Many people use distance-learning programmes (study material post, TV, Internet, etc.) to study at home, but some people think that it cannot bring the same benefits of attending college or university. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Distance learning is a relatively recent phenomenon and consequently it is somewhat controversial.  With good reason, many people question whether technology can really change how we can learn.  Others, however, make a convincing argument that classroom-based learning has its limitations.  Considering both sides, it is clear that there is value in both approaches.

Let us first consider the pros of traditional, classroom-based learning.  From the time of the ancient Greeks and Chinese and perhaps before, we have clung to the idea of a “teacher;” one who shares his / her wisdom and expertise.  This model has been tested and survived the ages.  Teachers not only can share knowledge, but they can assess, correct and motivate students.  Truly there is great value in this.

That said, remote learning also has its own upside.  Consider, for example, students who live in remote areas without roads or funds to pay for tuition to attend a school far away . . . an Internet connection solves this.  Also, there is something to be said for students being more independent learners, and online learning develops this skill.

So the question really is not “Which one?” but rather, “How we can combine both?”  It seems perfectly reasonable that students attend some classes in person, but also use the web to communicate with other students and professors as well as research various topics.  Countries and societies need to assess which approach and balance works best for them.

So while we should harness the potential of new technology that makes remote learning possible, we should not neglect the importance of traditional learning.  Student without teachers will surely be lost; but students who simply rely on teachers for knowledge aren’t really learning. 
(284 words)

点评
写作观点：远程教育和传统教育各有优势，应结合应用。第二段讲教师授课的优势；第三段讲远程教学的好处；第四段升华问题，不是哪一种更好，而是如何结合平衡。

本文最后一句为全文中心句，虽然表达的意思就是首段最后一句作者观点：there is value in both approaches. 但在该文最后提升为：Student without teachers will surely be lost; but students who simply rely on teachers for knowledge aren’t really learning. 没有老师的学生会迷失（远程教育）；但完全依靠老师来学知识不算真正的学习（传统授课式教育）。精辟而有哲理。相信雅思考官自然会写下9分，心中却打了10分。

先学习下面的词汇和短语，然后再重读范文，体会它们在文中的运用

词汇

limitation [7limi5teiFEn]n.限制，局限性

approach [E5prEutF]n.方法

expertise [7ekspE5ti:z]n.专家意见，专门技术

remote [ri5mEut]adj.遥远的

various [5vZEriEs]adj.不同的，各种各样的

harness [5hB:nis]vt.利用

potential [pE5tenF(E)l]n.潜能

neglect [ni5^lekt]vt.忽视

短语

cling to 依附，依靠，坚持

pay for tuition 付学费

attend a school 上学

in person亲自

communicate with sb. 和…..交流

rely on 依赖，依靠

三分钟熟读或背诵本文最实用的三个句子

l   Teachers not only can share knowledge, but they can assess, correct and motivate students.

l   So while we should harness the potential of new technology that makes remote learning possible, we should not neglect the importance of traditional learning. 

l   Student without teachers will surely be lost; but students who simply rely on teachers for knowledge aren’t really learning