The topic of whether college degrees should be required for jobs is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current educational debates, this subject has a high probability of appearing in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:

Some people think that a university education should be available to all students, while others believe that higher education should be available only to good students. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question touches on the broader debate about access to higher education and its role in job market preparation. It requires candidates to:

1. Discuss arguments for universal access to university education
2. Present views supporting selective access based on academic performance
3. Provide a personal opinion on the issue

Let’s explore sample essays at different band levels to illustrate effective approaches to this task.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In today’s knowledge-driven economy, the question of who should have access to higher education is increasingly critical. While some advocate for universal access to university education, others argue that it should be reserved for high-achieving students. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Proponents of universal access to higher education argue that it promotes social equality and economic growth. By providing opportunities for all students, regardless of their academic history, society can tap into a broader pool of talent and innovation. This approach aligns with the principle of education as a fundamental right and can lead to a more educated workforce, potentially driving economic progress and social mobility.

On the other hand, those who support selective access to higher education contend that universities should focus on nurturing the most academically capable students. This view is based on the premise that limited educational resources should be allocated to those most likely to excel and contribute significantly to their fields of study. Advocates argue that this approach maintains high academic standards and ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the job market.

In my opinion, while the ideal of universal access to higher education is commendable, a balanced approach is more realistic and beneficial. I believe that a tiered system of higher education, offering various levels of academic rigor and specialization, can address both perspectives. This could include open-access community colleges, vocational institutions, and more selective universities. Such a system would provide educational opportunities for a wide range of students while still maintaining centers of academic excellence.

Furthermore, I propose that admission criteria should extend beyond traditional academic metrics to include factors such as practical skills, work experience, and personal motivation. This holistic approach would recognize diverse forms of potential and talent, aligning more closely with the varied needs of the modern job market.

In conclusion, while the debate between universal and selective access to higher education is complex, a nuanced solution that accommodates diverse learning paths and recognizes multiple forms of aptitude is most likely to serve societal needs effectively. This approach can foster both social inclusivity and academic excellence, preparing a wide range of students for the challenges of the future workforce.

(Word count: 345)

University education access debate

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting a personal opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex ideas are expressed with precision.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly.

5. Critical Thinking: The response demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the issue, proposing a balanced solution that addresses both perspectives.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Nowadays, there is a debate about who should be allowed to go to university. Some people think everyone should have the chance, while others believe only the best students should go. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

Those who support university for everyone say it’s fair and good for society. They think that if more people get higher education, it will help the economy grow and give everyone a better chance to succeed in life. This idea is based on the belief that education is a right for all people, not just the smart ones.

On the other hand, some people think only good students should go to university. They say that universities have limited resources, so they should focus on students who can do well in their studies. They believe this will keep the quality of education high and make sure graduates are ready for good jobs.

In my opinion, I think there should be a mix of both ideas. We can have different types of higher education to suit different people. For example, we could have community colleges for everyone and then more difficult universities for students who do very well in school. This way, everyone gets a chance to learn more, but we also have places for the best students to study hard subjects.

I also think that when choosing students for university, we should look at more than just their grades. Things like work experience and how motivated they are should count too. This would give more people a fair chance and help find students who might do well in university even if their grades aren’t perfect.

To conclude, while some people want university for everyone and others want it only for top students, I think a mix of both is best. This can help more people get education while still having high-quality universities for those who excel in academics.

(Word count: 309)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates characteristics typical of a Band 6-7 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be developed more fully.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with clear paragraphing. Some cohesive devices are used, but they could be more sophisticated.

3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at less common words. However, the language is sometimes repetitive.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used, with generally good control. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.

5. Critical Thinking: The essay shows some analysis of the issue, but the arguments could be more deeply explored and supported with specific examples.

Comparison of university admission criteria

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Knowledge-driven economy (noun phrase) – /ˈnɒlɪdʒ drɪvən ɪˈkɒnəmi/ – An economy where growth is dependent on the quantity, quality, and accessibility of information.

2. Social mobility (noun phrase) – /ˈsəʊʃəl məˈbɪləti/ – The ability of individuals or groups to move between different levels in society.

3. Academic rigor (noun phrase) – /ækəˈdemɪk ˈrɪɡə/ – The quality of being extremely thorough and careful in academic study or research.

4. Holistic approach (noun phrase) – /həˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A method of analysis that looks at the whole of something rather than just its parts.

5. Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.

6. To foster (verb) – /ˈfɒstə/ – To encourage or promote the development of something.

7. Aptitude (noun) – /ˈæptɪtjuːd/ – A natural ability or skill, especially in learning.

8. To contend (verb) – /kənˈtend/ – To assert or maintain in an argument.

9. Vocational (adjective) – /vəʊˈkeɪʃənl/ – Relating to an occupation or employment.

10. Tiered system (noun phrase) – /tɪəd ˈsɪstəm/ – A system with different levels or ranks.

Conclusion

The debate over college degree requirements for jobs remains a relevant and complex issue in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar topics such as:

• The role of vocational training versus traditional university education
• The impact of rising tuition costs on access to higher education
• The relevance of university degrees in the age of rapid technological change

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about having strong opinions, but also about presenting them clearly, logically, and with appropriate language. Practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on structure, vocabulary, and coherent argument development.

We encourage you to try writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article. Share your practice essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and gain confidence for the IELTS exam.