IELTS Writing Task 2 – Discuss Both Views Without Opinion (Free University)
When the instruction only says 'Discuss both these views', you have two jobs: explain view 1 and explain view 2, fairly and in balance, like a reporter. Then try the practice question below.
Key points
The example question from the video
Some people believe that university education should be free for everyone, while others think that students should pay for their own studies. Discuss both these views. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Model answer from the video (296 words)
People disagree about whether higher education should be provided free of charge to all, or whether students themselves should cover the cost of their degrees. This essay will look at the main arguments on both sides of this debate, without taking either side.
On the one hand, there are strong arguments for making university free. The first is fairness. If degrees are expensive, talented young people from poor families may decide not to apply, so their abilities are wasted. For example, a gifted student who has to support her family might take a low-paid job instead of training to become a doctor. In some countries, such as Germany, public universities already charge little or nothing for this reason. Supporters also argue that the whole country benefits from free education, because a more skilled workforce leads to higher productivity and more tax income in the future.
On the other hand, many people believe that students should pay for their own education. Their main argument is that graduates usually earn much more than people without a degree, so it seems reasonable for them, rather than all taxpayers, to cover the cost. For instance, a lawyer or an engineer will usually earn back the cost of a degree within a few years. In addition, free universities are very expensive for governments, and this money could be spent on schools, hospitals or public transport, which benefit everyone. Some also claim that students who pay fees take their studies more seriously and are less likely to drop out.
In conclusion, supporters of free university education focus on fairness and the benefits for society, while those who prefer tuition fees focus on personal responsibility and the cost to the public. Both sides raise important points about who should pay for higher education.
Chapters in this video (13)
- 0:00Introduction
- 0:52Example Question
- 1:44With or Without Opinion?
- 2:28Planning: Both Views
- 3:32Answer Structure
- 4:13Writing the Introduction
- 5:39Body Paragraph 1 (View 1)
- 7:31Body Paragraph 2 (View 2)
- 9:10Writing the Conclusion
- 9:58Useful Phrases
- 10:29Three Common Mistakes
- 11:01Final Answer and Checklist
- 11:35Outro
Useful phrases for a balanced answer
| Word / phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| on the one hand, … / on the other hand, … | present each view | On the other hand, many people believe that students should pay. |
| supporters argue that … | report an argument | Supporters also argue that the whole country benefits from free education. |
| their main argument is that … | report the main argument | Their main argument is that graduates usually earn more. |
| some also claim that … | add another argument | Some also claim that students who pay fees work harder. |
| this essay will look at … | say what the answer will do | This essay will look at the main arguments on both sides. |
Practice task: Starting school
Some people think that children should start school at the age of four, while others believe that they should not start until the age of seven. Discuss both these views. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Read the instruction: no opinion is asked.
Two boxes of about the same size: two arguments + an example for each view.
Report the views: supporters argue that, their main argument is.
Show model answer (try first!)
People disagree about the best age for children to begin formal education. Some argue that school should start as early as four, while others think it is better to wait until seven. This essay will look at the main arguments for both views, without taking either side.
On the one hand, there are strong arguments for starting school at four. The first is that early schooling can help children from poorer families. Children who have few books at home can catch up with their classmates if they start learning letters and numbers early. For example, a child whose parents work long hours may get much more attention from a trained teacher than at home. Supporters also argue that an early start helps parents, because free school places allow mothers and fathers to return to work sooner.
On the other hand, many people believe that children should not start school until seven. Their main argument is that young children learn best through play, and that formal lessons at four can make them anxious or bored. For instance, in Finland children usually begin formal school at seven, yet the country has often performed well in international education rankings. In addition, a later start gives children more time to develop social skills and confidence before they have to sit still in a classroom. Some also claim that this makes them more motivated learners later on.
In conclusion, supporters of an early start focus on equal chances and the needs of working parents, while those who prefer a later start focus on play, wellbeing and readiness to learn. Both sides make important points about how children should begin their education.
276 words
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