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In The Past When Students Did A University Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2

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Updated on Jul 18, 2024, 07:41

In the IELTS Writing module, you'll demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in written English. Whether you're taking the General Training or Academic module, both sections assess your writing skills in different contexts. Part 1 requires you to write a letter (General training) or describe a graph (Academic), testing your ability to convey information. Part 2 is where you'll write an essay on a topic, expressing your opinion or discussing a particular issue.

 

In the IELTS Writing section, essays discussing both a topic's advantages and disadvantages are common. This type of essay requires exploring a trend or development's positive and negative aspects. In this case, you'll examine the shift from studying locally to studying abroad among university students.

 

Practising essay topics like this helps you develop critical thinking skills, enhance your ability to structure arguments and refine your language use. By analysing the advantages and disadvantages thoroughly, you'll be better prepared to articulate balanced viewpoints, which is essential for achieving a high score in the IELTS Writing section.

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1. In The Past When Students Did A University: How to Answer?

When tackling IELTS Writing Task 2, adhering to certain guidelines to maximise your score potential is crucial. Firstly, ensure clarity and coherence throughout your essay by organising your ideas logically.

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2. In The Past When Students Did A University: Sample Essay

Let's explore essay samples for In The Past When Students Did A University below.

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1.

In The Past When Students Did A University: How to Answer?

When tackling IELTS Writing Task 2, adhering to certain guidelines to maximise your score potential is crucial. Firstly, ensure clarity and coherence throughout your essay by organising your ideas logically. Begin with a clear introduction that outlines the topic and your stance, followed by well-structured body paragraphs that delve into specific points with supporting evidence. 

 

Maintaining a balanced approach when discussing advantages and disadvantages or presenting arguments is essential. Additionally, demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures to showcase your language proficiency. Aim for accuracy in spelling and punctuation, as these details contribute to overall readability. 

 

Finally, conclude your essay effectively by summarising your main points and possibly offering a final perspective or recommendation. By following these guidelines, you can effectively convey your ideas and meet the criteria for a successful IELTS Writing Task 2 response.

 

The topic will look like this: 
 

 

In the past when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays they have more opportunities to study abroad. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Word limit: Make sure you keep it in 250 words!

 

 

Here's a structured approach to writing your essay on the topic of studying abroad:

 

 

1. Introduction: 

 

Begin with a clear introduction introducing the topic and stating your position or approach to the question. Start by paraphrasing the topic statement to demonstrate your understanding. Mention that the essay will explore both the advantages and disadvantages of students studying abroad compared to studying in their own country. Briefly outline the main points or aspects you will discuss in the body paragraphs.

 

2. Body: 

 

  • First Body Paragraph (Advantages): Start with a topic sentence that identifies one advantage of studying abroad. Provide supporting details and examples to explain why this advantage is significant. Use clear transitions to connect your ideas and maintain coherence.
  • Second Body Paragraph (Disadvantages): Begin with a topic sentence that discusses one disadvantage of studying abroad. Support your argument with specific examples or reasons. Ensure that potential counterarguments are addressed, if relevant, to demonstrate a balanced perspective.
  • Third Body Paragraph (Further Advantages or Disadvantages): Optionally, you can include another paragraph discussing additional advantages or disadvantages. Follow the same structure as above, providing clear topic sentences, supporting details, and examples.

 

3. Conclusion: 

 

Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs. Restate your position on whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice versa, or simply conclude with a balanced view. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion. End with a final thought that reinforces your main argument or provides a broader perspective on the topic.

 

By structuring your essay in this way—clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs focusing on advantages and disadvantages, and a concise conclusion—you can effectively address the question and meet the requirements of an advantages and disadvantages type essay in the IELTS Writing section.

 

 

2.

In The Past When Students Did A University: Sample Essay

Let's explore essay samples for In The Past When Students Did A University below.

Sample Essay 1
Sample Essay 2
Sample Essay 3

Introduction: 

 

In recent decades, there has been a notable shift in higher education trends, with more students opting to pursue university degrees abroad rather than in their home countries. This departure from traditional practices raises questions about the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad.

 

Body:

 

Studying abroad offers significant advantages. Firstly, it exposes students to diverse cultures and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of global issues and enhancing cross-cultural communication skills. For example, a student studying economics in the UK may gain insights into international trade policies that are not readily accessible in their home country. Secondly, studying abroad often provides access to world-class educational facilities and resources that may not be available domestically, thereby enhancing academic and professional opportunities upon graduation.

 

However, studying abroad also presents challenges. One major disadvantage is its financial burden on students and their families. Tuition fees and living expenses in foreign countries can be prohibitively high, making higher education abroad inaccessible for many talented students. Moreover, studying in a foreign language can pose significant challenges in terms of academic performance and social integration. For instance, non-native speakers may struggle with coursework conducted entirely in English or another foreign language, affecting their overall learning experience.

 

Conclusion:

 

In conclusion, the trend towards studying abroad offers both advantages and disadvantages. While it promotes global awareness and academic excellence, it also comes with financial and linguistic challenges that must be carefully considered. Ultimately, individual aspirations and circumstances should guide the decision to study abroad. By weighing these factors thoughtfully, students can make informed choices that align with their educational and career goals, ensuring a meaningful and enriching university experience regardless of location.

 

IELTS Writing Samples 2024: Task 1 & Task 2 (Sample Questions & Tips)

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FAQs

Q. What are the two types of IELTS Writing practice tests?

Ans. The two types of IELTS Writing practice tests are Task 1 and Task 2. Task 1 involves writing a letter (for General Training) or describing visual information (for Academic). Task 2 requires writing an essay on a given topic, often discussing an opinion, problem, or solution. These practice tests help candidates familiarize themselves with the specific task requirements and scoring criteria for each type of writing task.


 

Q. Can I write my essay in a formal or informal style?

Ans. For IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, a formal style is recommended. Avoid colloquial language, contractions, and overly casual expressions. Use academic vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate clarity and coherence in your arguments. Adhering to a formal style ensures your essay meets the expectations of academic writing and effectively communicates your ideas to the examiner.

Q. How can I improve my vocabulary for Task 2 essays?

Ans. To enhance your vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2, engage in regular reading across a variety of topics, noting down unfamiliar words and their meanings. Practice using these words in sentences to ensure understanding and proper usage. Additionally, review model essays and academic texts to observe how advanced vocabulary is integrated into coherent arguments. Consistent practice and exposure to diverse vocabulary will strengthen your writing skills for the exam.