IELTS Writing Task 2: University Tuition Fees - Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Some people believe that universities should be entirely funded by governments, while others argue that students should pay tuition fees. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answers with Scoring Breakdowns

Band 6.0 Answer

Score: Task Response 5.5, Coherence & Cohesion 5.5, Lexical Resource 6.0, Grammatical Range & Accuracy 6.0

The question of who should pay for university education is a complex one. Some people say that governments should pay everything, but others think students should pay fees.

On one hand, if governments pay for education, more people can go to university. This is good because educated people can help the economy. Also, not everyone can afford to pay for university, so if it is free, everyone has the same chance. For example, in some European countries, university is free and many people study there.

On the other hand, if students pay fees, they might study harder because they are paying for it. Also, governments have other things to pay for like hospitals and roads, so maybe they should not pay for everything. For example, in the United States, students pay a lot of money for university and they take it seriously.

In my opinion, I think both sides have good points. Governments should help with education, but students should also pay something. This way, everyone shares the cost and education remains accessible.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a position but development is less than fully sustained
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): Uses cohesive devices but some are mechanical or inaccurate
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses some less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracies
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with frequent errors

Band 7.5 Answer

Score: Task Response 7.0, Coherence & Cohesion 7.5, Lexical Resource 7.5, Grammatical Range & Accuracy 7.5

The debate surrounding the funding of higher education is a contentious one, with proponents on both sides presenting compelling arguments. This essay will explore the notion that universities should be entirely government-funded, as well as the counterargument that students should bear some financial responsibility.

Proponents of government-funded universities argue that education is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. When governments subsidize higher education, they invest in the future of their nation. Educated citizens contribute more significantly to the economy, drive innovation, and foster social progress. For instance, countries like Germany and Norway offer free or heavily subsidized university education, resulting in high graduation rates and a skilled workforce. Moreover, when students are not burdened by debt, they can pursue careers that benefit society rather than being compelled to choose lucrative but less fulfilling paths solely to repay loans.

Conversely, those who advocate for student tuition fees contend that individuals should bear the cost of their own education. This perspective is rooted in the belief that students are the primary beneficiaries of a university degree, which often leads to higher earning potential and better job prospects. Additionally, when students invest financially in their education, they tend to be more motivated and committed to their studies. In nations like the United States and the United Kingdom, tuition fees are common, and many graduates view their degrees as a worthwhile investment. Furthermore, proponents of this view argue that governments have finite resources and should prioritize other critical areas such as healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare.

In conclusion, both perspectives have merit. A balanced approach might involve government subsidies to ensure accessibility, coupled with reasonable tuition fees to instill a sense of responsibility and commitment among students. Such a system would strike a harmonious balance between societal benefit and individual accountability.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position throughout the response with logical development
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): Uses cohesive devices effectively, though there may be some under- or over-use
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey precise meanings, with some less common lexical items
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences

Band 9.0 Answer

Score: Task Response 9.0, Coherence & Cohesion 9.0, Lexical Resource 9.0, Grammatical Range & Accuracy 9.0

The contentious issue of who should bear the financial burden of higher education has sparked vigorous debate among policymakers, educators, and students alike. While some advocate for complete government funding of universities, others contend that students should contribute through tuition fees. This essay will critically examine both viewpoints before presenting a nuanced perspective.

Proponents of government-funded higher education posit that education is a public good that yields extensive societal benefits. When governments invest in university education, they cultivate a more educated populace, which in turn drives economic growth, fosters innovation, and promotes social mobility. For example, nations like Finland and Sweden have long championed free university education, resulting in some of the highest literacy rates and most competitive economies globally. Moreover, proponents argue that imposing tuition fees creates barriers for talented but economically disadvantaged students, thereby perpetuating social inequality. By removing financial obstacles, governments can ensure that higher education remains accessible to all, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Conversely, advocates for tuition fees argue that students are the primary beneficiaries of a university education and should therefore share the financial burden. This perspective is underpinned by the notion of individual responsibility and the recognition that higher education often translates into enhanced earning potential and improved career prospects. In countries like Australia and Canada, tuition fees are customary, and graduates typically view their degrees as a sound investment in their future. Furthermore, proponents contend that tuition fees can enhance the quality of education by incentivizing universities to be more responsive to student needs and market demands. Additionally, they argue that governments have competing priorities, such as healthcare and infrastructure, and should not be solely responsible for funding higher education.

In conclusion, both arguments present compelling rationale. A pragmatic solution might involve a hybrid model, where governments provide substantial subsidies to ensure accessibility, while students contribute a modest tuition fee to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. Such an approach would not only alleviate the financial strain on governments but also empower students to actively engage in their educational journey.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position throughout the response with fully extended and supported arguments
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): Uses cohesive devices effectively and flexibly with a clear progression throughout
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with skill and flexibility, using less common lexical items with precision
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adjective): Controversial or disputed

• Example: The debate surrounding the funding of higher education is a contentious one.

1. Proponents (noun): Supporters or advocates

• Example: Proponents of government-funded universities argue that education is a fundamental right.

1. Subsidize (verb): To provide financial support or aid

• Example: When governments subsidize higher education, they invest in the future of their nation.

1. Socioeconomic (adjective): Relating to social position or class

• Example: Education should be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status.

1. Innovation (noun): The introduction of new ideas, methods, or devices

• Example: Educated citizens drive innovation and foster social progress.

1. Lucrative (adjective): Producing a great deal of profit

• Example: Students might choose lucrative but less fulfilling careers to repay loans.

1. Motivation (noun): The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way

• Example: When students invest financially in their education, they tend to be more motivated.

1. Infrastructure (noun): The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise

• Example: Governments should prioritize other critical areas such as healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare.

1. Nuanced (adjective): Characterized by subtle distinctions or shades of meaning

• Example: This essay will critically examine both viewpoints before presenting a nuanced perspective.

1. Cultivate (verb): To foster the growth or development of

• Example: When governments invest in university education, they cultivate a more educated populace.

1. Literacy (noun): The ability to read and write

• Example: Nations like Finland have some of the highest literacy rates globally.

1. Perpetuating (verb): To cause something, such as a tradition or a situation, to continue, especially by repeating it or making people aware of it

• Example: Imposing tuition fees creates barriers that perpetuate social inequality.

1. Hybrid model (noun): A combination of two or more approaches

• Example: A hybrid model might involve government subsidies and modest tuition fees.

1. Alleviate (verb): To make something less severe or serious

• Example: Such an approach would alleviate the financial strain on governments.

1. Empower (verb): To give someone the authority or power to do something

• Example: This model would empower students to actively engage in their educational journey.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Overgeneralizing: Making sweeping statements without adequate support or examples.
2. Lack of Balance: Failing to address both sides of the argument equally.
3. Repetition: Repeating ideas or vocabulary without varying expression.
4. Poor Paraphrasing: Using synonyms incorrectly, which can change the meaning or sound unnatural.
5. Ignoring the Task: Focusing on one aspect of the prompt and neglecting the other.

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