IELTS Writing Task 2 Student Loans (Agree Disagree) - Band 6/7/8/9 Sample Answers

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The Prompt

Some people believe governments should provide free education for students, including university, while others argue that students should pay for their own student loans. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6 Answer

Opinions vary on whether students should pay for their education. I think students should pay for their own education.

Firstly, students should pay for their education because it is fair. If students pay, they will work harder. For example, in countries like the USA, students have loans and they study very hard to get good jobs. If education is free, students might not try as hard.

Secondly, free education costs a lot of money. Governments have other important things to spend money on, like hospitals and roads. If governments pay for education, they might not have enough money for these things.

In conclusion, I agree that students should pay for their education. It is fair and it helps the government save money.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 – Presents a clear position but does not fully extend and support ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 – Uses some connecting words but lacks logical progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 – Uses some less common vocabulary but makes some errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 – Uses simple sentence forms with some errors in tense and agreement.

Band 7 Answer

There is an ongoing debate about whether governments should fund university education or if students should bear the cost themselves. I firmly believe that students should be responsible for their own education expenses.

On one hand, proponents of free education argue that it promotes equal opportunities. They claim that without financial barriers, all students can access higher education. For instance, many European countries offer free or low-cost university education, which has led to higher graduation rates. However, this places a significant burden on taxpayers, who may not all benefit directly from this expenditure.

On the other hand, those who support student loans argue that education is an investment in one's future. Students who pay for their education are more likely to value it and work harder to succeed. Moreover, governments can allocate funds to other critical areas such as healthcare and infrastructure. For example, in countries like the UK, students take out loans to pay for their education, and many go on to successful careers, contributing to the economy through taxes.

In conclusion, while free education has its merits, I believe that students should pay for their own education. This approach ensures that students take their studies seriously and allows governments to prioritize other essential services.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 – Presents a clear position with some extension and support of ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 – Uses a mix of cohesive devices effectively but could improve logical flow.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 – Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary but makes occasional errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors in tense and agreement.

Band 8 Answer

The question of whether governments should provide free university education or if students should take out loans is a contentious one. I am of the opinion that students should bear the financial responsibility for their higher education.

Those in favor of free education contend that it fosters social mobility and equality. They argue that without financial constraints, students from all backgrounds can pursue higher education, leading to a more educated and egalitarian society. For example, countries like Germany and Norway offer free or heavily subsidized university education, which has resulted in higher educational attainment rates. However, this approach can strain public finances, especially in times of economic downturn.

Conversely, advocates for student loans posit that education is a personal investment. Students who finance their own education are more likely to be motivated and committed to their studies. Additionally, governments can direct funds towards other pressing needs such as healthcare and public infrastructure. In countries like Australia, students pay for their education through a loan system, and many graduates successfully repay these loans, contributing to the economy.

In conclusion, while free education has its advantages, I believe that students should be responsible for their own educational expenses. This approach ensures that students are invested in their education and allows governments to allocate resources more effectively.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 – Presents a clear position with thorough extension and support of ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 – Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively, creating a logical flow.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 – Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items, but with occasional errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 – Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with some errors in tense and agreement.

Band 9 Answer

The debate over whether governments should fund university education or if students should take out loans is a complex issue. I firmly believe that students should be responsible for their own educational expenses.

Proponents of free education argue that it promotes equal access to higher learning and reduces financial disparities. They contend that by removing financial barriers, governments can ensure that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background, have the opportunity to pursue higher education. For instance, in countries like Finland and Sweden, free university education has led to higher graduation rates and a more educated populace. However, this approach can place a substantial burden on public finances, which may not be sustainable in the long term.

Conversely, those who advocate for student loans assert that education is an investment in one's future. Students who pay for their education are more likely to be motivated and committed to their studies, as they have a vested interest in their academic success. Moreover, governments can allocate funds to other critical areas such as healthcare, infrastructure, and social services. For example, in countries like Canada, students take out loans to pay for their education, and many graduates successfully repay these loans, contributing to the economy through taxes and skilled labor.

In conclusion, while free education has its merits, I believe that students should be responsible for their own educational expenses. This approach ensures that students are invested in their education and allows governments to prioritize other essential services. By balancing individual responsibility with public investment, societies can achieve a more sustainable and equitable educational system.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 – Presents a clear position with thorough extension and support of ideas, using relevant, extended, and supported arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 – Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively, creating a logical and smooth flow.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 – Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precise and sophisticated lexical items, with no errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 – Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adj): controversial; likely to cause disagreement

• Example: The debate over free education is highly contentious.

1. Egalitarian (adj): believing in or supporting equality for all people

• Example: Free education promotes an egalitarian society.

1. Strain (v): to put pressure on; to cause tension or difficulty

• Example: Free education can strain public finances.

1. Motivated (adj): having a strong reason for doing something; eager

• Example: Students who pay for their education are more motivated.

1. Subsidized (adj): supported or provided by the government or another organization, usually at a lower cost

• Example: Many countries offer subsidized university education.

1. Repay (v): to pay back money that has been borrowed

• Example: Graduates successfully repay their student loans.

1. Allocate (v): to distribute or assign resources or tasks

• Example: Governments can allocate funds to other critical areas.

1. Sustainable (adj): able to be maintained or continued over a long period of time

• Example: Free education may not be sustainable in the long term.

1. Vested interest (n): a personal or financial interest in something

• Example: Students have a vested interest in their academic success.

1. Equitable (adj): fair and just; ensuring equal treatment

• Example: Societies can achieve a more equitable educational system.

1. Graduation rates (n): the percentage of students who complete their studies and graduate

• Example: Free education has led to higher graduation rates.

1. Economic downturn (n): a period of economic decline or recession

• Example: Free education can strain public finances, especially in times of economic downturn.

1. Taxpayers (n): individuals or entities who pay taxes

• Example: Free education places a significant burden on taxpayers.

1. Public infrastructure (n): the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society

• Example: Governments can direct funds towards public infrastructure.

1. Skilled labor (n): workers who have specialized training or expertise

• Example: Graduates contribute to the economy through skilled labor.

1. Socio-economic background (n): the social and economic status of an individual or family

• Example: Free education ensures that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background, have the opportunity to pursue higher education.

1. Personal investment (n): the time, money, or effort put into something for personal gain or benefit

• Example: Education is a personal investment in one's future.

1. Academic success (n): the achievement of goals or objectives in an educational setting

• Example: Students who pay for their education are more likely to achieve academic success.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear opinion, making their arguments weak and unfocused.

1. Insufficient Support: Many answers lack sufficient examples and evidence to support the arguments, leading to lower task response scores.

1. Poor Cohesion: Students often struggle with connecting ideas logically, resulting in a disjointed and confusing essay.

1. Vocabulary Errors: Common errors include using inappropriate or incorrect vocabulary, which can affect lexical resource scores.

1. Grammatical Errors: Many students make frequent grammatical mistakes, such as errors in tense and agreement, which can lower their grammatical range and accuracy scores.

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