IELTS Writing Task 2: Student Loans - Band 6.5 Sample with Full Breakdown
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The Prompt
Some people believe that student loans should be completely forgiven. Others argue that this would create unfair advantages. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 6.5 Sample Answer
Student loans are a contentious issue, with some advocating for complete forgiveness while others oppose this idea. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my view.
On one hand, proponents of loan forgiveness argue that it would alleviate the financial burden on graduates. Many students accumulate significant debt, which can hinder their ability to purchase homes, start families, or invest in their future. For example, in the United States, the average student loan debt is over $30,000, which can take decades to repay. Additionally, loan forgiveness could stimulate the economy by freeing up disposable income for graduates to spend on goods and services.
However, opponents contend that forgiving student loans would be unfair to those who have already repaid their debts or who chose not to take out loans. It could also create a moral hazard, encouraging future students to take out loans irresponsibly, knowing that they might be forgiven later. Furthermore, the cost of loan forgiveness would be substantial, potentially leading to higher taxes or reduced funding for other public services.
In my opinion, a balanced approach is needed. Rather than complete forgiveness, governments should implement income-based repayment plans or offer partial loan forgiveness for those who work in public service or other critical fields. This would address the financial strain on graduates while also considering the broader economic and social implications.
Scoring Breakdown
Task Response (TR): Band 6
- Presents a clear position but with some limitations in development.
- Addresses the task but may lack nuance or advanced vocabulary.
Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 6
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors.
- Logical organization but with some awkward transitions.
Lexical Resource (LR): Band 6
- Uses a mix of appropriate and less precise vocabulary.
- Some attempts at advanced vocabulary but with errors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 6
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms.
- Some errors in grammar and punctuation.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Contentious (adj): causing or likely to cause disagreement; controversial.
- Example: The issue of student loans is highly contentious.
- Allevate (v): to make (something bad or unpleasant) less intense or severe.
- Example: The new policy aims to alleviate the financial burden on students.
- Accumulate (v): to gather together over time.
- Example: Students often accumulate significant debt during their studies.
- Hinder (v): to make it difficult for someone to do something or for something to happen.
- Example: High debt can hinder graduates' ability to buy homes.
- Stimulate (v): to encourage or prompt someone to do something.
- Example: Loan forgiveness could stimulate economic growth.
- Opponents (n): people who are against something.
- Example: Opponents argue that loan forgiveness is unfair.
- Moral hazard (n): a situation in which one party gets involved in a risky event knowing that it is protected against the risk and the other party will incur the cost.
- Example: Loan forgiveness could create a moral hazard.
- Irresponsibly (adv): in a way that is not careful or thoughtful.
- Example: Students might take out loans irresponsibly if they expect forgiveness.
- Substantial (adj): of considerable importance, size, or worth.
- Example: The cost of loan forgiveness would be substantial.
- Implement (v): to put a plan, scheme, or system into effect.
- Example: The government should implement income-based repayment plans.
- Repayment (n): the act of paying back money that has been borrowed.
- Example: Income-based repayment plans can make loan repayment more manageable.
- Partial (adj): existing or happening in part; not total.
- Example: Partial loan forgiveness could be a balanced solution.
- Public service (n): work done for the public good, often in government or non-profit sectors.
- Example: Loan forgiveness could be offered to those working in public service.
- Critical (adj): of the highest importance; essential.
- Example: Loan forgiveness could be offered for those working in critical fields.
- Broader (adj): wider in scope or effect.
- Example: A balanced approach considers the broader economic and social implications.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Lack of Clear Position: Students often present both sides without clearly stating their opinion.
- Inadequate Development: Some answers provide only superficial discussion of the topic.
- Vocabulary Errors: Using advanced vocabulary incorrectly can lower the Lexical Resource score.
- Grammatical Errors: Complex sentences with errors can negatively impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.
- Poor Organization: Lack of clear paragraphs and logical flow can affect the Coherence and Cohesion score.
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