IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay: Education and students

In today’s world, obtaining higher education is becoming more and more important for individuals to achieve success in their careers. However, there is an ongoing debate on whether students should pay their full university fees themselves, or if society as a whole should bear the cost. In my opinion, I disagree with the statement that students should pay their full university fees themselves, as the benefits of university studies extend far beyond just the individual, and impact society as a whole.

On the one hand, it can be argued that students should bear the cost of their education since they are the ones directly benefitting from it. University studies help individuals gain knowledge, skills, and experience that can be applied to their future careers. With better job prospects and higher salaries, individuals who obtain higher education can also contribute to the economy by paying more taxes. In addition, students who have paid for their own education may value their degree more, and be more motivated to work hard and achieve their goals.

However, the benefits of university studies go beyond just the individual. Higher education leads to the creation of a more knowledgeable and skilled workforce, which in turn leads to economic growth and development. This benefits society as a whole by increasing the standard of living and reducing poverty levels. Additionally, university education enables individuals to develop critical thinking skills, which can be applied to social and political issues. This helps to create a more informed and engaged citizenry, which is essential for the functioning of a democratic society.

Furthermore, there are some individuals who are unable to pay for their education, but who have the potential to contribute greatly to society. If these individuals are denied the opportunity to obtain a higher education due to financial constraints, society as a whole suffers from their absence in the workforce and in other spheres of life.

In conclusion, although it can be argued that students should pay their full university fees themselves, the benefits of university studies extend beyond just the individual and impact society as a whole. Therefore, I disagree with the statement and believe that society as a whole should bear the cost of higher education in order to create a more educated, informed, and prosperous society.

Vocabulary words:

  1. Obtaining: (verb) to get or acquire something, often by making an effort
  2. Ongoing: (adjective) continuing, developing or happening over a period of time
  3. Bear: (verb) to take responsibility for something; to pay for something
  4. Prospects: (noun) chances or possibilities, especially for success or advancement
  5. Salaries: (noun) regular payments made by an employer to an employee in exchange for work done
  6. Contribute: (verb) to give something, especially money or time, in order to achieve or support something
  7. Economy: (noun) the system of producing and distributing goods and services in a country or region
  8. Valuable: (adjective) something that is useful or important
  9. Motivated: (adjective) inspired, driven, or determined to do something
  10. Development: (noun) the process of growing, changing, or improving over time
  11. Critical thinking: (noun) the process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication
  12. Informed: (adjective) having or showing knowledge of a particular subject or situation
  13. Engaged: (adjective) actively involved in or committed to something

Linkers:

  1. In my opinion: used to express a personal viewpoint or opinion
  2. On the one hand: used to introduce the first of two contrasting or opposing points
  3. However: used to introduce a contrasting or opposing point to one that has been made previously
  4. Beyond just the individual: used to indicate that something is not limited to just one person or thing, but has a wider impact or influence
  5. This benefits: used to indicate a positive outcome or result
  6. Additionally: used to add another point to what has been previously stated
  7. Furthermore: used to introduce an additional point that is connected to what has been previously stated
  8. In conclusion: used to summarize or bring a final point to a discussion or essay.

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