157. Studying at home by using technology or at traditional schools?

In the future, students may have the choice of studying at home by using technology such as computers

or television or of studying at traditional schools. Which would you prefer? Use reasons and specific

details to explain your choice.

『分析』

选择在学校读书。可以列举众多的好处。不要忘了提及远程教育的一点好处，比如，SARS流行时期，北

京就不得不开展远程教育。

『范文』

The technology industry is growing at a faster rate as each year passes by. With a relatively inexpensive

computer and a web camera, it is now possible for one to have a videoconference with one's friends and colleagues.

Students will soon be presented with the opportunity to study from home. However, I believe that attending a

traditional school is greatly preferable to learning in a virtual classroom. Traditional schools allow the student to

socialize, they give the student direct access to the teacher, and they prepare the student for the environment of the

working world.

Many people say that they met their best friends while attending high school. These friendships were solidified

over spending hours and hours in the same classrooms together, and working together on group projects. While it

is conceivable that students studying from home would meet each other over the Internet, the bonds that are

formed in classrooms cannot be replaced.

Forming personal relationships with one's teachers is also an excellent idea that would be difficult to realize

if one did not attend classes. Most of our relationships with our teachers are formed by interaction both in the

classroom, and outside it. For example, if a student was constantly at school, either working in the library, or

perhaps eating lunch in the cafeteria, it is more than possible that he/she would converse with his/her teachers on

many occasions. Developing a relationship with one's teacher is important as it helps one to build his/her business

network.

Traditional schools also have the advantage of training students for "the real world." If a student never has to

work with others on a project, or report to his/her teachers, he/she will not have a very good grasp as to what it

means to work in a team environment or respect authority. The way that school operates forces students to

develop these important skills.

In conclusion, I think it would be much more beneficial for all students to attend traditional schools rather

than study at home. Attending a school helps students to develop the necessary social skills needed to survive in

today's fast-pace world.