More and More Students are Choosing to Study at Colleges and Universities - IELTS Writing Task 2

“More and More Students are Choosing to Study at Colleges and Universities” is a common advantages and disadvantages IELTS Writing Task 2 topic that examines the positive and negative aspects of pursuing higher education. This blog provides a clear overview of both perspectives, including the benefits such as better career opportunities, personal growth, and skill development, as well as the drawbacks like high tuition costs, academic pressure, and increased competition. It includes 3 well-structured sample essays and a list of useful vocabulary to help learners better understand the topic, improve coherence and argument development, and achieve a higher band score.

Question

Outline

Essay Type

Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Introduction

Paraphrase the topic sentence.

Mention what the following paragraphs will be about.

Body Paragraphs

The advantages of studying abroad include international exposure, gaining more experience and having better opportunities and prospects.

The disadvantages of studying abroad include high and varying costs due to exchange rates, various language and social barriers and various problems due to being away from home for a long time.

Conclusion

Summarize the topic and state the final verdict in the end.

More and More Students are Choosing to Study at Colleges and Universities - Sample Answer 1

In the past, travelling abroad and pursuing higher education was considered a rare albeit sought-after practice. Subsequently, the predilection for foreign universities has only increased over the years, and so has the tendency of students to complete their education abroad. All things considered, there are both merits and demerits to this phenomenon, and in the following paragraphs, I will elaborate on the same.

As we know, when an individual is trained, educated, and obtains his bona fides from a sophisticated and accredited institution, they naturally have better prospects than their peers. That being said, aspirants, especially those hailing from developing countries like India, Brazil, China, and others, might not have the best opportunities, leading them to seek better options in more developed countries like the UK, Germany, and the USA. Furthermore, when students become part of a different environment and culture than the one they are accustomed to, they are bound to grow and develop their social and interpersonal skills, which will go a long way in the corporate world.

However, there are quite a few shortcomings of studying abroad, and these limitations make foreign education a distant dream for many students. First and foremost, the cost of pursuing further studies and residing in an overseas country can be exorbitant. Moreover, due to fluctuating exchange rates, the expenses vary from time to time, making budgeting difficult. Subsequently, there are other drawbacks like language barriers in non-English speaking nations, racism, and social blocks where an individual might not be comfortable with the host country’s cultural values and norms.

Finally, I would like to conclude by saying that there are both positives and negatives to foreign studies, and it is upon the student to focus on either of the two. In my opinion, the potential value of studying abroad makes the limitations situational and trivial.

More and More Students are Choosing to Study at Colleges and Universities - Sample Answer 2

In recent years, an increasing number of students have opted to pursue higher education in foreign countries. While studying abroad offers several benefits, it also comes with certain drawbacks. This essay will examine both aspects before concluding that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

One major benefit of studying overseas is the exposure to high-quality education and advanced facilities. Many universities abroad offer modern teaching methods, well-equipped laboratories, and access to international research, which can significantly enhance students’ academic development. Additionally, living in a foreign country helps students gain independence, improve language skills, and develop intercultural understanding, all of which are valuable for their future careers.

However, studying abroad can also present challenges. The high cost of tuition and living expenses may place a financial burden on students and their families. Moreover, adapting to a new culture, different educational system, and social environment can be stressful, sometimes causing homesickness or emotional strain.

In my opinion, despite these challenges, the benefits of studying abroad clearly outweigh the drawbacks. The opportunity to gain quality education, improve personal skills, and increase career prospects makes it a worthwhile experience for most students.

More and More Students are Choosing to Study at Colleges and Universities - Sample Answer 3

In today’s globalized world, more and more students are choosing to pursue higher education in foreign countries. This trend has sparked debate about whether the advantages of studying abroad outweigh its disadvantages. While there are undeniable challenges, I firmly believe that the benefits surpass the drawbacks.

One of the primary advantages of studying abroad is access to superior educational resources. International universities often provide cutting-edge research facilities, diverse academic programs, and experienced faculty, allowing students to acquire knowledge and skills that may not be available in their home countries. Furthermore, living in a foreign environment fosters independence, self-discipline, and cultural awareness, all of which are essential qualities in a competitive global job market.

On the other hand, the disadvantages cannot be ignored. Studying abroad can be expensive, with high tuition fees and living costs imposing a significant financial burden. Students may also face social and emotional challenges, such as adapting to a new culture, learning a foreign language, or feeling isolated from family and friends.

Nevertheless, in my view, these difficulties are outweighed by the long-term advantages. Students who study abroad often gain academic excellence, personal growth, and enhanced career opportunities that far outweigh temporary financial or emotional challenges.

More and More Students are Choosing to Study at Colleges and Universities - Vocabulary

The following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the above writing sample answers. 

• Sought-after

Meaning: much in demand
Eg: Bitcoin is a sought-after investment.

• Predilection

Meaning: a preference or special liking for something
Eg: My predilection for junk food is unhealthy.

• Phenomenon

Meaning: a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen
Eg: The melting of glaciers is a serious phenomenon.

• Bona fides

Meaning: credentials, testimonials
Eg: The HR department went through the candidate’s bona fides thoroughly.

• Hailing

Meaning: have origins in
Eg: Hailing from Kolkata, Anupam has become a music icon.

• Go a long way

Meaning: be successful in something
Eg: All parents hope their children will go a long way in life.

• Exorbitant

Meaning: extremely or unreasonably high
Eg: The prices at this cafe are exorbitant.

• Blocks

Meaning: obstacles or barriers
Eg: We have to overcome our mental blocks about sensitive issues.

• Situational

Meaning: relating to the location and surroundings of a place
Eg: The situational circumstances are not ideal.

• Trivial

Meaning: minor, insignificant
Eg: The matter was so trivial that it was resolved in no time.