IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Should University Education Be Free?

In this post, I am going to walk you through a complete Band 9 answer to a real IELTS Writing Task 2 question. Rather than just giving you the essay, I will break it down paragraph by paragraph and explain exactly why it scores at the highest level. If you want to see how a top answer is actually built, this is it.

The Question

This is a discussion essay — the most common type in Task 2. You are asked to discuss both sides of an argument and give your own opinion. Let us look at how to handle it.

Planning (3-5 minutes)

Before writing a single word, spend a few minutes planning. This is what separates a disorganised Band 6 essay from a coherent Band 9 one.

My position: I believe in a middle path — free education funded by government, but with students contributing a small amount through income-contingent loans.

View 1 (free education): Equal opportunity, reduces inequality, benefits society as a whole, removes financial barriers for talented students from poor families.

View 2 (students should pay): Universities are expensive, taxpayers should not fund those who earn more later, personal responsibility, prevents over-consumption of degrees.

My opinion: A balanced system — government funds most of it, students contribute a small, income-linked amount after graduation.

The Band 9 Sample Answer

Word count: 312

Introduction

The question of whether higher education should be funded entirely by the state or partly by students themselves is one of the most debated issues in education policy. While making university free for everyone has obvious appeal on grounds of fairness, I believe that a system in which graduates contribute a modest, income-linked amount represents a more sustainable and equitable solution.

Body Paragraph 1 — The case for free education

Those who argue that university education should be free point primarily to the principle of equal opportunity. When tuition fees are charged, talented students from low-income backgrounds may be deterred from applying, not because they lack ability but because they cannot afford the cost. This creates a situation in which higher education becomes a privilege of the wealthy rather than a right available to all. Furthermore, societies benefit as a whole from having a highly educated population: graduates tend to earn more, pay more tax, and contribute more to innovation and economic growth. On this view, free education is not merely a cost but an investment that ultimately pays for itself.

Body Paragraph 2 — The case for student contribution

On the other hand, there are compelling reasons why students should bear at least some of the cost. Universities are expensive institutions to run, and if all funding comes from the public purse, this places a heavy burden on taxpayers, many of whom never attended university themselves. Moreover, since graduates typically earn significantly more than non-graduates over their working lives, it seems reasonable that they should contribute towards the education that helped them achieve this. Critics also note that entirely free education can lead to over-consumption, with some students enrolling in courses they do not genuinely need simply because there is no financial cost involved.

My opinion

In my view, the most effective approach combines elements of both positions. Governments should fund the majority of higher education, ensuring that no student is excluded on financial grounds, while graduates make a modest contribution through income-contingent loans that are repaid only once their earnings exceed a certain threshold. This model, used successfully in countries such as Australia, removes the upfront barrier to entry while ensuring that those who benefit most financially contribute fairly to the system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while free university education promotes equality and benefits society, it is not without its costs to taxpayers. A hybrid system, in which the state provides the bulk of funding and graduates contribute an affordable, income-linked amount, offers the most balanced and sustainable way forward.

Why This Answer Scores Band 9

Let us look at how this essay satisfies each of the four marking criteria:

Key Phrases You Can Reuse

These phrases appear in the essay and can be adapted to almost any discussion question:

• “The question of whether… is one of the most debated issues in…” — strong opening
• “While… has obvious appeal on grounds of…” — conceding the other side
• “Those who argue that… point primarily to…” — introducing a viewpoint
• “On the other hand, there are compelling reasons why…” — balanced transition
• “In my view, the most effective approach combines elements of both positions.” — stating a nuanced opinion

Notice that none of these are memorised template phrases like “In this day and age” or “It is an undeniable fact that”. Examiners are tired of those. Natural, purposeful language scores far higher.

What You Should Take Away

The single most important lesson from this sample is that a clear opinion and a balanced discussion are not in conflict. You can present both sides fairly and still take a strong, specific position. The examiner is not looking for you to sit on the fence — they want to see that you can think critically about a complex issue.

If you want to practise, try rewriting this essay with a different opinion. What if you argued that education should be completely free? Or completely paid for by students? Notice how the same structure still works — only your arguments change.

Good luck with your preparation.

Related Reading

If you found this useful, these guides cover the next steps:

• IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Write a Band 9 Essay
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essays — Complete Guide
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion Essays — Complete Guide