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IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structures

The four most common IELTS writing Task 2 questions are: Opinion, Advantages and Disadvantages, Problem and Solution Discussion

IELTS Task 2 Essay Structures

Knowing how to structure your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay is an essential skill that can make the difference between getting and not getting the band score you deserve. With that in mind, we have outlined the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 structures below.

Nearly all of my Task 2 essays follow this basic structure: The sentences you put in each paragraph will depend on what type of question you get.

The five most common IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are:

• Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Problem and Solution
• Discussion (Discuss both views)
• Two-part Question

Below I will outline examples and a structure approved by experienced IELTS teachers and examiners for each type of question. This will help you write a clear, coherent answer and hopefully boost your IELTS band score. I also include an example answer for each type of question so you can see the structure in a real essay.

Please note that these are general structures and may vary slightly depending on the question.

Please also note that no ‘one’ Task 2 essay structure will get you a high score. There are many types of structures that can get you a high score. These are just some I think are effective and easy to learn. 

Please visit the lessons below for more detailed guidance on each type of question. I have provided a link at the end of each section.

Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree) 

Typical Question Words –

What is your opinion?

Do you agree or disagree?

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Direct question.

Example Question –

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory in high school programmes (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).

Essay Structure 

Introduction 

1- Paraphrase Question

2- Give your opinion and outline the main ideas.

Main Body Paragraph 1 

1- Topic Sentence

2- Explain Topic Sentence

Main Body Paragraph 2

Conclusion 

1- Summary of main points and opinion

Student Sample Answer

It is argued that volunteering should be made part of the school curriculum. This essay agrees with that suggestion completely because it help pupils develop soft skills and helps them gain much-needed work experience.

Education should not be limited to strictly academic pursuits, and those in education should also develop life skills, such as teamwork, empathy and self-discipline, and one of the best ways to hone these aptitudes is through community service. Serving those less fortunate than ourselves teaches us many lessons, including how to work with people from other backgrounds and the value of hard work, thus enabling us to hone these skills before becoming an adult. For example, many young people from wealthier countries take a gap year and help those less fortunate than themselves to increase their gratitude for what they have and improve their work ethic.

Many colleges and companies are also increasingly looking for this type of experience. Most school leavers have the same grades, and charitable work can help set you apart from other students when making college applications. For example, Cambridge and Oxford receive thousands of applications from straight-A students yearly and can only accept a small percentage of applicants. What you have done outside the classroom often differentiates you from everyone else and gets you that coveted spot.

In conclusion, teenagers should be made to partake in unpaid work as part of their schooling because it will help them learn things they wouldn’t ordinarily learn from their teachers, and it will also boost their chances of getting into third-level education.

For more detail on how to answer agree or disagree questions, please visit our opinion essay lesson . 

Need help writing essays like this? Check out our ESSAY CORRECTION SERVICE .

Advantages and Disadvantages Questions

Typical Question Words 

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Example Question

Technology is being used more and more in education.

Essay Structure

2- Outline Main Points

Main Body Paragraph 1

1- State Two Advantages

2- Expand/Explain First Advantage

3- Expand/Explain Second Advantage

1- State Two Disadvantages

2- Expand/Explain First Disadvantage

3- Expand/Explain Second Disadvantage

1- Summary of Main Points

Student Sample Answer 

It is argued that technology plays an ever-increasing role in schools and universities. Increased access to information and student freedom are the main advantages, whereas dependency on technology and decreasing levels of face-to-face contact are the main disadvantages.

Access to more information and student autonomy are the principal advantages of increasing the use of electronic devices in education. With the internet, students can access all the information available about any topic, regardless of what books and other resources are available in the school. Furthermore, students can focus on whatever topic or subject they want and study it in depth. A prime example of this is the number of online university courses available to students, covering a myriad of subjects that, up until recently, were unavailable to most learners. This has resulted in more people studying third-level degrees than ever before at a pace and schedule that suits them.

The main disadvantages associated with the increasing use of technology in education are the dependency on this technology and the decrease in face-to-face interaction between students. With many students now using the internet as their primary source of information, they often struggle to use other academic resources to find what they’re looking for. As well as this, students spend more time looking at computer screens by themselves than interacting with each other, which is thought to lead to lower levels of emotional intelligence. For instance, the recent explosion in smartphone use has been at the expense of genuine human interaction. This results in soft skills, such as verbal communication and empathy, being affected.

In conclusion, the benefits technology brings to education, such as unrestricted access to information and student autonomy, must be weighed against the drawbacks, such as dependency on this technology and the negative effects on human interaction.

For more detail on how to answer advantage and disadvantage questions, please visit our  advantage and disadvantage lesson . 

Discuss Both Views Question (Discussion Essay)  

Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.

Example Question 

Technology is being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.

Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.

1- Paraphrase Question and/or state both viewpoints.

2- Thesis Statement

3- Outline Sentence

1- State first viewpoint

2- Discuss first viewpoint

3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint

4- Example to support your view

1- State second viewpoint

2- Discuss second viewpoint

Sentence 1- Summary

Sentence 2- State which one is better or more important

There is an ever-increasing use of technology, such as tablets and laptops, in the classroom. It is often argued that this is a positive development, whilst others disagree and think it will lead to adverse ramifications. This essay agrees that an increase in technology is beneficial to students and teachers.

The Internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before. This has allowed learners to research and learn about any subject at the touch of a button. It is therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile tool for education. Wikipedia is a prime example, where students can type in any keyword and gain access to in-depth knowledge quickly and easily.

However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction. Human interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate and empathy. Without these soft skills, many people find it difficult to become successful in work and their personal lives. Despite this, human interaction is still possible through the internet, and this essay disagrees that technology should be dismissed for this reason. For instance, Skype and Facebook allow people to interact in ways that were never before possible.

While the benefits of technology, particularly the internet, allow students to tap into limitless sources of information, some still feel that people should be wary of this new phenomenon and not allow it to curb face-to-face interaction. However, as long as we carefully consider the importance of human interaction in education, the educational benefits are clearly positive.

For more detail on how to answer discussion questions please visit our  discussion essay lesson . 

Problem and Solution Questions

Problem and solution.

Cause and solution.

Students are becoming more and more reliant on technology.

What are some of the problems associated with reliance on computers, and what are some of the possible solutions?

2- Outline Sentence

1- State Problems

2- Explain First Problem

3- Explain Second Problem

4- Example of Second Problem

1- State Solutions

2- Explain First Solution

3- Explain Second Solution

4- Example of Second Solution

Learners are becoming increasingly dependent on technology, such as the Internet and mobile devices. This essay believes the main problems associated with dependence on computers are the lack of original thought and copying original work from others and suggests critical thinking classes and writing analysis software as the most viable solutions.

The principal problems with over-reliance on technology are people being unable to think for themselves and plagiarism. With access to so much information, students often rely on other people’s opinions instead of forming their own. As well as this, they often use search engines to answer a question and copy the text from a website rather than thinking about the question. This practice is prohibited in schools and universities and stunts students’ intellectual development because they will never truly think for themselves, which is what university is supposed to be for. For example, many teachers complain that students copy web pages straight from Wikipedia word for word rather than giving a reasoned answer to their questions.

Solutions to these worrying problems are special classes to focus on critical thinking and teachers using anti-plagiarism software to detect copying. If teachers create situations where students have to infer meaning and express opinions based on a small amount of information, this will ensure that students have an opportunity to develop these skills. Also, if students know that their assignments are being checked for plagiarism, this will be enough to deter them from doing so. For instance, many universities already use this kind of software to scan coursework for plagiarism, and it could be extended to include all homework by learners in both secondary and tertiary education.

In conclusion, the main problems with the overuse of technology in education are the lack of original thought and plagiarism. These can be solved through special classes that teach students analytical skills and plagiarism detection software.

For more detail on how to answer problem and solution questions please visit our  problem and solution lesson . 

Two-Part Questions

There will normally be a statement, and they will then ask you to answer separate questions.

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.

What factor contributes to job satisfaction?

How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

2- Outline Sentence (mention both questions)

1- Answer first question directly

2- Explain why

3- Further explain

1- Answer second question directly

As most adults spend most of their time at work, being content with your career is a crucial part of a person’s health and happiness. This essay will first suggest fair pay as a key element leading to job satisfaction, and it will then state that it is not very likely that everyone can be happy with their job.

The most important thing that satisfies someone at work is being compensated fairly. If those more senior than you respect you as a person and the job you are doing, then you feel like you are valued. A fair salary and benefits are important marks of respect, and if you feel you are being underpaid, you will either resent your bosses or look for another job. These two factors came top of a recent job satisfaction survey conducted by Monster.com, which found that 72% of people were pleased with their current role if their superiors regularly told them they were appreciated.

With regard to the question of happiness for all workers, I think this is and always will be highly unlikely. The vast majority of people fail to reach their goals and end up working in a post they don’t really care about in return for a salary. This money is just enough to pay their living expenses which often means they are trapped in a cycle of disenchantment. For example, The Times recently reported that 89% of office workers would leave their jobs if they did not need the money.

In conclusion, being satisfied with your trade or profession is an important part of one’s well-being, and respect from one’s colleagues and fair pay can improve your level of happiness; however, job satisfaction for all workers is an unrealistic prospect.

Can I get a band 8 or 9 following these structures? 

Nobody can give you a Task 2 IELTS structure that guarantees high scores. Your score is dependent on how good your grammar and vocabulary are and how well you answer the question. A good structure will help you answer the question to some extent and boost your score for coherence and cohesion, but you must use relevant ideas and use these ideas well to answer the question.

You can see how my student scored a Band 8.5 in IELTS Writing here:

Next Steps 

We hope you found those IELTS Writing Task 2 structures useful. Looking for some more sample questions? Here are over 100 sample questions from past exam papers.

If you would personalised feedback and guidance until you get the score you need, you can join the Waiting List for my VIP Course here.

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My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.

I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.

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Education essay topics for IELTS writing task 2

Home  »  IELTS writing task 2 questions  »  Education essay topics for writing task 2 IELTS

Take a look at these sample Task 2 essay questions about education for your IELTS exam.

For an introduction on how to start IELTS writing task 2 click here .

• Some people think that a person improves intellectual skills better when doing group activities.  To what extent do you agree? Use specific details and examples to explain your view.
• Doing an enjoyable activity with a child can develop better skills and imagination than reading. To what extent do you agree? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.
• Students perform better in school when they are rewarded rather than punished.   To what extent do you agree or disagree?  Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Find the sample answer to this question here .
• Cramming and immersion are becomingly increasingly recognised methods of gaining knowledge in an area, other people disagree and say that only through lifelong learning can a subject be learnt. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
• University students nowadays have too much freedom and do not study enough. To what extent do you agree and disagree?  Explain your opinion, using specific reasons and examples.
• Things like puzzles, board games and pictures can contribute to a child’s development. What would you give a child to help him/her develop and why? Give details and examples in your explanation.
• Do you think it is better for students to work before their university studies?  Why? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice. Find the sample answer to this question here .
• Some people think that schools have to be more entertaining, while others think that their sole purpose is to educate.  Which do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
• Nowadays computer education is compulsory for your learners in most schools. Do you think this is necessary or will children acquire these skills naturally from their daily interaction with technology everywhere? Provide your opinion and use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
• Some people believe that children should do organised activities in their free time while others believe that children should be free to do what they want to do in their free time.  Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Find the sample answer to this question here .
• Compared to the past, more people are now studying abroad because it is more convenient and cheaper than before. Do you think this is beneficial to the foreign student’s home country? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
• Some people think that children should be homeschooled when they are very young while others think it is better for them to attend a kindergarten. Which do you think is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
• Tuition for healthy children usually has top priority in most countries. However, teaching students with disabilities or mental issues is more difficult and even more important to support and develop. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
• Computers have become so advanced and interactive that students in the future will have no need for a human educator in the classroom. Do you agree? Why or why not? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.
• In some countries, health care and education are only partially funded by the government. Some people argue that the government should be responsible for covering the full cost of these services. Do you support or oppose the opinion? Explain your position.
• Some students do very well at school and never have problems while others fall behind. Are they capable of handling this challenge themselves or should teachers and parents help them? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
• The internet has become so efficient and popular that many people rely on it for learning.  Some suggest that it could replace the use of books as the main source of knowledge for education. Do you support or oppose the opinion? Explain your position.
• What do you think is the best way to find a job: by gaining more knowledge and education or through more practical skills? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details.
• Do you think that education and training should be completely free or it is better to require fully paid tuition? Which way do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
• Students should be completely free to choose whether to study or play games. They should be allowed to manage their own time. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
• Some people think that real-life skills like cooking, housekeeping and gardening should be included in the curriculum as compulsory subjects. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your opinion, using specific reasons and details.
• Childcare has always been of primary concern and importance. Do you think that courses designed to help mothers are necessary or can they acquire the essential knowledge through personal experience? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
• Gaming is argued to have a bad influence on young children but some people think that it could have a positive effect on them as well. Which view do you agree with? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.
• Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? If students were given the choice between ‘not to study’ and ‘study most of the time’, they would choose ‘not to study’. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
• School curriculum is selected by the central education authority rather than by the teachers, parents and students. Some believe that the latter should take part in the choice. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
• In some countries, physical education is a compulsory subject for the leaving certificate. Some people suggest that this practice be abolished.  Which view do you agree with? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details.
• Many universities have introduced tests for evaluation rather than the old written exams based on lessons from books. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
• Some people say that school education is not useful and the essence of study can be acquired at home. Do you agree? Why or why not? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.
• Modern trends in early education focus on an array of practical school projects rather than developing traditional skills through maths, science and similar subjects. Which do you consider the better approach and why? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details.
• In recent years, online education is becoming more and more popular. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this phenomenon? Use specific details and examples to explain your opinion.

For a FREE ebook of our top 10 IELTS Band 9 essay samples in PDF, click here!

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IELTS Writing Task 2 – Topic: EDUCATION

ielts writing topics 2019

1.  As computers are being used more and more in education, there will be soon no role for teachers in the classroom.

Sample Answer 1

There have been immense advances in technology in most aspects of people’s lives, especially  in the field of education. Nowadays, an increasing number of students rely on computers to  research for information and to produce a perfect paper for school purposes. Others have  decided to leave the original way of learning to get knowledge through online schools. These  changes in the learning process have brought a special concern regarding the possible  decrease of importance of teachers in the classroom.

Some people believe the role of teachers started to fade because computers have been helping  some students to progress in their studies quicker than when compared with an original  classroom. For example, in the same classroom, students have different intellectual capacities,  thus some would be tied to a slow advance in their studies because of others‟ incapacity of  understanding. In this way, pupils could progress in their acquisition of knowledge at their own  pace using computers instead of learning from teachers.

However, the presence of a teacher is essential for students because the human contact  influences them in positive ways. Firstly, students realize that they are not dealing with a  machine but with a human being who deserves attention and respect. They also learn the  importance of studying in group and respect other students, which helps them to improve their  social skills.

Moreover, teachers are required in the learning process because they acknowledge some  student’s deficiencies and help them to solve their problems by repeating the same explanation,  giving extra exercises or even suggesting a private tutor. Hence, students can have a bigger  chance not to fail in a subject.

In conclusion, the role for teachers in the learning process is still very important and it will  continue to be in the future because no machine can replace the human interaction and its  consequences.

 (303 words)

Sample Answer 2

Nobody can argue that the acquisition of knowledge is more fun and easier with  computers. The mere activity of touching and exploring this device constitutes an  enjoyable task for a kid. This, accompanied with the relaxing attitude and software  interactivity, usually conduce to a better grasping of new knowledge. At a higher  educational level; the availability of digital books, simulator and other academic  materials, provide the student with an ever accessible source of information, that  otherwise would not be at hand.

But, besides the increasing complexity and behavior of intelligent software, which is  usually embedded in the academic digital material, the need of human interaction in the  learning process will always be present, at least in the foreseeable future. There is the  necessity for a human being to be able to determine what the specifics needs of each  individual are. The expertise of a teacher in how to explain and adapt complex concepts  to different individuals can hardly be mimicked by a computer, no matter how  sophisticated its software is.

As computers are becoming a common tool for teaching, teachers should be more  aware of their role as guides in the acquisition of knowledge rather than transmitters of  facts. They have to be open minded to the changes that are taking places, keep  updated and serve as a problem solvers in the learning process, thus allowing students  to discover the fact for themselves.

To summarize, in my personal view, teachers play and will() play an important role in  the classroom, especially at the primary level. No matter how complex computers  become, there will be no replacement for the human interaction, but in the way haw this  interaction takes place.

 (279 words)

2. In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

Sample Answer

It is quite common these days for young people in many countries to have a break from  studying after graduating from high school. This trend is not restricted to rich students  who have the money to travel, but is also evident among poorer students who choose to  work and become economically independent for a period of time.

The reasons for this trend may involve the recognition that a young adult who passes  directly from school to university is rather restricted in terms of general knowledge and  experience of the world. By contrast, those who have spent some time earning a living  or traveling to other places have a broader view of life and better personal resources to  draw on. They tend to be more independent, which is a very important factor in  academic study and research, as well as giving them an advantage in terms of coping  with the challenges of student life.

However, there are certainly dangers in taking time off at that important age. Young  adults may end up never returning to their studies or finding it difficult to readapt to an  academic environment. They may think that it is better to continue in a particular job, or  to do something completely different from a university course. But overall, I think this is  less likely today, when academic qualifications are essential for getting a reasonable  career.

My view is that young people should be encouraged to broaden their horizons. That is  the best way for them to get a clear perspective of what they are hoping to do with their  lives and why. Students with such a perspective are usually the most effective and  motivated ones and taking a year off may be the best way to gain this.

 (291 words)

3. Some people believe that a college or university education should be available to all students. Others believe that higher education should be available only to good students. Discuss these views. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.

People learn through their entire lives. They constantly improve their knowledge and  develop. I think that a college or university education should be available to all students  because every person has the right to choose the way to self-perfection. Bellow I will  give some of my reasons to support my position.

First of all, every person should have the chance to get a higher degree, gain new  knowledge and experience. However, some people believe that higher education should  be available only to good students. I think it is silly. It is like to make unavailable  traveling for one who does not have IQ high enough.

Second of all, some young people do not do well at school but they have great  personality and ability to learn. They are self-confident, persistent and patient. With  these qualities they can get higher grades then their classmates who are talented but  lazy. Imagine for example situation when a teenager gets high grades because his or  her parents constantly make him or her study and help to do most of the homework. In  this case a child does very well at school but I think a college can show the opposite  results.

Finally, it is a discrimination against students to make available higher education only  for good ones.  So, if a student does poor and gets low grades he/she should be sent down. But if a  person was never given a chance to try himself/herself at college, what to do in this  case?

To sum up, I think that all young people should have the chance to get a higher  education. To take or not this chance must be up to them.

 (277 words)

4. Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by listening to the advice of family and friends. Other people believe that the best way of learning about life is through personal experience. Compare the advantages of these two different ways of learning about life. Which do you think is preferable? Use specific examples to support your preference.

From my everyday experience and observation I can stand that the best way of learning  about life is through personal experience. However, some people think that it is wiser to  learn about life through listening to the advice of family and friends. It does not mean I  totally disagree with this way of learning. Moreover, I think that it is wise for a person to take an intermediate position because each of these ways has its own advantages.  Bellow I will give my reasons to support my point of view.

From the one side, learning through one’s personal experience brings many benefits.  First of all, scientists say that personal experience has greater impact on a person. I  have to agree with this. Take for example children. They will not believe their parents  that something can hurt them until they try it and make sure in it. Furthermore, most  likely they will remember this experience longer. Second of all, people learn how to  analyze their mistakes, make conclusions and next time try to avoid them. So, I think it  is a great experience that makes people stronger, more self-confident and persistent.  They gain more knowledge and experience that will be very helpful and valuable in the future.

From the other side, listening to the advice of family and friends brings many benefits  too. Parents with great patience pass down their knowledge and experience to their  children. They teach them all they know and they want their children do not make the  same mistakes. In addition to those practical benefits, learning from someone’s advice  is painless. For example, parents nowadays very often talk to their children about drugs.  I think it is a great example when one should not try drugs in order to gain new  experience. I think it is a case when children must trust their parents.

To sum up, I think it is wise to combine both of these ways to learn and try to analyze  personal mistakes as well as not personal. I think together they can greatly simplify  one’s life and make the way to success shorter.

 (350 words)

5. With the pressures on today’s young people to succeed academically, some people believe that non-academic subjects at school (eg: physical education and cookery) should be removed from the syllabus so that children can concentrate wholly on academic subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

What young people should study at school has long been the subject of intense debate  and this is a question that certainly does not have one correct answer.

We need to provide young people the best possible chance of doing well at school. In  traditional curriculum there is a wide variety of subjects with a mix of academic and nonacademic subjects. In this way a young person is formed with a rounded education.  Non-academic subjects would include sports, cooking, woodwork and metalwork. I  believe this is the best form of education. A young person should learn things other than  academic subjects. Sport is particularly important. Young people have to learn to love  sport so that they can be fit and healthy later in life. If not we will be raising an obese  and unfit generation.

I totally understand the point of view that education is so important that students must  be pushed as hard as possible to achieve their best. It sounds a good idea to only  expose the students to academic subjects as then they can spend all of their school  hours on studying areas that will get them into university and good jobs later in life. I just  feel a more rounded education would produce a better individual. We must remember  too that a lot of people, maybe even most people, aren‛t academically minded and  would benefit more from a more vocationally based education. Forcing academic  studies onto them would lead to failure and the student leaving school too early.

Therefore I agree that although a wholly academic curriculum would suit and benefit  some young people, I believe that for most students non-academic subjects are  important inclusions still in today‛s syllabuses.

 (283 words)

6. In many countries, sports and exercise classes are replaced with the academic subjects. Discuss the effects of this trend.

Over the past few decades, academic subjects have become increasingly important in  this fast-changing information-based society. Nowadays, there has been a growing  debate as to whether it would be more effective to replace physical education classes  with academic subjects. Despite the importance of sports, I highly believe that it is  inevitable and more efficient to focus more on academic subjects for several reasons.

Those who argue that sports and exercise classes are needed in school base their case  on the following arguments. First of all, sports are a good way to build character and  develop personality. That is, there are necessary for learning about competition,  cooperation, and good sportsmanship. In addition, as a majority of children these days  are addicted to the Internet, they find it hard to leave their computer. Consequently, a  growing number of children are becoming overweight or obese due to a lack of  exercise. So, if schools foster an environment that deprives students of getting a proper  physical education, it will have a long-term negative effect on children both mentally and  physically.

Nevertheless, people should not ignore the fact that devoting more time and energy to  academic subjects will benefit students more in the long run. The time devoted to  physical education now would be better spent teaching students English. This is  because speaking fluent English will give young people an advantage over other college  applicants and job seekers in the near future. Besides, science will undoubtedly benefit  youth more than physical education as well. The principles learned in science will  provide the necessary foundation for solving and difficult problems that are sure to arise  in students’ futures.

In summary, there are high hopes that educators and parents exercise wisdom in  teaching young generations.

 (288 words)

7. Some people think high school graduates should travel or work for a period of time instead of going directly to study at university. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

High school students face many decisions as they prepare to graduate, including what  they are going to do after graduation. Some high school students go directly to college  or university after graduation. Others prefer to travel or work for some time before going  to university.

For those who choose to go college or university after graduation, there are advantages  and disadvantages. One of the big advantages of going directly from high school to  college is that you are still in the habit of studying. By going to college after graduation,  you do not lose the study skills that you developed during high school. The big  disadvantages, however, is that you may not be ready for college. You may not know  exactly what you want to study, or you may be more interested in freedom and parties  than in your courses. At that age, it is often difficult for students to take on the  responsibilities of college.

There are also advantages and disadvantages to working or traveling before starting  college. Working or traveling allows you a better idea of what you want to do with your  life. You gain practical experience that helps you define what you want to study. You  also are well prepared for the responsibilities of college or university studies. On the  other hand, by the time you start college, you will probably have obligations, like a job or  spouse, which keep you from focusing on studies. In addition, travelling or working  before college may cause you to spend enough time out of school that you forget how  to study.

The desicion of what to do after high school graduation can be a difficult one. Deciding  whether to go straight into college or university or take time to work or travel is  something that faces every high school student. After thinking about the advantages  and disadvantages of both options, the decision should be based on what is best for  you.

 (322 words)

8. The student who study from the school to university get benefit less and contribute less too, than those of student who go to travel or job and get skills and experience before going high. Do you agree or disagree?

Nowadays, in our competitive world, to succeed, knowledge from school and university  is not enough. Therefore, the student who study from the school to university get benefit  less and contribute less too, than those of student who go to travel or job and get  experience and skills before going high. There are two following reasons to prove for my  opinion. I call the group of people who study from school to university is group A and the other group is group B.

Firstly, at school and university, what group A gain is almost theory, theory and theory.  Of course, theory is very necessary, however, you can’t do everything with theory. You  must have practicable experience. This is what group A lack very much. Although in the  third of fourth year at university, group A can be apprentices in some companies, to help  them approach their future jobs, they aren’t trained well because of short time. And the  real job is still very strange with them. After graduating, without experience, group A  can’t accomplish their work perfectly. On the other hand, it take them time and money to  keep up with other experienced ones and may be scorned. Therefore, group A can  contribute less than group B who have the most two important things: skills and  experience.

Secondly, as group A is contribute less, they surely get less benefit. Moreover, many  companies which employ people in group A have to train them from the back-ground.  These companies take this cost from group A‟s salary to get rid of the fact that their  employees may leave after being trained to other companies. So, less benefit is  unavoidable and certain, Whereas group B are more loyal and effective workers. They  also have useful experience and skills. Besides, their education is the same as or even  higher than group A. As the result, group B get more benefit absolutely.

In conclusion, I think student should go to travel or job before going high. Therefore,  they can’t only have basic knowledge but also skills and experience which are useful for  them to get a good job and a brilliant future.

 (355 words)

9. Disruptive school students have a negative influence on others. Students who are noisy and disobedient should be grouped together and taught separately. Do you agree or disagree?

There is no doubt that some students in schools behave badly and their behaviour  causes difficulty for others either because it has a negative effect on the group or  because ordinary students find it difficult to study with them.

One solution is to take these students away and teach them on their own. However, if  we simply have them removed after one or two warnings, we are limiting their  educational opportunities because it seems to me that a school which caters for difficult  students is a sort of “prison” whatever name you give it and the people who go there may never recover from the experience. This can then cause problems for the wider  society.

Perhaps we need to look at why the disruptive students behave badly before we  separate them. Disruptive students may be very intelligent and find the classes boring  because the work is too easy. Perhaps these students need extra lessons rather than  separate lessons. Or perhaps the teachers are uninspiring and this results in  behavioural problems so we need better teachers. On the other hand, most studentsput  up with this situation rather than cause trouble, and some people argue that we have to  learn to suffer bad teachers and boring situations and that students who can’t learn this  lesson need to be taught separately.

So before we condemn the students to a special school, we should look at factors such  as the teaching, because once the children have been separated, it is very unlikely that  they will be brought back.

 (254 words)

10. Some people think that universities should not provide so much theoretical knowledge but give more practical training throughout their courses. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

In the past, a majority of academics have held the opinion that universities should only  offer a theoretically-based approach to teaching throughout their courses, as opposed  to the more recent trend towards empirical acquisition of knowledge involving more  “hands on” experience. Is this the most effective way for students to learn vital  academic information while undertaking their degrees? Undoubtedly, advantages and  disadvantages of both academic learning styles have to be evaluated.

Firstly, on the one hand, despite being the more traditional educational approach,  learning from theory in relevant academic discourses to identify established knowledge  allows us to gain a professional insight. For example, students can easily identify facts  and opinions from past discourses. In addition, students acquire knowledge more easily  when given relative theoretical examples to build upon. For instance, in subjects such  as history or sociology, studying textbook examples allows students to unravel complex  academic theories which they could expand on. Alternatively, there are some  disadvantages for students.

On the other hand, there is no doubt that students could find themselves reading  tedious and monotonous academic papers. For instance, university degrees involving  the evaluation of numerous „long-winded‟ academic discourses provide little inspiration  for students, discouraging enthusiasm. Obviously, interest can be stimulated through  empirical research in class. By this I mean that „the human brain learns best by doing‟.  Although time-consuming, there is no substitute for learning from making mistakes.

In conclusion, while both approaches have benefits and drawbacks in our ever- changing academic world, I honestly believe that a more practical approach promotes a  stronger acquisition of academic knowledge. In spite of the comprehensive nature which  theoretical teaching can possibly provide, practical learning equals more positive  learning for future generations.

 (281 words)

11. People attend college or university for many defferent reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge). Why do you think people attend college or university?

People attend college for a lot of different reasons. I believe that the three most common  reasons are to prepare for a career, to have new experiences, and to increase their knowledge  of themselves and of the world around them.

Career preparation is probably the primary reason that people attend college. These days, the  job market is very competitive. Careers such as information technology will need many new  workers in the near future. At college, students can learn new skills for these careers and  increase their opportunities for the future.

Students also go to college to have new experiences. For many, it is their first time away from  home. At college, they can meet new people from many different places. They can see what life  is like in a different city. They can learn to live on their own and take care of themselves without  having their family always nearby.

At college, students have the opportunity to increase their knowledge. As they decide what they  want to study, pursue their studies, and interact with their classmates, they learn a lot about  themselves. They also, of course, have the opportunity to learn about many subjects in their  classes. In addition to the skills and knowledge related to their career, college students also  have the chance to take classes in other areas. For many, this will be their last chance to study  different subjects.

Colleges offer much more than career preparation. They offer the opportunity to have new  experiences and to learn many kinds of things. I think all of these are reasons why people  attend college.

 (265 words)

People attend colleges or universities for a lot of different reasons. I believe that the  three most common reasons are to prepare for a career, to have new experiences, and  to increase their knowledge of themselves and the world around them.

Career preparation is becoming more and more important to young people. For many, this is the primary reason to go to college. They know that the job market is competitive.  At college, they can learn new skill for careers with a lot of opportunities. This means  careers, such as information technology, that are expected to need a large workforce in  the coming years.

Also, students go to colleges and universities to have new experiences. This often  means having the opportunity to meet people different from those in their hometowns.  For most students, going to college is the first time they’ve been away from home by  themselves. In additions, this is the first time they’ve had to make decisions on their  own. Making these decisions increases their knowledge of themselves.

Besides looking for self-knowledge, people also attend a university or college to expand  their knowledge in subjects they find interesting. For many, this will be their last chance  for a long time to learn about something that doesn’t relate to their career.

I would recommend that people not be so focused on a career. They should go to  college to have new experiences and learn about themselves and the world they live in.

 (243 words)

12. Nowadays, education overseas has become more accessible and growing numbers of people send their offspring to study in other countries. However, this trend has its detractors. I strongly believe that the pros far outweigh the cons, and will examine both below.

One of the greatest advantages is that the children learn to be independent. Having to cook,  clean, and pay bills instills this in them. Often they have to work part-time to make ends meet,  and this impresses upon them the importance of work and money management.

Another important factor is that these children will be exposed to different cultures and ways of  thinking. They will become more open-minded and tolerant and are likely to become more  adaptable individuals.

One of the main motives for sending young people abroad to study is that it enhances their  employment prospects. In my experience of living in foreign countries and speaking to various  youths, it seems that a foreign education is regarded as something desirable and helpful in  getting a decent job. A degree from Britain, for example, is seen as being of a higher standard  than one from a developing country. Furthermore, living in a foreign country may lead to fluency  in a second language, which is another selling point for prospective employers. In addition,  many companies are keen to recruit people with a global outlook.

There are a few drawbacks however. For instance, without parental supervision, the new found freedom children experience may lead to harmful practices such as drug-taking and drinking.  Reluctance or inability to reintegrate into their mother country is another. To sum up, it can be  seen that the advantages of studying abroad for children are more numerous than the  disadvantages. Of course a lot depends on the age of the child, but I believe that for most  teenagers it would be a positive experience.

 (266 words)

13. It has been said, “Not everything that is learned is contained in books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?

“Experience is the best teacher” is an old cliché, but I agree with it. We can learn a lot of  important things from books, but the most important lessons in life come from our own  experiences. Throughout the different stages of life, from primary school to university to  adulthood, experience teaches us many skills we need for life.

As children in primary school, we learn facts and information from books, but that is not all we  learn in school. On the playground we learn how to make friends. In our class work, we learn  how it feels to succeed and what we do when we fail. We start to learn about the things we like  to do and the things we don’t. We don’t learn these things from books, but from our experiences  with our friends and classmates.

In our university classes, we learn a lot of information and skills we will need for our future  careers, but we also learn a lot that is not in our textbooks. In our daily lives both in class and  out of class, we learn to make decisions for ourselves. We learn to take on responsibilities. We  learn to get along with our classmates, our roommates, and our workmates. Our successes and  failures help us develop skills we will need in our adult lives. They are skills that no book can  teach us.

Throughout our adulthood, experience remains a constant teacher. We may continue to read or  take classes for professional development. However, our experiences at work, at home, and  with our friends teach us more. The triumphs and disasters of our lives teach us how to improve  our careers and also how to improve our relationships and how to be the person each one of us  wants to be.

Books teach us a lot, but there is a limit to what they teach. They can give us information or  show us another person’s experiences. These are valuable things, but the lessons we learn  from our own experiences, from childhood through adulthood, are the most important ones we  learn.

 (346 words)

People are learning and practicing through their entire life. I believe that life  experience and practice are the basic reasons of the humankind’s evolution. However,  in my opinion, knowledge gained from books plays a very important role in the modern  life.

The most obviously important advantage of books is that they hold all knowledge gained  by previous generations. People write books about their discoveries and inventions,  which are gained through practice and experience. This knowledge is accumulated in  books that are passed from generation to generation. So, basically, people get all  knowledge about the previous achievements from books, analyze it and than, according  to their experience and new data, write new books. In this case, books are the holders  of humankind’s experience.

For example, at old times people thought that the Earth was flat. It was concluded from  observations and studying. However, the next generations, using the experience of  their ancestors, proved that the Earth was round.

Personally, I think that books are very important because they are able to give people  the basic and fundamental knowledge. Books store history, the important events and  discoveries. Without them it is difficult and sometimes impossible to move forward,  make new discoveries and inventions.

To summarize, I think a person should take basic knowledge from books because it will  help him to make his own inventions, conclusions and discoveries. Only using both  books and one’s experience one can move forward.

 (237 words)

14. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should read only those books that are about real events, real people, and established facts. Use specific reasons and details to support your opinion .

Some people think that fiction books have no use at all. They claim that people should  read about real events that took place, real people, and established facts. I have to  totally disagree with this statement. From my everyday experience and observation I  can stand that fiction, miracles and fairy tails are required in our life. For several  reasons, which I will mention below, I believe that fiction books play an essential role in  our life.

First of all, it is kind of difficult to imagine a six year old child reading about politics or  history with the real facts that are not always pleasant. I think that children need  miracles and Santa Claus because the real world is too complicated for them. They are  too innocent and inexperienced to know the real facts and understand what a real life is  about. In addition, I am sure that making a child read only non-fiction books can result in  shock.

Second of all, following this statement about refusing from reading books about fiction  events we also should refuse from festivals, parades, and celebration such holidays as Halloween because most of the characters there are fictional. Moreover, comic books  will disappear as well as animated films and fiction movies. The disadvantage of nonfiction lies in the facts that nothing happens to excite the mind and spirit. From the other side, fiction provides a great slope for a mind to think creatively.

In conclusion, I think that people need miracles. We can not be satisfied with only naked  truth. Human kind must believe in something and this belief helps people break limits and make new inventions.

 (273 words)

15. Going overseas for university study is an exciting prospect for many people. But while it may offer some advantages, it is probably better to stay home because of the difficulties a student inevitably encounters living and studying in a different culture. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

There is no doubt that going to study in a foreign country, with its different language and culture,  can be a frustrating and sometimes painful experience. But while overseas study has its  drawbacks, the difficulties are far outweighed by the advantages. Indeed, people who go abroad  for study open themselves up to experiences that those who stay at home will never have.

The most obvious advantage to overseas university study is real-life use of a different language.  While a person can study a foreign language in his or her own country, it cannot compare with  constant use of the language in academic and everyday life. There is no better opportunity to  improve second-language skills than living in the country in which it is spoken. Moreover, having  used the language during one’s studies offers a distinct advantage when one is applying for jobs  back home that require the language.

On a university campus, the foreign student is not alone in having come from far away. He or  she will likely encounter many others from overseas and it is possible to make friends from all  around the world. This is not only exciting on a social level, but could lead to important overseas  contacts in later professional life.

Finally, living and studying abroad offers one a new and different perspective of the world and,  perhaps most important, of one’s own country. Once beyond the initial shock of being in a new  culture, the student slowly begins to get a meaningful understanding of the host society. On  returning home, one inevitably sees one’s own country in a new, often more appreciative, light.

In conclusion, while any anxiety about going overseas for university study is certainly  understandable, it is important to remember that the benefits offered by the experience make it  well worthwhile.

 (299 words)

16. Many students do not finish school. Why is this, and how can the problem be solved? School Drop-Outs: Problems and Solutions

Today, although most students in the UAE complete school, a large number still drop  out because of family, social and work pressures. This problem requires serious action  from both individuals and the government.

Most students who do not complete school do so because of family problems. Girls,  especially, want to get married and start a family. Some parents are not interested in  education and do not support their children in studying. Social problems are also a  contributing factor. Education is compulsory but, despite this, some people do not take it  seriously. Furthermore, jobs are available even if students do not have a good  education. The third reason is work pressure. Some families are poor and need their  children to work in order to increase the income. All these problems will create young  people who do not have any skills and who will not be able to improve their lives for the  family and the country.

There are several things that can be done about these problems. Parents should be  encouraged to send their children to school. Schools with baby-minding facilities should  be opened specially for married students. The government needs to stress the  importance of education and even offer financial support to students to continue. This  will encourage students to stay at school rather than start working.

In conclusion, there are several things that the government can do to allow more people  to finish school. However, a number of society attitudes also have to change if the  country’s young people are to achieve their full potential.

 (256 words)

17. Does a university education lead to success in life?

It is very difficult to answer the claim that a person needs a university education to be  successful in life because success in life means different things to different people. This  essay starts by defining three different ideas of success. Following this, it looks at which  types of success are dependent on a university education.

Success in life can be achieved in different ways. Many magazines and television  programmes tell us that success means having a lot of money, having a fulfilling career,  and being powerful. In contrast, most religious and spiritual organizations claim that  success means finding spiritual happiness and being at peace with God and with yourself. Another idea of success focuses on relationships – being surrounded by  people who love you and care about you, spending time with family and friends.

A university education can help you achieve some types of success, but it makes little  or no difference to whether or not you are successful in other areas of life. Undoubtedly,  a university education is essential if you want to have a career in a profession such as  law, engineering, teaching, or medicine. However, you do not need a university degree  to become a wealthy and powerful movie star, sports star or business person. In fact, a  university education does not generally enable you to achieve spiritual happiness, or to  have successful relationships with family and friends.

In conclusion, there are many different types of success. A university education may  help you to achieve professional success in some careers. However, it will not help you  to achieve success in other areas of your life such as your spiritual life or your  relationships.

 (275 words)

18. Education: Losing its Value

Today, it seems to be universally accepted that increased education is a good thing.  Thousands of colleges and millions of students spend vast amounts of time and money  chasing pieces of paper. But what is the value of these qualifications? This essay will  discuss whether education has been devalued.

Supporters of education (usually teachers or educators, or those who have an interest  in stopping people thinking for themselves) say that increased levels of education will  open doors for students. Certificates, diplomas, and degrees are held up as a status  symbol, a passport to a private club of money and power.

However, the truly powerful are not those who have taken degrees, but people who  have stood back and looked at what is really important in life. They have seen  opportunity and followed dreams. These people are found in every part of society. Like  many brilliant people, Einstein was a weak student at math. Like many successful  businessmen, Bill Gates never completed college. Like many inventive and creative  people, Edison never went to school. The greatest religious teachers do not have letters  after their name, but have looked into their hearts for meaning. Similarly, the world’s  political leaders do not have master’s degrees or doctorates. These are the people who  shaped our century, and they are too busy with real life to spend time in the paper  chase.

Students in college are being sold an illusion. They are made to believe that self-understanding and society approval will come with the acquisition of a piece of paper.  Instead of thinking for themselves, and finding their own personality and strengths, they  are fitted like square pegs into round holes.

The role of education is to prepare masses of people to operate at low levels of ability in  a very limited and restricted range of activities. Some of these activities are more  challenging than perhaps the assembly lines of the past, but still the ultimate purpose is  equally uninteresting. More worryingly, despite the increased level of education, people  are still not genuinely expected to think for themselves. In fact, the longer years of  schooling make the job of brainwashing even easier.

There is still a role for study, research, and education. However, we need to examine  our emphasis on education for the sake of a piece of paper, and to learn the real  meaning and revolutionary challenge of knowledge.

 (395 words)

19. Education: Still Invaluable!

In the past, degrees were very unusual in my family. I remember the day my uncle  graduated. We had a huge party, and for many years my mother called him “the genius”  and listened to his opinion. Today, in comparison five of my brothers and sisters have  degrees, and two are studying for their masters’. However, some people think that this  increased access to education is devaluing degrees. In this essay, I will look at some of  the arguments for and against the increased emphasis on degrees in our society.

People have several arguments against the need for degrees. They say that having so  many graduates devalues a degree. People lose respect for the degree holder. It is also  claimed that education has become a rat race. Graduates have to compete for jobs  even after years of studying. Another point is that studying for such a long time leads to  learners becoming inflexible. They know a lot about one narrow subject, but are unable  to apply their skills. Employers prefer more flexible and adaptable workers.

However, I feel strongly that this move to having more qualifications is a positive  development. In the past education was only for the rich and powerful. Now it is  available to everyone, and this will have many advantages for the country and the  individual. First of all, it is impossible to be overeducated. The more people are  educated, the better the world will be, because people will be able to discuss and  exchange ideas. A further point is that people with degrees have many more  opportunities. They can take a wider variety of jobs and do what they enjoy doing,  instead of being forced to take a job they dislike. Finally, a highly educated workforce is  good for the economy of the country. It attracts foreign investment.

In conclusion, although there are undoubtedly some problems with increased levels of  education, I feel strongly that the country can only progress if all its people are educated  to the maximum of their ability.

 (336 words)

20. It is often said that the subjects taught in schools are too academic in orientation and that it would be more useful for children to learn about practical matters such as home management, work and interpersonal skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

A criticism often heard these days is that the subjects taught in schools tend to be too  academic, and contribute little to preparing a young person for the real-life tasks he or she will  have to perform after graduation. They say that academic subjects are rooted in the past, and  are not useful for solving modern problems. I disagree with this point of view for three reasons.

My first reason is that it is the duty of parents, not teachers, to prepare their children to deal with  the practical affairs of life. The home, not the classroom, is the ideal place to learn about home  management and interpersonal skills. As for work abilities and attitudes, they are best learned  “on the job” and under the supervision of an experienced older worker.

My second reason is that academic subjects have withstood the test of time. They represent the  accumulated wisdom of our ancestors down through the ages, and, far from being impractical,  they equip us with the knowledge and confidence to make sound judgements about any  problems which may crop up. In addition, academic subjects are good for training us in mental  discipline, while practical subjects are weak in this regard.

My third reason is based on the saying “Man does not live by bread alone.” Schooldays devoted  solely to instruction in down-to-earth practical matters would be dull indeed! Lessons in the best  literature of the world, and the epoch-making scientific and geographical discoveries of the past  enrich our lives and make us feel that we are part of the great family of mankind.

All in all, the teaching of academic subjects in schools is entirely appropriate. It is my firmly held  view that practical subjects have no place in the classroom. On the contrary, the curriculum  should be more academic!

 (300 words)

21. It has been said, “Not every thing that is learned is contained in books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?

“Experience is the best teacher” is an old cliché, but I agree with it. The most important,  and sometimes the hardest, lessons we learn in life come from our participation in  situations. You can‟ learn everything from a book.

Of course, learning from books in a formal educational setting is also valuable. It’s in  schools that we learn the information we need to function in our society. We learn how  to speak and write and understand mathematical equations. This is all information that  we need to live in our communities and earn a living.

Nevertheless, I think that the most important lessons can’t be taught; they have to be  experienced. No one can teach us how to get along with others or how to have self-respect. As we grow from children into teenagers, no one can teach us how to deal with peer pressure. As we leave adolescence behind and enter adult life, no one can teach us how to fall in love and get married.

This shouldn’t stop us from looking for guidelines along the way. Teachers and parents  are valuable sources of advice when we’re young. As we enter into new stages in our  lives, the advice we receive from them is very helpful because they have already bad  similar experiences. But experiencing our own triumphs and disasters is really the only  way to learn how to deal with life.

 (232 words)

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IELTS discussion essay: model answer and analysis

Updated : February 2024

Below is an IELTS question for writing task 2 and my model answer. It is on the topic of Education. After analysing the question, I can see that it’s about whether homework is a good idea or not in helping kids in their educational development . It asks me to discuss both views and also asks for my opinion .

In this case, you must state your opinion in the introduction, the body and conclusion.

In this essay I will need to do 3 things:

• Write about why some people think school children should not be given homework by their teachers.
• Write about why other people think homework plays an important role in the education of children.
• Give my opinion on the issue and explain.

Task Question

Some people believe that school children should not be given homework by their teachers, whereas others argue that homework plays an important role in the education of children. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Model Answer

Some people think it is not a good idea for teachers to assign home study tasks to school children, while others say it is an essential part of learning. I believe pupils need homework to achieve better exam results as it gives them a chance of entering higher education.

On the one hand, some believe that homework is of no benefit and becomes a burden to school children. This is because pupils spend their whole day studying, taking part in after school clubs and feel exhausted after returning home. For instance, in Japan, the majority of minors are under pressure to complete vast amounts of homework along with extracurricular activities. If they fail to finish their assignments they may not do well in exams, meaning they would be unable to get into a good high school. I think home assignments are beneficial but children should not be put under this kind of pressure.

On the other hand, it is widely believed that homework plays a vital role in the development of knowledge for students and I agree with this. In other words, home study tasks help pupils understand school subjects better which allows them to attain higher grades. For example, according to extensive research, children aged between 10 and 16 who are given a large amount of mathematics homework do far better in tests than those who are not given any home assignments. I believe that home study tasks improve a child’s chances of entering tertiary education which leads to a rewarding career.

To conclude, although views differ concerning children being assigned homework, I would argue that home assignments are necessary to help pupils get high grades, enabling them to secure a place at university and improve their career chances.

Click this blue button to see an analysis of the model answer.

Word count is 290 words. I advise keeping it under 300 words as you may not have the time to write a long essay in the exam and it is not necessary to write a very long essay.

The structure is:

• Introduction: Paraphrased task question with a thesis statement (opinion)
• Main body 1:  Discussed first view, explained and gave an example with my opinion.
• Main body 2:  Discussed second view, agreed,  explained and gave an example.
• Conclusion:  Referred to the differing views, opinion rephrased

Make sure to check the task question again before writing your essay. you could lose a band score if it goes off-topic.

Planning time is crucial here, allow 10 minutes to plan an essay and make sure you have some good supporting points to back up your topic sentences.

With a discussion essay, you have to state others views and give supporting sentences with detail and specific examples. Discussion essays often ask your opinion. Click here to see this lesson  about stating an opinion.

When we state others views, especially in IELTS Discussion essays, there is specific language that should be used. For more detail on this, click here to see this lesson.

There is a lot of confusion about whether to use personal pronouns in IELTS essays (I, me, my, our, etc..) but if the question asks to ‘what extent do you agree?’  or ‘give your own opinion’ then you need to write personal pronouns… click here to see a lesson on this .

Note on paraphrasing: I have paraphrased the word ‘ homework’ in this essay with the phrases ‘ home study tasks ‘ and ‘ home assignments’ . Sometimes there is no way to avoid repetition but if you have a good understanding of synonyms and referencing you can avoid too much repetition. There are often words that are hard to paraphrase such as ‘people’ or ‘children’.

Not every word from the task question needs paraphrasing and you can repeat words as long as you can demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary. Be very careful not to over paraphrase.

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3 thoughts on “IELTS discussion essay: model answer and analysis”

Thanks to analysing for this essay,as it helps me very well as I want

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IELTS Opinion essays (Essay on Education)

Updated On Dec 01, 2021

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Table of Contents

Structure of ielts essay, here are some topics for opinion essay about education :.

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Most of the students are scared of ‘Writing task 2’ of the IELTS exam . The test-takers will be given only 40 minutes to complete the 250-word essay. The essays will be opinion-based. In this section, the examiners will assess the fluency and task response.

Since there are plenty of topics in IELTS writing task 2 , it is difficult to predict which topic will appear in the actual IELTS test. You should be a Jack of all trades ( have some knowledge on every topic). If it is an opinion essay then you can follow this structure to write your answer.

Introduction

The introduction part will be the most important part of the essay, as this paragraph will help you write the rest of the essay. The introduction part should include the topic or the question given in the essay. You can use synonyms and frame sentences. While writing the essay you should decide whether you are for or against the topic. This will make it easy for the examiner to judge your stand. Once you complete paraphrasing the question, give your opinion regarding the topic. Also for opinion essays , you need to include a thesis statement. The thesis statement should indicate what will be discussed in the forthcoming paragraphs.

Body of the essay

The body of the essay is where you explain your opinion in-depth. You have to keep in mind that you do not divert from the topic. There will be two parts of your body paragraph. The first one is important as it involves your opinion about the topic. And the second one will be your opposition to the topic. They are explained in detail below:

Opinion- In favour

In favourable opinion you can use phrases like ‘in my opinion’ or ‘I believe that’ before starting the question so that the examiner knows that you are talking in favour of the topic. The tone used while explaining maybe in the third person. This is usually used while trying to give an example contextual to the topic. While writing the IELTS essay on education, if you think positively about the education you can give interesting ideas in favour of education. If you are not aware of the facts you can highlight the main features of the education.

Opinion- Shortcomings:

We know that education is undoubtedly important but you should explain the shortcomings also.  This is to show that, you understand both the sides of the topic given. Eg: You can also give your suggestions to improve the education system.

In the end, you can close the essay by giving some small notes with reasons. The opinion given by you must be consistent throughout the essay and make sure you do not have two opinions about the question given. You can also sum up the introduction part as well as the body paragraph part of the essay and conclude the overall essay on a positive note. Look at some of the examples we have on the education essay IELTS.

• Some people say that in all levels of education, from primary school to universities, too much time spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills. Agree or disagree?
• Education should be accessible to everyone of all economic backgrounds. All levels of education, from primary school to tertiary education, should be free. To what extent do you agree with this opinion?
• University education should be free to everyone, regardless of income. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people say that the education system is the only critical factor in the development of a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Some people think that students who don’t take a break in studies between the high school and the university are at disadvantage compared to students who travel and work after high school before further continuing their education. Do you agree or disagree?
• The best way to help underachieving pupils is to have compulsory after school activities which they must attend. This way they will become more involved in school and their grades will improve. To what extent do you agree?
• IELTS Essay Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to state one’s opinion in an essay?

Will my opinion play a role in marking criteria? In controversial topics, is it dangerous to give an opinion which the examiner may not approve?

In case of an opinion essay, can I give my opinion in the introduction and then remain neutral in the body paragraphs?

How do I determine if it is an opinion essay?

In an opinion essay, what is a smart way of choosing which side to support?

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Janet had been an IELTS Trainer before she dived into the field of Content Writing. During her days of being a Trainer, Janet had written essays and sample answers which got her students an 8+ band in the IELTS Test. Her contributions to our articles have been engaging and simple to help the students understand and grasp the information with ease. Janet, born and brought up in California, had no idea about the IELTS until she moved to study in Canada. Her peers leaned to her for help as her first language was English.

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IELTS Essay, topic: Education as a critical factor

• IELTS Essays - Band 6
• by Simone Braverman

“Some people say that the education system is the only critical factor to development of a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?”

Education plays a vital role in the development of a country. Therefore, some people think that the education system is the only important factor to the development of a country and they may be right.

Education is the foundation of developed society. It is rightly said, ‘education is a ladder success’. If all the people of any country are educated then they becomes broadminded, civilized and progressive. An educated society improves the standard of life as well.

Not only this, but also by giving importance to education, the nations can get rid of problems like , poverty, unemployment and population growth that delay the progress of a nation. The crime rate can also be kept under . The standard of living of the people will go up. If the nations to be progressive it is very important that the people are more educated and progressive. Any country can become more technologically advanced and developed because of education.

In conclusion, I would like to say that a good education system will lead to a developed country.

This essay needs some work. It has a good structure and the sentences show enough fluency, but the last body paragraph needs to be corrected by adding another 2-3 sentences to it. In total, the number of words here is 235 which is under the required 250, that fact may cost you some marks. Also there are some repetition of words and grammatical errors. Overall, this looks like a Band 6 essay.

Click here to see more IELTS essays of band 6

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3 thoughts on “IELTS Essay, topic: Education as a critical factor”

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Simone Braverman is the founder of IELTS-Blog.com and the author of several renowned IELTS preparation books, including Ace the IELTS, Target Band 7, the High Scorer's Choice practice test series, and IELTS Success Formula. Since 2005, Simone has been committed to making IELTS preparation accessible and effective through her books and online resources. Her work has helped 100,000's of students worldwide achieve their target scores and live their dream lives. When Simone isn't working on her next IELTS book, video lesson, or coaching, she enjoys playing the guitar or rollerblading.

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Education Vocabulary: Word Lists and Pronunciation

This is the essential vocabulary for education about schools, subjects, studying and university. There is an audio to listen to the pronunciation of the words. These are the most common words and collocations which you will need to learn in order to talk or write about school or university successfully. After each section of vocabulary, there are exercises for you to practice using the words.

Click here to download the PDF version of this page:  Education Vocabulary PDF . Please note that the PDF does not contain the answers – you must check your answers on this page.

Educational Institutions

• kindergarten = pre-school education
• primary school
• secondary school
• college = further education
• higher education = university education = tertiary education
• post-graduate school = university for students studying beyond degree level

School Subjects

• natural science
• religious studies
• information technology (IT)
• physical education (PE)
• cookery = domestic / food science
• handicrafts

Vocabulary Exercises: School Subjects

• One of the reasons that I didn’t like ……………… was because of the lab work which sometimes involved dissection.
• I’ve always enjoyed learning about how chemicals react with one another so I decided to choose …………. as one of my main subjects.
• When I was a child, we practiced ………………… three times a week which was fine in summer but was freezing during the winter when you have to football or hockey outside.
• My teacher encouraged us to take part in ……………………… in order to develop skills beyond what is taught in scheduled lessons.
• I used to find complicated calculations difficult as well as algebra but when we got a new ………… teacher, it all become much easier to understand.
• One of my favourite subjects was …………………… because you had a chance to get out of the classroom and learn more about the environment.
• Teachers were really strict on ……………… in exams. The exam invigilators won’t even let you have your bag in the exam room.
• Poetry should be taught more in ………………. lessons in order to help students develop a deeper understanding of their language and culture.
• I always loved studying maps. We spent a lot of time in our ……………. lessons tracing the borders of countries and learn the capital cities of different countries.
• My worst subject at school was …………… because I was completely tone deaf.
• physical education
• extra curricular activities
• math’s

Useful Language & Collocations

• lab work = laboratory experiments
• dissection = cutting up animals for scientific research
• scheduled lessons = lessons which are planned and written into a school curriculum
• algebra = formulas and equations in mathematics
• to give out or assign homework / to do or complete homework
• to complete high school / to graduate high school
• to do, to participate or to take part in school activities or sport
• tracing = copying, outlining in pencil
• tone deaf = without an ear for music = unable to appreciate or hear different music and notes

Types of Schools – Same-Sex & Co-Ed Schools

Watch this video to learn the advantages or single-sex schools and the plus points of mixed schools. This video contains ideas and vocabulary to help you express your ideas clearly.

University Vocabulary

University Courses

• BA / BSc = Bachelor of Arts Degree / Bachelor of Science Degree
• MA / MSc = Masters of Arts / Masters of Science
• PhD = Doctorate

Other Courses

• Certificate = a lower level qualification often offered at colleges rather than universites. This is also the word used the for documentation received for completing any type of course or degree (she received her certificate for her BA degree).
• Online Course
• Distance Learning Course
• Vocational course = a course which teaches you skills for a specific job, for example engineering.
• Non-vocational course = a course which is not related to a job but to a general subject instead, such as Biology.

Useful Verbs & Nouns for University

• to graduate from a university = complete a degree course / to finish university
• to enroll on a degree course = put your name down for a degree course
• to major in physics = to choose physics as your main subject at university
• to attend a lecture = to go to listen to a speaker at university often with a large audience in a lecture theatre
• to attend a tutorial = to go to a meeting with a professor usually in small group held in his/her office
• deliver a lecture = to give a talk or presentation
• to lecture in media studies = to talk about media studies or to teach media studies at university
• the faculty of business = a department specialising in business at university
• to read history = to study history
• to do or complete coursework = doing project work or assignments as part of your course
• undergraduate (n) = someone currently doing their first degree
• graduate (n)  = someone who has completed a degree course
• note-taking = being able to take notes in a lecture while the lecturer is talking
• keeping up with the work load = being able to maintain the level of studying required
• fall behind with studies = fail to keep pace with the school / university work

University Work

• presentations
• dissertation
• project work

Vocabulary Exercises: Universities

Complete the following sentences are university education using no more than one word.

• People who have ……….. from university stand a better chance of finding a good job.
• I hope to enroll ………. a degree in law next year in the UK.
• There is a lot of competition to get a ……………….. but without it I won’t be able to afford the universities fees.
• One of the keys to successful  ……………. is knowing where to look for information and how to judge which information is most current and relevant. Knowing the best sources of materials is essential.
• scholarship

Other Useful Vocabulary for Education

• literate = to be able to read and write
• illiterate = unable to read and write
• the literacy rate = the percentage of people in a country or region able to read and write
• comprehensive education = a well-rounded, broad education covering a variety of subjects
• scholarship = an award of either free or supported education for high achievers
• student loan = money taken by a student to pay for their education which they must pay back after graduating
• pay off a student loan = to repay money borrowed for university education
• intensive course = a course which runs over a short period of time but contains a lot of information and training
• play truant / truancy = not attending school / being absent from school without permission
• gap year = to take a year out between high school and university

Vocabulary Exercises: Useful Education Vocabulary

Complete the sentences using no more than two words.

• The rate of …………… is higher in developed countries than in under developed countries.
• Schools should offer a ………………… which includes subjects relating to all minority groups.
• The rise in university fees has led to a large proportion of students taking out ………………… which can often be difficult to pay back.
• Students who take a …………… often find it difficult to get back into their studies again.
• Rather than the government offering free university education for all people, they should, instead, ensure that a certain number of gifted individuals receive a ……………….
• comprehensive education
• student loans

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Hi Liz. I am Andre Fatur from Indonesia. i would say thank you cause i have a lot of knowledge about vocabulary in Education.

I’m glad it was helpful 🙂

Hi Liz , i’m really glad that i found your website and actually one of my teachers showed me you . your vocabs and the voices you have for them is the best specially for the ones who aren’t local englishman and are learning english as a second one just like me . me and my friends see your videos every session in our class . I wish you all the best

So glad you enjoy my lessons 🙂 Best wishes to you and your classmates 🙂

Great. Thank you so much, it help me a lot. Stay blessed

You’re welcome 🙂

Its a great help. Thank you so much Liz. May god bless you with all happiness…

I’m glad it’s helpful 🙂

Hi I am currently enrolled in school for nursing and I feel very uncomfortable when it comes to my vocabulary, I had brain surgery twice & suffered with seizures for 3years, I am happy to say I am better now and the Tumor is gone completely ,however I am depressed when it comes to my vocabulary because I don’t remember much at all and I often get my words mixed up when speaking so this is a big deal for me to learn and expand my vocabulary, thank you but I have no clue of where to begin at this point. I love to read so I have been reading a lot on your website, I must say I have learned some information just reading the comments. what do you suggest? thanks (my name is MINDY)

Hi Mindy, I do sympathise. I know what it is like to have language impairment due to neurological problems. The key is to take it slow and start incorporating the new words in your daily language until they become part of your natural English. Try my ideas e-book – it includes useful vocabulary and ideas for over 150 essay topics (which are also speaking topics). It’s on 55% discount this week: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . There’s also a grammar e-book which might help a lot as it also contains great vocab. But don’t rush through it. Aim to absorb 70% of the vocab for each topic. Use those words daily by a) speaking to yourself about the topic – express your thoughts, have debates with yourself b) write an essay about it c) read further on google about the topic. Continue to repeat this until some words stick in your mind. Then repeat the process over and over again. The other thing I want to you do is not push yourself and do NOT give yourself any pressure or fixed goals. The learning must be natural and come from the pleasure of learning. Learn for enjoyment, not because you have a goal. This will make a huge difference. The harder you push yourself, the further away your goal often gets. Do small amounts each day and no more. Take breaks as often as you need. To learn IELTS exam techniques, see my Advanced Lessons in my store and also review all my free lessons and tips. I hope this helps. Good luck 🙂

Thank you very much Liz. I always follow your IELTS lesson to use not only for myself but also for my students. All your materials are helpful to improve my English for an IELTS exam. All the best.

Glad my site is useful. Wishing you all well 🙂

Thanks a million for the strenuous efforts you exerted.

I admire you how Being a good teacher. You are the best, no need to follow others for IELTS . love Zeliha

Thanks for your kind comment 🙂 I hope your IELTS preparation is going well 🙂

Lovely ! Thanks a lot Liz.

What does it mean “I can’t stress enough” ?

It means I am stressing the importance of something. It is an expression in English 🙂

Many thanks!

That’s an awsome work! I really admire ur job here 🙂

You are so important to us that I can` just thank you enough.

THANKS A LOT!

Hi Liz! I have a plan to do the academic IELTS test , I live in the UK , in the speeking test if I used contraction or words like ,wanna ,gonna would that be acceptable or I have to say Iam going ,Cannot etc…

See this page for your answer: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-free-lessons-essential-tips/ . All main pages are accessed through the RED BAR at the top of the website.

Hello Liz, Please I am a stay-at-home mom so I’d like to know how to construct my answer when I’m asked to talk about my work. please note that i have worked as a consultant in an agricultural firm, but i was made redundant.

IELTS speaking is not a trick test. It is an informal chat with the examiner. Just be open, honest and chatty: “I used to work as a consultant in an agricultural firm, but now I’m a stay-at-home Mom.”. When you give this answer, the examiner will note your use of two grammar tenses and good vocabulary. The examiner will then decide whether to continue to talk about your work in the past, or change it and talk about your home. This will be the examiner’s choice – the examiner makes the decisions of topics. So, be open, friendly and chatty at all times.

You are really touching lives. Thank you sooo much.

Indeed she is!

Thank you so much Liz , I find this lesson really helpful .

It is the first time I access there. It involves a wide range of vocabulary. Thanka to all the leaders

In my point of view, there is no subject name MATHS. It is Mathematics and we call it as math.

The word “math” is US English. The word “maths” is UK English.

Thank you for clarifying me 🙂

Hi Liz, You talked about math’s teacher. If it would Science or English then also we will use ” ‘s “?

In British English we say “maths”, in US English it is “math”.

There’s this slight confusion I’ve got. There are some words which can be used with an S as well as a Z, for e.g Realized, Exercize. Which one is correct?

“z” is american spelling and “s” is British English spelling. Don’t mix them. Choose which spelling you will use and stick with it.

What is the difference between agree or disagree and to what extent do you agree or disagree types question?

https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-essay-instructions-agree-disagree-to-what-extent/

Hello… Take my cordial thanks Liz. I purchased your writing videos and I find it very useful. I’m looking for at least 6.5 band before I thought that it was too difficult to get 6.5 in writing segment but after watching these videos my confident level is increased. And your all tips and lessons are wonderful, to be honest. That is why, again thanks s lot 😘😘😊😊❤️❤️

Make sure you aim for accuracy in your writing – all errors reduce marks. Also spend time analysing the question, you must address all issues directly. Avoid using learned phrases – all sentences must be your own. So, you can learn vocab and linking words but not phrases. Good luck !! 🙂

The work that you do for us, learners of English from all over the world, cannot be valued. Thank you for putting your heart and soul in making us more literate in English! I wish you luck and success!

what is best way of writing process chart

See all my tips for writing task 1 on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/

Hi Liz, I am so grateful to you that I can know everything about IELTS from your website. It is a very useful and perfect one for me.You are a great teacher.

Best Regards, Mai

I achieved 6.5 with the help of you because I watched your all video. It’s very beneficial thanku so much u are great teacher

Well done !

your lessons are amazing and very useful, thank you

Hello Liz , You are the great teacher in the world..I spentmy whole day on this site.there many things which help me in many situations..m so happy that I have great great teacher..May God bless youuu😊☺️..thnx a lot Liz

Thanks so much for telling me you find my site useful 🙂

My exam will be held on 13 october nd m weak in listening nd reading . pls mam u send me some listening Mp3 in my email

You can find online listening on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-listening/

HI liz my name is nyom nyom i am from Indonesia could you help me how the way to improve my writing skill? please send in my email thanks before

See my advanced lessons if you need help with writing task 2: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore

Thanks to my best teacher!

hi i am going to appear for my ilets exam next week but i am not sure about my reading skills. can you give me some good tips to improve my skills in reading

https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-tips-how-can-i-improve-my-score/

Dear Liza, Hello Liz, I am Totok Eko Suwito, I am an English teacher in Indonesia, I want to practice my listening especially because I ‘m going to have the IELTS test, if you don’t mind, Would you send me the script and audio MP3 of the listening above to my email. thank a lot your sincerely Totok Eko Suwito

https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/

Hello Liz, Please liz l wonder when I want to get 7 score I found different types of vocabulary for examle the 8or 9 band’s vocabulary in some video more different than band7??

There is no such thing as band 7 vocab and band 9 vocab. Your vocab score is not marked in that way. It is based on range, accuracy, collocations and also the number of errors – and spelling.

I am so weak in listening vocabulary. Give me some tips.

That is really superlative vocabulary and it can play an indispensable role in IELTS test. Thanks Liza and i would like to say one thing more, your expressions are really appreciated. All the best. Mazhar Ishfaq

Thanks Liz. I accidentally came upon your site and found my essay shared by someone on your blog. I liked your feedback. I have rewritten this essay for the next edition of my book – A Wealth of Academic IELTS Essays.

Great. Good to know my feedback is useful 🙂 Liz

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IELTS Academic or General: Which is the Easiest Test?

• Last Updated On July 31, 2024
• Published In IELTS Preparation 💻

Having a stellar IELTS score is the key to moving to a foreign country to pursue higher education or a better lifestyle. The IELTS test is of two types: IELTS Academic (AC) and IELTS General Training (GT) . Candidates can take either of the tests based on their purpose of entering foreign countries such as the UK , Canada , Australia , New Zealand, or Ireland.

Table of Content

Both test types serve two different purposes. Over 3 million students attempt the IELTS test every year. The test scores are accepted by over 140 countries and 11,000 institutions across the world. 

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Basic differences at a glance: 

• The IELTS Academic is for academic purposes and assesses your English language capabilities to study and thrive in an academic environment. 
• The IELTS General Training test is for other general purposes and analyses your language capacity to sustain everyday circumstances.

While the IELTS Speaking and Listening modules remain the same for both the test types (Academic and General), the passages and question types vary from each other in the Reading and Writing modules.

Considering the differences in purpose and structure, it is important for you to understand both test types in detail. Let us compare and contrast to find which is the easiest one and which suits your purposes the best. 

IELTS Academic vs General Training: Major Differences

The IELTS Academic test is for candidates who want to pursue higher education in English-speaking countries. Since the language of instruction is primarily English in these countries, IELTS Academic ascertains the feasibility of the student to understanding course material during their higher studies.

On the other hand, IELTS General Training is typically asked as a requirement for non-English natives migrating to English-speaking countries. The IELTS General Training score is required by authorities to ensure that the applicant adequately speaks and understands English.

The format of both tests is almost the same. The first step is choosing which test best suits your needs and preparing for it accordingly. So, let’s take a closer look at them to see which one is most suited for you.

Which IELTS Test is Best For You? 

The best test for your journey depends upon the purpose of your trip. The test you need to take differs if you are a student or going to work. 

Below are some of the common purposes of moving abroad and the most appropriate tests for them. 

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IELTS Academic VS IELTS General Training

Now let us compare both the test types in their format, structure, content, and purpose. This will help you understand both the test in detail.

Check out the comparison below:

Now let us look at each of the features individually.

Read More: All About IELTS 

IELTS Academic vs General: Test Format

IELTS Academic and IELTS General have a common Listening and Speaking test with different Reading and Writing tests. Hence, it is recommended that applicants understand the difference in the IELTS Academic and General Training exam formats.

Here is a detailed explanation of the difference in the Reading and Writing sections of both the tests.

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The duration and number of questions for the IELTS Reading test are the same for both the IELTS Academic Reading and IELTS General Training Reading tests. Both IELTS Academic and IELTS General candidates get 60 minutes to answer 40 questions set in the test.

You might come across some of the 14 different question sets in the IELTS Reading test.

The IELTS Reading question types are:

• Matching Headings
• Matching Paragraph Information
• Matching Features
• Matching Sentence Endings
• True/False/Not Given or Yes/No/Not Given
• Multiple Choices
• List of Options
• Choose a Title
• Short Answers
• Sentence Completion
• Summary Completion
• Table Completion
• Flow Chart Completion
•  Completion Diagrams

These questions assess the candidate’s ability to read, skim through passages, understand written English, and understand the logical argument. Here’s how both the tests are designed differently.

IELTS Academic Reading Test

The IELTS Academic Reading test has three long reading passages that assess the candidate’s factual, descriptive, and analytical knowledge.

Each long passage is followed by questions based on the test.

Questions in this paper range from matching headings and information, sentence formation and sentence completion, summarising, table and flowchart completion, and labeling flowcharts to subjectively answering short questions.

IELTS Academic Reading Test Overview:

The passages in the exam are not specialised or in-depth but are generic and invoke interest. Each passage chosen for the exam is taken from journals, articles, magazines, and news media to assess the candidate’s ability to study in English.

Each correct answer is awarded one mark, while there is a penalty for spelling and grammatical errors.

IELTS General Training Reading Test

In stark contrast to the IELTS Academic Test, the IELTS General Training Reading test has multiple short passages and one long passage spread across three different sections.

IELTS General Reading Test Overview:

The passages are distributed as follows:

• Section one: 2-3 short texts
• Section two: 2 short texts
• Section three: 1 long text

The test assesses the candidate for similar tasks as with the Academic Test in the first section. In the second section, the passages and questions are tailored to the realm of the workplace. Be prepared to answer questions in the context of job descriptions, workplace ethics, or staff training material.

The long passage will be slightly complicated compared to the Academic Test and test the candidate’s critical thinking, analytical, and instructive skills.

Each question carries one mark, and there is a penalty for spelling and grammar mistakes.

The IELTS Writin g Test is different from the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Writing tests. While both the test types consist of two tasks , the task types vary from one another. 

The word limit for task 1 is 150 words, and task 2 is 250 words .

Both tests are scheduled for 60 minutes . The recommended time for the first task is 20 minutes, and task 2 is 40 minutes.

Here’s how they differ.

IELTS Academic Writing Test

Get an overview of the IELTS Academic Writing Test: 

In the IELTS Academic Writing test, you have two tasks.

The tasks are:

• Task 1: You are asked to explain/summarise data presented in a table/chart/diagram/graph. Furthermore, you may be required to explain specific data, process the information, or draw a flowchart to reach a logical conclusion.
• Task 2: Task 2 is to give a written response to an argument in under 250 words. One crucial thing to remember is that the answer must not be articulated in bullets or pointers but thoughtfully written on the answer sheet. Additionally, the second task carries more marks than the first one.

IELTS General Training Writing Test

Get an overview of the IELTS General Writing Test: 

The tasks for the IELTS General Training Writing tasks are below.

• Task 1: Compose a formal or informal letter requesting information or explaining a situation in 150 words.
• Task 2: In the second task, the candidates will have to write an essay to respond to an argument/problem in 250 words. You will be required to explain, request something, or defend your position to a specific authority. Relevant examples should back the ideas and viewpoints expressed here, and the writing style should be personal/formal based on the context.

The IELTS Speaking test remains the same for both Academic and General tests. The test does not differ in structure, format, or question types.

IELTS Speaking Test Overview:

The Speaking test format comprises a verbal interview between the candidate and the examiner. All speaking tests are videotaped for efficient marking.

This portion assesses the English-speaking skills of the candidate and can last from 11 to 14 minutes .

This test component is divided into three sections , each designed to serve a distinct purpose in terms of interaction pattern, task input, and candidate output.

The IELTS Speaking parts are:

Part 1 (Interview): The examiner would ask broad questions about the individual, spanning from self-introduction to aspects like your interests, family, studies, and job. This round lasts around 4-5 minutes.

Part 2 (Individual Long Turn/Cue Card): This round is also the card IELTS Cue Card section . For this round, the candidate picks a card with a topic and has a generic talk over the subject. Candidates are given 1 minute to prepare for the topic and 2-3 minutes to speak. The examiner may follow up with questions on the subject.

Part 3 (Discussion): The examiner can question the candidate further about the topic covered in Part 2. This section lasts 4-5 minutes and allows the applicant to justify their opinions and discuss the topic in-depth.

The IELTS Listening section is the same for both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General tests.

You are expected to listen to four English recordings and answer a series of questions. Each recording is followed by 40 questions based on it.

This test lasts 30 minutes in total. The primary goal of this segment is to understand the candidates’ capacity to comprehend critical concepts, factual information, and the viewpoints and attitudes of speakers.

The IELTS Listening recording is as follows:

• Recording 1 : The first recording would feature a chat between two people in a typical, everyday social setting.
• Recording 2 : The second recording is a monologue set in an ordinary social setting.
• Recording 3 : This recording is a conversation between four people in an educational or training setting.
• Recording 4 : Finally, a monologue on an academic subject will be played.

IELTS Academic VS IELTS General (Reading and Writing): Major Differences

The basic difference between the IELTS Academic test and the IELTS General Training test occurs in their Reading and Writing modules. 

Let us check the basic differences: 

• The IELTS Academic Reading test contains three long passages. Each passage is distributed into each section of the test. 
• The IELTS General Reading test contains 4-6 passages. 2-3 short passages are available in section 1, 1-2 short passages are there in section 2, and one long passage is available in section 3. 
• The reading passages in the IELTS Academic test are of different types, including descriptive, factual, and analytical texts, and can also contain charts, graphs, and diagrams.
• The reading passages in the IELTS General test are shorter and easier ones. They are mostly on general and everyday topics. 
• Task 1 in the IELTS Academic Writing test is to explain the given information. The information is mostly provided in graphs,m pie charts, or diagrams. 
• Task 1 is the IELTS General Writing test in letter writing. 

IELTS Academic vs General: Score Comparison

The test score for the IELTS exam is marked on a band scale of 1 to 9 for each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. 

The total IELTS band score is determined by averaging the scores from all four modules, rounding to the nearest whole or half band. If the average score has a decimal of .25, it is rounded up to the next half band, and if it’s .75, it’s rounded up to the next whole band. If the average has any other fraction, the score is rounded down.

The IELTS band score and corresponding skill level are below:

Final Decision

Wondering which is easier, the IELTS Academic or General Training?

The final decision for your doubt between the IELTS Academic and General can be subjective. The easiest test for your plan can vary depending on the purpose of the journey.

Typically, the IELTS General Training test is likely to be less complicated than the Academic IELTS Test. Summarising a complicated graph or table can be more straightforward than writing a brief letter! 

The primary reason for this is that the Academic test requires expert comprehension skills and the ability to briefly summarise complex ideas precisely, clearly, and concisely. So, if you are preparing for the Academic test, then make sure you read and practice more texts and practice materials that are related to academic topics. Get a hang of the language usages and terms. 

The General Training Test is primarily based on the candidate’s ability to speak and understand English in a general social setting. However, it’s subjective to say since it varies from candidate to candidate. While preparing for your general test, make sure you read texts of different kinds, such as magazines, newspaper articles, and fictional pieces. 

Rather than ease, the need is more significant while making your decision. Consider the test type that is required for your plan.

IELTS General vs Academic: Which is Easy? Finding the best option for your study-abroad plan is important, and choosing the right guidance for your test is even more important. Leap’s IELTS Experts can aid you in your decision-making. Book a free call to get access to quality classes, practice tests, IELTS resources, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. should i enrol for the ielts academic or general training test.

A. If you intend to study at an undergraduate/postgraduate level/practise a profession, the Academic test is suitable. If you desire to relocate to an English-speaking country or study at an academic level lower than higher education, taking a General Training module is recommended. If you are still unclear, we recommend contacting the institution to which you are applying.

Q. How many questions are there in the IELTS General test?

A. The number of questions in the IELTS General test varies across each module. The number of questions are as follows:

– Writing Section – 2 tasks – Reading Section- 40 questions – Listening Section – 40 questions – Speaking Section – 3 parts

Q. How many questions are there in the IELTS General Training Writing Test?

A. There are two writing tasks in the IELTS General Training Writing Test. The first task is letter writing. You will have to draft a letter, either giving an explanation or asking for information. The minimum word limit for task 1 is 150 words. Task 2 is an essay question, and the minimum word limit is 250 words.

Q. Is the reading passage for the IELTS Academic Test complex?

A. The level of difficulty can vary according to your current level and the amount of preparation you take before attempting the test. The passages for the IELTS Academic Reading test are excerpts from magazines, newspapers, and journals. You will get three passages, followed by questions based on it. The texts are generally simpler and can be understood with ample practice and preparation.

Q. Can I take the General test for academic purposes?

A. Ideally, no. In general, the IELTS General Training test is for work, migration, and other purposes. For academic purposes, it is recommended to take the IELTS Academic test. It’s excellent to check with the college/university you are applying to.

Q. Are all the modules of the IELTS test held on the same day?

A. No, all the modules are not conducted on the same day. The Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are held on the same day. The Speaking test may fall on the same day as the other tests or any day up to a week before or after the test date. You can book your IELTS Speaking slot online on your preferred date and time.

Q. What are the important criteria to score well in your IELTS General test?

Your examiner determines your score based on a variety of factors. This includes how well you complete your task, the accuracy of your answer, the usage of grammatical structures, and your vocabulary. The usage of proper and different words and the comprehensiveness of your answers also matter.

Q. Can I exceed the word limit in the IELTS General test?

A. The rules for exceeding the word limit vary across modules. While exceeding your word limit is not an issue in your IELTS General Writing test, exceeding your word limit can be penalised for your Reading and Listening tests. Make sure you adhere to both the minimum and maximum word limits.

Q. Can I skip questions in the IELTS General Training test?

A. Yes, you are allowed to skip questions in your IELTS General Training test. If you find difficulty in answering a question, it is better to skip it rather than spend too much time on it. However, attempting as many questions as possible is recommended since you do not have any negative marking system for the test.

Q. Is the IELTS General Test easier than the IELTS Academic test?

A. The level of difficulty and easiness can vary depending on each individual’s potential. In general, the IELTS General test is considered easier than the IELTS Academic test. The General test assesses your English proficiency to sustain in a general English-speaking environment. In contrast, the Academic test analyses your language skills to study and sustain in an academic environment.

Q. Is there a negative marking in the IELTS test?

A. No, the IELTS test does not have a negative marking system. So, IELTS experts recommend attempting as many questions in your IELTS test. However, make sure you do not spend too much time on a difficult question. Instead, skip the question and move on to the next. In the end, if you get time, pick the question again and retry.

Know More about IELTS

Ielts practice test material.

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• Describe a Skill That you can teach other people
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• Describe a person you know who likes to talk a lot
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• Describe a photo that you took and are proud of
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• Describe a successful person who you once studied or worked with

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Ishika Maheshwari

Hi there! I'm Ishika Maheshwari, your go-to expert for acing exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo. I simplify complex topics to help you achieve high scores. When I'm not sharing tips and strategies, I create engaging and informative content. Let's succeed together!

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5 growing threats to academic freedom

Associate Professor of Political Science, Trinity College

Disclosure statement

Isaac Kamola is the director of the Center for the Defense of Academic Freedom at the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), which is funded by the Mellon Foundation.

Trinity College provides funding as a member of The Conversation US.

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The ability to teach and conduct research free from political interference is the cornerstone of higher education and its contribution to the public good . Academic freedom, however, has become increasingly threatened.

V-Dem Institute , a global research organization that monitors indicators of democracy around the world, determined that academic freedom has “ substantially worsened ” in the United States in recent years. This is largely due to political and social polarization.

In recent months, professors across the country have sounded the alarm about infringements on academic freedom following crackdowns on pro-Palestine protesters on campus. The current conflict, however, is only the latest iteration of an intensifying decline in academic freedom.

As a researcher who examines the politics of higher education , I believe there are five distinct but mutually reinforcing ways that academic freedom has been threatened in the U.S. in recent years.

1. Legislation and academic gag orders

States across the country have passed educational gag orders that ban the teaching of critical race theory and other concepts. These are sometimes referred to as “ divisive concepts ” in the laws.

While most of these bills limit what can be said in K-12 classrooms, a report I authored found that 99 bills were introduced – and 10 passed – between 2021 and 2023 that affect higher education. For example, a North Dakota bill bans state universities from hosting discussions of ideas such as “meritocracy is inherently racist.” A similar bill in Tennessee outlaws teaching the idea that someone could be “inherently privileged, racist, sexist or oppressive.”

These bills misrepresent what discussions about race and gender identity actually look like in the college classroom. Rather than framing them as discussions about history and theory, bills like Florida’s so-called “ Stop Woke Act ” insinuate that teaching students about race and racism is aimed at making them feel guilty. PEN America has described these bills as “ designed to chill academic and educational discussions and impose government dictates on teaching and learning.”

2. Activist governing boards

Issues of academic freedom also arise when those without scholarly expertise become involved in academic and curricular decisions. This usually happens through governing boards and trustees who overreach .

Colleges and universities should follow the principles of shared governance , according to the American Association of University Professors. Boards oversee the business of running the institution, and faculty oversee the content taught in classrooms. At some institutions, however, the boards have subverted this. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, boards at several schools made unilateral decisions such as revoking tenure without due process . They have also created academic centers without faculty oversight – a core tenet of shared governance.

These decisions have serious consequences. The American Association of University Professors, for example, found that politically appointed board members at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill regularly “ exercise their considerable power ” to circumvent faculty autonomy. This includes the board of trustees’ refusal to offer a tenured position to Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of the 1619 Project , a series of essays and articles in The New York Times Magazine about the impact of slavery on American history. The board also came under fire for establishing the School of Civic Life and Leadership on campus. The school appears designed to teach conservative content that the board prefers rather than to fulfill a curricular need identified by the faculty.

3. Donor influence

Donor influence is also a growing threat to academic freedom . Ideally, donors would view their gifts simply as donations to an institution they trust. In some cases, however, donors play an active role in determining how their money is used. This could mean dictating which speakers are brought to campus, what books are taught in the classroom and what courses are offered.

One of the most dramatic recent examples is the ousting of Harvard President Claudine Gay . Hedge fund billionaire and Harvard donor Bill Ackman played an active role in her forced resignation , threatening a “ donor exodus if she stayed.” I believe that if it can happen at Harvard, it could happen at other universities, too.

4. Erosion of tenure

The system of tenure was originally created to protect professors from external political interference . In recent decades, however, fewer and fewer professors have been awarded this privilege. Today, 68% of faculty are working off the tenure track , often in year-to-year contracts, compared with 47% in 1987. The economic precarity of contract positions creates incentives for faculty to censor the content they teach for fear of losing their jobs .

In some states, such as Florida and Texas , state legislators have passed bills weakening tenure protections through the creation of post-tenure review procedures. This gives administrators greater authority to fire tenured faculty. These bills make faculty increasingly vulnerable to external political influence.

5. Delegitimization of higher education

As I’ve demonstrated in my research , right-wing activists have built a political infrastructure of think tanks and media outlets that specialize in portraying higher education in a negative light. This includes bringing intentionally provocative speakers such as Milo Yiannopoulos and Charlie Kirk to campus and funding media outlets that specialize in ranting about “ liberal bias ” on college campuses.

Partisan political operatives, such as the Manhattan Institute’s Christopher Rufo, have mainstreamed the claims that faculty regularly engage in political indoctrination and that professors teach content that is divisive and anti-American . For example, days after Hamas’ invasion of Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Rufo posted on X that conservatives should “ create a strong association ” between Hamas, Black Lives Matter, the Democratic Socialists of America and “academic ‘decolonization.’”

These narratives are designed to justify and legitimize the ongoing attacks on academic freedom. The implication is that faculty are the enemy and that legislatures, governors and governing boards can save higher education.

Fierce debates about what should be taught at colleges and universities is part of what academic freedom is all about. But attacks on academic freedom seek to displace the voice of faculty experts with those of partisan legislatures, trustees and donors. I believe this should be disconcerting for anyone who values free and critical thinking.

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