ESSAY

Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better
to have a teacher. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons to develop your essay.

Over the past few years, the importance of learner autonomy has been widely discussed. Experts consider that it is
necessary for students to be able to learn by themselves so they can continue to advance throughout their lives without
depending on the help of others. Nevertheless, whilst I enjoying studying alone with a textbook or internet resources, I
prefer to have a teacher to save time, ensure understanding and maintain my motivation levels.

Firstly, learning with a teacher can be more efficient. There is so much information out there on the internet that often
it is difficult to know what to read or watch. Instruction with a teacher is guided, so the teacher can lead the students to
the resources that are really valuable and worth viewing. The teacher also makes sure that students focus on the topics
that are most useful to their learning given their current level of understanding. Thus, when you study under the
supervision of a teacher, you don’t waste time reading texts or watching videos that are too complex, irrelevant or
inaccurate.

Secondly, having a teacher, a student can be assured that they have gained a complete understanding of the content of
a text or course. Whilst learner autonomy is no doubt an important aspect of being a good student, I find it’s always
useful to have an instructor around who I can consult with if I get stuck or don’t feel I’ve fully understood something on
my own. Sometimes it’s just a question of checking with someone knowledgeable that my analysis of some content is
accurate and that my ideas are rational. At other times, it can be necessary for someone to explain something in full to
me when I haven’t been able to grasp a new concept. I think it’s always a good idea to be in contact with someone that
has more experience of a subject in case any questions arise during autonomous study.

Thirdly, a teacher can often act as a good motivator. Studying alone can be very productive and rewarding, but there can
be times when you just don’t want to do it anymore. However, when you have an instructor, you are obliged to study
even when your intrinsic motivation drops. For example, you may arrive to class with little motivation to study, but
when your teacher asks you to do an evaluated activity, you have to do it because it will affect your grade. Some
teachers are also very enthusiastic in the classroom and can help you get interested in a subject, even when you are
tired. It’s easier to get bored when you’re studying alone. Therefore, I believe that a teacher is important because he or
she will provide you with extrinsic motivation to study, or inspire you to find your own.

In conclusion, studying with a teacher is preferable to studying alone. A teacher can provide support that you can’t give
yourself in terms of focus, knowledge and inspiration. In the modern age, when students are relying more and more on
the internet for knowledge, the guidance of someone with more experience is invaluable to avoid the use of unreliable
information, and to ensure a profound examination of subject matter. At the end of the day, I believe meaningful
learning requires some social interaction. No one is an island, so we should be humble enough to accept assistance from
a teacher.
 ESSAY OUTLINE

Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better
to have a teacher. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons to develop your essay.

Thesis: I think it’s better to have a teacher.

Topic sentence 1: Firstly, learning with a teacher can be more efficient.

Detail 1.1: A teacher can show you the resources that are worth reading/seeing

Detail 1.2: A teacher can help you focus on the topics that will be the most beneficial to you

Topic sentence 2: Secondly, having a teacher, a student can be assured that they have gained a complete understanding
of the content of a text or course.

Detail 2.1: You can consult a teacher to make sure you’ve understood correctly.

Detail 2.2: A teacher can explain something you don’t understand.

Topic sentence 3: Thirdly, a teacher can often act as a good motivator.

Detail 3.1: A teacher can give you evaluated tasks that oblige you to study

Detail 3.2: A teacher can inspire you to study