IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 589 - The government should pay the costs of running universities
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people say that the government should pay the costs of running universities so that a university education will be free for anyone who wants it.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Disagreement]
Some people express their view that the government should cover the course fees for all university students. I disagree with this opinion because I believe that while access to education is important, the responsibility of funding higher education should not be carried out only by the government.
One reason why I disagree with the idea is the potential strain it could place on public finances. Providing free education at the tertiary level is a significant financial commitment, and the government may struggle to allocate sufficient funds to ensure quality education across all disciplines. This could result in budgetary constraints and limited resources, ultimately affecting the quality of education provided. For example, if the government were to fully fund university education, it might lead to reduced funding for other crucial sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, or social welfare programmes.
Another important consideration is the principle of personal responsibility and accountability. By making individuals contribute financially to their education, they become more invested in their learning and future prospects. This encourages a sense of ownership and commitment, fostering a greater motivation to succeed academically. For instance, students who take on part-time jobs or seek scholarships to contribute towards their education are often more driven and dedicated to achieving their academic goals.
In conclusion, while the idea of the government covering course fees for all university students may seem appealing, I believe that it is not a practical solution. By allowing students to pay for their tertiary education, the state can ensure a more equitable and sustainable higher education system.
Sample Answer 2: [Agreement]
Education is the backbone of a nation, and the development of a country largely depends on its educational policy. The high cost of university education is still a reason many talented individuals cannot afford a university degree, and I strongly believe that it should be the government’s responsibility to make university education free for all.
First, the government has a huge budget for the development of the education sector, and the money could be better utilised by ensuring university education for talented individuals. The difficult admission process at the university level selects only talented students to take part in university education, and they should be backed up by government funds to let them concentrate on their studies. In order to encourage graduate students and professionals to further their education, the government should pay for their courses as it would bring more benefits in the future for the country. Many European countries have already implemented this method, and they have a huge number of skilled professionals who not only serve the country but also the whole world.
More importantly, when citizens are assured that the government will bear the cost of their children’s university education, they are generally more interested in preparing their children for the university degree rather than sending them to work and earn. This would have a significant positive effect on the education level of the whole country. By supporting university course fees, the government would create more skilled professionals, and without them, the development of the nation is quite impossible in this ever-accelerating era of science and technology.
In conclusion, paying for the university course fees by the government is indeed an effective measure for ensuring quality education for talented individuals and for an overall progress of a nation. So I reaffirm that university education costs should be paid by the government.
Exact/ Almost Similar topic:
Some people think that the government should make university education free for all students, regardless of their financial situation.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Sample Answer 1: [Disagreement]
In recent years, the cost of higher education has become a major concern for students and their families. Some people argue that the government should take steps to make university education free for all learners. I disagree with this proposition as I think that while there are certainly advantages to making university education free for all, it is ultimately not a feasible or practical solution.
To begin with, it would be extremely expensive for the government to make university education totally free, and that would require significant increases in taxation. This could lead to a number of negative economic consequences, such as reduced investment and innovation. The increasing tax burden would reduce the purchasing capacity of the lower-middle class making life harder for them.
Secondly, when university education would be free, it could lead to a devaluation of degrees, as more people would hold them, reducing their value in the job market. This would impact the employment rates and overall job sector in a country.
Finally, it could also lead to a reduced quality of education, as universities would not have the same financial resources to invest in teaching and research. As universities need a huge amount of fund which they mostly get from tuition fees paid by the pupils, they would lack basic fund when the government fail to pay them the huge amount at the right moment. This would reduce education quality over the long run.
In conclusion, while state-funded university education for all students is a dream for many, it is ultimately not a practical solution. Instead, governments should focus on creating financial aid programmes that help to reduce the burden of student debt for those who need it most, while still maintaining the value and quality of higher education.
Model Answer 2: [Agreement]
The accessibility and affordability of higher education have become crucial topics of discussion in recent years. Some people advocate for government-funded free university education for all students, regardless of their financial situation, and I strongly agree with this view. By making higher education universally accessible, we can foster social mobility, and promote economic growth.
One compelling reason to support the idea of free university education is that it provides equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their financial background. Education is a fundamental right, and it should not be limited by financial constraints. By removing the financial burden associated with university education, students from low-income families can pursue their academic aspirations without the fear of crippling student debt. For example, in countries where university education is free, such as Germany and Norway, students from all backgrounds have equal access to quality education, which has a positive impact on social cohesion and upward social mobility.
Another benefit of free university education is the positive impact it has on the economy. When education is accessible to all, it leads to a more educated and skilled workforce. This, in turn, drives economic growth and innovation. By investing in human capital through free education, governments can ensure a highly skilled workforce that can contribute to the development of industries and sectors critical to the country's economy. For instance, countries like Finland and Sweden have invested in free university education and have seen positive outcomes in terms of innovation, research, and economic competitiveness.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that the government should provide free university education to all students, regardless of their financial situation. By removing the financial barriers, we can ensure equal opportunities, promote economic growth, and foster a more equitable society.
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