Question

Difficulty: EasyAnalyzing Divergent Ideas and Disagreement

Passage A
Online education offers students unprecedented control over their learning schedules. By allowing individuals to access lectures and assignments at any time, online platforms accommodate busy lives, enabling students to balance school with work or family commitments. This flexibility empowers self-motivated learners to progress at their own speed.

Passage B
While online learning promises convenience, it often fails to provide the structured environment necessary for academic success. Without set class times and the physical presence of peers, students frequently struggle with procrastination. Traditional classrooms offer the face-to-face interaction and routine that keep students accountable.

Based on the two passages, the authors disagree on which of the following aspects of online learning?

  1. A
    Whether online classes should be completely banned in favor of traditional schooling
  2. B
    Whether self-motivated students are the only individuals capable of succeeding academically
  3. Whether the lack of a set schedule is a helpful advantage or a disadvantage for studentsAnswer
  4. D
    Whether students and teachers share the same opinion about traditional classrooms

Answer

Whether the lack of a set schedule is a helpful advantage or a disadvantage for students
The correct answer is correct because the author of Passage A views the lack of a set schedule as a key benefit ('flexibility' and 'unprecedented control'), whereas the author of Passage B views the lack of set class times as a major drawback that causes procrastination. This directly represents their core disagreement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main argument of Passage A regarding online learning.
Passage A argues that the scheduling flexibility of online learning is a positive feature that accommodates busy lifestyles.
To establish the first author's stance on the topic.
2
Identify the main argument of Passage B regarding online learning.
Passage B argues that the lack of set times and physical routine in online learning leads to procrastination and is a disadvantage.
To establish the second author's stance on the topic.
3
Compare the two viewpoints to find the point of disagreement.
The authors disagree on whether the freedom from a set schedule benefits students (Passage A) or hurts them (Passage B).
To determine the correct answer based on their divergent ideas.

Key Concept

Analyzing Divergent Ideas and Disagreement
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