IELTS Writing Task 2:
Student Loans (Two Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Answers

IELTS Writing Task 2: Student Loans (Two Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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Prompt

Many governments believe that student loans are necessary to help students pay for their university education. However, others argue that these loans create financial burdens for young graduates. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Additionally, suggest one practical solution that governments could implement to address the issue of student debt.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 (Limited answer with some strengths)

Student loans can help people study at university but they can also cause problems for graduates. Some governments provide loans to students who cannot afford university fees. I agree that this is helpful because it allows more people to get higher education. However, I think it can be bad because students may struggle to pay back the money later.

One solution is that governments should offer more scholarships. Instead of giving loans, they could give money to students who do a good job in their studies. This way, students do not have to worry about paying back money. It would also motivate students to work harder.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Addresses both parts of the question but with limited development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Basic organization with some cohesive devices
• Lexical Resources (LR): 6.0 - Limited range of vocabulary with some errors
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Frequent errors but meaning is generally clear

Band 7.0 (Adequate response with some good features)

The issue of student loans is a complex one with valid arguments on both sides. On one hand, student loans enable access to higher education for those who might not otherwise afford it. This is beneficial for both individuals and society as a whole. However, the burden of debt can be substantial, potentially limiting graduates' opportunities and causing financial stress.

To mitigate these issues, governments could implement income-contingent repayment schemes. Under such systems, graduates only begin repaying their loans once they reach a certain income threshold. This approach ensures that repayments are affordable and tied to the graduate's ability to pay, reducing the financial strain on young professionals.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Addresses both parts of the question with some development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Logical organization with appropriate cohesive devices
• Lexical Resources (LR): 7.0 - Adequate range of vocabulary with some less precise usage
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Some errors but generally sound sentences

Band 8.0 (Good response with clear strengths)

The debate surrounding student loans highlights a delicate balance between accessibility and financial responsibility. Proponents argue that student loans democratize higher education, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue academic opportunities. Conversely, critics contend that these loans can lead to long-term financial hardship, delaying major life milestones such as home ownership or starting a family.

A pragmatic solution to this dilemma is the introduction of zero-interest loans or grants for students from low-income backgrounds. By targeting financial assistance to those most in need, governments can alleviate the financial burden without disproportionately benefiting all students. Additionally, this approach encourages social mobility and reduces the disparity in educational opportunities.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Addresses both parts of the question with well-developed arguments
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Clear organization with effective use of cohesive devices
• Lexical Resources (LR): 8.0 - Varied vocabulary with some sophistication
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Few errors with varied sentence structures

Band 9.0 (Excellent response with all strengths)

The provision of student loans is a contentious issue, with compelling arguments on both sides of the debate. On the one hand, student loans serve as a crucial mechanism for promoting equitable access to higher education, enabling individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue academic aspirations. On the other hand, the accumulation of debt can impose significant financial constraints on graduates, potentially stifling their economic prospects and overall well-being.

To address this predicament, governments could implement a dual-track system of financial aid. This system would distinguish between loans and grants based on the academic merit and financial need of students. High-achieving students from low-income families would receive grants, while other students would be offered low-interest loans with flexible repayment terms. Such an approach would not only alleviate the financial burden on the most vulnerable students but also incentivize academic excellence, fostering a more equitable and meritocratic educational landscape.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Fully addresses both parts of the question with thorough development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Excellent organization with sophisticated use of cohesive devices
• Lexical Resources (LR): 9.0 - Wide range of vocabulary with precise and sophisticated usage
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - No errors with varied and complex sentence structures

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Complex (adj.) - complicated; having many parts

• Example: The issue of student loans is a complex one.

1. Substantial (adj.) - large in amount or importance

• Example: The burden of debt can be substantial.

1. Mitigate (v.) - to make something less severe or harmful

• Example: To mitigate these issues, governments could implement schemes.

1. Income-contingent (adj.) - depending on income

• Example: Income-contingent repayment schemes.

1. Pragmatic (adj.) - dealing with things sensibly and realistically

• Example: A pragmatic solution to this dilemma.

1. Dilemma (n.) - a difficult situation or problem

• Example: A pragmatic solution to this dilemma.

1. Targeting (v.) - aiming at a specific group or problem

• Example: By targeting financial assistance to those most in need.

1. Alleviate (v.) - to make something less severe or unpleasant

• Example: To alleviate the financial burden.

1. Disparity (n.) - a great difference between things

• Example: Reducing the disparity in educational opportunities.

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

• Example: The provision of student loans is a contentious issue.

1. Equitable (adj.) - fair and impartial

• Example: Promoting equitable access to higher education.

1. Stifling (adj.) - preventing development or progress

• Example: Potentially stifling their economic prospects.

1. Predicament (n.) - a difficult or unpleasant situation

• Example: To address this predicament.

1. Dual-track (adj.) - having two parallel systems or methods

• Example: Governments could implement a dual-track system.

1. Meritocratic (adj.) - based on merit or ability

• Example: Fostering a more meritocratic educational landscape.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Failing to address both parts of the question - Many students focus only on the first part of the question and forget to include a practical solution.

1. Using vague vocabulary - Students often use general terms like 'good' or 'bad' instead of more precise vocabulary.

1. Poor organization - Some responses lack clear paragraphs or a logical flow of ideas.

1. Grammatical errors - Frequent errors in tense, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure can lower the band score.

1. Lack of examples - Students sometimes make claims without providing supporting examples or evidence.

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