This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic ofuniversity education and whether or not governments should make it free for students of all financial backgrounds.
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IELTS Essay: University Education
Some people believe that everyone has a right to have access to university education and that governments should make it free for all students no matter what financial background they have.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many today would argue that higher education is a basic right that should extend to all, regardless of socioeconomic background. In my opinion, I largely disagree since there is more value in improving the relationships between social classes.
Supporters of this policy point out that every taxpayer is entitled to equal treatment. Those who are wealthy typically receive little financial support from the government unless if they have earned a prestigious scholarship. However, such families pay taxes at far higher rates than the average citizen. They have contributed greatly to the federal budget and it is only just that they should receive an equal allocation of their share of government disbursement for university. Without financial aid, these individuals may feel they are being unfairly treated simply because they are more successful.
Although I recognize the legitimate merits to the argument above, I would generally side with those who believe a system that takes into account financial differences is more sustainable. If average families are not allocated the majority of funding for higher education, then they may not be able to attend these schools at all. This risk does not exist for the more affluent. Over time, this could have dire ramifications on society. The general populace might feel that upward social mobility is nearly impossible and become demotivated. They may also begin to resent the government and higher classes, creating the conditions for social unrest.
In conclusion, despite calls for fairness under the law, certain distinctions should be made for the betterment of society on the whole. Government policy should be aimed at equality of opportunity rather than a reductive understanding of equality.
Analysis
1. Many today would argue that higher education is a basic right that should extend to all, regardless of socioeconomic background. 2. In my opinion, I largely disagree since there is more value in improving the relationships between social classes.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Supporters of this policy point out that every taxpayer is entitled to equal treatment. 2. Those who are wealthy typically receive little financial support from the government unless if they have earned a prestigious scholarship. 3. However, such families pay taxes at far higher rates than the average citizen. 4. They have contributed greatly to the federal budget and it is only just that they should receive an equal allocation of their share of government disbursement for university. 5. Without financial aid, these individuals may feel they are being unfairly treated simply because they are more successful.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Vary long and short sentences.
1. Although I recognize the legitimate merits to the argument above, I would generally side with those who believe a system that takes into account financial differences is more sustainable. 2. If average families are not allocated the majority of funding for higher education, then they may not be able to attend these schools at all. 3. This risk does not exist for the more affluent. 4. Over time, this could have dire ramifications on society. 5. The general populace might feel that upward social mobility is nearly impossible and become demotivated. 6. They may also begin to resent the government and higher classes, creating the conditions for social unrest.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Develop the example fully.
State the results as well.
1. In conclusion, despite calls for fairness under the law, certain distinctions should be made for the betterment of society on the whole. 2. Government policy should be aimed at equality of opportunity rather than a reductive understanding of equality.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many today would argue that higher education is a basic right that should extend to all, regardless of socioeconomic background. In my opinion, I largely disagreesince there is more value in improving the relationships between social classes.
Supporters of this policy point out that every taxpayer is entitled to equal treatment. Those who are wealthy typically receive little financial support from the government unless if they have earned a prestigious scholarship. However, such families pay taxes at far higher rates than the average citizen. They have contributed greatly to the federal budget and it is only just that they should receive an equal allocation of their share of government disbursement for university. Without financial aid, these individuals may feel they are being unfairly treated simply because they are more successful.
Although I recognize the legitimate merits to the argument above, I would generally side with those who believe a system that takes into account financial differences is more sustainable. If average families are not allocated the majority of funding for higher education, then they may not be able to attend these schools at all. This risk does not exist for the more affluent. Over time, this could have dire ramifications on society. The general populace might feel that upward social mobility is nearly impossible and become demotivated. They may also begin to resent the government and higher classes, creating the conditions for social unrest.
In conclusion, despite calls for fairness under the law, certain distinctions should be made for the betterment of society on the whole. Government policy should be aimed at equality of opportunityrather than a reductive understanding of equality.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
argue claim
higher education university
basic right fundamental ability
extend also include
regardless of nonetheless
socioeconomic background where you come from and how rich or poor you are
largely disagreesince mostly not in agreement because
value importance
improving getting better
relationships between social classes interpersonal bonds in society
supporters people who think this is true
policy reform
point out argue
taxpayer citizen
entitled to are allowed to
equal treatment fair handling
wealthy rich
typically receive usually get
financial support money given
unless in the case that
earned made
prestigious scholarship money to go to school
taxes money paid to the government
far higher rates much bigger figures
average citizen normal person
contributed greatly added a lot to
federal budget money for the government to spend
just fair (justice)
equal allocation the same for all
share amount for each person/group
disbursement sending out of money
without financial aid no support
unfairly treated not given the same consideration
recognize understand
legitimate merits real benefits
argument ideas
generally side with overall agree with
system how things are run, organized
takes into account considers
financial differences class differences
sustainable can continue in the future
allocated given to each area
majority most of
funding money
higher education university
attend go to
risk the threat of
affluent rich
dire ramifications bad effects
general populace people
upward social mobility rising in society
nearly impossible can’t happen
demotivated discouraged
resent be angry about
higher classes richer people
conditions circumstances
social unrest people unhappy
despite calls regardless of people asking for
fairness everything equal and according to the rules
certain distinctions some differences
betterment making better
on the whole overall
government policy what the government decides to do
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Many today would a______e that h____________________n is a b___________t that should e_________d to all, r________________f s____________________________d. In my opinion, I l_________________es_______e there is more v_______e in i___________g the r_________________________n s_____________s.
S______________s of this p_________y p_____________t that every t___________r is e_____________o e_________________t. Those who are w_______y t________________e little f___________________t from the government u_______s if they have e______d a p_______________________p. However, such families pay t________s at f__________________s than the a______________n. They have c_____________________y to the f___________________t and it is only j_____t that they should receive an e___________________n of their s______e of government d____________________t for university. W____________________d, these individuals may feel they are being u_______________d simply because they are more successful.
Although I r____________e the l____________________s to the a___________t above, I would g___________________h those who believe a s________m that t_______________________t f______________________s is more s_____________e. If average families are not a____________d the m__________y of f__________g for h________________n, then they may not be able to a____d these schools at all. This r___k does not exist for the more a__________t. Over time, this could have d___________________s on society. The g____________________e might feel that u____________________y is n_________________e and become d___________________d. They may also begin to r_________t the government and h_______________s, creating the c_____________s for s___________t.
In conclusion, d____________s for f____________s under the law, c_______________s should be made for the b____________t of society o_____________e. G__________________y should be a_____d at e______________________yr__________n a r________e understanding of equality.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
Speaking Practice
Practice with the following topics below from IELTS speaking:
IELTS Task 2 Question Types: Opinion Essays (Agree or Disagree)
Some believe that tackling environmental issues should be managed by a global organization instead of being handled individually by national governments.
Many people consider shopping malls as great places to spend their leisure time and meet others. People in the past, however, visited shopping malls only when necessary.
To what extent do you think this is a negative trend?
Interviews form the basic selecting criteria for most large companies. However, some people think that the interview is not a reliable method of choosing whom to employ.
Long distance flight consumes the amount of fuel that a car uses for many years and pollutes the air. Some people think that we should discourage non-essential flights, such as tourists travel, rather than limit the use of cars.
Caring for children is probably the most important job in any society. Because of this, all mothers and fathers should be required to take a course that prepares them to be good parents.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Individual greed and selfishness have been the basis of modern society. Some people think that we must return to older more traditional values such as respect for the and the local community in order to create a better world to live in.
In today’s digital age, anyone with a smartphone can capture and share photographs. this accessibility to photography diminishes the value of professional photographers.
The demand for coaching services has grown significantly in the digital age, with online coaching platforms becoming prevalent. Some now feel online coaching is a superior option to in-person coach.
Schools should focus on academic success and passing examinations. Skills such as cookery, dressmaking and woodworking should not be taught at school as it is better to learn these from family.
The best way to reduce poverty in developing countries is by giving up to six years of free education, so that they can at least read, write and use numbers.
Nowadays, distance-learning programs have gained in popularity, but some people argue that online courses can never be taken as good as those taken at a college or university in person.
Although it is generally illegal, physical punishment continues in many countries. Some argue that parents should have the right to punish their children in this way.
Prison is the common way most countries try to solve the problem of crime. However, a more effective solution is to provide the public a better education.
Some people claim that not enough waste from homes is recycled and that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement.
There are different customs in different countries related to how people eat, dress, and so on. Some think that people visiting a country should behave according to customs of the country they visit.
Some people say that at all levels of education, from primary school to university, too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills.
Smoking is a major cause of serious illness and death throughout the world today. In the interest of the public health, governments should ban cigarettes and other tobacco products.
It is a natural process for animal species to become extinct (e.g. dinosaurs, dodos, etc.). There is no reason why people should try to prevent this from happening.
Some people believe that wild animals should not be kept in zoos or other man-made environments as there is no longer a need for them in the 21st century.
Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar.
Instead of requiring primary school students to do experiments themselves, schools should only alllow them to watch experiments demonstrated by teachers.
Studies show that crime rates are lower among those with educational degrees. Therefore, the best way to reduce the crime rate is to educate criminals while they are still in prison.
There are different customs in different countries related to how people eat, dress, and so on. Some think that people visiting a country should behave according to customs of the country they visit.
Some people believe that the government should spend more money putting in more works of art like paintings and statues in cities to make them better places to live in.
In the future, people may have to live on other planets. Some think that it is therefore important to spend money researching other planets such as Mars.
In many schools and universities today, women have a tendency to study the humanities (such as the arts and languages) while men more often major in science related subjects. Some believe this tendency should be changed.
Some people think that the news media has become much more influential in people’s lives today and it is a negative development. Do you agree or disagree?
People today often use the internet to learn about the culture of other countries. This means that it is not that important to travel to those countries.
Some countries are struggling with increases in crime rates. Some believe that having more police on the streets is best way to reduce and combat crime.
Some people say that school children should be mainly taught about the literature (e.g fiction and poetry) of their own country because it is more important than that of other countries.
Climate change is a phenomenon that affects countries all over the world. Many people strongly believe that it is the responsibility of individuals, rather than corporations and governments, to deal with this problem.
Here I have collected actual IELTS discussion essays (discuss both sides/views) from the last several years – enjoy learning about this common task type!
Some people think that the government should provide free public libraries in every town, while others think that this is a waste of money because people can access information on the internet.
Discuss both viewpoints and give your own opinion.
Some people think the government should subsidise fruits and vegetables to make healthy food more affordable. Others argue that the government should tax unhealthy food instead.
Some people believe that in the future, most cities will become unlivable due to pollution and overcrowding. Others think technological innovation will solve these problems.
Some people think that charity organizations should only offer help to people of their own country. But others believe that these organizations should give aid to people in great need wherever they live.
Some people think that when recruiting, companies should aim to take on people who are innovative and able to work independently while others consider they should recruit people who are able to work in a team and follow instructions.
Some people argue that parents should have a strong influence on their children’s choice of friends and life partners. Others believe that young people should make these decisions independently.
Some people think that the main benefit of international cooperation is in the protection of the environment, while others believe that businesses mainly benefit.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that young people should choose the jobs that they want, but other people think they should be more realistic and think more about their future.
Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Innovation is often driven by the pursuit of profit and economic growth. However, some argue that it should prioritize addressing social and environmental issues.
Some people think the manufacturers and shopping malls should sell fewer packaged products while others argue that people have the responsibility to buy products with less packaging.
Some people believe that professional athletes serve as positive role models for young people, while others argue that their behavior both on and off the field can have a negative influence.
The increasing availability of low-cost airlines now lets people travel around the world. Some feel this is a positive development while others think it is negative overall.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of oil drilling operations in remote locations around the world. This has brought economic benefits to some countries, though it has also raised concerns about the environmental impact of these operations.
Many university students want to learn about different subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others feel it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for their qualification.
As the number of cars increases, more money has to be spent on road systems. Some people think the government should pay for this. Others, however, think that drivers should cover the costs.
Some people believe that children of all ages should have extra responsibilities (for example, helping at home or at work). Others believe that, outside of school, children should be free to enjoy their lives.
Some argue that patriotism is the primary cause of wars globally. Others feel that it serves to prevent less ethical politicians from running a country and starting wars.
Some feel that punishment should focus more on rehabilitation instead of long prison terms. Others feel prison terms are important for social stability.
Some feel that individuals should try to assimilate completely to the country where they live while others feel it is more important to preserve their native culture.
Some people believe that car-free days are effective ways to reduce air pollution. However, others argue that there are other ways that are more effective.
Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
In an era of globalization, some people think that studying abroad is the best way to attain a well-paid job while others believe other options are better.
Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish.
Some people believe that the experiences children have before they go to school will have the greatest effect on their future life. Others argue that experiences gained when they are teenagers have a bigger influence.
Some people think that the government should strictly control the supply of fresh water, as it is a limited resource, while others it should not be regulated.
In some countries, there has been an increase in the number of advertisements which try to persuade children to buy snacks, toys, and other goods. Parents often claim that these ads are unfair.
Some people say that individuals should change jobs during their working life often while others believe that doing the same job has advantages to individuals, companies, and society.
Many people argue that in order to improve educational quality, high school students should encouraged to question and offer criticisms on their teachers. Others think this will lead to a loss of respect and discipline in the classroom.
Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn about current events. However, others believe that they can learn news better through other media.
Some people think that governments should give financial support to creative artists such as painters and musicians. Others believe that artists should be funded by alternative sources.
There is little difference in the shops now operating in various nations. Some people think this is positive development,while other believe it is negative.
Some people say that individuals who make a lot of money are the most successful. Others think that those who contribute to society like scientists and teachers are more successful.
Employers sometimes ask people applying for jobs for personal information, such as their hobbies and interests, and whether they are married or single. Some people say that this information may be relevant and useful. Others disagree.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Movies and computer games containing violence are popular. Some people say they have a negative effect on society and should be censored. Others say they are just harmless relaxation.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Many people believe that it is easier to have a healthy lifestyle in the countryside. Other believe that there are health benefits to living in cities.
Some people think that students in high or secondary school can choose courses freely, others think that courses such as mathematics must be compulsory.
Some people think children should have the freedom to make mistakes, while other people believe that adults should prevent children from making mistakes.
Some people believe that children should do sports so that they will grow up as healthy adults, but others feel sports are just about enjoying yourself.
Discuss these both views and give your own opinion.
Some people think the newly built houses should be the same as the old housing styles in local areas. Others argue that local authorities should allow people to build houses in their own style.
Some people think that famous people can help international aid organizations to draw attention to important problems. Others believe that the celebrities can make the problems seem less important.
Some believe that the Olympic games help bring people from different nations together, while others claim that holding the Olympics wastes money which could be used for important issues.
Some people believe the purpose of education should be helping the individual to become useful for society, while others believe it should help individuals to achieve their ambitions.
Some people say young people should be completely free to choose their future job but others think young people must be more realistic in their choice.
Some people believe that the experiences children have before they go to school will have the greatest effect on their future life. Others argue that experiences gained when they are teenagers have a bigger influence.
Some people say that supermarkets and manufacturers have a responsibility to reduce the amount of packaging on products they sell. Others believe that it is the consumer’s responsibility to avoid buying products which have a lot of packaging.
Many companies sponsor sports as a way of advertising themselves. Some people think this is good for the world of sport, while others think it is a negative.
Some people believe that there should be a fixed punishment for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment.
Some scientists believe that in the future computers will be more intelligent than human beings. While some see this as a positive development others worry about the negative consequences.
Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some think schools should rewards students who have the best academic results, while others think it’s more important to reward students who achieve other types of success (such as sports, music, and good behaviour).
Some believe that the best way to stay fit is to join a gym or health club while others think doing everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs is enough.
Some people argue that job satisfaction is more important than job security, while others believe that they cannot always expect job satisfaction and a permanent job is more important.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Many think that in today’s world it is very difficult for people to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Others, however, feel that it is easy for people to be healthy and fit if they want to be.
Most agree that we should be training children to recycle waste to preserve the Earth’s natural resources. However, some believe that it is parents who should teach their children to recycle waste while others feels schools are more responsible.
Some people say that it is acceptable to test medicine intended for people on animals. Others, however, believe that it is not right to use animals in this research.
Some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday matters (such as food, clothes and entertainment) is likely to result in a society of individuals who only think about their own wishes. Other people believe that it is important for children to make decisions about matters that affect them.
In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business, and the academic world. Others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people think that governments should invest mainly in making public transportation faster while other think there are more important priorities (cost, the environment).
Some people say history is one the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important than history.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people think that it is a waste of money for countries to host big sporting events like the world cup, and that the money would be better spent on other things. However, others think that hosting large sporting events has a clear, positive impact on a country.
I have listed here IELTS task 2 questions that contain two questions (double questions) from the real IELTS exam over the last few years – have fun learning about a common IELTS task type!
In numerous nations, there is a growing trend for individuals to frequently discuss financial matters, such as their earnings or expenditures, in everyday conversation.
Advanced technology has brought many beneficial changes to the world. However, some old people today struggle with the use of technologies such as mobile phones and the Internet.
How can the elderly benefit from using advanced technologies?
How can the elderly be encouraged to use consumer electronics more often?
More and more young people from wealthy countries are spending time in communities in poorer countries doing unpaid work such as teaching or building houses.
Why is this?
Who benefits more from this, the communities or these young people?
In recent times, economic growth has helped many become richer, both in developed and developing countries. However, those in developed countries are not as happy as they were in the past.
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