This Band 5.5 IELTS essay discusses whether university students should choose their subjects themselves. Feedback highlights clarity and coherence issues that hinder effective argument development. Learn how to improve your essay structure and expression for better results.
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 (367 vs. 250 required) and attempts to address the task. However, it partially misinterprets the second view by focusing on universities choosing for students rather than the restriction to 'useful' subjects like science and technology. The discussion is somewhat developed but includes an irrelevant example (cricket player). Cohesion is affected by unclear pronouns and awkward transitions. Vocabulary is adequate but with errors, and grammar has several mistakes that hinder clarity.
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In the contemporary era, studies are the most significant part of human life. There are conflicting views about either students should be given the opportunity to decide their subjects or universities should do this job instead of the educators. I believe that students should choose their options themselves, as it is the matter of their future. In this essay, we will elaborate both perspectives before providing a logical conclusion.
To begin with, students should choose their subjects themselves based on their career prospects. Generalizing based on useful subjects cannot be applicable to everyone. To illustrate, a student who has expertise in artwork and sketching, it is irrelevant for him to pursue science subjects, aside from the fact that it will waste his time and effort as well. Moreover, If the educators choose their subjects themselves then they will show more interest and might gain distinction in their subjects, due to the reason of them having a keen interest in subject instead of studying some random subject, which does not align with their career prospects.
On the contrary, sometimes students are confused between different academic courses, so in this scenerio when universities are given the chance to decide for the students, it helps them gain clarity and release them with burden of choosing themselves. Additionally, frequent times students think that they are good at one subject but when they study a different subject they are exceptional in that, without even knowing their capabilities. For instance, a well-known cricket player wanted to be a batsman when he joined the team, but when coach saw his capabilities in bowling, he switched his position, and now he is one of the finest bowlers of our country.
To conclude, I think students should be given an opportunity to choose for themselves so they know whether they are good at analyzing themselves or not. Apart from that, it will help them long term in their career goals. However, when universities choose it will provide insights to student even in the areas, where they think they lack but they are very good in it as well. If the universities strike a balance between both it will help students make their career choices more wisely.
AI Feedback Report Details
Spelling · Grammar · Vocabulary · Criteria Analysis
Spelling Mistakes
1 errors| Misspelled Word | Corrected Word |
|---|---|
| scenerio | scenario |
Grammatical Mistakes
4 errors| Mistake | Correction | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| about either students should be given | about whether students should be given | 'either' is incorrectly used; 'whether' is used to introduce alternatives |
| we will elaborate both perspectives | we will elaborate on both perspectives | 'elaborate' requires the preposition 'on' when discussing topics |
| release them with burden | relieve them of the burden | incorrect preposition; 'relieve of' is the correct collocation |
| when coach saw | when the coach saw | missing definite article 'the' before 'coach' |
Vocabulary Improvements
5 suggestions| Original Word/Phrase | Improved Word/Phrase | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| do this job | perform this task | 'do this job' is informal; 'perform this task' is more academic |
| some random subject | arbitrary subjects | 'random' is informal; 'arbitrary' is more precise in academic writing |
| frequent times | often | 'frequent times' is colloquial; 'often' is more appropriate |
| gain clarity | achieve clarity | 'gain' is less formal; 'achieve' is better for academic tone |
| insights to student | insights for students | 'to' is not the standard preposition with 'insights'; 'for' is correct |
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Detailed Criteria Feedback
AI-powered analysis for each scoring criterion
Task Response
5.5
Evaluation
The essay presents both views but does not accurately reflect the second view as per the question. The opinion is stated but not consistently supported with relevant arguments. The example of the cricket player is tangential to the topic of university subject selection.
Examples
The second paragraph discusses students choosing based on career prospects, which aligns with the first view. The third paragraph introduces universities choosing for confused students, which misrepresents the opposing view about studying only 'useful' subjects like science and technology. The cricket example is from sports, not academia.
How to Improve
Clearly define both views as per the question: one supporting student choice, and the other advocating for a focus on pragmatically useful subjects. Use examples directly related to university education, such as debates over STEM vs. humanities disciplines. Ensure your opinion is reinforced throughout with consistent reasoning.
Coherence and Cohesion
5.5
Evaluation
The essay has a basic structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. However, coherence is weakened by confusing pronoun references and awkward transitions between ideas. Paragraph topics are somewhat clear but could be better linked.
Examples
In the second paragraph, 'If the educators choose their subjects themselves...' is unclear—it likely means 'students' but uses 'educators,' causing confusion. The transition 'On the contrary' is used but the contrast is not sharp. The conclusion attempts balance but phrases like 'strike a balance' are vague.
How to Improve
Use precise pronouns (e.g., 'students' instead of ambiguous 'educators'). Employ linking words (e.g., 'in contrast,' 'furthermore') to clarify relationships between ideas. Ensure each paragraph starts with a topic sentence that directly relates to the question. Revise sentences for clarity and logical flow.
Lexical Resource
5.5
Evaluation
Vocabulary is sufficient for the task but lacks range and precision. There are several spelling errors and awkward word choices, which occasionally obscure meaning. Some terms are repetitive (e.g., 'subjects,' 'career').
Examples
Misspelling: 'scenerio' should be 'scenario.' Incorrect phrasing: 'release them with burden' should be 'relieve them of the burden.' Imprecise word choice: 'Generalizing based on useful subjects cannot be applicable' could be 'Generalizing about useful subjects may not apply.'
How to Improve
Expand your academic vocabulary by reading on education topics. Practice using synonyms (e.g., 'disciplines' for 'subjects,' 'proponents' for 'views'). Pay attention to correct spelling and collocations (e.g., 'pursue a subject,' 'gain clarity'). Use a dictionary to verify word meanings.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
5
Evaluation
Grammatical errors are frequent and affect readability. There are issues with sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, and punctuation. Some sentences are fragmented or run-on. Attempts at complex sentences are made but often inaccurate.
Examples
Fragment: 'To illustrate, a student who has expertise in artwork and sketching, it is irrelevant for him to pursue science subjects...' should be 'For example, for a student with expertise in artwork, pursuing science subjects is irrelevant.' Error in conditional: 'If the educators choose... then they will show...'—should be 'If students choose... they will show...' Missing articles: 'in this scenerio' should be 'in this scenario.'
How to Improve
Focus on constructing complete sentences with clear subjects and verbs. Practice using complex sentences correctly (e.g., relative clauses, conditionals). Review grammar rules for articles, prepositions, and tense consistency. Proofread your writing to identify and correct errors.
Tip: Review the Band 9 model answer to see how a high-scoring essay structures arguments, uses advanced vocabulary, and maintains coherence throughout.
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