TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice: Online Schools
The Advantages of Online Education
Directions:
Integrated Writing questions have three parts:
First, give yourself 3 minutes to read the passage.
Then, listen to the lecture.
Follow the directions after the lecture to complete your written response.
Question: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on specific points made in the reading passage.
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Online education has become increasingly popular due to its flexibility and accessibility. Students can access courses from anywhere in the world, allowing them to manage their time more effectively and balance work and study responsibilities. Traditional classroom settings often require students to relocate or commute, which can be costly and time-consuming. In contrast, online courses eliminate these barriers, making education more inclusive for people with limited mobility or financial constraints.
Another significant advantage of online education is its ability to provide personalized learning experiences. Online platforms can offer tailored content based on individual learning styles and pace, which can enhance student engagement and understanding. Additionally, online courses often include interactive tools and multimedia resources that can make learning more engaging and effective. For example, live video lectures and virtual labs can provide hands-on experiences that simulate real-world environments, helping students apply knowledge to practical problems or situations.
Furthermore, online education can also reduce the financial burden associated with traditional education. Tuition fees for online courses are often lower, and students save on living expenses and transportation costs. This affordability makes higher education more accessible to a broader range of students, including those from lower-income backgrounds.
However, some argue that online education lacks the social interaction and human connection that traditional classrooms provide. Critics suggest that face-to-face communication is essential for developing important social skills and fostering a sense of community among students. Despite these concerns, many students and educators believe that the benefits of online education outweigh its drawbacks.
Listen to the lecture portion here.
Lecture script:
While online education offers flexibility and accessibility, it also presents several challenges that are often overlooked. For instance, the lack of face-to-face interaction can hinder the development of critical social skills, such as communication and teamwork. These skills are essential in most professional environments and cannot be fully replicated in an online setting.
Moreover, personalized learning experiences, although beneficial, can sometimes lead to isolation. Students may miss out on the collaborative learning environment that traditional classrooms provide, where they can engage in discussions and learn from peers. Additionally, the effectiveness of online education heavily depends on reliable internet access and technology, which not all students have. This can create a digital divide, where some students are disadvantaged due to lack of resources.
Finally, while online courses can be engaging, they often lack the structure and discipline that traditional classroom settings provide. Without regular schedules and direct supervision, some students may struggle with motivation and time management, leading to lower completion rates.
You can use the lecture script to create an audio file for practice. In your response, summarize the points made in the lecture and explain how they challenge or add to the points made in the reading passage.
Written Portion Directions:
Give yourself 20 minutes to plan and write your response. Your response is judged on the quality of the writing and on how well it presents the points in the lecture and their relationship to the reading passage. Typically, an effective response will be 150 to 225 words. You may view the reading passage while you respond.
Response time: 20 minutes
