Income inequality has been a persistent global issue, and education is often viewed as a powerful tool to address this problem. This topic has appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams and is likely to continue being a relevant subject for future tests. Let’s explore some sample essays that demonstrate how to effectively tackle this important theme.
Some people believe that higher education should be available only to good students. Others believe that everyone should have access to higher education. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question directly addresses the relationship between education and income inequality. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that higher education should be limited to high-performing students
- Explore the perspective that higher education should be accessible to everyone
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to understand how this topic can be approached effectively.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Access to higher education has been a subject of intense debate, with some arguing that it should be restricted to academically gifted students, while others advocate for universal access. In my opinion, while maintaining educational standards is crucial, providing broader access to higher education is essential for reducing societal inequalities and fostering economic growth.
Proponents of limiting higher education to high-achieving students argue that this approach ensures the most efficient use of educational resources. They contend that focusing on top performers maximizes the return on investment in education, as these students are more likely to excel in their fields and contribute significantly to society. Additionally, this view suggests that maintaining high entry standards preserves the quality and prestige of higher education institutions.
However, the argument for universal access to higher education is compelling and aligns with principles of equality and social mobility. Broadening access allows individuals from diverse backgrounds to develop their skills and knowledge, thereby increasing their employability and earning potential. This approach can break the cycle of poverty and reduce income disparities by providing opportunities for people from less privileged backgrounds to improve their socioeconomic status.
Moreover, a more inclusive higher education system benefits society as a whole. It creates a more skilled and versatile workforce, driving innovation and economic growth. Diverse student bodies also enrich the learning environment, fostering creativity and cultural understanding. Countries like Norway and Germany, which offer free or low-cost higher education to all qualified students, have demonstrated that inclusive education policies can coexist with high academic standards and contribute to social cohesion.
In conclusion, while the merits of both arguments are evident, I believe that the benefits of wider access to higher education outweigh the potential drawbacks. To address concerns about maintaining standards, a balanced approach could involve implementing support systems for students who may need additional assistance, while still preserving rigorous academic requirements. Ultimately, a more inclusive higher education system is a powerful tool for reducing income inequality and creating a more equitable society.
(Word count: 309)
students-from-different-backgrounds-graduating|Students from different backgrounds graduating|A diverse group of students in graduation gowns celebrating with their diplomas, representing equal access to higher education.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of who should have access to higher education is a topic of much debate. Some people think only good students should go to university, while others believe everyone should have the chance. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who think higher education should be only for good students have some valid points. They say that universities should focus on the best students because these students will probably do well in their careers and help society more. Also, if only top students go to university, it keeps the quality of education high and makes sure universities are respected.
On the other hand, people who support education for everyone also have good reasons. They believe that giving more people the chance to study at university can help reduce the gap between rich and poor. When more people can get a good education, they have better chances to get good jobs and earn more money. This can help people from poor families to have a better life.
Another benefit of education for all is that it can help the whole country. When more people are educated, the country has more skilled workers. This can help the economy grow and make the country stronger. Also, when people from different backgrounds study together, they can learn from each other and understand different cultures better.
In my opinion, I think higher education should be available to everyone who wants to study and is willing to work hard. While it’s important to keep education standards high, I believe that giving more people the chance to learn is more important. We can find ways to help students who might struggle, like offering extra classes or support.
To conclude, although there are good arguments on both sides, I believe that making higher education available to more people is better for society. It can help reduce inequality and make the country stronger. We should focus on giving everyone a fair chance to learn and succeed.
(Word count: 318)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think only smart students should go to university, but others say everyone should have the chance. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who think only good students should go to university say it’s better because:
- Smart students will do well in their jobs later
- It keeps universities good quality
- It’s not wasting money on students who might fail
But people who want everyone to go to university have different ideas:
- More people can get better jobs if they study more
- It helps poor people have a chance to earn more money
- It’s fair to give everyone a chance to learn
I think everyone should have a chance to go to university. Here’s why:
- It’s not fair to only let some people study
- Sometimes people who didn’t do well in school can do great in university
- Having more educated people is good for the country
To make this work, we could:
- Give extra help to students who need it
- Make different types of courses for different skills
- Still have tests to make sure people are learning well
In conclusion, I believe letting more people go to university is better. It can help make society more equal and give everyone a chance to do well in life.
(Word count: 201)
Explaining the Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a competent handling of the task with some limitations:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Arranges information coherently and uses basic cohesive devices, but there may be some lack of overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors that do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at addressing the task:
- Task Response: Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but may lack overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a limited range of vocabulary, adequate for basic communication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a limited range of structures with some accuracy in simple sentences, but errors may occur in more complex structures.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Income inequality (noun) – /ˈɪnkʌm ɪnɪˈkwɒlɪti/ – The extent to which income is distributed unevenly in a group of people
- Socioeconomic status (noun) – /ˌsəʊsɪəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈsteɪtəs/ – An individual’s or group’s position within a hierarchical social structure
- Social mobility (noun) – /ˈsəʊʃl məʊˈbɪlɪti/ – The ability to move between different levels in society
- Employability (noun) – /ɪmˌplɔɪəˈbɪlɪti/ – The quality of being suitable for paid work
- Inclusive (adjective) – /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/ – Not excluding any section of society
- Academic standards (noun phrase) – /ˌækəˈdemɪk ˈstændədz/ – Levels of achievement that must be reached in academic work
- Versatile workforce (noun phrase) – /ˈvɜːsətaɪl ˈwɜːkfɔːs/ – A group of employees able to adapt to different functions or activities
- Social cohesion (noun phrase) – /ˈsəʊʃl kəʊˈhiːʒn/ – The willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other
- Equitable (adjective) – /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – Fair and impartial
- Rigorous (adjective) – /ˈrɪɡərəs/ – Extremely thorough and careful
Conclusion
The topic of how education can reduce income inequality is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government in providing educational opportunities
- The impact of technology on education and income distribution
- The balance between vocational training and academic education in reducing inequality
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for your IELTS exam.