Artificial intelligence is transforming industries worldwide, and education is no exception. From automated marking systems to personalised learning platforms, technology is reshaping how students learn. That’s why questions about the future of teaching are increasingly common in the IELTS exam, making this an essential topic for candidates to practise.
The Question
Question Type: To What Extent Essay
Some people believe that artificial intelligence will eventually replace human teachers in schools and universities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer
While artificial intelligence has made remarkable advances in recent years, I largely disagree with the notion that it will fully replace human teachers. Although technology can enhance educational delivery, the irreplaceable qualities of human educators make complete substitution unlikely.
Admittedly, AI offers certain advantages in educational settings. Intelligent tutoring systems can provide individualised feedback at scale, adapting to each student’s pace and identifying knowledge gaps with precision. Furthermore, AI-powered platforms can deliver content consistently and are available around the clock, removing geographical and temporal barriers to learning. For instance, language-learning applications now use sophisticated algorithms to correct pronunciation and grammar instantaneously, a task that would overwhelm a single teacher managing dozens of students.
Nevertheless, education extends far beyond the mere transmission of information. Human teachers inspire curiosity, mentor students through personal challenges, and model critical thinking in ways that algorithms cannot replicate. The emotional intelligence required to recognise when a struggling student needs encouragement rather than additional exercises remains beyond artificial capabilities. Moreover, classroom discussions that challenge assumptions and foster debate depend on a teacher’s ability to navigate nuance, respond to unexpected questions, and draw on lived experience. A machine processing data patterns cannot substitute for these profoundly human interactions.
In conclusion, while AI will undoubtedly transform aspects of teaching by automating routine tasks and personalising content delivery, it cannot replicate the mentorship, adaptability, and emotional connection that define effective education. Human teachers will therefore remain central to schools and universities, supported rather than supplanted by technology.
(272 words)
Approach to the Essay
Introduction: The opening acknowledges AI’s progress before clearly stating a position of disagreement. This signals to the examiner that the essay will argue against full replacement while remaining balanced.
Body Paragraph 1: This paragraph concedes the opposing view, outlining genuine advantages of AI in education. Including this acknowledgement demonstrates critical thinking and prevents the argument from appearing one-sided. The language-learning application example provides concrete support.
Body Paragraph 2: The core argument appears here, explaining why human teachers remain essential. The paragraph moves from abstract qualities (inspiration, mentorship) to specific classroom scenarios, grounding the argument in recognisable situations.
Conclusion: The final paragraph synthesises both perspectives, reaffirming the main position while acknowledging AI’s legitimate role. The phrase “supported rather than supplanted” encapsulates the nuanced stance.
Why This Structure Works
This essay meets IELTS marking criteria effectively across all four dimensions. For Task Response, it directly addresses the question, takes a clear position, and develops ideas with relevant examples. The Coherence and Cohesion is strong because each paragraph has a distinct function, topic sentences guide the reader, and linking words create logical flow without being overused. The Lexical Resource demonstrates range through sophisticated vocabulary used naturally, including subject-specific terms and less common phrases. Finally, Grammatical Range and Accuracy is shown through varied sentence structures, including complex sentences with multiple clauses, and accurate use of conditional and passive forms.
Glossary of High-Level Vocabulary
Word/PhraseMeaningremarkable advancesimpressive progress or improvementsthe notion thatthe idea or belief thatcomplete substitutionfully replacing one thing with anotherindividualised feedbackpersonalised comments or responses for each personat scalein large quantities or across many peopleknowledge gapsareas where understanding is missingaround the clockavailable at all times, 24 hours a daytemporal barriersobstacles related to timesophisticated algorithmscomplex computer processes designed to solve problemsinstantaneouslyimmediately, without any delaymere transmissionsimple passing on (suggesting something is limited)replicatecopy or reproduce exactlyemotional intelligencethe ability to understand and manage emotionsfoster debateencourage discussion and argumentnavigate nuancehandle subtle differences and complexitieslived experienceknowledge gained from real life, not theoryprofoundly humandeeply connected to human naturesupplantedreplaced or displaced by something else
Vocabulary Quiz
Multiple Choice (Choose the best meaning)
What does at scale mean in the context of education?
A. Using measuring equipment in classrooms
B. Across large numbers of students simultaneously
C. At a basic or introductory level
If something happens instantaneously, how quickly does it occur?
A. After a short waiting period
B. Immediately, with no delay
C. Gradually over time
What does it mean to foster debate in a classroom?
A. To prevent students from disagreeing
B. To encourage discussion and different viewpoints
C. To provide definitive answers to questions
A teacher who can navigate nuance is able to:
A. Avoid complicated topics entirely
B. Handle subtle differences and complex situations
C. Follow a strict curriculum without deviation
If human teachers are supplanted by AI, what has happened?
A. They have been supported by AI
B. They have worked alongside AI
C. They have been replaced by AI
Answer Key
B
B
B
B
C
More Helpful IELTS Links
See how an examiner marks a Task 2
Check out our reading list of the best IELTS Books
Return to Mock IELTS Essay Home Page
The post IELTS Writing Task 2: Will AI Replace Human Teachers? appeared first on IELTS Online Teacher.
