The topic of free education provided by governments is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on an analysis of past exams and trends, this subject has appeared frequently and is likely to continue being a popular topic in future tests. Let’s examine a specific question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments should provide free education for all citizens. Others think that education should not be free and that governments should spend money on other priorities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that governments should provide free education for all citizens
- Discuss the opposing view that education should not be free and governments should focus on other priorities
- 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 8-9)
Education is often considered a fundamental right, and the debate on whether governments should provide it for free to all citizens is a contentious one. While some argue for universal free education, others believe that governments should prioritize spending elsewhere. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of free education argue that it is essential for social equality and economic growth. By removing financial barriers, all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic background, can access education. This approach can lead to a more skilled workforce, driving innovation and economic development. Moreover, free education can break the cycle of poverty, allowing individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to improve their life prospects.
On the other hand, those against free education contend that it places an enormous financial burden on governments, potentially leading to higher taxes or reduced spending in other crucial areas such as healthcare or infrastructure. They argue that when people pay for education, they value it more and are more likely to complete their studies. Additionally, some believe that a free education system may compromise quality due to limited resources and overcrowding.
In my opinion, while the concerns about cost and quality are valid, the benefits of free education outweigh these drawbacks. Governments can implement strategies to mitigate these issues, such as means-tested support or partial subsidies. The long-term societal and economic benefits of an educated population justify the initial investment. However, I believe that free education should be provided up to secondary level, with tertiary education offered on a merit-based scholarship system to maintain quality and motivation.
In conclusion, while providing free education for all citizens presents challenges, its potential to create a more equitable and prosperous society makes it a worthwhile goal for governments to pursue. A balanced approach that considers both accessibility and quality can help nations reap the benefits of an educated populace while managing the associated costs.
(Word count: 309)
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay achieves a high band score for several reasons:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “On the other hand”, “Moreover”, “In conclusion”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately (e.g., “contentious”, “socioeconomic background”, “compromise quality”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately (e.g., “While some argue for…”, “By removing financial barriers…”).
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with explanations and examples.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Many people have different opinions about whether governments should give free education to everyone. Some think it’s a good idea, but others believe the money should be spent on other things. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who support free education say it’s important because it gives everyone a chance to learn, no matter how much money they have. This can help poor people get better jobs and improve their lives. Also, when more people are educated, the country can become richer and more developed.
However, some people think free education is not a good idea. They say it costs too much money and the government might have to raise taxes or spend less on other important things like hospitals or roads. They also think that when people pay for their education, they work harder and value it more.
In my opinion, I think free education is a good thing, but maybe not for everyone all the time. I believe the government should provide free education for children in primary and secondary schools. This way, all children can have a good start in life. But for university, maybe only the best students should get free education, and others can pay some money if they want to study more.
To conclude, free education has both good and bad points. While it can help many people and make the country better, it also costs a lot of money. I think a mix of free and paid education might be the best solution.
(Word count: 261)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay achieves a band score of 6-7 for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., frequent use of “Also”, “However”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay (e.g., “good idea”, “important things”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but with less variety and sophistication than the Band 8-9 essay.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are present but less fully extended or supported compared to the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Contentious (adjective) /kənˈten.ʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Socioeconomic (adjective) /ˌsəʊ.si.əʊ.iːkəˈnɒm.ɪk/ – related to social and economic factors
- Innovation (noun) /ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən/ – a new idea or method
- Compromise (verb) /ˈkɒm.prə.maɪz/ – to accept lower standards in order to achieve something
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful, serious, or bad
- Subsidies (noun) /ˈsʌb.sɪ.di/ – money given by a government or organization to help reduce the cost of services or goods
- Equitable (adjective) /ˈek.wɪ.tə.bəl/ – fair and impartial
- Prosperity (noun) /prɒˈsper.ə.ti/ – the state of being successful and having a good standard of living
Conclusion
The topic of free education provided by governments is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this and similar topics, consider practicing with variations such as:
- Should higher education be free for all students?
- Is it the government’s responsibility to provide free education at all levels?
- Should free education be limited to certain fields of study?
Remember to always analyze the question carefully, address all parts, and structure your essay clearly. Practice writing your own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section for feedback and improvement. This active approach to learning will help you develop the skills needed to excel in IELTS Writing Task 2.
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- Should public health services be free for all citizens?
- Should higher education be available to all?
- Why public transportation should be subsidized for all
These resources can provide additional perspectives and vocabulary to enhance your understanding of government-provided services and their impact on society.