are currently witnessing a paradigm shift in education, where the traditional classroom model is being fundamentally altered by technology. While this change offers immense benefits, it also has the potential to exacerbate existing inequalities. For example, students from lower-income households may lack reliable access to the necessary devices or high-speed internet, which could widen the academic gap between them and their more privileged peers.”
2.Writing Mini Challenge
Some people argue that while technology has led to a paradigm shift in education, it can also exacerbate inequalities. Discuss this statement and give your own opinion.
Example of Band 6 and 7:
Band 6 Answer: “Technology has changed education a lot. It is a new paradigm because students can learn online and use different apps. This is good for everyone. However, technology can also make some problems worse. If a student doesn’t have a good computer, they can’t study well. This can exacerbate the problem of inequality in schools.”
Band 7 Answer: “Undoubtedly, technology has introduced a new paradigm into education, moving learning beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. On the one hand, this shift has democratized access to knowledge, allowing anyone with an internet connection to learn from prestigious universities or access educational resources previously unavailable to them. On the other hand, it is crucial to consider how this reliance on technology can exacerbate existing social inequalities. For instance, without equitable access to digital devices and stable internet, students from disadvantaged backgrounds may find themselves at a significant disadvantage, unable to participate fully in online learning or complete essential digital assignments. Therefore, while technology offers a revolutionary new model for education, its benefits must be made accessible to all to avoid deepening the digital divide.”
Step 4- Identity Upgrade
Now you can use vocabulary and grammatical structures that demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the English language.
Learn to use ‘hedging’ for IELTS and university and how it’s used in business discussions. Hedging is the use of cautious language to express a degree of uncertainty, or to avoid making an overgeneralized or definitive statement. This is a vital skill in academic and professional English.
Examples:
- Instead of: “Technology destroys traditional teaching.”
- Use: “Technology could potentially alter traditional teaching methods.”
- Instead of: “Online learning is always better.”
- Use: “Online learning seems to offer a number of advantages over conventional classroom settings.”
join the full course and do four weeks of this training, and you’ll never be at a low level again.
Core Course: IELTS Band 7+ Mastery
•Full-Skill Coverage—For Systematic Learners.
•Weekly Feedback with a personalized fix plan each time.
Call to Action:
https://rd1ofewnot.kartra.com/portals/4ER08g7V2Pa4
Do you want to experience and learn more professional IELTS courses? Want to strive for higher scores? Express yourself fluently like a native speaker? Welcome to click on the website below to stay updated on new courses and receive assistance at any time!