IELTS HUBIELTS Agree Disagree Essay on Education & Money & Society
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people believe that university students should pay all the costs of studies because university education only benefits students themselves, not society as a whole.
To what extent Do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase topic (students pay because only they benefit). State disagreement with the idea that benefits are only for students, while acknowledging student benefits.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Acknowledge the view that university benefits students: Specific knowledge/skills for personal development and career progression (medical example), financial future, personal satisfaction. Enhance critical thinking/problem-solving (philosophy example).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Argue against the student-only benefit view: Graduates contribute to the economy (start businesses, create jobs). University education often produces socially responsible citizens (empathy, social justice, social reform - sociology example).
Conclusion
Summarize main points: Students gain knowledge/skills, but benefits are not confined to them. Restate opinion: Economic contributions and social awareness of graduates demonstrate wider societal benefits.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
Some people believe that university students should pay for their education entirely because they are the only ones who benefit from it, not society as a whole. While I agree that university education provides significant advantages to students, I disagree that these benefits do not extend to society.
Undoubtedly, university education provides students with specific knowledge and skills, leading to personal development and career progression. For example, a medical student gains the expertise to diagnose and treat illnesses, leading to a successful healthcare career. This specialized knowledge not only secures the student's financial future but also boosts their personal satisfaction and self-esteem. Additionally, university education enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. A philosophy student, for instance, learns to dissect complex issues and form logical arguments, skills that are beneficial in any job.
However, the idea that university education benefits only the students is too simplistic. Firstly, university graduates often significantly contribute to the economy. A graduate who starts a successful business creates job opportunities and stimulates economic growth, benefiting society as a whole. This entrepreneurial success, enabled by the skills and knowledge acquired at university, goes beyond the individual. Secondly, university education often produces socially responsible citizens. Students exposed to various ideas and cultures are likely to develop empathy and a sense of social justice. A sociology student, for example, may be motivated to work towards social reform, thus contributing to societal improvement.
In conclusion, while I agree that university education equips students with specific knowledge and critical thinking skills, I reject the idea that its benefits are confined to the students themselves. The economic contributions of university graduates and the social awareness often nurtured by university education clearly demonstrate its wider societal benefits.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
There exists a perspective that university students should shoulder the entire financial burden of their education, as it is believed that the benefits of such education are exclusive to the students themselves, not the society at large. While I concur that university education indeed confers significant benefits to the students, I disagree with the assertion that these benefits are not extended to society.
University education undeniably equips students with specialized knowledge and skills, which can lead to personal growth and career advancement. For instance, a student studying medicine acquires the necessary expertise to diagnose and treat diseases, which can lead to a successful career in healthcare. This specialized knowledge not only ensures the student's financial stability but also contributes to their personal satisfaction and self-esteem. Furthermore, university education fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. A student of philosophy, for example, learns to analyze complex issues and develop reasoned arguments, skills that are invaluable in any professional setting.
However, the claim that the benefits of university education are confined to the students themselves is overly simplistic. Firstly, university graduates often contribute significantly to the economy. A graduate who establishes a successful business, for example, generates employment opportunities and stimulates economic growth, benefiting society as a whole. This entrepreneurial success, facilitated by the skills and knowledge gained at university, thus extends beyond the individual. Secondly, university education often cultivates socially responsible citizens. Students exposed to diverse ideas and cultures are likely to develop empathy and a sense of social justice. A sociology student, for example, might be inspired to work towards social reform, thereby contributing to societal betterment.
In conclusion, while I agree that university education provides students with specialized knowledge and critical thinking skills, I refute the notion that its benefits are limited to the students themselves. The economic contributions of university graduates and the social consciousness often fostered by university education are clear indications of its broader societal benefits.