Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 Student Loans Discussion Sample

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Full Prompt

Some people believe that student loans should be forgiven. Others argue that this would create unfair advantages. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Student loans are important for education but should not be forgiven

Introduction

The issue of student loans has been debated for a long time. Some people say that student loans should be forgiven because it is difficult to pay back. However, I disagree with this opinion because it is not fair for taxpayers.

Body Paragraph 1

Those who support loan forgiveness argue that students face financial hardship after graduation. They say that paying back loans is difficult, especially when jobs are scarce. For example, many graduates struggle to find well-paying jobs, making it hard to repay loans. Additionally, some people believe that loan forgiveness would stimulate the economy because graduates would have more money to spend.

Body Paragraph 2

However, I believe that forgiving student loans is unfair to taxpayers. If the government forgives loans, it must find money from elsewhere, which often comes from taxes. This means that people who did not take loans would have to pay for those who did. Moreover, forgiving loans might encourage students to take more loans than they need, knowing that they might not have to repay them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while loan forgiveness might help some graduates, it is not a fair solution. The government should find other ways to support students, such as offering more scholarships or reducing tuition fees.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response: Band 6 (Presents a position but with limited development and some irrelevant points)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6 (Uses some cohesive devices but with some flaws in organization)
• Lexical Resource: Band 6 (Uses some less common vocabulary but with errors and limited range)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with frequent errors)

Band 7.0 Answer

The pros and cons of student loan forgiveness

Introduction

The debate over student loan forgiveness has intensified in recent years. Proponents argue that it alleviates financial burdens, while critics contend it creates inequities. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting a personal stance.

Body Paragraph 1

On one hand, advocates for loan forgiveness highlight the financial strain on graduates. Many borrowers struggle with high monthly payments, which can delay major life milestones such as buying a home or starting a family. For instance, research from the Institute for College Access & Success indicates that 65% of graduates in 2020 had student debt averaging $37,500. Furthermore, forgiving loans could boost economic growth by increasing disposable income among young professionals.

Body Paragraph 2

Conversely, opponents argue that loan forgiveness disadvantages taxpayers. If the government absorbs these debts, other public services might face budget cuts. Additionally, there's a risk that students might take loans irresponsibly, knowing they could be forgiven. A 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 58% of Americans oppose widespread loan forgiveness due to these concerns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while student loan forgiveness has clear benefits, the potential drawbacks cannot be ignored. A balanced approach, such as income-based repayment plans, might be more equitable.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response: Band 7 (Presents a clear position with some development and relevant supporting ideas)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7 (Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some repetition)
• Lexical Resource: Band 7 (Uses a mix of appropriate and less common vocabulary with some errors)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with occasional errors)

Band 8.0 Answer

Balancing the benefits and drawbacks of student loan forgiveness

Introduction

The contentious issue of student loan forgiveness has sparked intense debate among policymakers and economists. While some champion its potential to alleviate financial pressure, others warn of unintended consequences. This essay will critically examine both viewpoints before offering a balanced perspective.

Body Paragraph 1

Proponents of loan forgiveness present compelling arguments. Primarily, it would address the growing student debt crisis, which currently stands at $1.7 trillion in the United States alone. Many graduates face financial hardship, with default rates reaching 11% according to the Department of Education. Moreover, forgiving loans could stimulate economic activity, as graduates would have more capital to invest in homes, businesses, or further education. Historically, similar programs in countries like Germany have demonstrated positive economic ripple effects.

Body Paragraph 2

However, critics raise valid concerns about the fairness of loan forgiveness. Taxpayers who never borrowed for education might feel burdened by assuming others' debts. There's also the risk of moral hazard, where students might borrow excessively, knowing forgiveness is possible. The Brookings Institution warns that poorly designed forgiveness programs could create perverse incentives in the education market. Additionally, the long-term sustainability of such programs remains questionable, particularly when considering the strain on public finances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while student loan forgiveness offers tangible benefits, it's not a panacea. A more nuanced approach, combining targeted relief for the most vulnerable with responsible borrowing practices, would likely yield better outcomes for all stakeholders.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response: Band 8 (Presents a clear position with thorough development and relevant supporting ideas)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8 (Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression of ideas)
• Lexical Resource: Band 8 (Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with only minor errors)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with only occasional errors)

Band 9.0 Answer

Student loan forgiveness: A nuanced examination of equity and policy

Introduction

The discourse surrounding student loan forgiveness has become increasingly polarized, with advocates emphasizing social justice and detractors cautioning against economic fallout. This essay will meticulously analyze both perspectives before advocating for a contextualized solution that balances equity with fiscal responsibility.

Body Paragraph 1

Proponents articulate several persuasive arguments. Fundamentally, loan forgiveness would address systemic inequalities in education funding. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics reveals that students from low-income families are three times more likely to take on substantial debt. Forgiveness could thus function as an equitable redistribution mechanism. Furthermore, economic modeling by the Roosevelt Institute suggests that canceling student debt would inject $100 billion annually into the economy, potentially creating 1.5 million jobs. The psychological benefits are also substantial, as evidenced by studies showing that debt relief significantly reduces stress and improves mental health outcomes.

Body Paragraph 2

Conversely, opponents present equally compelling counterarguments. The regressive nature of funding forgiveness through general taxation creates intergenerational inequities. A 2023 study by the Urban Institute found that the bottom 20% of earners would effectively subsidize the top 40% of borrowers. Additionally, there's substantial risk of adverse selection, where only the most financially savvy students would benefit from targeted forgiveness programs while others remain disadvantaged. The potential for higher interest rates on future loans also looms large, as lenders would seek to offset perceived risks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while student loan forgiveness presents compelling solutions to pressing social and economic issues, its implementation requires careful consideration of equity, efficiency, and sustainability. A tiered approach, combining means-tested forgiveness with expanded grant programs, would likely achieve the most equitable outcomes while minimizing economic disruption.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response: Band 9 (Presents a clear, informed position with thorough, relevant, extended development)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 9 (Uses cohesive devices flexibly and effectively with a clear progression of arguments)
• Lexical Resource: Band 9 (Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with rare errors)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 9 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with rare errors)

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious: Causing or likely to cause disagreement (e.g., a contentious issue)
2. Champion: To support or defend (e.g., championing the cause)
3. Allevigate: To make (something bad or unpleasant) less severe (e.g., alleviate financial pressure)
4. Stimulate: To encourage development or increase (e.g., stimulate economic activity)
5. Burden: A heavy load (e.g., financial burden)
6. Moral hazard: The likelihood that a party insulated from risk may behave differently from the way it would behave if it were fully exposed to the risk (e.g., risk of moral hazard)
7. Panacea: A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases (e.g., not a panacea)
8. Nuanced: Characterized by subtle analysis or understanding (e.g., nuanced approach)
9. Systemic: Relating to a system, especially as opposed to a particular part (e.g., systemic inequalities)
10. Redistribution: The action of transferring money or resources from one area to another (e.g., equitable redistribution)
11. Subsidize: To support (an organization or activity) financially (e.g., subsidize the top 40% of borrowers)
12. Adverse selection: The tendency of those in dangerous jobs or high-risk situations to get insurance, creating undue risk for insurance companies (e.g., risk of adverse selection)
13. Loom large: To seem very likely or probable (e.g., the potential for higher interest rates looms large)
14. Equity: The quality of being fair and impartial (e.g., social equity)
15. Sustainability: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level (e.g., long-term sustainability)
16. Tiered: Arranged in a series of levels or categories (e.g., tiered approach)
17. Means-tested: Determined by a person's income and assets (e.g., means-tested forgiveness)
18. Grant: A sum of money given by a government or other organization for a particular purpose (e.g., expanded grant programs)
19. Equitable: Fair and impartial (e.g., equitable outcomes)
20. Disruption: Disturbance or problems that interrupt an event, activity, or process (e.g., minimize economic disruption)

Common Mistakes

1. Overgeneralization: Making sweeping statements without sufficient evidence (e.g., 'All students struggle with debt')
2. Lack of Specificity: Using vague language instead of precise details (e.g., 'Many people disagree' instead of specifying who and why)
3. Inconsistent Tense: Mixing tenses unnecessarily (e.g., switching between present and past tense without reason)
4. Poor Paragraph Structure: Failing to introduce and conclude paragraphs effectively (e.g., starting paragraphs mid-argument)
5. Repetition: Using the same vocabulary or phrases excessively (e.g., repeatedly saying 'student loans' instead of using synonyms)

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