IELTS Band 9 Essay About studying alone vs studying group essay
Here we take a look at a band 9 Ielts writing task 2 sample about “Studying alone vs studying group”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.
Sample Essay (Band 9)
Some people think that it is more effective for students to study in a group while others believe that it is better for them to study alone.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
The debate over whether students should study in groups or individually has been a perennial topic in educational discourse. Both approaches have their merits, and the effectiveness of each largely depends on the individual’s learning style and the subject matter being studied. In this essay, I will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
On the one hand, group study offers several advantages. One of the most significant benefits is the opportunity for collaborative learning, where students can share ideas, clarify doubts, and gain new perspectives. For instance, when tackling complex topics, group discussions can help students break down difficult concepts into more manageable parts. Additionally, studying in a group fosters accountability, as students are more likely to stay focused and motivated when surrounded by peers who are equally committed to achieving academic success. This social dynamic can also make learning more enjoyable and less monotonous.
On the other hand, studying alone has its own set of benefits. Individual study allows students to work at their own pace, which is particularly advantageous for those who need more time to grasp certain concepts. It also minimizes distractions, enabling students to concentrate fully on the material at hand. For example, when preparing for exams that require rote memorization, such as history or biology, studying alone can be more effective as it allows for uninterrupted focus. Furthermore, solitary study encourages self-reliance and helps students develop critical thinking skills, as they must solve problems independently without relying on others.
In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines both methods is the most effective. While group study is invaluable for fostering collaboration and gaining diverse perspectives, individual study is essential for deepening understanding and building self-discipline. For instance, students could use group sessions to discuss and debate ideas, while reserving solo study time for reviewing and consolidating their knowledge.
In conclusion, both group and individual study have their distinct advantages, and the choice between the two should be guided by the student’s learning preferences and the nature of the subject. A hybrid approach that leverages the strengths of both methods is likely to yield the best results.
Academic Vocabulary Words in the sample for studying alone vs studying group essay
- Perennial (/pəˈrɛnɪəl/)
- Sentence: The debate over group versus individual study is a perennial topic in education.
- Collaborative (/kəˈlæbərətɪv/)
- Sentence: Collaborative learning allows students to share ideas and gain new perspectives.
- Manageable (/ˈmænɪdʒəbəl/)
- Sentence: Group discussions can break complex topics into more manageable parts.
- Rote (/roʊt/)
- Sentence: Subjects that require rote memorization are often better studied alone.
- Self-reliance (/ˌsɛlf rɪˈlaɪəns/)
- Sentence: Studying alone encourages self-reliance and critical thinking.
Advanced Grammar Structures
- Both approaches have their merits…
- This balanced opening sentence sets the tone for a nuanced discussion, which is essential for a high band score.
- One of the most significant benefits is…
- The use of a superlative (“most significant”) adds emphasis and sophistication to the argument.
- For instance, when tackling complex topics…
- The use of a specific example strengthens the argument by providing concrete evidence to support the claim.
- It also minimizes distractions, enabling students to…
- The use of a participle clause (“enabling students to…”) adds complexity and variety to sentence structure.
- In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines…
- The use of a conditional phrase (“that combines both methods”) adds nuance and specificity to the argument.
These advanced grammatical structures contribute to the essay’s coherence, cohesion, and lexical resource, all of which are critical for achieving a Band 9 score.
Free IELTS Sample Essays with Answers PDF
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Content for further studying
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Last But Not Least!
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