The topic “Should higher education be free for all?” is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, this question or variations of it are likely to appear frequently in future tests. It touches on important social and economic issues, making it a relevant and thought-provoking topic for IELTS candidates.
Let’s examine a specific question related to this theme that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that university education should be free for everyone, while others think that students should pay for their higher education. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for free university education
- Discuss arguments for students paying for higher education
- Provide their own opinion on the issue
It’s important to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your personal view.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
Higher education has long been a subject of debate, with some advocating for free university education while others argue that students should bear the cost. Both perspectives have merit, and this essay will examine the arguments on both sides before presenting my own view.
Proponents of free higher education argue that it promotes equal opportunities and social mobility. By removing financial barriers, talented individuals from all backgrounds can access university education, leading to a more educated workforce and potentially reducing income inequality. Furthermore, countries that invest in free education often see long-term economic benefits through increased innovation and productivity. For instance, Germany’s free education system has contributed to its strong economy and low youth unemployment rates.
On the other hand, those who believe students should pay for their education contend that it instills a sense of responsibility and value for their studies. When students invest financially in their education, they may be more motivated to complete their courses and make the most of the opportunities provided. Additionally, tuition fees can help maintain the quality of education by providing universities with necessary funds for research, facilities, and faculty salaries. The United States, for example, boasts many world-renowned universities that rely heavily on tuition fees to maintain their high standards.
In my opinion, while both arguments have validity, a balanced approach would be most beneficial. I believe that higher education should be heavily subsidized but not entirely free. This model, similar to that adopted by countries like Sweden, would reduce financial barriers while still maintaining a sense of student investment. Implementing a system of means-tested grants and low-interest loans could ensure that education remains accessible to all, regardless of their financial background.
Moreover, this approach would allow universities to receive funding from both government sources and student contributions, helping to maintain educational quality without placing an undue burden on public finances. It would also encourage students to carefully consider their educational choices, potentially leading to better alignment between graduate skills and job market needs.
In conclusion, while free higher education offers many societal benefits, a system that combines substantial government support with some level of student contribution may provide the best balance between accessibility, quality, and sustainability in higher education.
(Word count: 349)
Band 6-7 Essay
The question of whether university education should be free for everyone or paid for by students is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. This essay will discuss both viewpoints and provide my personal opinion.
Those who support free university education argue that it provides equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their financial background. This can lead to a more educated society and potentially reduce income inequality. Free education also allows students to focus on their studies without the stress of financial burden or the need to work part-time jobs. Countries like Germany have implemented free higher education systems and have seen positive results in terms of social mobility and economic growth.
On the other hand, supporters of paid higher education believe that when students invest their own money in their education, they value it more and are more likely to work hard to succeed. Tuition fees also provide universities with funds to improve facilities, hire better professors, and conduct important research. In countries like the United States, many top universities rely on tuition fees to maintain their high standards of education.
In my opinion, while both arguments have merit, I believe a middle ground approach would be most effective. Higher education should be heavily subsidized by the government but not completely free. This would help make education more accessible to all while still maintaining some level of student investment. Additionally, a system of scholarships and low-interest loans could be implemented to ensure that no talented student is denied education due to financial constraints.
This approach would balance the benefits of both free and paid education systems. It would reduce financial barriers for students while still providing universities with necessary funding. It would also encourage students to take their studies seriously, as they would still be making a financial investment in their education.
In conclusion, while free higher education has its advantages, a system that combines government support with some level of student contribution may provide the best solution for ensuring accessible, high-quality education for all.
(Word count: 309)
Band 5-6 Essay
The topic of free university education is very important today. Some people think it should be free for everyone, but others say students should pay. Both ideas have good points.
Free education is good because it gives everyone a chance to study. Poor students can go to university if it’s free. This can help make society more equal. Also, when education is free, students don’t have to worry about money and can focus on learning. Some countries like Germany have free universities and it works well for them.
But some people think students should pay for university. They say when students pay, they take their studies more seriously. Also, universities need money to pay teachers and buy equipment. If students pay fees, universities can have more money to make education better. In America, many good universities charge high fees.
I think both ideas are good, but maybe a mix of both is best. The government should pay some of the cost, but students should also pay a little. This way, education is not too expensive, but students still value it because they pay something. Also, there should be help for students who can’t afford to pay, like scholarships.
This idea is good because it makes university possible for most people, but also gives universities some money. It’s a balance between free education and paid education.
In conclusion, free education and paid education both have good points. A system where the government pays most of the cost, but students pay a small amount, might be the best way to make university education good and available for everyone.
(Word count: 263)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
-
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
-
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used with accuracy (e.g., “instills a sense of responsibility”, “means-tested grants”).
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used flexibly and accurately. Complex sentences are frequent and error-free.
-
Balanced Argument: The essay presents a balanced discussion of both viewpoints before offering a nuanced personal opinion.
-
Specific Examples: The essay includes relevant examples (Germany, United States, Sweden) to support arguments.
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
-
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully developed than others.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, though some paragraphs may be better linked than others.
-
Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, with some attempts at less common lexical items.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control and only occasional errors.
-
Balanced Argument: The essay presents both viewpoints and offers a personal opinion, though the discussion may not be as nuanced as in higher band scores.
-
Examples: Some examples are provided, though they may not be as specific or well-developed as in higher band scores.
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a lower mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
-
Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, but the development of ideas may be limited.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphing may be inadequate. Cohesive devices are used but may be repetitive.
-
Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at more sophisticated words but possible inaccuracies.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentence structures are simple with limited variety. Errors may occur but do not impede communication.
-
Balanced Argument: Both viewpoints are presented, but the discussion lacks depth and sophistication.
-
Examples: Some examples are provided, but they are general rather than specific.
Key Vocabulary
-
Higher education (noun) /ˌhaɪər ˌedʒʊˈkeɪʃən/: Education beyond high school, especially at college or university level.
-
Subsidize (verb) /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/: To support financially, often through government funding.
-
Tuition fees (noun) /tjuːˈɪʃən fiːz/: Money paid for instruction, especially for higher education.
-
Social mobility (noun) /ˈsəʊʃəl məʊˈbɪləti/: The ability to move between different social classes or income levels.
-
Means-tested (adjective) /miːnz ˈtestɪd/: (of financial support) Given only to people who can prove they have a low income.
-
Accessibility (noun) /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/: The quality of being able to be reached or entered.
-
Income inequality (noun) /ˈɪnkʌm ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/: The extent to which income is distributed unevenly among a population.
-
Workforce (noun) /ˈwɜːkfɔːs/: The people engaged in or available for work in a country or area.
-
Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/: The introduction of new ideas, methods, or things.
-
Productivity (noun) /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/: The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.
Conclusion
The topic “Should higher education be free for all?” is a complex and nuanced issue that is likely to continue appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this and similar topics, consider practicing with variations such as:
- Some argue that higher education should be funded entirely by the government. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of free university education.
- In some countries, students must pay for their own university education. In others, it is free. Compare these two approaches and give your opinion.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to fully address all parts of the question, provide relevant examples, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and present a clear and coherent argument. Practice writing essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.