IELTS Writing Task 2 essay with model answer

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic

Some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs. Others believe there are much wider benefits of university for both individuals and society. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

There are many reasons why people attend university. It is an expensive financial investment with a number of benefits. While some individuals view higher education as a stepping stone to a good job, others believe it is beneficial for me the students themselves and their wider community. I agree with both views; I do not consider them to be mutually exclusive.

Firstly, there are a number of well remunerated professions that require a degree for entry. Examples are medicine, law and pharmacy. To become a doctor a student must cover the specific content and practical aspects required. This cannot be done without obtaining a degree in medicine. Additionally, there are a number of jobs that allow graduates to enter into the company at a higher level than non graduates. An example is the KPMG firm. A degree is one of the pre-requisites to becoming a senior partner at the firm. As a result, non graduates will have a glass ceiling they cannot break.

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Aside from jobs there are many skills and attributes that university students acquire during their undergraduate years. Firstly, the university environment pulls together a cross-section of society. This can include international students and people from different faiths and cultures. Often this will foster an appreciation for other communities and in the long-run create a more tolerant society.

Further, the university experience requires individuals to be independents and self-motivated. This is because work is often self directed. The result of this is the development of a number of independent and useful members of society.

After considering a number of factors I feel university education has a wide range of advantage for both individuals and society as a whole.

Total Words: 250

Task Achievement: 8

Coherence & Cohesion: 8

Lexical resources: 8

Grammar: 8

Overall Score: Band 8

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