Writing samples: Education 

IELTS Writing Task 1

Example 1

Example

The bar chart displays why adults opted to study, while the pie chart depicts people’s thoughts on the tuition fee distribution of the study mentioned before.

Overall, the two main reasons why individuals pursue education, as indicated by survey results, are their interest in subjects and the desire to obtain a degree. It's also noteworthy that most educational expenses are expected to be covered by individuals themselves, based on the study.

It can be demonstrated that adults continue their education primarily because they are interested in the program and seek certification, with these factors accounting for 40% and 38%, respectively. Meanwhile, the percentages of respondents who found the survey beneficial for their current job, enhancing their career prospects, or simply enjoying learning ranged from 22% to 20%. The proportion of individuals studying to change careers or expand their social circle was less than 15%.

In terms of course fees, 40% of poll respondents believe that adult education costs should be borne by individuals. Only one-fourth feel it should be collected from taxpayers’ money, while over a third say their employers should bear the obligation.

Vocabulary

• Opt (v): lựa chọn 
• Borne (quá khứ của Bear): chịu đựng 
• Obligation (n): nghĩa vụ 

Sample 2

Example

The chart illustrates the number of men and women who enrolled in higher education in Britain over three different time periods: 1970–1971, 1980–181, and 1990–1991, as well as whether they studied full-time or part-time.

In summary, the chart indicates that more men and women opted for part-time study than full-time across all periods. However, while the number of women enrolled in all types of courses showed a significant increase over the years depicted, the number of men in part-time studies decreased slightly.

Initially, the number of men in full-time education rose by 200,000, from 100,000 in 1970–1971 to 200,000 in 1990–1991. Similarly, the number of women pursuing this type of education increased significantly from about 40,000 in 1970/71 to a similar figure over the same period.

Regarding part-time study, there was a notable increase in the number of female students, rising from 700,000 to 1.1 million, the highest recorded for any study type. Meanwhile, the number of men in part-time studies decreased by 100,000 from 1 million in 1970/71 to around 800,000 in 1980/81, before climbing to 900,000 in 1990/91.

Sample 3

Example

The chart compares the number of British residents qualified to teach English and the completion rates of different courses by gender between 2007/8 and 2008/9.

In general, there was a slight increase in the total number of qualified individuals, with TEFL holders consistently outnumbering those obtaining Cambridge UCLES CELTA and other degrees.

Regarding the overall figures, there was a decrease of over 500 students in TEFL, dropping from approximately 25,000 in 2007/8. Conversely, the number of Cambridge UCLES CELTA and other degree completions increased to over 8,000 by 2008/2009.

Moreover, a significant proportion of aspiring English teachers were female. Each academic year, approximately 18,500 women completed TEFL courses, whereas the number of male TEFL holders consistently remained below 27%. In 2008/9, female students obtaining Cambridge UCLES CELTA and similar qualifications increased by around 500 to approximately 5,900, while the corresponding figure for male students saw a 25% decline to below 1000 during the same period.

Vocabulary

• Be qualified to do something: đủ trình độ để …
• Course completion statistics (n): thống kê về việc hoàn thành khóa học
• TEFL holder (n): người có chứng chỉ TELF
• Hold a degree (v): có một bằng cấp nào đó

Analysis

The number of TEFL certificate holders consistently outweighs those with other qualifications; while the count of TEFL certificate holders has decreased, those with other qualifications have increased. In general, the majority of those studying to become English teachers are female.

Sample 4

Example

The bar graphs compare the duration of schooling, the number of scientists and technicians, and the expenditure on Research and Development in developing and industrialized nations from 1980 to 1990. 

Overall, while the figures for most of the categories increased, the industrialised group outdid the developing one in all statistics.

It is clear from the first graph that the average number of years of schooling in developing countries was around 2, a fourth of industrialised countries’ number. The gap between these countries widened after a decade as their figures grew to over 3 and 10 years, respectively.

Regarding the second graph, there were 45 scientists and technicians per 1000 people in industrialised nations, which climbed by 30 in 1990. Having doubled after ten years, the developing group’s figure remained modest at 20 scientists and technicians in 1990.

Finally, 150 billion US dollars was allocated to research and development projects by industrialised countries in 1980, and this spending had a 200-million surge in the following decade. By contrast, developing countries initially spent 50 million on the same category but ultimately halved the expenditure in 1990.

Vocabulary

• Outdid (v): Vượt trội hơn
• The gap between … widened: Khoảng cách giữa … mở rộng
• Half (v): Giảm một nửa
• Expenditure (n): Chi tiêu

Analysis

Overall, while the figures for most groups are increasing, the developed countries consistently outperform the developing ones across all statistical data.

Because all three charts depict similar patterns, attention should be paid to the structure and vocabulary usage to avoid repetition. 

IELTS Writing Task 2

Example 1

Example

Some universities have changed their curriculum and prioritised technological topics over fields of knowledge including Arts, Music, and Sports, causing many students to suffer. I fundamentally disagree with the concept of abandoning these vital subjects in order to promote technology, which would be elaborated in the following essay.

To begin with, not all pupils are capable of dealing with technological issues. This is because some people are interested in computers while others are more interested in music, drama, reading, acting, singing, and so on. Involving pupils in extracurricular activities also helps them improve their attentiveness, which helps them achieve academically. A youngster with interests in history, theatre, and the arts, for example, may find such talents valuable when deciding on a vocation.

Similarly, as compared to students with merely technical degrees, youngsters with traditional backgrounds and interests in arts, music, and history have more prospects to create a career. Furthermore, integrating disciplines like Arts, Music, and Sports might be useful to youths in the long term. Sports help people stay active and live a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, leisure activities are valued higher in various educational institutions and businesses, which increases the chances of pupils being admitted to a reputable college. To illustrate, many celebrities in Vietnam have studied at prestigious institutions and are now well-known in society.

In summary, I am against the idea of removing extracurricular subjects from the curriculum, as this could help students improve their mental health and overall personality development. Additionally, it creates numerous opportunities for them in the future.

Vocabulary

• Field of knowledge (n): lĩnh vực, ngành học
• Extracurricular activities (n): các môn học ngoài khung chương trình chính
• Technical degree (n): bằng cấp chuyên về kỹ thuật
• Prestigious institution: cơ sở đào tạo danh tiếng

Example 2

Example

Along with the development of contemporary society, education has been receiving more attention from the public. There is an opinion that academic achievement is more dependent on effective teaching than on a student’s inherent talent. During the course of this essay, I would discuss this perspective in an objective manner before drawing on a rational conclusion.

Fundamentally, a segment of society supports the idea that a tutor’s ability to instruct students directly affects scholastic development. Undoubtedly, top-notch teachers help students succeed scholastically by identifying their weaknesses and providing precise guidance. To be specific, professional teachers frequently have experience and competence, thus they are more likely to be able to advise students on how to raise their academic standing. In other words, these teachers might help students identify their weaknesses—flaws that they might overlook or ignore—and then construct lessons that are specific to their needs, giving them a better grasp of how to raise their academic performance. Students who carefully follow these guidelines are more likely to succeed academically.

On the other hand, the individual ability of students to perceive the lessons should not be subjected to underestimation. Initially, in order to utilise the provided lessons from the teacher to the fullest potential, the students are required to possess the ability to maintain resilient attention both in class and at home. This skill is particularly vital as a day at school for most students in Vietnam is conventionally long and followed by a host of extra classes. On top of that, under the circumstance that a learner merely processes the given knowledge by the teachers in a passive manner without the capability to ignite, create, and maintain their own learning progress, this student could only become a version of being successful as their teachers have intended, with personalisation being totally absent.

To sum up, regardless of the importance of having excellent educators leading the educational process, a student lacking certain crucial skills would encounter significant challenges towards academic success. 

Lexicon

• Inherent (adj): bẩm sinh
• Precise guidance (n): sự định hướng chính xác
• Competence (n): năng lực
• Resilient (adj): kiên định
• Ignite (v): bắt đầu

Example 3

Example

It is argued that home education may replace formal education at school, the effectiveness of which is doubted. I personally disagree entirely with this viewpoint.

Homeschooling is supported on the grounds that it can be exclusively designed and adjusted based on learners’ strengths, weaknesses and goals. That facilitates the nurture of their inborn talent and ensures the chosen subjects and teaching methods arouse their interests. Most parents, however, lack professional training to plan courses and lecture lessons, necessitating syllabi written by private tutors. Without healthy finance to afford long-term expert consultancy, the quality of home teaching may not be guaranteed. Even more concerning is that homeschooled children often fail to obtain social skills since there are few chances to communicate and interact with friends of the same age.

On the other hand, the dominance of orthodox education is justified for several significant reasons. Most formal curricula and examinations developed by leading educators are delivered and graded by highly trained teachers. School facilities, including laboratories and libraries, offer a vast source of educational materials, while spaces like atria and amphitheatres on the campus liven learning with extra-curricular activities. All of these provide more leading educational results in return.

It is also important to note that youngsters cannot proceed to university without a high school diploma in most countries due to regulatory barriers. Therefore, their future careers, especially those which require academic knowledge and skills acquired during tertiary education, such as doctors and scientists, are unlikely to be ensured.

In summary, while adaptable, homeschooling may not meet the benchmarks of traditional school education that require expertise, resources, and qualifications for achieving success in life.

Lexicon

• Formal education (n): giáo dục chính quy
• Homeschool (v): dạy học tại nhà
• Orthodox education (n): giáo dục chính thống
• High school diploma (n): bằng tốt nghiệp trung học
• Regulatory barrier (n): rào cản về quy định
• Tertiary education (n): giáo dục cao đẳng/đại học

Analysis

Viewpoint: completely disagree

• Giáo dục tại nhờ cần sự tham vấn của chuyên gia trong dài hạn do phần lớn phụ huynh không có kỹ năng sư phạm. Điều này đòi hỏi nhiều điều kiện tài chính.
• Trẻ được giáo dục tại nhà có thể thiếu những kỹ năng xã hội cần thiết do có ít cơ hội tiếp xúc với các bạn đồng trang lứa.
• Giáo dục chính quy hiệu quả hơn do chương trình học được nghiên cứu cẩn thận, các giáo viên có chuyên môn và đầy đủ cơ sở vật chất giảng dạy.
• Nhiều nước quy định phải có bằng tốt nghiệp trung học mới có thể vào đại học. Không vào được đại học có thể ảnh hưởng các triển vọng nghề nghiệp sau này.

Example 4

Example

Some argue that children's storybooks provide no benefits, suggesting they engage in more productive activities instead. While I understand this viewpoint, I strongly disagree.

On one hand, some argue that reading storybooks to children is a waste of time because they believe it lacks benefits. They propose sports, clubs, or hobbies as more valuable for developing social and physical skills. Additionally, storybooks might distract from homework or exam preparation. 

On the other hand, it's undeniable that reading stories offers clear benefits for long-term development. Improvements in vocabulary and reading comprehension support effective communication and learning. Storybooks stimulate curiosity and imagination, encouraging exploration. They also provide interesting, well-illustrated knowledge that complements classroom lessons. Lastly, reading and discussing stories with children fosters bonding and educational opportunities at home.

In conclusion, despite arguments for other activities over reading, I firmly believe storybooks significantly benefit children's mental development and family closeness. 

Lexicon

• Distract someone from something (v): Làm ai xao lãng chuyện gì
• A linguistic merit (n): Lợi ích về ngôn ngữ
• Vocabulary enrichment (n): Làm giàu vốn từ vựng 
• Reading comprehension (n): Khả năng đọc hiểu
• Complement (v): Bổ sung
• Upbringing (n): Sự dạy dỗ

Analysis

The article presents both sides of the same issue, elaborated in each paragraph of the body. 

Some argue that reading storybooks to children is a waste of time, as it may distract them from studying and sleeping. However, reading also brings language, communication, and learning benefits to children. Reading also enhances imagination, helps children explore the world around them, and strengthens parent-child bonding.