IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essay: Technology in Schools – High Band Tips
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Recent IELTS Exam Question:
Some people say that schools must provide technology to students. Do you agree or disagree?
In IELTS Writing Task 2, candidates are often asked to discuss whether education should be free for everyone. This to what extent do you agree or disagree question tests your ability to present a clear argument, support it with examples, and use formal academic language. This post provides a detailed breakdown, essay planning, key vocabulary, and three high-band sample essays: agree only, disagree only, and balanced approach.
Question Breakdown
- Topic: Education policy, accessibility, and equality
- Task Type: To what extent do you agree or disagree
- Focus Areas: Free education vs paid education, social and economic implications
- Task: Take a clear position and support it with two main reasons, examples, and a conclusion
Essay Planning
Option 1 – Agree: Education should be free for everyone
Body Paragraph 1: Free education promotes equality and social mobility.
Body Paragraph 2: It benefits society by creating a more educated workforce and reducing poverty.
Option 2 – Disagree: Education should not be entirely free
Body Paragraph 1: Completely free education may reduce the quality of teaching and infrastructure.
Body Paragraph 2: Financial contributions from students can encourage responsibility and motivation.
Option 3 – Balanced Approach
Body Paragraph 1: Basic education should be free to ensure equal opportunity for all.
Body Paragraph 2: Higher education can be partially funded by students, with scholarships and support for those in need.
Key Vocabulary & Language Elements
Vocabulary: universal education, accessibility, social mobility, scholarships, tuition fees, equality of opportunity, workforce development, lifelong learning, public education, educational funding
Cohesive Devices: Firstly, moreover, in addition, however, on the other hand, therefore, consequently
Agreement / Disagreement Phrases: I firmly agree, I completely disagree, undeniably, it is evident that, contrary to this belief
Sample High-Band Essays
1. Agree Only
Many people believe that education should be free for everyone, and I strongly agree with this view. Free education promotes equality and provides opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their economic background.
Firstly, free education ensures equality and social mobility. Children from low-income families can access the same learning opportunities as those from wealthier households, reducing the gap between social classes. For example, countries that offer free primary and secondary education have higher literacy rates and more equitable societies.
Moreover, a well-educated population benefits society as a whole. Free education produces a skilled workforce, reduces unemployment, and drives economic development. Additionally, it can help break the cycle of poverty, enabling future generations to access better opportunities.
In conclusion, providing free education for everyone is essential for social equality and national development. Governments should prioritise investment in education to ensure that all citizens can realise their potential.
2. Disagree Only
While some argue that education should be free for everyone, I completely disagree. Making education entirely free may compromise quality and reduce the sense of responsibility among students.
Firstly, fully free education can strain resources and reduce the quality of teaching and facilities. Schools and universities rely on funding to maintain standards, hire qualified teachers, and provide essential learning materials. Without financial contributions, institutions may struggle to deliver effective education.
In addition, students who contribute financially are often more motivated and responsible in their studies. Tuition fees encourage individuals to value education and invest effort in achieving academic success. Removing this incentive may lead to complacency and decreased academic performance.
In conclusion, while free education is desirable in principle, making it entirely free for all may have negative consequences. A balanced funding system that maintains quality and accountability is more effective.
3. Balanced Approach
There is debate over whether education should be free for everyone. While I believe basic education should be accessible to all, higher education may require partial funding, supplemented by scholarships for students in need.
Providing free primary and secondary education ensures that every child has equal opportunities to learn essential skills. This approach promotes literacy, social mobility, and long-term economic growth by equipping citizens with foundational knowledge.
However, higher education can be expensive and resource-intensive. Students who contribute partially to tuition fees are more likely to be motivated, while financial aid and scholarships ensure that talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds are not excluded. This model balances quality, equity, and accountability.
In conclusion, basic education should be free to guarantee equal access, while higher education can adopt a hybrid funding model. This strategy ensures both inclusivity and high standards in learning.
Final Tips for IELTS Candidates
- Choose your stance (agree, disagree, or balanced) and maintain it consistently.
- Use two clear reasons in two body paragraphs for coherence and clarity.
- Support arguments with examples and real-world scenarios.
- Incorporate topic-specific vocabulary and cohesive devices naturally.
- Demonstrating a balanced approach can improve task response and overall band score.
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