TOEFL® Writing Practice 113

Sample Essay

There already exist several different types of education and as we develop more technology, it is likely that more options will emerge. Some kids are already homeschooled, but with the increase in technology and online courses, it's possible that better homeschooling options will soon be available. Surely, different persons have differing opinions about whether it is better to study at home or study at school. Personally, I prefer to go to traditional schools because schools provide disciplined learning, experienced teachers, and good facilities.

First of all, studying at school offers a disciplined learning environment. Although learning from a computer and television is comfortable, it is void of the disciplined learning environment that is provided by schools. Schools provide a balanced atmosphere where each subject is given equal weight and is taught on a regular basis; this leads to a balanced education of children. This discipline is absent in studying at home as we are inclined to focus more on subjects which appeal to us. For instance, some children prefer social sciences and might devote most of their time to this subject, while ignoring the subjects they dislike. This unbalanced focus inhibits overall development. Children are too young to decide what they should learn. Schools are superior because they have a rounded curriculum and teachers know their students and give individual attention to improve students' skills.

Additionally, the best equipment and technology is expensive and many cannot afford it. Meanwhile, schools provide all necessary equipment, experienced teachers, and the best facilities. Also, there are instances where students require constant supervision and vigilance. For example, while performing experiments in chemistry, which involves lots of dangerous chemicals, an experienced adult such as a teacher must be present. In these labs, children tend to "fool around" and could potentially put themselves in danger. Guidance is required by educated adults to understand and complete the experiments successfully. No television or computer can offer such guidance or oversight.

Lastly, studying at school allows children to get to know one another and build relationships and develop social skills. They also learn to work with a team, especially through group assignments; they learn to delegate and distribute tasks among themselves according to their strengths. Children learn how to socialize, make friends, resolve conflicts, cooperate with and care for others, and so many more skills that can't possibly be learned when studying alone at home. Moreover, children cannot develop certain critical life skills without the level of interaction that school provides.

Thus, taking into account all of these factors, I would opt to be educated at a traditional school as opposed to studying at home. In traditional schools, students learn a multitude of skills from socialization, teamwork, compassion, conflict resolution, delegation, and more. Learning at home via a computer or television does not help youth develop such skills as there is no interaction and very little guidance. Studying on a computer at home should be reserved for supplemental learning.