University education funding is a recurring topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing frequently in past exams and likely to continue in future tests. This article will provide sample essays and analysis for the question: “Should university education be fully funded by the government?” Let’s explore this topic with high-quality sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Should university education be fully funded by the government?
This question requires candidates to discuss whether the government should bear the entire cost of university education. Key points to consider:
- The meaning of “fully funded”
- Pros and cons of government funding
- Alternative funding models
- Impact on society, economy, and individuals
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-quality essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:
The question of whether governments should fully fund university education is a complex and contentious issue with valid arguments on both sides. While there are undoubtedly benefits to such a policy, I believe that a balanced approach combining partial government funding with other sources is more sustainable and beneficial in the long run.
Proponents of full government funding argue that it promotes equal access to higher education, regardless of an individual’s financial background. This can lead to a more educated populace, which in turn can drive innovation, economic growth, and social progress. Moreover, removing the financial burden of university fees could allow students to focus entirely on their studies, potentially improving academic outcomes.
However, there are several compelling reasons why full government funding may not be the optimal solution. Firstly, the financial strain on public resources could be enormous, potentially leading to higher taxes or reduced funding for other essential services. Additionally, when education is entirely free, there’s a risk that some students may not value it as highly, potentially leading to decreased motivation and increased dropout rates.
A more balanced approach could involve partial government funding combined with other sources such as income-contingent loans, scholarships, and contributions from the private sector. This model could still ensure accessibility while maintaining the perceived value of education. It could also encourage universities to be more efficient and innovative in their operations, as they would still need to compete for students and alternative funding sources.
Furthermore, a diverse funding model could better prepare students for the realities of the job market. By having some financial stake in their education, students may be more inclined to choose courses that align with their career aspirations and market demands, leading to better employment outcomes.
In conclusion, while the goal of accessible higher education is laudable, full government funding may not be the most effective or sustainable solution. A nuanced approach that combines partial government support with other funding sources could strike a balance between accessibility, quality, and financial sustainability in university education.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several qualities that would likely earn it a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view of the issue.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphing is appropriate and cohesive devices are used effectively.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. For example:
- “contentious issue”
- “promote equal access”
- “drive innovation”
- “financial strain on public resources”
- “income-contingent loans”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex structures are used naturally and appropriately.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
The topic of whether the government should pay for all university education costs is an important issue today. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this idea, and I will discuss them in this essay.
On the positive side, if the government fully funds university education, more people would have the chance to study at university. This is because many people cannot afford the high costs of tuition fees and living expenses. If education was free, it would give everyone an equal opportunity, no matter how much money their family has. This could lead to a more educated society, which is good for the country’s development.
However, there are some problems with this idea. The main issue is that it would be very expensive for the government. They would need to spend a lot of money on universities, which might mean less money for other important things like healthcare or infrastructure. Also, if university is free, some people might not take it seriously and might waste the opportunity.
Another point to consider is that if the government pays for everything, they might have more control over universities. This could limit the freedom of universities to decide what to teach and how to teach it.
In my opinion, a better solution would be for the government to partly fund university education. They could offer scholarships to students who cannot afford to pay, or provide low-interest loans that students can pay back after they graduate and get a job. This way, education would still be accessible to many people, but it wouldn’t put too much pressure on the government’s budget.
In conclusion, while free university education paid by the government sounds good, it has both advantages and disadvantages. A mixed approach with some government support and some student contribution might be the best way forward.
(Word count: 293)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several qualities that would likely earn it a Band 6-7 score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position, though the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with clear overall progression. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, though not always successfully. For example:
- “tuition fees”
- “equal opportunity”
- “infrastructure”
- “low-interest loans”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Tuition fees (noun) – /tjuːˈɪʃ(ə)n fiːz/ – The cost charged for teaching at a university
- Accessibility (noun) – /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being able to be reached or entered
- Income-contingent loans (noun phrase) – /ˈɪnkʌm kənˈtɪndʒənt ləʊnz/ – Loans where repayment is based on the borrower’s income
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃ(ə)n/ – The action or process of innovating
- Dropout rate (noun) – /ˈdrɒpaʊt reɪt/ – The percentage of students who leave a school or college before finishing their studies
- Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
Conclusion
The topic of government funding for university education is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, consider practicing with variations of this question, such as:
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of free university education?
- Should students contribute to the cost of their university education? Why or why not?
- How can governments ensure equal access to higher education without fully funding it?
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and feel free to share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.