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User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 7.0 Example

Original task prompt, user essay, band score, and related examples in the same report workspace.

258 words AcademicTask 2
Task 2

Illustrative target band for this original model answer.

Plan your answer

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Ideas to explore

  • Working after school can bring early income, practical skills and experience of workplace expectations.
  • University or college may be necessary for regulated or specialist professions and can develop transferable skills.
  • The two routes can be combined through internships or part-time employment during study.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce both views and state your opinion clearly.
  2. Explain the benefits of entering work after school, with a relevant example.
  3. Present the benefits of higher education, including qualifications and transferable skills.
  4. Compare the routes in your opinion paragraph and conclude with a clear preference.
Useful vocabulary & examples
practical experience
Skills and knowledge gained by doing work rather than only studying it.

Starting a job after school can provide practical experience and workplace skills.

structured training
An organised programme that teaches employees the skills required for a role.

Structured training can make immediate employment a suitable route into some trades.

specialised knowledge
Detailed understanding of a particular subject or profession.

A university course can provide the specialised knowledge needed for some careers.

transferable skills
Abilities, such as communication, that are useful across different jobs.

Higher education can help students develop transferable skills such as problem-solving.

Task Prompt

Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after school. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

User Essay Analysis

Review the public answer with report-style highlights.

Band 7.0

In recent years, the acquisition of high school education has been the topic of heated debate. Some people claim that furthering education at university plays a pivotal role in having a better career path, while others support the tidea of immediate entry into the workforce after graduating school. There are contrasting views on both sides, and each has valid arguments. A university degree gives students structured academic knowledge and recognised credentials. In professions such as medicine, engineering or law, formal qualifications are often essential for entering the field. University can also help graduates develop research skills and build professional networks, which may open doors to higher-level roles. However, this route can be expensive and takes several years, so the benefits are not guaranteed.

By contrast, leaving school and starting work allows young people to earn an income and gain practical experience sooner. They can develop workplace skills, learn from colleagues and, in some fields, progress through on-the-job training. This option may be particularly suitable for people who prefer hands-on learning or wish to avoid the cost of a degree. Nevertheless, some jobs offer limited opportunities for advancement without further qualifications, and beginning work early does not ensure career success.

In my view, university is the better route for careers that require specialised knowledge or formal credentials, but it is not the best choice for everyone. For other occupations, gaining work experience and undertaking vocational training can be equally effective. People should therefore consider their career goals, financial circumstances and preferred way of learning before choosing between these paths.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Replace “the acquisition of high school education” with a direct phrase such as “completing high school,” then check the rest of the introduction for similarly abstract wording.
2
Develop each main viewpoint with a specific explanation: connect a qualification to entry into a regulated profession, and connect early employment to practical skills or income.
3
Proofread specifically for spelling and prepositions; check “tidea” and “after graduating school,” then read the final draft aloud to identify awkward collocations.

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