Higher education has long been a topic of debate, with the question of whether it should be free for all students becoming increasingly prominent. This issue frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, making it crucial for test-takers to be well-prepared. Based on past exam trends and current discussions, we can expect this topic to remain relevant in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore this subject through sample essays and in-depth analysis.
Free Higher Education Concept
Analyzing the Essay Question
Let’s examine a common IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that higher education should be free for all students. Others think that students should pay for their university studies. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss arguments for free higher education
- Discuss arguments for students paying for university
- Provide your personal opinion on the matter
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, along with detailed analyses.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level
Essay
The debate over whether higher education should be free for all students has gained significant traction in recent years. While some argue that universal free education is a fundamental right, others contend that students should bear the financial responsibility for their university studies. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of free higher education argue that it promotes equal opportunities and social mobility. By removing financial barriers, talented individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds can access quality education, potentially breaking cycles of poverty and contributing more effectively to society. Furthermore, a well-educated populace can drive innovation, economic growth, and social progress, benefiting the nation as a whole. Countries like Germany and Norway, which offer free or low-cost university education, have demonstrated the feasibility and advantages of this approach.
On the other hand, those who support student-funded higher education contend that it instills a sense of responsibility and value in education. When students invest financially in their studies, they may be more motivated to excel academically and complete their degrees. Additionally, tuition fees can contribute to maintaining and improving educational facilities and resources, ensuring high-quality learning experiences. Supporters also argue that those who benefit directly from higher education should bear some of the costs, as they are likely to earn higher incomes in the future.
In my opinion, while both arguments have merit, a balanced approach would be most beneficial. I believe that higher education should be heavily subsidized but not entirely free. This could involve a sliding scale of fees based on family income, coupled with generous scholarships and grants for high-achieving students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Such a system would maintain the motivational aspects of paying for education while ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent talented individuals from accessing higher learning.
In conclusion, the issue of free higher education is complex and multifaceted. While universal free education could promote equality and societal progress, a carefully designed system of subsidized education with targeted financial support might strike a better balance between accessibility, quality, and individual responsibility.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis
This essay demonstrates several key features of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion.
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Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow smoothly with appropriate use of linking words and phrases (e.g., “Furthermore,” “On the other hand,” “Additionally”).
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Lexical resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “socioeconomic backgrounds,” “instills a sense of responsibility,” “subsidized”).
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Grammatical range and accuracy: Various complex structures are used correctly, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control.
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Task achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a well-developed response with relevant examples and a clear personal opinion.
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Tone and style: The writing maintains an academic tone throughout, presenting ideas objectively and analytically.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level
Essay
The question of whether higher education should be free for all students is a topic of much debate. Some people think it should be free, while others believe students should pay for their university studies. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support free higher education argue that it gives everyone a fair chance to study. If education is free, more people from poor families can go to university and improve their lives. This can help reduce inequality in society. Also, when more people are well-educated, it can benefit the whole country by creating a skilled workforce and promoting economic growth.
On the other hand, people who think students should pay for university say that it makes them value their education more. When students spend their own money on studies, they might work harder and take their courses more seriously. Another point is that universities need money to provide good facilities and hire good teachers. If students pay fees, it can help universities maintain high standards.
In my opinion, I think a mix of both ideas could work well. The government could provide some funding to make university more affordable, but students could still pay a small amount. This way, education would be more accessible to everyone, but students would still feel responsible for their studies. Also, scholarships could be offered to very talented students who cannot afford fees.
To conclude, while free higher education has some advantages, I believe a system where costs are shared between the government and students is the best solution. This approach can balance the need for accessible education with the benefits of student investment in their own learning.
(Word count: 288)
Analysis
This essay demonstrates features typical of a Band 6-7 level response:
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Structure: The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs addressing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion.
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Task achievement: All parts of the task are addressed, though some points could be developed further.
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Coherence and cohesion: Ideas are generally well-organized, with some use of cohesive devices (e.g., “On the other hand,” “Also”).
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Lexical resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate, though less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay (e.g., “fair chance” instead of “equal opportunities”).
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Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there are some minor errors.
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Depth of analysis: While the main points are covered, the analysis is less detailed and nuanced compared to the higher band essay.
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Examples: The essay provides some general examples but lacks specific real-world references that could strengthen the arguments.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Socioeconomic (adjective) /ˌsəʊsiəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/ – relating to or concerned with the interaction of social and economic factors
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Subsidize (verb) /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ – support financially
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Accessibility (noun) /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to be reached or entered
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Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
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Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – the action or process of innovating
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Contend (verb) /kənˈtend/ – assert something as a position in an argument
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Feasibility (noun) /ˌfiːzəˈbɪləti/ – the state or degree of being easily or conveniently done
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Instill (verb) /ɪnˈstɪl/ – gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind
These words can help elevate your vocabulary usage in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, particularly when discussing education-related topics.
Conclusion
The question of whether higher education should be free for all students is likely to remain a relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on this theme, considering various perspectives and real-world examples. Some related topics you might encounter in future tests include:
- The role of government in funding education
- The impact of student debt on society and the economy
- Alternative models for financing higher education
- The relationship between education costs and quality
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement can significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills.
