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

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

It is often believed that higher education at the university level primarily prepares a person for a better, high-paying job. However, I firmly believe that this is a very narrow-minded perspective of looking at the benefits of university education because the advantages are not only confined to the concerned individual; but the society, at large, also benefits in several ways.

On the one hand, it cannot be refuted that in today's materialistic world, the issue of financial security and a high-paying job is the major determinant which goods most students to pursue higher studies in acclaimed universities. There are many reasons for this. Firstly, all professional white collar jobs of doctors, lawyers, and professors need university education after high school to pursue their respective streams. Secondly, higher qualifications ensure a better pay package. For example, the annual enumeration of a university graduate will definitely be more than that of a high school pass out. Similarly, even professionals pursue management degree from prestigious universities to climb up the corporate ladder. 

On the other hand, from a wider perspective, the merits of university education are not restricted to the individual's income. Firstly, it allows the student to meet different people from diverse ethnicities cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. This, in turn, helps to develop a more tolerant approach towards other fellow human beings and decreases the incidents of cultural intolerances which often knock out the peace of the world. Secondly, university education teaches a student to become self-reliant and independent. More often than not, most people have to live in hostels at the university and hostel life helps to develop money management skills and prepares the individuals to face the world. Last but not the least, this widens the horizons of a student's knowledge and such a responsible human being helps in contributing to a society in a positive way. To illustrate, in today's world, where hate crimes are becoming more and more common, university education will help in the overall development of a student's outlook towards his fellow human beings.

Submit Task For Review ($15)

In conclusion, I firmly believe that higher studies in university clearly benefit the individual and society. These advantages go beyond just monetary gains from higher-paying jobs which university education ensures.

Total Words: 368

Task Achievement: 9

Coherence & Cohesion: 9

Lexical resources: 9

Grammar: 9

Overall Score: Band 9

For unlimited feedback with speaking and writing tasks sign up for IELTS Twenty20 Online Course today!

Study 20 minutes a day for 20 days and Ace the IELTS exam.