Should university education be free for everyone? Or is it fair to expect students to pay for their degrees? This debate affects millions — and mastering this language will boost your IELTS score.
Real Reading: Article 1
Title: Is Higher Education a Right or a Privilege?
(450 words)
Around the world, university education is viewed as a path to better career prospects and upward social mobility. However, whether this path should be free or fee-based remains a subject of intense debate.
In many countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, tuition fees are substantial. Supporters of this model argue that paying for education creates competition, motivates students to work harder, and helps fund university operations. They believe students should invest in their future and that free education would place too much financial strain on the government.
On the other hand, opponents of tuition fees say that education is a basic human right. When students graduate with large amounts of debt, it may limit their career choices and delay financial independence. Free university education, they argue, would promote equality and expand access to those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Some countries, such as Germany and Norway, have adopted tuition-free university systems, funding higher education through taxes. These countries believe that investing in young people benefits the entire society, not just individuals.
The question remains: Should universities charge tuition fees, or should governments ensure equal access through public funding?
Vocabulary Focus: 4 Words You Must Own
Word 1: Tuition fees
- Synonym: Education costs
- Difference: Tuition fees refer specifically to payment for instruction, while education costs include materials, housing, etc.
Word 2: Public funding
- Synonym: Government investment
- Difference: Public funding is often allocated from taxes to services like education; investment is more general.
Word 3: Social mobility
- Synonym: Upward mobility
- Difference: Social mobility refers to movement between social classes, often influenced by education.
Word 4: Inequality
- Synonym: Disparity
- Difference: Inequality usually refers to systemic social or economic imbalance.
Real Use in Context: Article 2
Title: Free or Fee-Based? Learning from Global Models
(350 words)
Germany and other European countries have successfully implemented free university education funded by taxes. Their model is based on the idea that an educated population contributes more to the economy and democracy.
In contrast, countries with high tuition fees often see students graduate with significant debt. While elite institutions benefit from fee income, many argue this limits access to higher education for students from low-income families.
Supporters of free education point to greater equality and higher university attendance rates. Critics, however, worry about sustainability and argue that tuition fees improve quality through competition.
This global contrast raises fundamental questions about how society values education — and who should pay for it.
IELTS Reading Challenge
Questions
- What are two arguments in favour of tuition-free education?
- Complete the sentence: “Free education is funded by ______.”
- True / False / Not Given: In Germany, students must pay high university fees.
- Multiple Choice: What is a disadvantage of tuition-based systems?
- A. Lower academic standards
- B. Lower student motivation
- C. High student debt
- D. Lack of funding
- Matching Headings (Article 1):
- A. The Case for Public Funding
- B. Free Education Around the World
- C. The Debate on Cost
- D. Impacts of Student Debt
- E. Benefits of Paid Education
Answers:
- Expands access and promotes equality
- taxes
- False
- C. High student debt
- C, E, A, D, B
IELTS Speaking Mini Challenge
Focus Vocabulary: tuition fees | public funding | social mobility | inequality
You already know more than you think.
You’ve experienced education systems. You’ve thought about fairness. You’ve imagined a better future.
Let’s put those thoughts into IELTS language.
Warm-Up: Think It Through
- Should university be free for everyone?
- What are the downsides of high tuition fees?
- How does education affect inequality in your country?
Band 6 Style
“School should be free. Poor people can’t pay. It’s unfair.”
Too basic. Informal. No structure.
Band 7 Style
“Public funding of university education improves social mobility. However, without tuition fees, universities may struggle to maintain quality and access.”
Clear. Balanced. Academic tone.
Try This Speaking Frame
“In my opinion, ______ supports long-term equality. I believe ______ can reduce inequality, but we also need to consider ______.”
Try using:
- tuition fees
- public funding
- social mobility
Reflect and Grow
- Which word made your sentence sound more academic?
- Can you use your country as an example?
You Just Spoke Like a Band 7 Candidate
IELTS Writing Mini Challenge
Focus Vocabulary: tuition fees | public funding | social mobility | inequality
IELTS Task 2 Prompt:
Some people believe university education should be free. Others think students should pay tuition fees to support the system. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 6 Style
“University is too expensive. Government should pay. Education is important.”
Weak tone. Vague logic.
Band 7 Style
“Tuition fees help maintain high-quality education, but public funding ensures greater access. For society to progress, we must balance investment with fairness.”
Try This Writing Frame
“(Make your claim using a focus word). However, (balance it with another keyword and supporting idea).”
Example:
“Public funding can improve access to university. However, tuition fees may still be necessary to maintain quality.”
Reflect and Grow
- Read your sentence aloud. Does it sound clear and fair?
- Replace one keyword — how does your meaning change?
You Just Wrote Like a Band 7 Candidate
Final Reflection + CTA
✔️ You’ve just:
- Explored the global debate on education access
- Practised key Band 7+ vocabulary
- Strengthened your speaking and writing fluency
Want to learn the Band 8 structure for concession and rebuttal in IELTS essays?
Join the full course today.
This topic connects to another essential IELTS lesson—check it out here: