IELTS Essay: Some believe that students who fear their teachers excel academically…

This essay question was on an IELTS test held in Brisbane, Australia (General Module)

Some believe that students who fear their teachers excel academically.  Others believe students work better when they have a friendly relationship with their teacher.  Discuss these views and provide your opinion.

Model answer

Different teachers have different style of teaching. Some believe in instilling a sense of fear in their students. Others are more interested in having friendly relationships with their students. Which style is better? Is it true that students who fear their teachers tend to do better in their studies? Let’s examine.

Not every student has enough motivation to do well in his or her studies. A large number of school going students don’t even understand the need for good grades. They go to school simply because their parents send them there. They will not get good grades if they do not have a teacher who punishes them whenever they make mistakes. It is actually this fear of punishment that acts as an incentive to study harder. While teachers who frighten their students might seem like a bad idea, there is no denying the fact that they act as a motivation to work harder and harder.

Teachers who like to be friendly with their students are good for well-motivated students. They encourage them to experiment and explore. The American education system is well known for its friendly relationship between teachers and students. This style of teaching may not be suitable for less motivated students, but one has got to admit that the US has produced the most number of innovators and achievers.  Needless to say, the US is the most popular destination for overseas students.

Looking at both sides, it is felt that teachers who instill some fear are good for less motivated students. Well-motivated and enterprising students, on the other hand, tend to do better with friendly teachers who encourage them to experiment and explore.

Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.

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