Free higher education is a topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, particularly under the “advantages and disadvantages” essay type. Based on recent trends and historical data from official IELTS sources, this topic has a high probability of appearing in future tests. Let’s examine a real IELTS question that has been used in past exams and closely resembles potential future questions on this subject.
Some people believe that university education should be free for everyone. Others think that it is not necessary and can even be harmful for the economy. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that university education should be free for everyone
- Discuss the opposing view that free university education is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the economy
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores to understand how to approach this topic effectively.
Sample Essay 1 – Band 8.5
Free tertiary education is a contentious issue that has sparked debate in many countries. While some argue that it should be universally accessible at no cost, others contend that this approach is not only unnecessary but could also have detrimental economic consequences. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of free university education argue that it promotes equal opportunities and social mobility. By removing financial barriers, talented individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds can access higher education, potentially breaking the cycle of poverty and contributing more effectively to society. Furthermore, a well-educated workforce is often seen as a key driver of economic growth and innovation, benefiting the nation as a whole.
On the other hand, critics argue that free university education is an unnecessary burden on taxpayers and may lead to economic inefficiencies. They contend that the high costs of providing free tertiary education could divert funds from other crucial sectors such as healthcare or infrastructure. Additionally, some believe that free education might decrease its perceived value, potentially leading to lower motivation among students and a mismatch between graduate skills and job market demands.
In my opinion, while completely free university education may not be feasible or desirable for all countries, efforts should be made to make higher education more accessible and affordable. This could be achieved through a combination of means-tested scholarships, low-interest student loans, and partial government subsidies. Such an approach would help balance the need for equal opportunities with economic sustainability.
In conclusion, the debate over free university education is complex, with valid arguments on both sides. While universal free tertiary education may not be the optimal solution, policy makers should strive to create a system that promotes access to higher education while maintaining economic viability and educational quality.
(Word count: 298)
Explanation of Band 8.5 Score
This essay demonstrates excellent command of the English language and meets all the requirements for a high band score:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphing is appropriate and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, with good use of less common lexical items (e.g., “contentious,” “detrimental,” “socioeconomic”).
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of grammatical structures is used accurately and appropriately, with only minor errors.
Sample Essay 2 – Band 6.5
Some people think that university education should be free for everyone, but others believe it is not necessary and can be bad for the economy. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support free university education say it gives everyone a chance to study, no matter how much money they have. This can help poor people get better jobs and improve their lives. Also, when more people go to university, the country can have more skilled workers, which is good for the economy.
However, other people think free university education is not a good idea. They say it costs too much money, which the government has to pay. This money could be used for other important things like hospitals or roads. Some people also think that if education is free, students might not value it as much and may not study hard.
In my opinion, I think university education should not be completely free, but it should be cheaper. The government can help by giving scholarships to good students who cannot afford to pay. This way, talented students can still go to university, but the government doesn’t have to spend too much money.
To conclude, free university education has both good and bad points. While it can help more people get educated, it can also be expensive for the country. I believe a balance between free and paid education is the best solution.
(Word count: 249)
Explanation of Band 6.5 Score
This essay demonstrates a satisfactory command of the English language but has some limitations:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are not fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but cohesive devices are not always used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used, but there is limited evidence of less common lexical items.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, but there are some errors in grammar and punctuation.
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 on Free Higher Education
- Tertiary education (noun) – /ˈtɜːʃəri ˌedʒʊˈkeɪʃn/ – Education at the university level
- Socioeconomic (adjective) – /ˌsəʊsioʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/ – Related to social and economic factors
- Social mobility (noun) – /ˈsəʊʃl məʊˈbɪləti/ – The ability to move between different social classes
- Economic efficiency (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɪˈfɪʃnsi/ – The optimal use of resources in an economy
- Means-tested (adjective) – /miːnz ˈtestɪd/ – Based on a person’s income or resources
- Subsidize (verb) – /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ – To support financially
- Accessibility (noun) – /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being able to be reached or entered
- Viable (adjective) – /ˈvaɪəbl/ – Capable of working successfully
These vocabulary items can help you express your ideas more precisely and demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency in your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay.
Conclusion
The topic of free higher education is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams due to its global significance and ongoing debates in many countries. To prepare for this and similar topics, practice writing essays that discuss both advantages and disadvantages, while also clearly stating your own opinion.
Some potential variations of this topic that you might encounter in future IELTS exams include:
- The impact of free education on the job market and economy
- The role of government in funding higher education
- Comparing free education systems with student loan models
Should governments introduce a universal basic income is another topic that shares similar themes of government support and economic impact. You might find it helpful to explore this related issue as well.
To further improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on the topic of free higher education and share it in the comments section below. This practical exercise will help you apply the strategies and vocabulary discussed in this article, preparing you more effectively for your IELTS Writing Task 2 exam.