The topic of free university education has consistently appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations over the past decade. Based on analysis from various IELTS preparation websites and past exam records, this topic has appeared in approximately 15% of education-related questions, making it a highly relevant subject for IELTS candidates to master.
Should university education be free for all students? This question has sparked considerable debate among educators and policymakers worldwide.
Students studying in modern university library
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that university education should be free for all students, while others think students should pay for their own education. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine arguments for and against free university education
- Present balanced viewpoints
- Express and justify personal opinion
- Provide relevant examples and supporting evidence
Band 8.0 Sample Essay
The debate over whether tertiary education should be provided free of charge has garnered significant attention globally. While some advocate for universal free access to universities, others maintain that students should bear the financial responsibility. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Those who support free university education argue that it promotes equal opportunities and social mobility. When financial barriers are removed, talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds can access higher education, leading to a more educated and skilled workforce. Furthermore, Scholarships and financial aid programs may not always suffice in covering all expenses, making free education crucial for broader accessibility.
Conversely, opponents contend that university education represents a personal investment that should be funded by its beneficiaries. They argue that students who pay for their education tend to be more committed to their studies and value their learning experience more highly. Additionally, maintaining free university education places a substantial burden on taxpayers and may compromise educational quality due to limited resources.
In my opinion, while completely free university education might be ideal, a hybrid system would be more practical and sustainable. This could involve government subsidies for essential courses while maintaining reasonable fees for others, combined with comprehensive financial support for deserving students. Such an approach would balance accessibility with fiscal responsibility.
Band 7.0 Sample Essay
The question of whether university education should be free has become increasingly important in many countries. This essay will discuss different perspectives on this issue and present my view.
Supporters of free university education believe it helps create a more equal society. When students don’t have to pay tuition fees, more people from poor families can go to university and improve their lives. This can help reduce the gap between rich and poor people in society. Also, countries with free education often have more skilled workers, which is good for the economy.
However, others think students should pay for university because it costs a lot of money to provide quality education. Should education be free? This question becomes more complex when considering that paying for education makes students take their studies more seriously. Also, universities need money to pay teachers and maintain facilities.
I believe the best solution is to have partially subsidized education. This means the government pays some costs while students contribute a reasonable amount. This system would keep education affordable while ensuring universities have enough funding to maintain high standards.
Vocabulary Analysis
- tertiary education (n) /ˈtɜːʃəri/ – education at university level
- social mobility (n) /ˈsəʊʃəl məʊˈbɪləti/ – movement between social classes
- fiscal responsibility (n) /ˈfɪskəl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – careful management of financial resources
- subsidized (adj) /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪzd/ – supported with money
- accessibility (n) /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to be reached or obtained easily
Practice Suggestions
Try writing your own essay on these related topics:
- Should universities charge higher fees for international students?
- Is online university education worth the same fees as traditional campus education?
- Should governments prioritize funding for primary education over university education?
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with fellow learners.
Students discussing university fees and education costs
Remember, should college education be tuition-free remains a complex topic that requires careful consideration of multiple perspectives and strong argumentative skills.
