IELTS Writing Task 2: University Tuition Fees – Band 7.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Paraphrased Prompt:

Some people believe that university tuition fees should be abolished. Others argue that students should pay for their own education. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

In my opinion, university tuition fees should be abolished. The main reason is that education is a fundamental right and should be accessible to everyone. If tuition fees are abolished, more people will be able to attend university and get a better education. This will lead to a more educated society and a better economy. Additionally, students who come from low-income families will have more opportunities to succeed in life. On the other hand, some people argue that students should pay for their own education. They believe that this will make students more responsible and motivated to study hard. However, I think that the benefits of abolishing tuition fees outweigh the drawbacks.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 – Presents a clear position but does not fully address the task.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 – Ideas are logically organized but there is some repetition and lack of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex vocabulary but with some errors and limited range.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with frequent errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The issue of university tuition fees is a contentious one, with valid arguments on both sides. On one hand, abolishing tuition fees would make higher education more accessible to all, regardless of their financial background. This would not only promote social equality but also contribute to a more skilled workforce. For instance, countries like Germany and Norway have implemented free tuition policies, and the results have been largely positive. On the other hand, those who advocate for tuition fees argue that students should bear the cost of their education. They believe that this will instill a sense of responsibility and motivate students to perform better academically. Additionally, tuition fees can generate significant revenue for universities, which can be used to improve facilities and resources. In my opinion, a balanced approach would be more effective. While some level of tuition fees may be necessary to maintain the quality of education, governments should also provide sufficient financial aid and scholarships to ensure that no one is deprived of the opportunity to pursue higher education.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 – Presents a clear position with some development and extends and supports main trends, ideas, and themes.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 – Uses cohesive devices effectively but there may be some lapses in organization.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 – Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas precisely but with some errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with some errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The debate surrounding university tuition fees is multifaceted, with compelling arguments on both sides. Proponents of abolishing tuition fees contend that education is a fundamental right and should be accessible to all, irrespective of their financial status. This perspective is bolstered by the notion that a well-educated populace is essential for economic growth and social development. For example, countries that have implemented free tuition policies have seen a significant increase in university enrollment rates and a more skilled workforce. Conversely, those who advocate for tuition fees argue that students should bear the cost of their education. They posit that this will foster a sense of responsibility and motivate students to excel academically. Furthermore, tuition fees can provide a substantial source of revenue for universities, enabling them to enhance their facilities and resources. In my view, a balanced approach is the most pragmatic solution. While some level of tuition fees may be necessary to maintain the quality of education, governments should also implement robust financial aid programs to ensure that no one is denied the opportunity to pursue higher education.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 – Presents a clear position with full development and extends and supports main trends, ideas, and themes.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 – Uses cohesive devices effectively and the organization is logical and clear.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 – Uses a wide range of vocabulary to convey ideas precisely with only occasional errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious: Causing or likely to cause disagreement or conflict.

• Example: The issue of university tuition fees is a contentious one.

1. Accessible: Easy to obtain or use.

• Example: Abolishing tuition fees would make higher education more accessible to all.

1. Instill: To gradually cause someone to have a feeling or quality.

• Example: Tuition fees will instill a sense of responsibility in students.

1. Balanced Approach: A method or strategy that considers multiple perspectives and aims for fairness.

• Example: A balanced approach would be more effective in addressing the issue of tuition fees.

1. Robust: Strong and healthy; vigorous.

• Example: Governments should implement robust financial aid programs.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Failing to present a clear stance on the issue.
2. Insufficient Development: Not fully developing ideas and arguments.
3. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or phrases without adding new information.
4. Poor Cohesion: Using cohesive devices incorrectly or not using them at all.
5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical errors that impede understanding.

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