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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Student Loans – Band 6.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

Get a Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on student loans with full scoring breakdown. Learn key vocabulary and common mistakes to avoid.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Student Loans – Band 6.0 Sample with Full Breakdown | English AIdol Blog

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Get a Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on student loans with full scoring breakdown. Learn key vocabulary and common mistakes to avoid.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Student Loans – Band 6.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt

Some people believe that student loans should be forgiven, while others argue that students should repay them. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Student loans should be forgiven because it is difficult for students to find jobs after graduation. Many students struggle to repay their loans, and this causes a lot of stress. For example, in some countries, many graduates cannot find jobs in their field, so they have to take low-paying jobs. This makes it hard to repay loans. Also, student loans can affect people's mental health. Some studies show that people with student loans have more anxiety and depression. Therefore, forgiving student loans would help many people.

On the other hand, some people say that students should repay their loans. They argue that forgiving loans is not fair to people who have already repaid theirs. Additionally, forgiving loans would cost the government a lot of money. This money could be used for other important things, like healthcare or education. However, I think that the benefits of forgiving loans outweigh the costs. It would help many people and reduce stress and mental health problems.

Band 7.0 Answer

The issue of student loan forgiveness is a contentious one. Proponents argue that forgiving student loans would alleviate the financial burden on graduates, enabling them to invest in their futures. For instance, many graduates struggle to afford homes or start families due to their loan repayments. Moreover, forgiving loans could stimulate the economy by increasing consumer spending. Critics, however, contend that loan forgiveness would be unfair to those who have already repaid their loans. They also argue that the cost of forgiveness would be prohibitive for governments. While these points have merit, the potential benefits to individuals and the economy make a compelling case for loan forgiveness.

Band 8.0 Answer

The debate surrounding student loan forgiveness has gained significant traction in recent years. Advocates for forgiveness highlight the crippling debt that many graduates face, which can hinder their ability to achieve financial stability. For example, data from the Federal Reserve shows that student loan debt has reached unprecedented levels, with many borrowers struggling to meet their monthly payments. Furthermore, the psychological toll of this debt cannot be overlooked, as studies have linked it to increased stress and anxiety. Conversely, opponents of loan forgiveness argue that it would set a precedent for future borrowers to expect similar leniency, potentially leading to increased borrowing and higher education costs. Additionally, they contend that the financial burden of forgiveness would fall on taxpayers. Despite these valid concerns, the immediate relief that loan forgiveness would provide to millions of individuals warrants serious consideration.

Band 9.0 Answer

The contentious issue of student loan forgiveness has sparked intense debate among policymakers, economists, and the public. Proponents of forgiveness argue that the current system exacerbates economic inequality and stifles economic mobility. Empirical evidence suggests that student loan debt disproportionately affects low-income individuals, who are less likely to secure high-paying jobs upon graduation. Moreover, the psychological and emotional toll of this debt is well-documented, with research indicating a strong correlation between student loan debt and mental health issues. Conversely, critics of loan forgiveness contend that it would create a moral hazard, encouraging future students to borrow recklessly in the expectation of eventual forgiveness. Furthermore, they argue that the cost of forgiveness would be astronomical, potentially leading to cuts in other vital public services. While these points merit consideration, the potential benefits of loan forgiveness—ranging from reduced economic inequality to improved mental health outcomes—make a compelling case for its implementation.

Scoring Breakdown

Band 6.0 Answer

Task Response (TR): The response presents a clear position but with some inaccuracies and limited development of ideas. The arguments are relevant but lack depth and specific examples.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The response is organized into paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is somewhat unclear. There are some cohesive devices, but they are used inconsistently.

Lexical Resource (LR): The vocabulary is adequate but limited. There are some errors in word choice and collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, but they do not impede understanding.

Band 7.0 Answer

Task Response (TR): The response presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported arguments. The ideas are well-developed and supported with specific examples.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The response is well-organized and logically structured. The use of cohesive devices is effective and enhances the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource (LR): The vocabulary is varied and appropriate. There are some minor errors, but they do not affect comprehension.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, but they are infrequent and do not impede understanding.

Band 8.0 Answer

Task Response (TR): The response presents a clear and well-supported position. The arguments are relevant, extended, and supported with specific examples and data.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The response is well-organized and logically structured. The use of cohesive devices is effective and enhances the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource (LR): The vocabulary is varied and sophisticated. There are few errors, and they do not affect comprehension.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are few grammatical errors, and they do not impede understanding.

Band 9.0 Answer

Task Response (TR): The response presents a clear and well-supported position. The arguments are relevant, extended, and supported with specific examples, data, and empirical evidence.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The response is exceptionally well-organized and logically structured. The use of cohesive devices is effective and enhances the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource (LR): The vocabulary is varied, sophisticated, and precise. There are no errors in word choice or collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are no grammatical errors, and the sentences are well-structured.

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Alleviate (verb): To make something less severe. Example: Forgiving student loans would alleviate the financial burden on graduates.
  2. Contentious (adjective): Causing or likely to cause disagreement. Example: The issue of student loan forgiveness is a contentious one.
  3. Crippling (adjective): Causing severe damage or difficulty. Example: Many graduates face crippling debt.
  4. Empirical (adjective): Based on observation or experience. Example: Empirical evidence suggests that student loan debt disproportionately affects low-income individuals.
  5. Exacerbate (verb): To make something worse. Example: The current system exacerbates economic inequality.
  6. Hindering (verb): To make it difficult for something to happen or be done. Example: Student loan debt can hinder financial stability.
  7. Intense (adjective): Of extreme force, degree, or strength. Example: The debate surrounding student loan forgiveness has gained significant traction in recent years.
  8. Leniency (noun): The quality of being more merciful or tolerant than expected. Example: Future borrowers might expect similar leniency.
  9. Moral hazard (noun): The risk that a party protected in some way from research or downside will behave differently from how it would behave if it were fully exposed to the risk. Example: Loan forgiveness would create a moral hazard.
  10. Prohibitive (adjective): So expensive that it is not practical or possible. Example: The cost of forgiveness would be prohibitive for governments.
  11. Psychological (adjective): Relating to the mind or mental processes. Example: The psychological toll of student loan debt is well-documented.
  12. Recklessly (adverb): Without regard for the consequences of one's actions. Example: Future students might borrow recklessly in the expectation of eventual forgiveness.
  13. Stimulate (verb): To encourage or arouse interest, activity, or growth. Example: Forgiving loans could stimulate the economy by increasing consumer spending.
  14. Stifles (verb): To restrict something severely or prevent something from increasing. Example: Student loan debt can stifle economic mobility.
  15. Traction (noun): A situation in which something is gaining support or popularity. Example: The debate surrounding student loan forgiveness has gained significant traction.

Common Mistakes

  1. Lack of Specific Examples: Many students fail to provide specific examples or data to support their arguments, leading to a lower score in Task Response.
  2. Inconsistent Cohesive Devices: Using cohesive devices inconsistently can make the response difficult to follow, affecting the Coherence and Cohesion score.
  3. Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can result in a lower score in Lexical Resource. Students should aim to use a variety of words and phrases.
  4. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can impede understanding and lower the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score. Students should proofread their responses carefully.
  5. Off-Topic Responses: Some students may go off-topic, which can significantly lower their Task Response score. It is essential to address the prompt directly and stay focused on the topic.

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