University Vs Vocational IELTS Essay: Band 6 vs 7 vs 8 vs 9 Samples

See the same Task 2 prompt answered at four band levels. Each version is annotated paragraph-by-paragraph so you can see what separates each band on the four IELTS criteria.

Prompt: Some people think universities should focus on giving graduates the practical skills employers need. Others argue that the role of a university is to support knowledge and learning for their own sake. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Band 6 260 words

There is a debate about what universities should mainly focus on. This Band 6 sample essay shows what examiners look for at this level, with paragraph-by-paragraph annotations.

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Band 7 272 words

There is an ongoing debate about whether universities should prioritise preparing students for the workplace or whether they should focus on developing knowledge and intellectual understanding independently of employment concerns. This Band 7 sample essay shows what examiners look for at this level,

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Band 8 285 words

There is ongoing debate about whether universities should prioritise equipping graduates with job-ready skills or whether they should serve as places of intellectual inquiry, independent of market demands. This Band 8 sample essay shows what examiners look for at this level, with paragraph-by-paragr

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