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Education is not a luxury, but a basic human right and as such should be free..(Task 2 Band 9 Essay)

Updated: Mar 14

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.


Write about the following topic:


Education is not a luxury, but a basic human right and as such should be free for everyone irrespective of personal wealth.

What is your opinion?


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


You should write at least 250 words.


Task 2 Band 9 IELTS Sample Essay - Education is not a luxury, but a basic human right and as such should be free for everyone irrespective of personal wealth.

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Sample Essay 1

Education, often heralded as a cornerstone of society, should transcend the barriers of wealth, affirming its status as a fundamental right rather than a privilege. This essay posits that access to education should be universal and free, emphasizing the imperative roles of inclusivity and equality in fostering societal advancement and individual empowerment.


Firstly, the principle of education as a universal right is anchored in its ability to level socio-economic disparities. In nations where education is free, a marked improvement in literacy rates and employment opportunities is evident, showcasing a direct correlation between accessible education and societal progress. For instance, Scandinavian countries, renowned for their egalitarian education systems, consistently outperform in global happiness and innovation indices. These nations underscore the viability and benefits of a universally accessible education system, demonstrating how it can act as a catalyst for societal transformation and economic upliftment.


Moreover, the argument for free education extends beyond economic considerations to the realm of social justice and equity. Charging for education perpetuates a cycle of inequality, where only the affluent can afford quality learning, thus widening the gap between societal strata. A compelling example is the initiative by some developing countries to abolish school fees, which has resulted in a significant increase in school enrollment rates. This demonstrates that removing financial barriers can make education accessible to all, fostering a more inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully.


In conclusion, education as a free, universal right is both a moral duty and a societal need. Removing financial barriers enables every person to reach their potential, promote societal contribution, and bridge socioeconomic divides. Evidence suggests that free education is key to equality, innovation, and social unity, proving vital for a fair and thriving society.


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Sample Essay 2

It is argued that access to free education is a fundamental right of every child regardless of their status of income. I completely disagree with this statement because governments can charge respective fees from wealthy people as they have sufficient money to spend on educating their offspring, and this money can be utilized to enhance the quality of education offered to the poor.


One of the primary reasons why students from rich families should not be provided with education free-of-charge is because they can afford the school fees. Wealthy people have a lot of money and they just have to allocate a small portion of their monthly income to educate their children. Since their monthly income is high, this cost will not be a burden on them, and they can easily bear it. In fact, rich people are increasingly swarming to expensive private schools everywhere, regardless of the cost they incur. For instance, a considerable proportion of the high-income earning parents in Colombo, Sri Lanka opt to send their young children to private schools over government funded schools.


At the same time, when the state does not allocate money for the educational expenses of pupils coming from affluent families, this money can be used to further improving the facilities to students who are in need. There are so many schools in the rural areas where there are no adequate resources, such as teachers and classroom’s availability. The money saved from this sort of an initiative can be contributed to provide these resources and cater the learning needs of the desired children much better. To illustrate, in Singapore, the state provides free education only for less than half of the student population of the country, and this has allowed the country to provide first-class learning facilities for the pupils from low-income earning families.


To conclude, those who can afford to pay for education should be charged because they have the luxury to pay for it, and this money can be concentrated on uplifting the educational needs of the children who need it the most.


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Sample Essay 3

The assertion that education transcends luxury to embody a fundamental human right necessitates its provision free of charge, irrespective of an individual's financial standing. This essay upholds the conviction that cost-free education is instrumental in cultivating an equitable society, underpinned by the pillars of accessibility and empowerment.


Foremost, the accessibility of education without financial obstacles is pivotal in democratizing knowledge and skill acquisition, serving as a cornerstone for equitable growth. Countries like Finland exemplify the transformative impact of free education, achieving not only high literacy rates but also fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. This inclusive approach promotes social mobility, enabling individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to contribute to and thrive within a knowledge-based economy. The success of such educational paradigms, which integrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills across curricula, illustrates the direct link between unrestricted educational access and national advancement, highlighting the vital role of education in leveling the playing field for all citizens.


Furthermore, the empowerment derived from free education extends beyond individual gain, contributing significantly to societal well-being and global competitiveness. Educated citizens are better equipped to make informed decisions, partake in democratic processes, and innovate solutions to complex challenges. This collective intellectual capital is invaluable, fostering a resilient society capable of addressing global issues, from climate change to economic instability, and promoting sustainable development. The ripple effects of this empowerment are profound, enhancing the quality of life and ensuring the longevity of democratic values. Thus, investing in education transcends mere academic achievement, embodying a shared societal investment in the future's health and prosperity, and underscoring the importance of education as a pivotal foundation for a robust, dynamic global community.


In conclusion, the principle of free education is not merely an idealistic pursuit but a pragmatic pathway to societal progress and equality. By ensuring that education is a right afforded to all, society paves the way for a future marked by inclusivity, innovation, and shared prosperity. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the necessity of free education in realising these goals, making it a cornerstone of any forward-thinking society's agenda.


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