Higher education affordability is a hot topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing frequently in recent years. This trend is likely to continue given its relevance to global socioeconomic issues. Let’s explore this theme through a common IELTS question and analyze sample essays of varying band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that higher education should be free for everyone. Others think that higher education should be paid for by students and their families. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss arguments for free higher education
- Discuss arguments for paid higher education
- Provide your personal opinion
Remember to address all parts of the question and maintain a balanced approach throughout your essay.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9
The debate over whether higher education should be free or paid for by individuals and their families is complex, with valid arguments on both sides. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.
Proponents of free higher education argue that it promotes equal opportunities and social mobility. By removing financial barriers, talented students from all backgrounds can access quality education, potentially breaking cycles of poverty and contributing more effectively to society. Furthermore, a well-educated workforce can drive innovation and economic growth, benefiting the nation as a whole. Countries like Germany and Norway have successfully implemented free higher education systems, demonstrating its feasibility.
On the other hand, those who support paid higher education contend that it ensures better resource allocation and quality of education. When students or families invest in education, they tend to take it more seriously, potentially reducing dropout rates. Additionally, tuition fees provide universities with necessary funds to maintain facilities, conduct research, and attract top faculty. Critics also argue that free education could lead to overcrowding in universities and devalue degrees.
In my opinion, a balanced approach combining elements of both systems would be most beneficial. I believe that higher education should be heavily subsidized by the government, significantly reducing costs for students. However, a nominal fee should still be charged to maintain students’ commitment and help fund university operations. This fee could be covered by income-contingent loans, ensuring that no qualified student is denied access due to financial constraints.
To mitigate potential drawbacks, this system should be complemented by robust vocational training programs and apprenticeships. This would provide alternative pathways for those who may not benefit from traditional higher education, reducing the risk of overcrowding in universities and ensuring a diverse, skilled workforce.
In conclusion, while free higher education has merits, a hybrid system that balances accessibility with quality and sustainability seems most practical. By combining government funding with nominal student contributions and diverse educational pathways, we can create a more equitable and effective higher education system.
(Word count: 309)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and clearly stating a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas flow logically, with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words (“On the other hand”, “Furthermore”, “Additionally”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (“social mobility”, “cycles of poverty”, “resource allocation”, “income-contingent loans”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used effectively with minimal errors (“By removing financial barriers, talented students from all backgrounds can access quality education, potentially breaking cycles of poverty and contributing more effectively to society.”).
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Critical Thinking: The essay demonstrates nuanced thinking by proposing a balanced solution rather than simply choosing one side.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7
The topic of whether higher education should be free or paid for by students and their families is very important. There are good reasons for both sides, which I will discuss in this essay.
Some people think higher education should be free for everyone. They say this is fair because it gives all students a chance to study, not just rich ones. Free education can help poor students get better jobs and improve their lives. Also, when more people get good education, the whole country can benefit because there will be more skilled workers.
However, other people believe students and their families should pay for higher education. They argue that when people pay for something, they value it more and work harder. Universities need money to pay teachers and buy equipment, and this money can come from student fees. Some people also worry that if education is free, too many people will go to university and degrees will become less valuable.
In my opinion, I think a mix of both ideas could work best. The government should pay for most of the cost of higher education, but students should also pay a small amount. This way, education is still affordable for most people, but students will still take it seriously. The small fee students pay can help universities with some of their costs.
To make this system work well, there should also be other options for students who don’t want to go to university. For example, there could be more job training programs or apprenticeships. This would give people different choices for their education and career.
In conclusion, while free higher education has some benefits, I believe a system where most costs are covered by the government but students pay a small amount is better. This can make education accessible to more people while still maintaining its quality and value.
(Word count: 295)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but falls short of the highest band scores:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the discussion could be more in-depth.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (“However”, “Also”, “In my opinion”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but less varied and precise compared to the Band 8-9 essay (“very important”, “good reasons”, “get better jobs”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but with less variety than the higher band essay.
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Critical Thinking: The essay presents a balanced view and offers a compromise solution, showing good analytical skills.
Key Vocabulary
- Social mobility (noun) – /ˈsəʊʃəl məʊˈbɪləti/ – The ability to move between different levels in society
- Feasibility (noun) – /ˌfiːzəˈbɪləti/ – The state of being possible or likely
- Resource allocation (noun phrase) – /rɪˈsɔːs ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/ – The assignment of available resources to various uses
- Income-contingent (adjective) – /ˈɪnkʌm kənˈtɪndʒənt/ – Dependent on or varying with income
- Vocational training (noun phrase) – /vəʊˈkeɪʃənl ˈtreɪnɪŋ/ – Education that prepares people for specific trades or crafts
- Apprenticeship (noun) – /əˈprentɪsʃɪp/ – A system of training a new generation of practitioners of a trade or profession
- Subsidized (adjective) – /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪzd/ – Supported financially, often by the government
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make less severe, serious, or painful
Conclusion
The question of whether higher education should be free for everyone is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of multiple perspectives. As we’ve seen in these sample essays, there are valid arguments on both sides, and a nuanced approach is often the most effective.
To further prepare for similar topics, consider practicing with these related questions:
- Should governments prioritize funding for higher education over other sectors?
- How can countries balance the quality and accessibility of higher education?
- What role should private companies play in funding higher education?
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about having strong opinions, but also about expressing them clearly, logically, and with appropriate language. Practice writing your own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for your IELTS exam.
For more insights on related topics, check out our articles on how to address the rising cost of education and whether higher education should be accessible to all citizens.