This band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 essay discusses whether university students should choose their own subjects or focus on utilitarian fields. While the essay presents clear views, it suffers from multiple spelling errors and some grammatical inaccuracies that impact its clarity. Understanding these issues can help you improve your own IELTS writing.
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 adequately addresses the prompt by discussing both views on university subject choice and presenting a clear opinion. It meets the 250-word minimum (313 words). However, numerous spelling errors and some grammatical inaccuracies reduce the overall clarity and precision. The structure is logical and the argument is developed, but the lexical range is undermined by frequent misspellings.
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The question of whether university students should have total autonomy over their choice of subjects or be steered toward utilitarian fields like science and technology remain a subject of intense dabate . While some argue that academic freedom is essential for personal development , I belive that while personal choice is vital , a deegre of aligment with future economic needs is beneficial for both the individuals and society.
Proponents of unrestricted academic choice argue that university is a time for intellectual exploration . They contend that forcing students into specific disciplines can stifle creativity and lead to a lack of motivation . For instnce , a student with a passion for literature may struggle in computer science program , potentially leading to higher dropout rates or mediore performence. Furthermore, a diverse range of graduates such as philosophers or artists is esential for a well-rounded culture , as these individuals provide the critical thinking and creative perspectives that technical fields might lack.
On the other hand , there is a strong case for prioritizing subject that offer clear career pathways in science and technology . In an increasing digital global economy , there is a burgeoning demand for specialists in fields such as artuficial intelligence , engineering , and biotechnology . By encouraging students to pursue these usefull subjects , governments can ensure their workforce remain competitive and capable of driving innovation . From the students' perspective, graduating with a high-demand degree often leads to greater job security and higher earning potential , which are significant factors in an era of rising tuition costs.
In conclusion, while the freedom to follow one's passion is a cornerstone of higher education , the societal and personal benefits of focusing on STEM subjects can not be ignored . A balanced educational framework that respects individual interests while acknowledging economic realities is most sustainable path forward .
AI Feedback Report Details
Spelling · Grammar · Vocabulary · Criteria Analysis
Spelling Mistakes
10 errors| Misspelled Word | Corrected Word |
|---|---|
| dabate | debate |
| belive | believe |
| deegre | degree |
| aligment | alignment |
| instnce | instance |
| mediore | mediocre |
| performence | performance |
| esential | essential |
| artuficial | artificial |
| usefull | useful |
Grammatical Mistakes
7 errors| Mistake | Correction | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| remain a subject | remains a subject | Subject-verb agreement: the singular subject 'The question' requires the singular verb 'remains' |
| both the individuals | both individuals | Unnecessary definite article; 'both individuals and society' is the correct phrasing |
| in computer science program | in a computer science program | Missing indefinite article before singular countable noun 'program' |
| subject that offer | subjects that offer | Subject-verb agreement: the plural noun 'subjects' is needed to match the plural verb 'offer' |
| their workforce remain | their workforce remains | Subject-verb agreement: 'workforce' is singular, so the verb should be 'remains' |
| is most sustainable path | is the most sustainable path | Missing definite article 'the' before a superlative adjective 'most sustainable' |
| can not be ignored | cannot be ignored | Standard written English uses the single word 'cannot' rather than the two-word form 'can not' |
Vocabulary Improvements
1 suggestions| Original Word/Phrase | Improved Word/Phrase | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| increasing digital global economy | increasingly digital global economy | 'Increasing' is an adjective, but an adverb is needed to modify 'digital'; 'increasingly' conveys the idea of a growing trend more precisely |
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Detailed Criteria Feedback
AI-powered analysis for each scoring criterion
Task Response7
Evaluation
The essay covers both sides of the argument and states a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. Examples are provided for each view (e.g., literature vs. computer science, STEM job demand). The opinion is balanced and relevant. The response is fully on-topic and meets the task requirements.
Examples
For the first view: 'a student with a passion for literature may struggle in computer science program'. For the second view: 'burgeoning demand for specialists in fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering, and biotechnology'.
How to Improve
To achieve a higher score, develop each point further with more specific examples or evidence. Ensure the opinion is reinforced throughout the essay, not just at the beginning and end.
Coherence & Cohesion7
Evaluation
The essay is logically structured with clear paragraphs for introduction, each view, and conclusion. Transitional phrases like 'Proponents of...', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' guide the reader. However, there are minor issues with punctuation (e.g., unnecessary spaces before commas) and occasional awkward phrasing that slightly disrupts flow.
Examples
The first paragraph could be split into two sentences for clarity. The use of 'While some argue... I believe that while...' creates a slightly confusing structure.
How to Improve
Use a wider range of cohesive devices (e.g., 'despite this', 'consequently', 'moreover'). Proofread to eliminate punctuation errors and ensure smooth topic sentences for each paragraph.
Lexical Resource6.5
Evaluation
The essay uses some good vocabulary (e.g., 'autonomy', 'utilitarian', 'stifle creativity', 'burgeoning demand', 'cornerstone'). However, frequent spelling errors ('dabate', 'deegre', 'aligment', 'instnce', 'esential', 'mediore', 'performence', 'usefull', 'artuficial', 'belive', 'can not') significantly reduce the lexical score. Collocations are mostly appropriate but not highly sophisticated.
Examples
Correct forms: 'debate', 'degree', 'alignment', 'instance', 'essential', 'mediocre', 'performance', 'useful', 'artificial', 'believe', 'cannot' (one word).
How to Improve
Practice spelling commonly used academic words. Expand vocabulary by learning topic-specific terms (e.g., 'vocational training', 'academic freedom', 'labor market'). Use a dictionary or spell-check before submitting.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy6
Evaluation
The essay demonstrates some grammatical range with complex sentences and conditionals. However, several errors affect accuracy: subject-verb agreement ('question remain' should be 'question remains'), singular/plural misuse ('subject that offer' should be 'subjects that offer'), and punctuation errors. The overall control is limited, reducing clarity.
Examples
'remain a subject' → 'remains a subject'; 'subject that offer' → 'subjects that offer'; 'ensure their workforce remain' → 'ensure their workforce remains' (or 'remain' is acceptable in some dialects, but inconsistent). Missing articles: 'in computer science program' → 'a computer science program'.
How to Improve
Review basic subject-verb agreement rules. Practice writing sentences with accurate verb tenses. Proofread for missing articles and punctuation. Use a mix of simple and complex structures with greater accuracy.
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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