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Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 university tuition fees discussion samples with expert analysis of Band 6, 7, 8, and 9 model answers.
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Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 university tuition fees discussion samples with expert analysis of Band 6, 7, 8, and 9 model answers.
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Paraphrased prompt (based on common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics):
Some people believe that governments should not spend money on university tuition fees for students. Others argue that free university education benefits society as a whole. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
| Band Score | Sample Answer | Word Count | |--------------|----------------|--------------| | Band 6.0 | In nowadays, university education is very important. Some people think governments should pay for university fees. Others disagree. I think both views have reasons.
On one hand, free university helps students. Many families cannot afford fees. Without government help, poor students cannot study. Also, educated people get better jobs and earn more money. This helps economy.
On the other hand, free education is expensive. Governments have limited money. They must spend on healthcare and infrastructure. Also, some people think university is not necessary. They believe people should pay for their own education.
In my opinion, governments should help with fees but not make it completely free. Students could pay some money. This way, government saves money but still helps students.
Scoring Breakdown
| Band 7.0 | The issue of government funding for university tuition fees is widely debated. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my view.
Those who oppose government funding argue that education is an individual responsibility. They believe students should bear the cost of their studies. This perspective is supported by the idea that higher education leads to better career prospects and higher earnings. Therefore, individuals should invest in their own futures rather than relying on public funds. Additionally, governments have limited budgets and must prioritize essential services like healthcare and infrastructure.
Conversely, proponents of free university education contend that it benefits society as a whole. Educated individuals contribute more to the economy and are less likely to rely on social welfare. Moreover, without financial barriers, universities can attract a more diverse student body, promoting social mobility. Governments invest in education to create a skilled workforce that drives economic growth.
In my view, a balanced approach is optimal. Governments should subsidize tuition fees but not eliminate them entirely. This approach ensures that education remains accessible while still encouraging personal responsibility.
Scoring Breakdown
| Band 8.0 | The contentious issue of whether governments should fund university tuition fees warrants careful examination of both viewpoints before reaching a conclusion.
Opponents of government-funded higher education posit that individuals should bear the financial burden of their academic pursuits. This stance is underpinned by the meritocratic principle that those who benefit directly from education should finance it. Furthermore, the private sector often funds vocational training, suggesting that higher education could similarly be privatized. Proponents of this view argue that unlimited public funding for universities could lead to fiscal irresponsibility and higher tax burdens.
Conversely, advocates for free university education contend that it yields substantial societal benefits. A well-educated populace fosters innovation, drives economic growth, and reduces income inequality. Additionally, governments invest in primary and secondary education, so extending this investment to tertiary education seems logical. Without financial barriers, universities can cultivate a more diverse and talented student body, enriching the learning environment and promoting social mobility.
In my estimation, a pragmatic solution lies in targeted subsidies. Governments should focus funding on high-demand fields like STEM, where the societal return on investment is most evident. For other disciplines, a tiered tuition system could balance accessibility with fiscal responsibility.
Scoring Breakdown
| Band 9.0 | The debate surrounding government financing of university tuition fees is multifaceted, with compelling arguments on both sides. A nuanced analysis reveals that while individual responsibility is important, societal benefits warrant public investment in higher education.
Critics of government-funded university education argue that individuals should finance their own academic pursuits. This perspective is rooted in the belief that higher education confers significant private benefits, including enhanced earning potential and career advancement. Furthermore, the privatization of higher education could foster market efficiency, as universities would compete for students and optimize resource allocation. Additionally, unlimited public funding might lead to inflation in tuition fees and reduce the incentive for universities to control costs.
However, proponents of free university education present a persuasive counterargument. They contend that higher education generates substantial positive externalities, such as increased civic engagement, innovation, and economic productivity. A highly educated workforce attracts multinational corporations, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Moreover, governments already invest heavily in primary and secondary education, so extending this investment to tertiary education is a logical progression. Financial barriers often disproportionately affect disadvantaged students, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
In my view, the optimal policy would involve targeted subsidies combined with means-tested financial aid. Governments should prioritize funding for high-demand fields and students from low-income backgrounds. This approach balances individual responsibility with societal benefits, ensuring that higher education remains accessible and financially sustainable.
Scoring Breakdown
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Collocation | |----------------|--------------|----------------------| | Contentious | Controversial, debated | contentious issue | Warrant | Justify, require | warrant examination | Posit | Assert, propose | posit that | Underpinned | Supported, based on | underpinned by the principle | Meritocratic | Based on merit | meritocratic principle | Privatized | Made private | privatized education | Fiscal | Financial | fiscal irresponsibility | Yields | Produces, results in | yields benefits | Substantial | Significant | substantial benefits | Cultivate | Develop, nurture | cultivate a student body | Pragmatic | Practical, sensible | pragmatic solution | Tiered | Divided into levels | tiered tuition system | Nuanced | Subtle, detailed | nuanced analysis | Rooted in | Based on | rooted in the belief | Confers | Grants, bestows | confers benefits | Optimize | Make the best use of | optimize resource allocation | Positive externalities | Benefits to society | positive externalities | Civic engagement | Citizen participation | increased civic engagement | Multinational corporations | Large international companies | attract multinational corporations | Means-tested | Based on financial need | means-tested financial aid
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