IELTS Writing Task 2: University Tuition Fees — Band 6/7/8/9 Samples

Full Prompt

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

Model Answers

Band 6 Answer

Text:

In my opinion, university tuition fees should not be abolished. First, universities need money to operate and provide quality education. If there are no tuition fees, the government will have to pay for everything, which is not practical. Second, students who pay for their education tend to take it more seriously. If education is free, some students might not value it as much.

However, I understand that some people think tuition fees are unfair because not everyone can afford them. This can lead to inequality in education. But, there are other ways to help students, like scholarships and loans. In conclusion, abolishing tuition fees is not the best solution.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a clear position but with some irrelevant points.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some abrupt transitions.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and limited vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Contains frequent grammatical errors but is generally understandable.

Band 7 Answer

Text:

The issue of university tuition fees is a contentious one. I firmly believe that abolishing these fees would be detrimental to the quality of higher education. Universities rely heavily on tuition fees to fund their operations, including faculty salaries, research, and infrastructure. Without this revenue, universities would struggle to maintain high standards.

Moreover, tuition fees encourage students to take their education seriously. When students invest financially in their education, they are more likely to be committed to their studies. This is not to say that free education would not be valuable, but it could lead to a devaluation of the educational experience.

That said, I acknowledge that high tuition fees can create barriers for students from low-income families. However, solutions like need-based scholarships and student loans can help mitigate this issue. In conclusion, while tuition fees may seem unfair, they are necessary for maintaining the quality of higher education.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some repetition.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.

Band 8 Answer

Text:

The abolition of university tuition fees is a topic that has sparked considerable debate. In my view, while the idea of free higher education is appealing, it is not a viable solution. Universities require substantial funding to provide quality education, and tuition fees are a significant source of this revenue. Without these fees, universities would face financial constraints that could compromise the quality of education they offer.

Furthermore, tuition fees serve as a motivator for students. When students invest financially in their education, they are more likely to be committed to their studies and achieve better outcomes. This is not to suggest that free education would not be beneficial, but it could lead to a lack of seriousness among some students.

However, it is undeniable that high tuition fees can create financial barriers for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. To address this, governments should implement comprehensive financial aid programs, including scholarships and low-interest loans. In conclusion, while tuition fees may seem unfair, they are necessary for maintaining the quality and value of higher education.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, and develops them fully.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression of ideas.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items used appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors but generally accurate.

Band 9 Answer

Text:

The proposition that university tuition fees should be abolished is a contentious one, and while it has its merits, I contend that the benefits of maintaining these fees outweigh the drawbacks. Universities are complex institutions that require substantial financial resources to operate effectively. Tuition fees constitute a significant portion of this revenue, enabling universities to attract and retain highly qualified faculty, invest in cutting-edge research, and provide state-of-the-art facilities.

Moreover, tuition fees serve as a powerful incentive for students to take their education seriously. When students invest financially in their education, they are more likely to be committed to their studies and achieve better outcomes. This is not to suggest that free education would not be beneficial, but it could lead to a lack of seriousness among some students, ultimately devaluing the educational experience.

That said, I am acutely aware that high tuition fees can create significant financial barriers for students from low-income families. However, targeted financial aid programs, such as need-based scholarships and low-interest loans, can help mitigate this issue. In conclusion, while tuition fees may seem unfair, they are a necessary evil in the pursuit of maintaining high-quality higher education.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, and develops them fully and effectively.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression of ideas and a logical structure.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items used appropriately and naturally.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with a high degree of accuracy and sophistication.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Abolish (विलोप करना): To do away with a system, practice, or institution.

• Example: