Writing exercise: "learning methods" “Some teachers prefer the group study methods for their students while others prefer the individual learning method. Which one do you prefer? Discuss the benefits of group study and individual learning. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.” The study method is fundamental: It will follow a student through his life. Some teachers believe that the individual learning method is preferable; however, some of them argue that to study into groups provides more benefices. Several studies have been done about the advantages of collaborative learning: It is scientifically proven that students, into cooperative teams, achieve better goals. In particular, they develop several abilities about collaboration and sharing, discussing and facing each others. On the Virginia Tech’s “Jurnal of Technology education”, in 1995, was published a research about the results of shared learning at university: According to that study, study groups increase critical thinking skills. Although many people believe that shared learning is better, someone thinks that students have to study alone. First of all, because a student, trying to learning something individually, is able to find the learning method more suitable for him. Everyone is different and this can contribute to increase self-confidence. An exam may be an incredible chance to test self-abilities. If he fails, it would be a precious occasion to understand his mistakes and to find another, more efficient, method. In my opinion, this is fundamental, in particular in the first years of school. As far as I am concerned, I prefer to study individually because sometimes groups are too confusing. It is not unusual that, into a group, only few persons really work and others do not proactively engage themselves. Nevertheless, to increase team working’s abilities is very important because those skills are actually requested by companies and research teams.