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Discussion (Discuss both views) Education Task 2

Some people say that educational success depends most of the time on having a good teacher. Other say that attitude of students also matters? Discuss both views and provide your opinion.

A full IELTS Writing Task 2 answer to this question, with a paragraph plan, ideas you can use, and the vocabulary that fits this topic.

The question

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people say that educational success depends most of the time on having a good teacher. Other say that attitude of students also matters? Discuss both views and provide your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

How to read this question

You are given two opposing views and asked to discuss both before giving your own. The single most common Band 6 cause here is discussing both sides but never stating your own opinion, or stating it only in the conclusion.

Paragraph plan

Introduction — Paraphrase the topic, present both views, and state a balanced opinion.

Body 1 — Discuss the view that a good teacher is the main factor.

Body 2 — Discuss the view that student attitude is equally or more important.

Conclusion — Summarise both views and restate the balanced opinion.

Model essay

Band 8.5–9.0 model essay

321 words

Some believe that academic achievement depends primarily on the quality of a student's teacher, while others argue that a student's own attitude is equally, if not more, important. In my view, although an excellent teacher can significantly enhance learning, a student's attitude ultimately determines whether that potential is realised.

On the one hand, advocates of the teacher-centred view argue that skilled educators can transform a student's academic trajectory through effective instruction and mentorship. To clarify, a passionate, knowledgeable teacher can simplify complex concepts, inspire genuine curiosity and provide personalised guidance that textbooks alone cannot offer. For instance, a struggling student who is paired with a patient, engaging teacher often experiences renewed motivation and marked academic improvement, illustrating how influential a good teacher's approach can be in shaping a student's confidence and understanding.

On the other hand, others maintain that a student's own attitude towards learning is the more decisive factor. This is attributable to the fact that even the most gifted teacher cannot compensate for a student who lacks discipline, curiosity or persistence. For example, self-motivated students frequently excel academically despite mediocre teaching, actively seeking additional resources and independently reinforcing their understanding, whereas disengaged students often underperform even under exceptional instructors, since they make minimal effort to absorb or apply what is taught.

From my perspective, both factors are genuinely important, but they function differently: a good teacher provides the initial spark of interest and structured foundation, while a student's attitude determines whether that foundation is built upon consistently. In practice, the most successful students are usually those fortunate enough to encounter capable teachers early on, whose influence subsequently cultivates the sustained motivation and discipline needed for long-term academic success.

To conclude, while a good teacher can meaningfully shape a student's early academic journey, I believe that sustained educational success ultimately depends on the student's own attitude, effort and willingness to learn independently.

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Ideas & vocabulary for this topic

Ideas you can use

  • Introduction: Paraphrase both views and state that teachers spark early success, but the student's attitude sustains it long term.
  • Body 1: Present the view that a skilled, inspiring teacher can transform a student's understanding and confidence, illustrated by a struggling student improving under a patient teacher.
  • Body 2: Present the view that a student's own discipline and motivation matter more, illustrated by self-motivated students excelling despite mediocre teaching and disengaged students underperforming under exceptional teachers.
  • Body 3: Give your own opinion: a good teacher provides the initial spark and foundation, but the student's attitude determines whether that foundation is built upon for lasting success.
  • Conclusion: Restate that a good teacher matters early on, but the student's own attitude ultimately drives long-term academic success.
Word or phraseMeaningUsed in a sentence
mentorshipguidance and support provided by a more experienced personskilled educators can transform a student's academic trajectory through effective instruction and mentorship
personalised guidanceadvice or support tailored to an individual's specific needsa passionate, knowledgeable teacher can... provide personalised guidance that textbooks alone cannot offer
disciplinecontrolled behaviour or self-control in pursuit of a goaleven the most gifted teacher cannot compensate for a student who lacks discipline, curiosity or persistence
persistencecontinued effort despite difficultyeven the most gifted teacher cannot compensate for a student who lacks discipline, curiosity or persistence
self-motivateddriven by one's own internal desire to achieve, without needing external pressureself-motivated students frequently excel academically despite mediocre teaching
disengagednot paying attention or showing interestdisengaged students often underperform even under exceptional instructors
foundationthe basic underlying support or starting point for further developmenta good teacher provides the initial spark of interest and structured foundation
sustained motivationcontinued drive or determination over a long periodcapable teachers... cultivate the sustained motivation and discipline needed for long-term academic success

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