The topic of free college education for everyone is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam questions and current educational trends, this issue is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s examine a sample question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:
Some people believe that higher education should be free for everyone, while others argue that students should pay for their own university studies. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for free higher education
- Discuss arguments against free higher education (i.e., students paying for their studies)
- Present their own opinion on the matter
Let’s explore sample essays for different band scores, analyzing why they achieve their respective scores.
Band 9 Sample Essay
Here’s a sample essay that could achieve a Band 9 score:
In recent years, the debate over whether higher education should be free for all has intensified, with valid arguments on both sides. While some advocate for universal free college education, others believe students should bear the cost of their university studies. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.
Proponents of free higher education argue that it promotes equal opportunity and social mobility. By removing financial barriers, talented individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds can access quality education, potentially breaking cycles of poverty. Furthermore, a more educated workforce can drive innovation and economic growth, benefiting society as a whole. Countries like Germany and Norway have successfully implemented free university systems, demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.
On the other hand, those who support students paying for their education contend that it instills a sense of responsibility and value for their studies. When students invest financially in their education, they may be more motivated to excel academically and complete their degrees. Additionally, tuition fees provide universities with necessary funding for research, facilities, and quality instruction. Critics also argue that free education could lead to overcrowding in universities and potentially devalue degrees.
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 implementing a sliding scale fee system based on family income, coupled with generous scholarships and low-interest student loans. Such a system would maintain the motivational aspects of paying for education while ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent talented students from accessing higher education.
In conclusion, the issue of free higher education is complex, with valid arguments on both sides. While free education promotes equality and societal benefits, having students contribute financially can foster responsibility and maintain educational quality. A nuanced approach that combines subsidies with affordable fees could strike the right balance, ensuring access to higher education for all while preserving its value and quality.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 9 Essay
This essay achieves a Band 9 score for several reasons:
-
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s own opinion.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (“Furthermore”, “On the other hand”, “Additionally”).
-
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control (“socioeconomic backgrounds”, “cycles of poverty”, “instills a sense of responsibility”).
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately (“While some advocate for…”, “Critics also argue that…”).
-
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Free college education debate
Band 7 Sample Essay
Now, let’s look at a sample essay that might achieve a Band 7 score:
The question of whether higher education should be free for everyone or if students should pay for their university studies is a topic of much debate. Both sides have strong arguments, and this essay will discuss them before giving my personal opinion.
Those who support free higher education often point out that it can lead to a more educated society. When education is free, more people can attend university, regardless of their financial background. This can help reduce inequality and give everyone a fair chance to succeed in life. Moreover, countries with free education often have a more skilled workforce, which can boost the economy.
On the other hand, supporters of paid education argue that it makes students value their studies more. When people pay for something, they tend to take it more seriously. Also, universities need money to provide good facilities and pay teachers well. If education is free, the quality might decrease because there would be less funding available.
In my view, while both arguments have merit, I believe that a mixed system could be the best solution. How technology is transforming public transport shows that innovative approaches can solve complex problems. Similarly, governments could provide scholarships for talented students who can’t afford tuition, while others pay reduced fees. This way, education remains accessible to all, but universities still receive some funding from students.
In conclusion, the issue of free higher education is not simple. While free education can create more opportunities, paid education can maintain quality. A system that combines both approaches could be the most effective way to ensure both access and quality in higher education.
(Word count: 277)
Analysis of Band 7 Essay
This essay achieves a Band 7 score for the following reasons:
-
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and presenting the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 9 essay.
-
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate and accurate, but less varied and sophisticated compared to the Band 9 essay.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though not as wide a range as the Band 9 essay.
-
Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant and supported, but could be elaborated further with more specific examples or details.
Students studying in university library
Band 6 Sample Essay
Lastly, here’s a sample essay that might achieve a Band 6 score:
Nowadays, many people talk about if university should be free or if students should pay. This is an important topic because education is very important for everyone. In this essay, I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
Some people think university should be free. They say this is good because poor people can also go to university. If education is free, more people can study and get good jobs. This can help the country because more people will have skills. Should electric cars be incentivized by governments is another topic where government support can make a big difference, just like in education.
But other people think students should pay for university. They say when students pay, they work harder because they don’t want to waste their money. Also, universities need money to buy books and computers and pay teachers. If education is free, maybe the quality will be not so good.
I think maybe both sides are right. In my opinion, maybe some students can get free education if they are very smart but poor. Other students can pay some money, but not too much. This way, everyone can have a chance to study, but universities can still have some money.
In conclusion, free education and paid education both have good points. I think the best way is to have a mix of both. This can help more people study but also keep the quality of education good.
(Word count: 248)
Analysis of Band 6 Essay
This essay achieves a Band 6 score for the following reasons:
-
Task Response: The essay addresses the task, discussing both views and presenting an opinion. However, the response is less developed compared to higher band scores.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but paragraphing and use of cohesive devices are limited.
-
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task but repetitive in places. There are fewer less common words or idiomatic expressions.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mainly simple sentences with some attempts at complex structures. There are some grammatical errors, but they do not impede communication.
-
Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented but not fully extended. Some points lack specific examples or explanations.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Higher education (noun) – /ˌhaɪər ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃən/ – Education beyond high school, especially at college or university level
- Socioeconomic (adjective) – /ˌsoʊsioʊˌekəˈnɒmɪk/ – Related to or concerned with the interaction of social and economic factors
- Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – The introduction of new ideas, methods, or things
- Subsidized (adjective) – /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪzd/ – Supported financially, often by the government
- Implement (verb) – /ˈɪmplɪment/ – To put into effect or action
- Overcrowding (noun) – /ˌoʊvərˈkraʊdɪŋ/ – The state of having too many people or things in one place
- Devalue (verb) – /diːˈvæljuː/ – To reduce or underestimate the worth or importance of something
- Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Inequality (noun) – /ˌɪnɪˈkwɒlɪti/ – Lack of equality or fairness; disparity
- Workforce (noun) – /ˈwɜːrkfɔːrs/ – The total number of persons employed or employable
In conclusion, the topic of free college education for everyone is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the different perspectives and practicing essay writing, you can improve your ability to address this and similar topics effectively. Remember to analyze the question carefully, structure your essay logically, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of government in funding education
- The impact of student debt on society
- Alternative models for financing higher education
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement can significantly enhance your IELTS writing skills and prepare you for success in the actual exam.
