Task 2 · · 5 samples

Some people think local governments should spend more money on public learning centres for adults. Others believe this money should be used to improve schools for children. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Write at least 250 words.

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Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Schools provide foundational skills and reach nearly all children.
  • Adult learning can help workers retrain and parents participate in community life.
  • Prioritise essential school provision, then support targeted adult courses.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce both priorities and state your position.
  2. Explain the case for schools with a concrete example.
  3. Explain the case for adult centres and a funding condition.
  4. Restate how the priorities can be balanced.
Useful vocabulary & examples
a qualified judgement
a conclusion with stated limits

Children’s schools should receive a secure basic level of funding, while targeted adult learning centres also deserve support. I favour allocating additional money according to local needs rather than treating the two groups as competitors.

practical consequences
effects on ordinary decisions or activities

Children’s schools should receive a secure basic level of funding, while targeted adult learning centres also deserve support. I favour allocating additional money according to local needs rather than treating the two groups as competitors.

a realistic alternative
another option that can work in the circumstances

Children’s schools should receive a secure basic level of funding, while targeted adult learning centres also deserve support. I favour allocating additional money according to local needs rather than treating the two groups as competitors.

Sample answers

Target Band 6 · Original model answer

277 words · Illustrative target band

Local authorities have to choose how to spend their education budgets. Some people think adult learning centres should receive more money, while others would prefer improvements to children’s schools. In my opinion, schools should be the first priority, although adult education should also receive some support. There are several reasons to invest in schools. Children need basic skills such as reading and mathematics…

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