The topic of international students’ impact on local education systems is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and the increasing globalization of education, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that the increasing number of international students studying in Western universities has a negative impact on the educational system. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Let’s analyze this question and provide sample essays for different band scores, along with detailed explanations of their strengths and weaknesses.
Question Analysis
This question requires you to discuss your opinion on whether the growing presence of international students in Western universities negatively affects the educational system. Key points to consider:
- The trend of increasing international students in Western universities
- Potential negative impacts on the educational system
- Your stance on the issue (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
- Supporting arguments and examples
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a clear, well-supported opinion.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, Western universities have experienced a significant influx of international students, leading some to argue that this trend negatively impacts the educational system. However, I strongly disagree with this opinion and believe that the presence of international students brings numerous benefits to both the host institutions and domestic students.
Firstly, international students contribute to the diversity of perspectives in classrooms, enhancing the learning experience for all. By sharing their unique cultural backgrounds and experiences, they broaden the worldview of domestic students and foster a more inclusive academic environment. This exposure to diverse ideas and approaches prepares students for the increasingly globalized workforce they will enter upon graduation.
Moreover, the presence of international students often leads to improvements in the quality of education offered by universities. To attract and retain top international talent, institutions are compelled to enhance their facilities, curricula, and teaching methodologies. This investment in resources and innovation benefits all students, regardless of their origin, and helps maintain the competitiveness of Western universities on the global stage.
Additionally, international students play a crucial role in supporting the financial sustainability of many Western universities. The higher tuition fees they pay often subsidize research initiatives and academic programs that might otherwise be underfunded. This financial contribution allows universities to maintain and expand their offerings, ultimately benefiting the entire student body and the broader academic community.
While some may argue that language barriers or cultural differences could potentially slow down the pace of learning, these challenges can be mitigated through proper support systems and inclusive teaching practices. In fact, overcoming these obstacles can lead to enhanced communication skills and cultural competence for both international and domestic students, which are invaluable assets in today’s interconnected world.
In conclusion, rather than having a negative impact, the increasing number of international students in Western universities significantly enriches the educational experience and contributes to the overall quality and sustainability of the educational system. As how globalization is transforming education systems, embracing this diversity is crucial for preparing students to thrive in a global society.
International students in Western universities
Essay 1 Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
Task Response: The essay clearly addresses all parts of the question, providing a strong opinion and well-developed arguments.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including academic terms and sophisticated expressions.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
Key strengths:
- Clear introduction with a strong thesis statement
- Well-developed body paragraphs, each focusing on a distinct point
- Effective use of examples and explanations
- Consideration of counterarguments
- Strong conclusion that reinforces the main argument
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The number of international students in Western universities has been growing in recent years. Some people think this trend has negative effects on the education system, but I partially disagree with this opinion.
On one hand, there are some challenges that come with having more international students. Language barriers can sometimes slow down class discussions or group work. Also, universities might need to spend more money on support services for these students, which could take resources away from other areas.
However, I believe the benefits of international students outweigh these challenges. Firstly, they bring different perspectives to the classroom, which can make learning more interesting for everyone. This diversity helps students understand different cultures and prepares them for working in a global environment.
Secondly, international students often pay higher fees, which can help universities financially. This extra money can be used to improve facilities and hire better teachers, which benefits all students. Additionally, having a good reputation for international education can make a university more attractive to both domestic and foreign students.
It’s true that there might be some initial difficulties in adapting to a more diverse student body, but universities can overcome these by providing language support and promoting cultural exchange programs. These efforts can actually improve the quality of education for everyone.
In conclusion, while there are some challenges associated with increasing numbers of international students, I believe the positive impacts on the educational system are more significant. Universities should focus on managing the challenges effectively to make the most of this global trend in education.
Essay 2 Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good qualities that justify a mid-range band score:
Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the question and presents a clear opinion, though the arguments could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with some use of cohesive devices, but transitions between ideas could be smoother.
Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, though there’s room for more sophisticated and precise language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, though there are some minor errors.
Key strengths:
- Clear introduction and conclusion
- Attempts to present both sides of the argument
- Use of examples to support points
Areas for improvement:
- More in-depth analysis and examples
- Greater variety in vocabulary and sentence structures
- Stronger cohesion between paragraphs
How education can promote social and economic mobility is closely related to the internationalization of higher education, as it provides opportunities for students from various backgrounds to access quality education and improve their prospects.
Key Vocabulary
- Influx (noun) – /ˈɪnflʌks/ – A large number of people arriving at the same time
- Diversity (noun) – /daɪˈvɜːrsəti/ – The state of being diverse; variety
- Globalized (adjective) – /ˈɡləʊbəlaɪzd/ – Made worldwide in scope or application
- Competitiveness (noun) – /kəmˈpetətɪvnəs/ – The quality of being as good as or better than others of a comparable nature
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make less severe, serious, or painful
- Cultural competence (noun phrase) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈkɒmpɪtəns/ – The ability to understand, communicate with and effectively interact with people across cultures
International students in classroom discussion
Conclusion
The Impact Of International Students On Local Education Systems is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar questions such as:
- How does the presence of international students affect the job prospects of domestic graduates?
- Should universities prioritize admitting international students over local students? Why or why not?
- What are the social and cultural impacts of having a large international student population in a city or country?
Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures in your essay. Practice writing essays on this topic and related subjects to improve your skills and confidence for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam. Good luck with your preparation!
