This Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 essay discusses whether students should choose their subjects freely. Key feedback highlights coherence issues and underdeveloped arguments, pointing out the need for more specific examples and smoother transitions. Improve your writing by understanding these common pitfalls!
IELTS Writing Task 2 Question
Discuss both views · University Students · 40 min
There are two opposing views on whether university students should be free to choose their own subjects or whether they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Score Breakdown
IELTS Writing Band Scores (1–9)
Summary: The essay meets the minimum word count (271 words) and addresses the task by discussing both views and giving an opinion. However, the arguments are underdeveloped and lack specific examples. The structure is clear but coherence within paragraphs is weak. Vocabulary is adequate but with some inaccuracies, and grammatical errors reduce clarity.
Now write your own — and see how your verdict holds up.
Submit your University Students essay and receive AI scores across Task Response, Coherence, Lexical Resource, and Grammar — plus a Band 9 model answer for your exact question.
There is an ongoing debate about students freely choosing their subjects of interest or whether they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future and the society in terms of science and technology. Both perspectives present valid arguments, but I believe a more approachable manner can be beneficial.
On one hand, Students choosing their own subjects show the level of responsibility towards determining their ideal career paths. A lot of students already have aspirations of their careers in future and most science and technology subjects will not align in their career paths. Most students are more likely to excel in subjects and courses they are interested in. A lot of students might not even have the intelligence to excel in science and technology because not all intellects are the same and when these students are forced, it may result in lack of interest and motivation.
On the other hand, the economic growth of a country reflects on the advancement in their technology. Most world power countries around the world are at the position they are now because of how advanced they are in their approach to science and technology within their countries. Engaging students in subjects related to science and technology is a huge factor in this argument. The purpose of this helps in a country's development in terms of engineering, medicine, information technology and also in financial aspects.
In conclusion, although certain subjects may seem more beneficial and effective to the society for economic reasons, students should be allowed to freely choose subjects relating to their careers for a more balanced and sociable society.
AI Feedback Report Details
Spelling · Grammar · Vocabulary · Criteria Analysis
Spelling Mistakes
0 errorsNo spelling mistakes found.
Grammatical Mistakes
8 errors| Mistake | Correction | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Students choosing | students choosing | Capitalization error: 'Students' should not be capitalized mid-sentence unless starting a new sentence. |
| in future | in the future | Missing definite article 'the' before 'future'. |
| align in | align with | Incorrect preposition; 'align with' is the standard collocation. |
| result in lack of interest | result in a lack of interest | Missing indefinite article 'a' before 'lack'. |
| reflects on the advancement | reflects the advancement | 'Reflects on' can mean to contemplate; here, 'reflects' alone means to show or indicate. |
| world power countries | world powers | Redundant phrasing; 'world powers' is concise. |
| The purpose of this helps | This helps | Grammatical error: 'The purpose of this' is a noun phrase and cannot be followed directly by a verb; rephrase for clarity. |
| to the society | to society | When referring to society in general, no article is needed. |
Vocabulary Improvements
8 suggestions| Original Word/Phrase | Improved Word/Phrase | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| a more approachable manner | a more balanced approach | 'Approachable' is not apt for this context; 'balanced' is more precise for debates. |
| A lot of | Many | Informal; use 'Many' for academic writing. |
| show the level of responsibility | demonstrate responsibility | Wordy and vague; 'demonstrate' is more direct and academic. |
| aspirations of their careers | career aspirations | Awkward collocation; 'career aspirations' is standard. |
| intellects | aptitudes | Vague and can be misinterpreted; 'aptitudes' is more specific to academic capability. |
| huge factor | significant factor | 'Huge' is informal; 'significant' is more appropriate for academic writing. |
| financial aspects | economic aspects | 'Financial' is narrow; 'economic' is broader and more suitable. |
| sociable society | cohesive society | 'Sociable' is not typically used to describe societies; 'cohesive' implies social unity. |
Ready to practise? Get instant AI feedback on your verdict.
Submit your University Students essay and receive AI scores across all four IELTS criteria — with specific feedback on whether your solutions are specific, realistic, and matched to your problems.
Detailed Criteria Feedback
AI-powered analysis for each scoring criterion
Task Response
6
Evaluation
The essay presents both views and states an opinion, but the development is limited. Arguments are generalized and lack depth or specific examples to support them.
Examples
For instance, the first body paragraph mentions students excelling in subjects of interest but does not elaborate on how this benefits society or education. The second paragraph discusses economic growth but fails to connect it concretely to student subject choices.
How to Improve
Expand each argument with relevant examples, such as citing specific careers or societal benefits. Ensure the opinion is consistently supported throughout the essay, not just in the conclusion.
Coherence and Cohesion
6
Evaluation
The essay has a basic structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. However, paragraph cohesion is weak, and ideas within paragraphs are not smoothly linked.
Examples
Transitions like 'On one hand' and 'On the other hand' are used, but within paragraphs, sentences jump between points (e.g., from responsibility to intelligence without clear connectors). The conclusion is abrupt and does not effectively summarize the discussion.
How to Improve
Use cohesive devices (e.g., 'furthermore', 'for example', 'in contrast') to connect ideas within paragraphs. Ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and that the conclusion reinforces the main arguments.
Lexical Resource
6
Evaluation
Vocabulary is sufficient for the task but repetitive and sometimes inaccurate. There is an attempt to use varied words, but collocations and word choice need improvement.
Examples
Phrases like 'approachable manner' (should be 'balanced approach' or 'pragmatic approach') and 'show the level of responsibility towards determining' are awkward. Repetition of 'subjects' and 'students' reduces lexical range.
How to Improve
Practice using synonyms and more precise academic vocabulary. Review collocations (e.g., 'pursue interests', 'economic development') and avoid vague expressions.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
5.5
Evaluation
Grammar is a weakness, with several errors in sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, and word form. Sentences are mostly simple, and complex structures are attempted but with mistakes.
Examples
Errors include: 'a more approachable manner can be beneficial' (incorrect use of 'manner'), 'Students choosing... show' (should be 'shows' or rephrased), and 'not all intellects are the same' (better as 'not all individuals have the same intellectual strengths').
How to Improve
Focus on accurate use of verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and article usage. Practice writing complex sentences with clauses, and proofread to correct grammatical errors.
Tip: Review the Band 9 model answer to see how a high-scoring essay structures arguments, uses advanced vocabulary, and maintains coherence throughout.
RELATED ESSAYS
02
There are two opposing views on whether university students should be free to choose their own subjects or whether they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Write at least 250 words.
The question of what university students should study sits at the heart of what we think university is for. One side argues for total freedom of choice, the oth...
03
Some people believe that city governments should allocate public funds only to essential urban services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Others argue that investment in arts, culture, and entertainment is equally important for enhancing the quality of urban life. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Write at least 250 words.
The health of a city and it's citizens must be given utmost priority as compared to arts, culture and entertainment. With provision of proper health...
04
Some people in different countries earn very high incomes. While some people think that this is beneficial for the nation, others believe that the government should limit how much money people can make. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Write at least 250 words.
In different countries, many people make too much money. Some people gave their opinions in thier favour and some suggest that The Government should keeps an ey...
05
There are two opposing views on whether university students should be free to choose their own subjects or whether they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Write at least 250 words.
There are two contrary opinions about whether university students should be free to choose their own subjects or whether they should be allowed to study subject...
06
Some people argue that leisure time is best spent on activities that stimulate the mind, such as reading and doing word puzzles. Other people contend that leisure time is best spent on activities that relax the mind. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Write at least 250 words.
Human beings love to relax and chill its in our nature. But it differ from a human being to another how we like to spend our leisure time some argue that free ...