This band 6 IELTS essay on education choices discusses whether students should select their subjects or focus on useful ones. While it meets the task requirements, clarity and depth of ideas are areas for improvement, making it a good reference for IELTS candidates aiming for higher scores.
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 (290 words) and addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views and presenting a clear opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat superficial, and there are noticeable language errors that affect clarity and precision. Overall, it is a competent response but with room for improvement in depth and accuracy.
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Education itself is an important factor in our daily and future life. It is a vital instrument in shaping a better future for us all. This led to the debate of wether university students should be free to choose their own subjects or should they only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future. In my personal opinion,I believe that students should be free to choose their own subjects. However, on this essay, I will examine and discuss both views equally.
On one hand, allowing students to choose their own subjects will lead them to choose the subjects based on their own individual interests. Moreover, choosing their own subjects can also give them the feeling of authority, choosing their own path for their own future. This can lead to them actually wanting to learn said subject, rather than forcing themselves to do so. Likewise, the students can feel more passionate in learning the subjects, for it is align with their own individual interests.
On the other hand, making them study only the subjects that will be important will allow them a better chance in life. It will give them a better job prospect, thus allowing them to have a better chance of success. Many believe that making them study subjects that is actually important in the future mean setting them up for success early on.
In my opinion, students should have the ability to choose for themselves. It is their own basic right to have the ability to make their own decision regarding their own life. Moreover, this will lead the students to actually enjoy said subjects rather than forcing themselves to do it. What is the meaning of success with no passion involved in it?
AI Feedback Report Details
Spelling · Grammar · Vocabulary · Criteria Analysis
Spelling Mistakes
1 errors| Misspelled Word | Corrected Word |
|---|---|
| wether | whether |
Grammatical Mistakes
6 errors| Mistake | Correction | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| This led to the debate of | This leads to the debate on | Tense consistency: 'leads' is present tense to match the essay's context; 'on' is the correct preposition with 'debate' |
| or should they only be allowed | or whether they should only be allowed | Parallelism: use 'whether' to maintain grammatical structure in the clause |
| on this essay | in this essay | Preposition error: 'in' is used for written works like essays |
| for it is align | for it is aligned | Verb form error: 'aligned' is the correct past participle after 'is' |
| subjects that is actually important | subjects that are actually important | Subject-verb agreement: 'subjects' is plural and requires 'are' |
| mean setting them up | means setting them up | Subject-verb agreement: the gerund phrase 'making them study subjects' is singular and requires 'means' |
Vocabulary Improvements
5 suggestions| Original Word/Phrase | Improved Word/Phrase | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| feeling of authority | sense of autonomy | 'Authority' is imprecise here; 'autonomy' better conveys self-governance in academic choices |
| said subject | those subjects | 'Said' is informal and archaic in this context; 'those subjects' is more standard |
| better job prospect | better job prospects | 'Prospects' is the more common collocation when referring to future opportunities |
| chance in life | opportunity in life | 'Opportunity' is more formal and precise than 'chance' in academic writing |
| basic right | fundamental right | 'Fundamental' is more academic and emphasizes the importance of the right |
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Detailed Criteria Feedback
AI-powered analysis for each scoring criterion
Task Response
6
Evaluation
The essay covers both views and gives a personal opinion, fulfilling the task requirements. However, the arguments are presented in a basic manner without detailed extension or specific examples.
Examples
For example, it states that free choice leads to passion and authority, while useful subjects improve job prospects, but these points are not elaborated with evidence or deeper analysis.
How to Improve
To improve, provide more developed reasoning, use relevant examples (e.g., specific subjects or career outcomes), and explore the implications of each view more thoroughly.
Coherence and Cohesion
6
Evaluation
The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, separate body paragraphs for each view, and a conclusion. Cohesion is achieved through basic linking words, but paragraphing is simple and transitions could be smoother.
Examples
Phrases like 'On one hand' and 'On the other hand' are used effectively, but the conclusion is brief and the flow between ideas is somewhat abrupt.
How to Improve
Enhance coherence by using a wider range of cohesive devices (e.g., 'furthermore,' 'in contrast,' 'as a result') and ensuring each paragraph logically connects to the next. Consider merging or expanding paragraphs for better flow.
Lexical Resource
5.5
Evaluation
Vocabulary is adequate for the task but limited in range. There are some spelling errors and incorrect word forms that occasionally hinder communication.
Examples
Misspelling 'whether' as 'wet her,' using 'align' instead of 'aligned,' and repetitive use of words like 'important' or 'subjects.'
How to Improve
Expand lexical range by incorporating more precise and varied vocabulary (e.g., 'beneficial,' 'practical,' 'autonomy'). Proofread carefully to correct errors and consider using a thesaurus for synonym variety.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
5.5
Evaluation
Grammar is characterized by simple sentence structures with several errors in verb forms, subject-verb agreement, and phrasing. These errors occasionally affect readability.
Examples
Incorrect: 'for it is align' should be 'for it is aligned'; 'subjects that is actually important' should be 'subjects that are actually important'; awkward phrasing in 'What is the meaning of success with no passion involved in it?'
How to Improve
Practice using complex sentences (e.g., relative clauses, conditional structures) and focus on accuracy in subject-verb agreement and verb tenses. Review grammar rules and consider proofreading exercises.
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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