B2 First essay on online learning: is it as good as a classroom?
This page shows an original Part 1 prompt comparing online and classroom learning, a top answer (19/20) and a solid answer (14/20), with criterion-by-criterion comments. See our B2 First Writing guide for the whole paper and the FCE essay guide for paragraph plans.
By Eleanor BennettLast updated:
How to approach this task
A comparison question ("as effective as") works best if each body paragraph compares the two options on one point.
- Introduction: online study is now normal; is it really equal to a classroom?
- Note 1, flexibility: clearly an advantage of online learning.
- Note 2, motivation: usually a disadvantage when you study alone.
- Your own idea: the social side of learning, cost, screen time or access for people in rural areas.
- Conclusion: answer the question and say for whom online learning works best.
Keep your personal story short. One sentence about a course you started and never finished is enough to support the motivation point.
Top answer (19/20)
The task
In your English class you have been discussing education. Your teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Is studying online as effective as learning in a classroom?
Notes. Write about: 1. flexibility 2. motivation 3. ........ (your own idea)
Write your essay in 140–190 words.
Top answer182 words · estimated 19/20
Online courses have become a normal part of education, from school lessons to university degrees. But can a laptop at home really replace a classroom?
The most obvious advantage of online study is flexibility. Learners can watch lectures whenever it suits them, pause difficult explanations and fit their studies around a part-time job. For someone who lives far from a college, this can make the difference between studying and not studying at all.
Motivation, on the other hand, is a serious problem. Without a teacher watching and classmates around them, many students find it hard to concentrate, and it is tempting to check messages instead of finishing an assignment. In a classroom, the routine itself keeps people on track.
Equally important is the social side of learning. Discussing ideas with others, asking questions on the spot and even making mistakes in front of friends all help us understand a subject more deeply.
In conclusion, online learning is a valuable option, especially for adults with busy lives. Nevertheless, for most young people, I believe a classroom remains the more effective place to learn.
Examiner-style comments
- Content5/5
- Flexibility, motivation and the writer's own idea (the social side of learning) are each developed with reasons and consequences. The conclusion answers the comparison directly and adds who each option suits.
- Communicative Achievement5/5
- The rhetorical question in the introduction draws the reader in while keeping a neutral register. The writer's view is clear throughout and builds naturally to the final sentence.
- Organisation4/5
- Well organised, with a clear topic sentence in every paragraph. The introduction is slightly brief and could state the issue more fully, which is why Organisation is 4 rather than 5.
- Language5/5
- Natural, precise vocabulary ('whenever it suits them', 'on the spot', 'keeps people on track') and accurate complex sentences, including fronting ('Equally important is the social side…').
A thoughtful, well-controlled essay with a clear comparison and an excellent range of language.
Marks are our estimate using the public B2 First writing criteria, not an official Cambridge mark.
Solid answer (14/20)
The task
In your English class you have been discussing education. Your teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Is studying online as effective as learning in a classroom?
Notes. Write about: 1. flexibility 2. motivation 3. ........ (your own idea)
Write your essay in 140–190 words.
Solid pass188 words · estimated 14/20
These days a lot of students take courses on the internet instead of going to a school or university. In my opinion, online learning has some good points, but it is not as effective as a classroom.
Firstly, online courses are very flexible. You can study when you want and where you want, for example on the bus or at night after work. This is very helpful for people who are working or have children. However, sometimes the internet connection is bad and you lose part of the lesson.
Secondly, it is difficult to stay motivated when you study alone at home. I did an online course of Photoshop last year and I didn't finish it because I always found something more interesting to do. In a classroom the teacher control that you do the exercises.
Finally, I think that the contact with other students is very important. When you study with classmates you can help each other and make friends.
To sum up, although online learning is practical, I prefer to learn in a classroom because I need the teacher and my classmates to keep me interested.
Examiner-style comments
- Content4/5
- All three points are addressed and the opinion is stated in the introduction and repeated in the conclusion. The third idea (contact with other students) is relevant but only two sentences long, so it is less developed than the notes.
- Communicative Achievement4/5
- The essay register is appropriate and the reader is always clear about the writer's view. The conclusion shifts slightly from 'more effective' to 'I prefer', which weakens the answer to the actual question.
- Organisation3/5
- Logical paragraphs signposted with 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Finally', 'To sum up'. This works, but it is mechanical, and the short fourth paragraph makes the essay feel unbalanced.
- Language3/5
- Generally accurate everyday language with a few errors: 'an online course of Photoshop' (a Photoshop course), 'the teacher control that you do the exercises' (makes sure you do). The range is adequate but includes few less common expressions.
Clear and relevant, but the third idea and the linking need more development to reach the top band.
Marks are our estimate using the public B2 First writing criteria, not an official Cambridge mark.
What to copy from the top answer
- Compare inside the paragraph. The top answer ends the motivation paragraph with "In a classroom, the routine itself keeps people on track", so every paragraph answers the comparison.
- Develop the third idea as fully as the notes. Give it a reason and an example, not just one sentence.
- Vary your linking. Swap "Firstly, Secondly, Finally" for "The most obvious advantage…", "Equally important is…".
- Answer the exact question. Say which is more effective, not only which you prefer.
Check your own answer
Write your own essay for this prompt before you look at the answers again. Then go through the B2 First writing checklist and paste your draft into the writing checker and word counter to make sure you are between 140 and 190 words. More marked answers are in our FCE writing examples.
Questions about this task
Can I start an FCE essay with a question?
Yes, one rhetorical question can make the introduction engaging. Do not use several in a row, or the essay starts to sound like an article.
Should my third idea be an advantage or a disadvantage?
Either works. Choose whichever helps you reach your conclusion. The top answer uses a disadvantage of online learning because the writer prefers the classroom.
Is 'Firstly, Secondly, Finally' wrong?
It is not wrong, but it is basic. Using it every time keeps your Organisation mark in the middle band. Mix in topic sentences that link ideas, such as 'Equally important is…'.
How long should my essay plan take?
About five minutes. Note your opinion, your third idea and one supporting example for each paragraph before you start writing.