IELTS Writing Task 2: Student Loans - Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Some people believe that student loans should be cancelled. Others feel that students should repay their loans. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answers and Scoring Breakdowns

Band 6.0 Answer

Scoring: TR 6 | CC 6 | LR 6 | GRA 6

Sample Answer:

Some people think student loans should be cancelled because it is hard for graduates to pay them back. Others say students should repay because it is their responsibility. I think both views have some truth.

On one hand, many students face financial difficulties after graduation. They may not find jobs immediately or their salaries may be low. If they have to pay loans, it can cause stress and financial problems. For example, in some countries, graduates have to work for many years just to pay off their loans. Also, the government can help by investing in education instead of making students pay.

On the other hand, students should repay loans because it is fair. When students take loans, they agree to pay them back. If loans are cancelled, it is not fair to those who have already repaid. Also, if loans are not repaid, the government will have less money for other important things like hospitals or schools. Some people may also take advantage and not study seriously if they know loans will be cancelled.

In conclusion, I think students should repay their loans but the government should also provide some support for those who have financial difficulties.

Why it scores Band 6.0:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a position but lacks clear extension and balance.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Basic organization with some logical connectors but unclear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Limited range of vocabulary with some errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Frequent errors in complex sentences.

Band 7.5 Answer

Scoring: TR 7 | CC 7 | LR 7 | GRA 7

Sample Answer:

The issue of student loan cancellation has sparked considerable debate. While some advocate for the abolition of these debts, citing the financial burden on graduates, others argue that loan repayment is a necessary responsibility. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my opinion.

Those in favor of cancelling student loans often highlight the severe financial strain it places on young graduates. Upon completing their studies, many find themselves saddled with substantial debt, making it difficult to achieve financial stability. This predicament is exacerbated by the competitive job market, where starting salaries may be insufficient to cover both living expenses and loan repayments. Furthermore, the psychological toll of long-term debt can be significant, potentially leading to stress and anxiety. From a societal perspective, investing in education through loan cancellation could yield a more skilled workforce, benefiting the economy as a whole.

Conversely, proponents of loan repayment contend that it is a fair and necessary obligation. When individuals take out loans, they enter into a contractual agreement to repay the borrowed amount. Canceling these debts could be seen as unfair to those who have already fulfilled their financial commitments. Additionally, there is a risk that loan cancellation might discourage fiscal responsibility among students, potentially leading to a decrease in the perceived value of higher education. From a governmental standpoint, forgiving loans could strain public finances, diverting funds away from other critical services.

In my view, a balanced approach would be more effective. While complete loan cancellation may not be feasible, governments could implement policies to alleviate the burden, such as income-contingent repayment plans or targeted debt relief for those in genuine financial hardship. This would address the immediate concerns of struggling graduates while maintaining the principle of personal responsibility.

Why it scores Band 7.5:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with well-extended ideas and balanced arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Logical organization with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Produces complex sentences with frequent error-free sentences.

Band 8.0 Answer

Scoring: TR 8 | CC 8 | LR 8 | GRA 8

Sample Answer:

The contentious issue of student loan cancellation has ignited fervent discourse among policymakers, economists, and the general public. While proponents of loan forgiveness argue that it would alleviate the financial burden on graduates, opponents contend that it would set a dangerous precedent of fiscal irresponsibility. This essay will delve into both viewpoints before offering a nuanced perspective.

Advocates for student loan cancellation posit that the current system exacerbates economic inequality and hinders social mobility. Graduates burdened by substantial debt are often compelled to delay major life milestones, such as purchasing a home or starting a family. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced among individuals from lower-income backgrounds, who are more likely to rely on loans to finance their education. Moreover, the psychological impact of long-term debt can be profound, contributing to increased stress levels and diminished quality of life. From a macroeconomic standpoint, stimulating the economy through targeted debt relief could potentially yield a higher return on investment than the initial cost of the loans.

Conversely, those who oppose loan cancellation assert that it would be an unjustified transfer of wealth from taxpayers to borrowers. They argue that individuals who have already repaid their loans, or who chose alternative paths such as vocational training or immediate employment, would be unfairly penalized. Furthermore, there is a valid concern that loan forgiveness could create a moral hazard, encouraging future students to take on excessive debt with the expectation of eventual forgiveness. Additionally, the potential strain on public finances could lead to reduced funding for other essential services, such as healthcare and infrastructure.

In my view, a more equitable solution would involve a tiered approach to loan repayment, based on the borrower's income and career trajectory. For instance, individuals pursuing careers in high-need fields, such as education or healthcare, could receive targeted debt relief as a means of incentivizing service in these areas. Similarly, income-contingent repayment plans could ensure that borrowers are not unduly burdened during periods of financial hardship. This approach would strike a balance between addressing the immediate concerns of struggling graduates and maintaining the principle of personal responsibility.

Why it scores Band 8.0:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with well-developed and supported arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Logical organization with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with frequent use of less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Produces complex sentences with frequent error-free sentences.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Sparked (verb) - to cause something to start suddenly

• Example: The debate was sparked by recent policy changes.

1. Abolition (noun) - the act of officially ending something

• Example: The abolition of student loans is a controversial topic.

1. Saddled (verb) - to burden someone with a responsibility or problem

• Example: Graduates are often saddled with significant debt.

1. Exacerbate (verb) - to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse

• Example: The financial crisis exacerbated the housing shortage.

1. Predicament (noun) - a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation

• Example: Many graduates find themselves in a financial predicament.

1. Psychological toll (noun) - the emotional or mental strain of a situation

• Example: The psychological toll of long-term debt can be significant.

1. Proponent (noun) - a person who supports or advocates for a particular idea, cause, or policy

• Example: Proponents of loan forgiveness argue that it would alleviate financial burdens.

1. Irresponsibility (noun) - a lack of careful or sensible behavior

• Example: Some argue that loan cancellation would encourage fiscal irresponsibility.

1. Ignited (verb) - to cause something to start suddenly

• Example: The issue ignited a fierce debate among policymakers.

1. Contentious (adjective) - causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument

• Example: The issue of student loan cancellation is highly contentious.

1. Fervent (adjective) - having or showing strong and sincere feelings

• Example: The debate ignited fervent discourse among the public.

1. Alleviate (verb) - to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling less severe or intense

• Example: Proponents argue that loan forgiveness would alleviate financial burdens.

1. Exacerbates (verb) - to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse

• Example: The current system exacerbates economic inequality.

1. Stimulating (verb) - to encourage or prompt an action or process

• Example: Stimulating the economy through debt relief could yield higher returns.

1. Irresponsibility (noun) - a lack of careful or sensible behavior

• Example: Some argue that loan cancellation would encourage fiscal irresponsibility.

1. Moral hazard (noun) - a situation in which one party gets involved in a risky event knowing that the other party will incur the cost of the potential loss

• Example: Loan forgiveness could create a moral hazard.

1. Strain (noun) - a situation in which something is stretched or pulled too far, potentially leading to a breakdown or failure

• Example: Loan forgiveness could strain public finances.

1. Tiered (adjective) - arranged in levels or categories

• Example: A tiered approach to loan repayment could be more equitable.

1. Trajectory (noun) - the path followed by something moving through space

• Example: Loan repayment plans could be based on the borrower's career trajectory.

1. Incentivizing (verb) - to encourage or motivate someone to do something

• Example: Targeted debt relief could incentivize service in high-need fields.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Overgeneralization: Students often make sweeping statements without providing specific examples or evidence to support their claims.

1. Lack of Balance: Failing to adequately address both sides of the argument can result in a one-sided response that does not fully meet the task requirements.

1. Poor Vocabulary Choices: Using vague or inappropriate vocabulary can detract from the overall quality of the response and lower the Lexical Resource score.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can obscure the meaning of the response and negatively impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

1. Inadequate Conclusion: A weak or rushed conclusion can undermine the overall effectiveness of the response and leave the examiner with a negative impression.

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