Should university education be free
This is a model answer written to show what a Band 7 response looks like against the marking criteria. It is a worked example, not a graded submission. To see your own band, paste your writing into the free checker.
The prompt
Some people believe that university education should be free for all students, regardless of their financial background. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Band 7 model answer (254 words)
Many people argue that higher education should be provided at no cost to every student, whatever their family income. I largely agree with this view, because free university widens access to skilled careers and benefits the economy as a whole.
The strongest argument for free tuition is that it removes money as a barrier to talent. When students from poorer families have to take on large debts, many are discouraged from applying at all, and society loses potential doctors, engineers and teachers simply because they could not afford the fees. If a place depends on ability and effort rather than on a family bank balance, the system is both fairer and more efficient.
A second reason is that a well-educated population pays for itself over time. Graduates tend to earn more, and therefore contribute more in taxes, so the money a government spends on tuition returns to the public through a stronger workforce and higher revenue. Countries such as Germany, where public universities charge no fees, still produce highly skilled workers and remain competitive.
It is true that free education is expensive and that taxpayers who never attend university may object to funding it. However, this concern can be addressed by asking high-earning graduates to contribute a little more in tax once they are established, rather than by charging steep fees upfront.
In conclusion, although free university has a real cost, I believe the benefits of fairer access and a more productive economy outweigh it, and governments should therefore fund higher education for all.
Why this reaches Band 7
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Task Response
The position is clear from the first paragraph and held to the end, and both main reasons are developed with explanation and an example. Addressing the counter-argument lifts it above a one-sided answer.
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Coherence and Cohesion
Each paragraph carries one central idea, and phrases such as "The strongest argument" and "A second reason" guide the reader without feeling mechanical.
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Lexical Resource
Topic language like "barrier to talent", "skilled careers" and "contribute in taxes" is used accurately. It is precise rather than showy, which is what Band 7 rewards.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A mix of simple and complex sentences, including conditionals ("If a place depends on ability...") and relative clauses, with very few errors.
The one fix to reach Band 7
A common Band 6 version of this essay lists reasons but never develops them. The single change that lifts it to Band 7 is to take each reason and add one specific example or consequence, rather than moving straight on to the next point.
Now check your own answer.
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