IELTS Writing Task 2: University Tuition Fees - Band 6.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Some people argue that university tuition fees should be abolished. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

In my opinion, university tuition fees should not be abolished. There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, universities need money to operate. If there are no tuition fees, universities will not have enough funds to pay teachers and buy equipment. This will lead to lower quality education. For example, in some countries, universities have to close because they do not have enough money.

Secondly, students who pay for their education tend to study harder. When students pay for their education, they feel more responsible for their studies. They know that they have to work hard to get a good job and pay back their loans. This is good for both the students and the society.

However, some people argue that tuition fees prevent poor students from getting a higher education. While this is true, there are other ways to help poor students. For example, governments can provide scholarships or loans with low interest rates. This way, everyone can get a chance to study at university.

In conclusion, I believe that university tuition fees should not be abolished. There are better ways to help poor students get a higher education.

Band 7.0 Answer

The abolition of university tuition fees is a contentious issue with valid points on both sides.

On one hand, eliminating tuition fees can democratize higher education. Many students from low-income families cannot afford the high costs of university education. By removing tuition fees, governments can ensure that everyone has equal access to higher education, regardless of their financial background. This can lead to a more educated society and a stronger economy in the long run.

On the other hand, universities need funding to maintain high standards. Tuition fees are a significant source of revenue for universities. Without this funding, universities may have to cut back on facilities, research, and faculty, which can compromise the quality of education. Additionally, students who pay for their education are often more motivated and committed to their studies, as they have a personal investment in their education.

To strike a balance, governments can implement policies such as income-contingent loans or targeted scholarships. These policies can help ensure that students from all backgrounds can access higher education without compromising the quality of education.

In conclusion, while the abolition of tuition fees has its merits, it is not a straightforward solution. A balanced approach that considers both access and quality is necessary.

Band 8.0 Answer

The proposition to abolish university tuition fees has sparked intense debate, with compelling arguments on both sides.

Proponents of abolishing tuition fees argue that education is a fundamental right and should be accessible to all, regardless of their financial situation. High tuition fees can create a barrier to higher education, particularly for students from low-income families. By eliminating tuition fees, governments can promote social equality and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to pursue their academic goals. Furthermore, investing in education can yield significant economic benefits, as a more educated workforce can drive innovation and economic growth.

However, opponents of this idea contend that universities rely heavily on tuition fees to maintain their operations and standards. Without this funding, universities may struggle to attract and retain high-quality faculty, invest in research, or provide adequate facilities. Additionally, students who pay for their education are often more motivated and disciplined, as they have a personal stake in their academic success. Moreover, abolishing tuition fees may lead to a decrease in the perceived value of a university degree, as it may be seen as less of an achievement.

To address these concerns, governments can implement a combination of policies, such as means-tested tuition fees, income-contingent loans, and targeted scholarships. These policies can help ensure that students from all backgrounds can access higher education without compromising the quality of education or the motivation of students.

In conclusion, while the abolition of tuition fees has its merits, it is not a panacea. A nuanced approach that considers the complexities of the issue is necessary to strike a balance between access, quality, and motivation.

Scoring Breakdown

Band 6.0 Answer

• Task Response (TR): Addresses all parts of the task but with limited development. Presents a clear position but with some irrelevant or unclear points.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized but with some problems in coherence and cohesion. Uses some linking words but not always appropriately.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of appropriate and less accurate vocabulary. Some errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with frequent grammatical errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

• Task Response (TR): Addresses all parts of the task with a clear position and relevant supporting ideas. Presents a balanced argument with some development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items. Some errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors but generally good control of grammar.

Band 8.0 Answer

• Task Response (TR): Addresses all parts of the task with a clear position and relevant supporting ideas. Presents a balanced and nuanced argument with thorough development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items. Some errors in word choice and collocation but generally good control of vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a wide range of sentence forms with generally good control of grammar. Some errors but generally accurate.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Abolish (verb): to officially end or cancel something. Example: The government plans to abolish university tuition fees.
2. Contentious (adjective): causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument. Example: The issue of tuition fees is highly contentious.
3. Democratize (verb): to make something accessible to everyone. Example: The government aims to democratize higher education by removing tuition fees.
4. Contingent (adjective): dependent on something else happening first. Example: The loan repayment is contingent on the borrower's income.
5. Perceive (verb): to interpret or understand something in a particular way. Example: The value of a degree is often perceived differently by employers.
6. Panacea (noun): a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases. Example: Abolishing tuition fees is not a panacea for the problems in higher education.
7. Nuanced (adjective): having or showing subtle differences in meaning, expression, or attitude. Example: The debate requires a nuanced approach.
8. Stake (noun): an interest or involvement in something. Example: Students have a personal stake in their education.
9. Faculty (noun): the staff of a university or college. Example: The university has a highly qualified faculty.
10. Innovation (noun): the introduction of new ideas, methods, or products. Example: Education drives innovation and economic growth.
11. Motivation (noun): the reason or reasons for doing something. Example: Students who pay for their education often have higher motivation.
12. Discipline (noun): the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior. Example: Paying for education can instill discipline in students.
13. Invest (verb): to put money, effort, or time into something to make it better or more successful. Example: Governments should invest in education.
14. Barrier (noun): an obstacle or impediment. Example: High tuition fees can be a barrier to higher education.
15. Accessible (adjective): able to be reached or entered easily. Example: Education should be accessible to all.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear position on the issue, making their argument less convincing.
2. Insufficient Development: Many students provide only one or two supporting points without developing them fully.
3. Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Some responses lack logical organization and clear progression of ideas.
4. Limited Vocabulary: Using repetitive or basic vocabulary can lower the lexical resource score.
5. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can distract the reader and lower the overall score.

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