Band 9 Sample Essay for IELTS Writing Task 2 Argumentative Question: EQUAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS PER SUBJECT

IELTS Writing Task 2 Question:

Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject. Do you agree or disagree?

SAMPLE ESSAY

INTRODUCTION

Tertiary (relating to universities and colleges) institutions worldwide are afraid of being accused of (=blamed for) discriminatory (treating someone unfairly) practices and therefore are considering the above question. In this essay, I will focus on the subjects and industries involved and the overriding (more important than anything else; main) principle. (34 words)

BODY

First, I believe the answer to this question will depend on (=rely on; count on) the particular subject involved. To be more specific, when talking about a subject like nursing, it would be advisable (=sensible, rational) to accept more female than male students. Traditionally, it has been acceptable for female nurses to attend to male as well as female patients. This cannot be said of male nurses.

Second, we should consider what the needs of the particular (specific) industries are. For example, in the information technology industry, gender should not be a factor, but in the construction industry, there might be some jobs that are not suitable for females. In Western cultures today, this is not a popular view, as the females there believe that there is no job that they are not able to do.

Lastly, I believe that the overriding principle should be that the gender of a student can never be a reason to discriminate (treat someone unfairly) against any student ever. That is to say (used when explaining something more clearly), as far as it is practically possible, a student should be able to decide what subject he or she wishes to study. (181 words)

CONCLUSION

It was shown that the subject and the industry have to be considered in this matter. That equal numbers of male and female students are not going to be practical (reasonable, feasible) is the only conclusion that can be reached. (38 words) (Total words: 253)

ALTERNATIVE PARAGRAPH

In some countries, certain subjects like mathematics, for example, are unpopular (disliked) among students. There often are not sufficient (enough) students who want to enroll in (register, sign up) these subjects. One of the results is that there are not a sufficient number of trained teachers in these subjects. It is my opinion that in cases like these, all the available students wanting to enroll have to be accepted irrespective of (regardless of) their gender.