IELTS Writing Task 2: University Tuition Fees Band 6.5 Sample An…

IELTS Writing Task 2: University Tuition Fees Band 6.5 Sample Answer

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Prompt

Some people believe that universities should be free for all students. Others argue that students should pay for their tuition fees. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Band 6.5 Sample Answer

Band 6.5 Response

Some people think universities should be free for everyone. Others believe students should pay for their education. I agree with the second idea. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

On one hand, free education is good. First, it gives everyone the chance to study, even if they don't have money. This can help reduce poverty because people can get better jobs. Second, universities can get money from the government, so they don't need to charge students. This is common in some countries, like Germany.

However, there are problems with free education. The main problem is that it costs a lot of money. Governments may not have enough money for everything, like healthcare or infrastructure. Also, some people might not value free education as much. If students pay, they may study harder because they feel they are investing in their future.

In my opinion, students should pay for their tuition. Paying makes people more responsible. Also, universities need money to improve facilities and hire good teachers. If education is free, the quality might decrease. In conclusion, while free education has some benefits, I believe students should pay for their tuition.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Response (TR): Band 6.5

Presents a clear position but with some limitations in development
Addresses the task but with some irrelevant points
Presents, extends, and supports main ideas but with some limitations

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 6.5

Uses basic cohesive devices but with some overuse and underuse
Arranges information and ideas logically but with some repetitiveness
Uses paragraphing but with some awkward transitions

Lexical Resource (LR): Band 6.5

Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary but with some errors in word choice
Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors in collocation
Attempts some less common vocabulary but with some errors in meaning

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 6.5

Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
Makes frequent grammatical errors that may impede communication
Attempts complex structures but with frequent errors

Vocabulary Highlights

Advantages (noun): benefits or positive aspects of something

*Example: The advantages of free education include equality of opportunity.

Disadvantages (noun): drawbacks or negative aspects of something

*Example: The main disadvantage of free education is the high cost to the government.

Reduce (verb): to make something smaller or less severe

*Example: Free education can help reduce poverty.

Investing (verb): putting money or time into something with the expectation of a benefit

*Example: Students may study harder if they are investing their own money.

Responsible (adjective): having an obligation to do something or to take care of something

*Example: Paying for tuition makes students more responsible for their education.

Facilities (noun): buildings, equipment, or services provided for a particular purpose

*Example: Universities need money to improve their facilities.

Infrastructure (noun): the basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society

*Example: Governments may need to spend money on healthcare or infrastructure.

Value (verb): to consider something important or worthwhile

*Example: Some people might not value free education as much.

Quality (noun): the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind

*Example: The quality of education might decrease if it is free.

Equality (noun): the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities

*Example: Free education promotes equality of opportunity.

Charge (verb): to ask for or demand payment

*Example: Universities may charge students for their education.

Common (adjective): occurring, found, or done often; prevalent

*Example: Free education is common in some countries, like Germany.

Harder (adverb): with more effort or difficulty

*Example: Students may study harder if they pay for their education.

Chance (noun): an opportunity or possibility

*Example: Free education gives everyone a chance to study.

Decrease (verb): to make or become smaller or less

*Example: The quality of education might decrease if it is free.

Common Mistakes Students Make

Lack of Depth in Argumentation: Students often present ideas but do not develop them sufficiently. They need to provide more details and examples to support their arguments.

Overuse of Simple Vocabulary: Students tend to use basic vocabulary and repeat the same words. They should aim to use a wider range of vocabulary and avoid repetition.

Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can make it difficult for the examiner to understand the response. Students should practice using complex sentence structures accurately.

Poor Cohesion and Coherence: Students often struggle with organizing their ideas logically. They need to use cohesive devices effectively to connect their ideas and make their response easier to follow.

Irrelevant Points: Students sometimes include points that are not relevant to the task. They should focus on addressing the question and avoid going off-topic.

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FAQs

What is the word count for IELTS Writing Task 2?

The recommended word count for IELTS Writing Task 2 is 250 words. Responses that are too short or too long may be penalized.

How is IELTS Writing Task 2 scored?

IELTS Writing Task 2 is scored on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each criterion is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9.

What is the difference between IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2?

IELTS Writing Task 1 requires you to write a letter or describe a visual (graph, chart, or diagram), while Task 2 requires you to write a discursive essay. Task 2 is worth more than Task 1, so it is important to spend more time on it.

How can I improve my IELTS Writing Task 2 score?

To improve your IELTS Writing Task 2 score, practice writing essays on a variety of topics, use a wide range of vocabulary, and focus on using complex sentence structures accurately. Additionally, practice organizing your ideas logically and using cohesive devices effectively.

What are some common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics?

Common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics include education, technology, society, environment, government, and global issues. It is important to practice writing essays on a variety of topics to prepare for the test.

How long should I spend on IELTS Writing Task 2?

You should spend about 40 minutes on IELTS Writing Task 2, as it is worth more than Task 1. This will give you enough time to plan, write, and review your essay.

What is the format of IELTS Writing Task 2?

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to write a discursive essay in response to a prompt. The prompt may ask you to discuss a particular issue, argue for or against a point of view, or evaluate different viewpoints on a topic.

How can I practice IELTS Writing Task 2 at home?

To practice IELTS Writing Task 2 at home, use sample prompts from IELTS preparation materials or online resources. Set a timer for 40 minutes and write a complete essay. Then, review your essay for grammar, vocabulary, and organization.

What is the difference between the Academic and General Training IELTS Writing Task 2?

The Academic and General Training IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts are similar, but the Academic version may require more complex academic vocabulary and a more formal tone. The prompts may also differ in terms of the topics covered.