Should Students Study Online? B2 Writing Practice Tests

Exercises: 1 2 3 4 5

Exercise 1

Read each group of sentences carefully. Choose the one sentence that is correctly punctuated, capitalized, and spelled. The topic is whether students should study online.

Example: Which sentence is correct?
A) online learning give students more flexibility, however it requires self-discipline.
B) Online learning gives students more flexibility; however, it requires self-discipline.
C) Online Learning gives students more flexibility. However it requires self-discipline
Answer: B) Online learning gives students more flexibility; however, it requires self-discipline.

1. You are writing a formal essay arguing that online learning benefits students. Which sentence is correctly written for a formal B2 essay?

Online learning is great and students can't really complain about it.

It is widely acknowledged that online learning offers students greater flexibility in managing their studies.

Online learning's really good because you don't have to go anywhere.

I think online learning is the best thing ever for students nowadays.

2. Which sentence correctly uses a discourse marker to introduce a contrasting point in a for-and-against essay about online study?

Online study is flexible, however it can be isolating for some students.

Online study is flexible. However, it can be isolating for some students.

Online study is flexible however, it can be isolating for some students.

Online study is flexible; however it can be isolating for some students.

3. A student writes: 'Despite of the convenience of online learning, many students struggle with self-discipline.' What is wrong with this sentence?

The sentence uses the wrong tense.

'Despite of' is incorrect; the correct form is simply 'Despite'.

The sentence is missing a subject.

'Convenience' should be replaced with 'convenient'.

4. Which option correctly completes this sentence in a formal B2 essay? 'Online classes allow students to study at their own pace; ________, they require a high level of self-motivation.'

but

nevertheless

because

5. Which sentence contains a comma splice that must be corrected in a B2 essay?

Students can access lectures from anywhere, which is a significant advantage.

Online learning saves commuting time; consequently, students can dedicate more hours to study.

Online learning is cost-effective, it also provides access to global resources.

Although online learning has drawbacks, it remains a viable option for many students.

6. You are writing a report on online learning for your school principal. Which opening sentence is most appropriate for the report genre?

I'm writing this report to tell you about online learning in our school.

Have you ever wondered whether online learning is right for students like us?

The aim of this report is to examine the effectiveness of online learning among secondary school students.

Online learning is absolutely amazing and every student should try it!

7. Which sentence correctly uses 'owing to' in a formal essay about online education?

Owing to online learning is flexible, many students prefer it.

Many students prefer online learning owing to its flexibility.

Many students prefer online learning owing to it is flexible.

Owing to of its flexibility, many students prefer online learning.

8. A student wants to use inversion for stylistic effect in a B2 essay. Which sentence is correctly inverted?

Not only online learning saves money, but it also increases accessibility.

Not only does online learning save money, but it also increases accessibility.

Not only online learning saves money, but also it increases accessibility.

Not only is online learning save money, but it also increases accessibility.

9. Which sentence is an example of a misplaced modifier in an essay about online studying?

Having studied online for a year, the student felt more independent.

The student, who had studied online for a year, felt more independent.

Having studied online for a year, the results impressed the teacher greatly.

After studying online for a year, students often develop stronger time-management skills.

10. Which concluding sentence is most appropriate for a formal B2 for-and-against essay on whether students should study online?

So, I guess online learning has its good and bad sides, and it depends on the person.

On balance, it can be argued that online learning, while presenting certain challenges, offers significant advantages that outweigh its drawbacks.

In conclusion, online learning is the best and everyone should do it from now on.

To wrap things up, I think online study is pretty useful for most students today.

Exercises: 1 2 3 4 5

Should Students Study Online? B2 Infographic

How to Write a For-and-Against Essay: Should Students Study Online?

A for-and-against essay is a formal piece of writing in which you examine both the advantages and disadvantages of a particular topic before reaching a balanced, reasoned conclusion. This type of essay is commonly set in the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) examination and in academic contexts where critical thinking and balanced argument are required.

For-and-against essays appear in many real-life situations: newspaper opinion columns, university admissions statements, policy reports, and professional discussions. In this lesson, you will learn how to write a well-structured, formal essay on the question: "Should students study online?" — a highly relevant topic in today's digital world.

Your essay should be 140–190 words, written in a consistent formal register, and organised into clear paragraphs with a strong thesis, developed arguments on both sides, and a concluding verdict.

Essential Writing Rules and Sentence Structure

1. Paragraph Structure

A well-organised for-and-against essay at B2 level follows this four-paragraph plan:

Paragraph 1 – Introduction: Introduce the topic and state that there are arguments on both sides. Do NOT give your opinion here.
Paragraph 2 – Arguments FOR online study: Present two clear advantages with brief supporting evidence or examples.
Paragraph 3 – Arguments AGAINST online study: Present two clear disadvantages with brief supporting evidence or examples.
Paragraph 4 – Conclusion: Summarise both sides and give your balanced personal verdict.

2. Writing a Strong Introduction

Your opening paragraph should introduce the debate without stating your personal opinion. Use impersonal structures to sound objective and academic.

Formula: General statement about the topic + acknowledgement that there are two sides to the debate.

Example: "In recent years, online education has become increasingly widespread, prompting considerable debate about whether it is a suitable alternative to traditional classroom learning."

3. Topic Sentences

Begin each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph is about. Every sentence in that paragraph must relate directly to the topic sentence.

Example topic sentence for the "for" paragraph: "There are several compelling advantages to studying online."

Example topic sentence for the "against" paragraph: "Despite these benefits, online learning also presents a number of significant drawbacks."

4. Concession Clauses

At B2 level, you must show that you understand the opposite viewpoint even within a paragraph. Use concession structures to acknowledge the other side before returning to your main point.

Although online learning offers flexibility, it can also lead to isolation.
While it is true that students save time on commuting, they may struggle with self-discipline.
Despite the fact that technology has improved, reliable internet access remains a barrier for many.

5. Passive Structures for Formal Register

Use the passive voice to create an objective, impersonal tone appropriate for formal essays. Avoid using "I think" or "I believe" in the body paragraphs.

It is widely argued that online education increases accessibility.
It has been demonstrated that students who study remotely often report lower levels of motivation.
It is generally acknowledged that face-to-face interaction plays a crucial role in learning.

6. Punctuation with Discourse Markers

Sentence adverbs and discourse markers must be followed by a comma when they appear at the beginning of a sentence. This is one of the most frequently tested points at B2 level.

However, not all students have reliable access to technology.
Furthermore, online platforms allow learners to study at their own pace.
Consequently, many institutions have invested heavily in digital infrastructure.

Never use a comma before a subordinating conjunction such as although, whereas, or because when it appears in the middle of a sentence.

Useful Linking Words (Connectors)

The following connectors are essential for writing a well-organised, cohesive for-and-against essay at B2 level. Use a variety of connectors throughout your essay — avoid repeating the same word more than once.

Connector	Function / Use	Example Sentence
Furthermore	Adding a related point (formal)	Furthermore, online learning allows students to revisit recorded lectures at any time.
Moreover	Adding a stronger, related point	Moreover, digital courses are often considerably less expensive than traditional programmes.
In addition to this	Adding supplementary information	In addition to this, students can access a wider range of courses from international institutions.
Nevertheless	Contrasting a strong previous point	Nevertheless, the lack of face-to-face interaction remains a serious concern.
Nonetheless	Conceding a point and continuing	Nonetheless, many students report high levels of satisfaction with online programmes.
Whereas	Directly contrasting two ideas	Whereas traditional students must follow a fixed timetable, online learners can study flexibly.
Despite / In spite of	Conceding a point (followed by a noun or gerund)	Despite the convenience of online study, many learners struggle to remain motivated.
On the one hand ... on the other hand	Balancing two contrasting points	On the one hand, online study saves time; on the other hand, it reduces social interaction.
Consequently	Showing result or consequence	Consequently, dropout rates in online courses tend to be significantly higher.
As a consequence	Showing result (slightly more formal)	As a consequence, some employers remain sceptical about online qualifications.
For this reason	Explaining a cause-effect relationship	For this reason, it is essential that students have strong self-management skills.
On balance	Introducing a balanced conclusion	On balance, online learning appears to be a valuable supplement rather than a full replacement.
Taking all factors into consideration	Summarising before final verdict	Taking all factors into consideration, a blended approach seems the most effective solution.

Model Writing Sample: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Study

Read the following complete B2 model essay carefully. Notice how it is organised into four clear paragraphs, uses a range of formal connectors, and maintains a consistent impersonal register throughout.

Essay prompt: "Some people believe that students should study entirely online. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online learning and give your own opinion."

— INTRODUCTION —
In recent years, online education has become increasingly widespread, prompting considerable debate about whether it represents a suitable alternative to traditional classroom learning. There are compelling arguments both in favour of and against this approach.

— ARGUMENTS FOR —
On the one hand, online study offers significant advantages. First and foremost, it provides students with a high degree of flexibility, allowing them to organise their schedules around personal commitments. Furthermore, digital platforms give learners access to a vast range of courses from institutions worldwide, many of which are offered at a considerably lower cost than conventional programmes.

— ARGUMENTS AGAINST —
On the other hand, there are notable drawbacks that cannot be overlooked. It is widely acknowledged that online learners often struggle with motivation and self-discipline in the absence of a structured environment. Moreover, the lack of direct interaction with teachers and peers can hinder the development of essential communication skills. Consequently, dropout rates in online courses tend to be substantially higher than in traditional settings.

— CONCLUSION —
On balance, while online learning undoubtedly offers valuable opportunities, it is not without serious limitations. Taking all factors into consideration, a blended approach that combines the flexibility of digital study with the benefits of face-to-face instruction would appear to be the most effective solution for the majority of students.

Word count: 186 words

Essay Annotation

Introduction: Sets the context using an impersonal structure. No personal opinion is given. The phrase "There are compelling arguments both in favour of and against" signals a balanced essay.
Arguments FOR paragraph: Begins with a clear topic sentence ("On the one hand, online study offers significant advantages"). Two advantages are given and linked with "Furthermore".
Arguments AGAINST paragraph: Begins with a contrasting topic sentence ("On the other hand, there are notable drawbacks"). Two disadvantages are supported with consequences using "Moreover" and "Consequently". A passive structure ("It is widely acknowledged") creates formality.
Conclusion: Opens with "On balance" — a key B2 concluding phrase. The writer gives a clear personal verdict without using "I think". The phrase "Taking all factors into consideration" signals the final, reasoned judgement.

Key Phrases and Sentence Starters

Introducing the Topic and Framing the Debate

In recent years, … has become an increasingly significant issue.
The question of whether … has prompted considerable debate.
It is widely argued that … ; however, others contend that …
There are compelling arguments both in favour of and against …
This essay will examine the principal advantages and disadvantages of …

Presenting Arguments and Evidence

First and foremost, it is important to acknowledge that …
One of the most significant advantages of … is that …
It is widely acknowledged / accepted that …
It has been demonstrated that … , which suggests that …
A further benefit of … is the fact that …
For instance, students who study online are able to …

Contrasting and Conceding Points

On the other hand, it must be acknowledged that …
Despite the advantages outlined above, there are also significant drawbacks.
While it is true that … , it is equally important to consider …
Nevertheless, the benefits of … should not be underestimated.
Whereas traditional learning provides … , online study tends to lack …
In spite of the considerable benefits, online education is not without limitations.

Concluding and Giving a Verdict

On balance, it would appear that …
Taking all factors into consideration, …
In conclusion, while … , it is clear that …
It is my considered view that …
Ultimately, the most effective approach would appear to be …
A blended approach that combines … with … seems the most viable solution.

Common Writing Mistakes to Avoid

Study the following errors carefully. These are typical mistakes made by B2 learners writing for-and-against essays.

❌ Online study is very convenient, however it can be lonely and students often feel isolated.
✅ Online study is very convenient; however, it can be lonely and students often feel isolated.
Explanation: This is a comma splice. Two independent clauses cannot be joined with only a comma. Use a semicolon before "however" and a comma after it, or start a new sentence.

❌ Despite of the flexibility online courses offer, many students struggle to stay motivated.
✅ Despite the flexibility that online courses offer, many students struggle to stay motivated.
Explanation: "Despite" is a preposition and is NEVER followed by "of". Use "Despite + noun/gerund" or "In spite of + noun/gerund". Do not confuse this with "although", which introduces a full clause.

❌ I think online learning is a good idea because you don't have to travel to school every day.
✅ It is widely argued that online learning is advantageous, as it eliminates the need for daily commuting.
Explanation: Avoid informal expressions ("I think", "you", "don't") in a formal essay. Use impersonal passive structures and formal vocabulary. "Don't" is a contraction — contractions must not appear in formal writing.

❌ Furthermore online learning gives students more freedom to choose when they study.
✅ Furthermore, online learning gives students greater freedom to choose when they study.
Explanation: A discourse marker used as a sentence adverb must be followed by a comma. Without the comma, the sentence is incorrectly punctuated. This applies to: Furthermore, Moreover, Nevertheless, Consequently, Therefore, and In addition.

❌ Online learning has many advantages, it allows students to study from home and save money on transport.
✅ Online learning has many advantages. For instance, it allows students to study from home and consequently save money on transport.
Explanation: Another comma splice. Two independent clauses must be separated by a full stop, a semicolon, or an appropriate coordinating conjunction. Adding a discourse marker ("For instance") also improves cohesion.

Writing Checklist and Practice Task

B2 For-and-Against Essay Checklist

Before you submit your essay, use this checklist to review your work:

✅ Have I written between 140 and 190 words?
✅ Does my introduction present the topic without stating my opinion?
✅ Does each body paragraph begin with a clear topic sentence?
✅ Have I presented at least two arguments FOR online study with supporting points?
✅ Have I presented at least two arguments AGAINST online study with supporting points?
✅ Have I used a variety of linking words (at least four different connectors)?
✅ Have I used at least one passive structure ("It is widely argued that …")?
✅ Have I used at least one concession clause ("Despite …", "While it is true that …")?
✅ Have I avoided contractions (don't, can't, it's) throughout the essay?
✅ Have I placed a comma after every sentence adverb (Furthermore, Nevertheless, Consequently)?
✅ Does my conclusion summarise both sides and give a balanced, reasoned verdict?
✅ Is my register consistently formal throughout — no slang, no informal vocabulary?
✅ Have I checked for comma splices and corrected them?

Your Practice Task

Now write your own for-and-against essay in response to the following Cambridge B2-style examination prompt:

"You have been asked to write an essay for your college magazine. Your editor has asked you to discuss the following statement:

'Online learning will eventually replace traditional schools and universities.'

Write your essay, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of online learning replacing traditional education. You should write 140–190 words."

Planning Tips

Before you write: Spend 3–5 minutes making a brief plan. Note two arguments FOR and two arguments AGAINST in a simple list.
While you write: Follow the four-paragraph structure. Use the key phrases and connectors from this lesson.
After you write: Use the checklist above to review and edit your work before submitting.

Now test your writing mechanics and sentence skills in the exercises below.

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