Prepare for IELTS by Topic
17. Studying
Studying is another very common topic in IELTS. You may see tasks related to school, and studying in many parts of the test. It's common in IELTS Listening, and it often comes up in IELTS Speaking and Writing too.
LISTENING
Listening Test Part:
2
Questions 1 and 2
Choose TWO letters, A - E.
What are two reasons why foreign students might have difficulty with the study programme?
A Because they cannot speak the local language.
B Due to differences in the subjects studied.
C Because testing methods are different.
D Due to greater financial pressures.
E Because the teaching style is different.
Questions 3 and 4
Choose TWO letters, A - E.
What are two things which students will find out at the study skills workshops?
A What lectures and seminars they need to go to.
B How to write in an acceptable style.
C What work they need to complete.
D How to participate in group activities.
E What to expect in the course curriculum.
Questions 5 - 10
Label the map below.
Choose the correct letter A - J, for Questions 5 - 10.
5 library
6 medical services
7 humanities building
8 student flats
9 sports science building
10 faculty of law
READING
The Debate on Free University/College Education
The question of whether university or college education should be provided free of charge has been a subject of intense debate in recent years. Proponents argue that free education promotes accessibility, reduces inequality, and fosters economic growth. Opponents, however, emphasise the potential strains on public resources and question the long-term sustainability of such a policy.
Advocates of free university education argue that it can significantly increase accessibility, particularly for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Research by Dynarski in 2011 indicates that large tuition fees can be a significant barrier for many aspiring students, leading to fewer people enrolling. Another study in 2011, this time by Hout and Elliott, found that free tuition programs led to a notable increase in enrollment, especially among minority and low-income students. This suggests that removing fees can contribute to a more inclusive educational system.
Furthermore, proponents argue that free education can level the playing field, offering equal opportunities and opening doors for all people regardless of their economic background. This aligns with the principle of equal access to education, a cornerstone of democratic societies. By removing financial barriers, individuals are better positioned to pursue their academic aspirations based on merit and dedication rather than economic means.
One of the key arguments against free higher education revolves around its economic viability. Critics often point to the potential strain on public finances and question whether the benefits outweigh the costs. Providing free tuition could lead to a substantial increase in public spending, particularly as more people will be encouraged to study when financial barriers are removed. This may necessitate higher taxes or reallocation of resources from other essential sectors.
However, several studies indicate that the economic returns of an educated population may offset the initial investment. A comprehensive analysis by Heckman et al. (2010) found that every dollar invested in early childhood education yields a return of up to seven dollars in the long run. Similarly, a study by Goldin and Katz (2008) demonstrates that higher education is associated with increased productivity, innovation, and overall economic growth. These findings suggest that while free education may require initial financial commitment, the long-term benefits may far outweigh the costs.
Rather than advocating for universally free education, some researchers argue for a nuanced approach. This involves targeted subsidies, scholarships, income-contingent repayment plans, and cost-sharing models. These mechanisms aim to strike a balance between accessibility and fiscal responsibility. For instance, income-contingent repayment plans tie the repayment of student loans to the borrower's income, ensuring that individuals do not face excessive financial burdens upon graduation. This approach has been successfully tried in countries like Australia and the United Kingdom, reducing the negative effects of high tuition fees on students.
Beyond economic considerations, free education has the potential to reshape societal norms and values. It sends a powerful message about the importance of education as a fundamental human right, rather than a privilege reserved for the elite. In 1977 the sociologists Bourdieu & Passeron argued that this shift in perspective can lead to a more engaged citizenry with better critical thinking skills, and positive effects on civic participation, social cohesion, and overall well-being.
Moreover, a free education system may foster a culture of lifelong learning, encouraging individuals to pursue higher education at various stages of their lives. This makes it possible for people to be more adaptable, something that is crucial in an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving labour markets, and ensures that individuals have the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.
The question of free university education is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration of economic, social, and educational implications. While proponents argue that free education promotes accessibility and equality of opportunity, critics raise concerns about its economic feasibility. Research and literature on the topic suggest that targeted approaches, such as income-contingent repayment plans, may provide a viable alternative.
Questions 1-7
Complete the notes below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer
Reasons why university education should be free:
When tuition fees are charged there is lower 1 …………………… by people who come from poorer backgrounds.
Free education means that people can achieve their 2 …………………… thanks to ability and hard work, not wealth.
Research indicates that money 3 …………………… in education results in gains that are many times larger.
Free higher education shows people that education is not just a 4 …………………… for the rich and powerful.
Free tuition allows people to be more 5 …………………… , which is very important in today’s fast-moving world.
Reasons why university education should not be free:
Funding free higher education could lead to a large increase in government 6 ……………………
This could force governments to raise 7 ……………………
Questions 8-11
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?
Choose:
TRUE If the statement agrees with the information
FALSE If the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN If there is no information on this
8. Research by Hout and Elliot suggests that removing tuition fees creates a more fair education system.
9. According to Goldin and Katz, free university education leads to increased output by workers.
10. Income-contingent payment plans require rich students to help fund the education of poorer students.
11. Research suggests that life expectancy among the population is increased by offering free higher education.
SPEAKING
Speaking Part 1
1. Do you work or study?
2. What subject do/ did you study?
3. Did you enjoy studying it?
4. If you had the chance, would you study something else?
5. Do you plan to work in the same field as your subject?
6. Did you get along with the other students on your course?
7. Why did you choose your university?
8. Would you like to do a master’s degree or PhD in the future?
Speaking Part 2
Talk about a subject you studied.
You should say:
what you studied
what the subject is about
and explain why you chose to study it
Speaking Part 3
1. What are the characteristics of a good student?
2. What are the benefits of getting a university degree?
3. Do you think distance learning is effective?
4. Are there advantages to studying in another country?
5. Should university education be free?
6. How do you think education will change in the future?
WRITING
Writing Task 1 Assignment (General Training)
You are currently taking a course at a university but you will need to take a week off. Write a letter to the university Principal.
In your letter:
say what course you are on
explain why you have to take a week off
and say what you would like the Principal to do
Writing Task 2 Assignment
In some countries university education is provided free of charge to students while in others students are required to pay large fees.
In your opinion, is it better to charge students for higher education?
VOCABULARY
Vocabulary Exercises:
Exercise 1: Matching Exercise
Match the words and phrases in A with a word or phrase with a similar meaning in B.
A
i. tuition
ii. breeze through
iii. brush up on
iv. drop out
v. faculty
vi. learn by heart
vii. open doors
viii. scholarship
ix. submit
x. syllabus
xi. enrol
xii. pass with flying colours
B
memorise
sign up for
leave school/ university
curriculum
create opportunities
ace
revise
teaching staff
teaching
pass easily
grant
hand in
Exercise 2: Identify Differences
What, if any, are the differences in meaning between those pairs of words/ expressions?
Exercise 3: Gap-fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate vocabulary word from the list provided.
1. After years of working, she decided to ___________ in a business management course.
2. The professor encouraged the students to develop their ___________ skills for better analysis.
3. To ___________ on your French before the trip, consider using language learning apps.
4. The university offers ___________ for students with exceptional academic performance.
5. His ___________ for mathematics led him to pursue a career in engineering.
6. The ___________ were challenging, but she managed to pass with flying colours.
7. As part of the course requirements, students had to ___________ a research paper.
8. The professor assigned a challenging ___________ that required extensive research.
9. The ___________ is where students attend classes, study, and engage in university activities.
10. The ___________ includes details on course objectives, assignments, and assessment methods.
11. During the exam, she was able to ___________ the questions without difficulty.
12. He decided to ___________ of college and pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
submit
breeze through
scholarships
syllabus
critical thinking
calling
assignment
drop out
brush up on
enrol
campus
finals
Topic Vocabulary:
assignment (noun [c]):
Definition: A task or project given by a teacher or employer to complete within a certain time frame.
Example: My English teacher gave us an assignment to write a five-page essay on our favourite book.
breeze through (phrasal verb):
Definition: To complete something easily or effortlessly.
Example: She breezed through the maths exam in record time.
brush up on (phrasal verb):
Definition: To review or refresh one's knowledge or skills in a particular subject.
Example: I need to brush up on my Spanish before our trip to Mexico.
calling (noun [c]):
Definition: A strong feeling of personal conviction or passion towards a particular career or path in life.
Example: After volunteering in a hospital, she realised that helping people was her true calling.
campus (noun [c]):
Definition: The grounds and buildings of a university, college, or school.
Example: The university has a beautiful campus with lots of green spaces.
critical thinking (noun phrase):
Definition: The ability to analyse information and evaluate ideas in a logical and thoughtful way.
Example: In science class, we use critical thinking skills to analyse data and draw conclusions from experiments.
dissertation (noun [c]):
Definition: A long written work, often required for a higher degree.
Example: She spent months researching and writing her dissertation on ancient Roman architecture.
drop out (phrasal verb):
Definition: To leave a course or program of study before completing it.
Example: Unfortunately, he decided to drop out of college after just one semester.
enrol (verb):
Definition: To officially register or join a course or program of study.
Example: I plan to enrol in the photography course next semester.
faculty (noun [c]):
Definition: The teaching staff of a school, college, or university.
Example: The faculty members at the university are highly respected in their fields.
finals (noun [pl]):
Definition: The last set of examinations or assessments at the end of a term or academic year.
Example: The finals are next week, so I need to study.
higher education (noun phrase):
Definition: Education beyond high school, typically provided by universities.
Example: Pursuing higher education can open up many career opportunities.
learn by heart (idiom):
Definition: To memorise something thoroughly.
Example: She learned the poem by heart and recited it flawlessly.
memorisation (noun [u]):
Definition: The process of learning and retaining information in one's memory.
Example: Acting involves the memorisation of lines.
open doors (idiom):
Definition: To create opportunities or provide access to new possibilities.
Example: Pursuing higher education can open doors to new career paths and opportunities for personal growth.
pass with flying colours (idiom):
Definition: To pass a test or examination with a very high score or outstanding performance.
Example: She studied hard and passed the test with flying colours.
scholarship (noun [c]):
Definition: Financial aid or grant awarded to a student for academic achievement or other criteria.
Example: She was awarded a scholarship based on her excellent exam results.
submit (verb):
Definition: To hand in or give something for evaluation or consideration.
Example: Please submit your assignment by the end of the week.
syllabus (noun [c]):
Definition: An outline or summary of the topics and assignments covered in a course.
Example: The teacher gave us a syllabus that lists all the books we need to read, and assignments which we will have this year.
tuition (noun [u]):
Definition: Teaching, especially in one to one classes or at universities.
Example: The quality of the tuition is very high at this university.
Listening Answer Key:
1/2 B/E, 3/4 A/C, 5J, 6I, 7E, 8A, 9F, 10B
Reading Answer Key:
1. enrollment
2. aspirations
3. invested
4. privilege
5. adaptable
6. spending
7. Taxes
8. TRUE
9. TRUE
10. FALSE
11. NOT GIVEN
Vocabulary Answer Key
Exercise 1: i. teaching, ii. pass easily, iii. revise, iv. leave school/ university, v. teaching staff, vi. Memorise, vii. create opportunities, viii. grant, ix. hand in, x. Curriculum
Exercise 2:
iii. brush up on applies to all skills, whereas revise is used for academic learning
v. faculty is generally used for teaching staff in a university/ college
viii. scholarships are given by educational institutions to students to help them pay for their studies, whereas grants are usually given by governments for a variety education or research reasons
ix. submit is more formal than hand in
x. although usually interchangeable, a syllabus tends to be a more detailed outline of a study programme than the more general curriculum
xi. enrol is normally only used for educational courses, whereas sign up for can be used in a wider variety of contexts involving membership of a group or club.
xii. ace can also be a noun with various meanings
Exercise 3: 1. enrol, 2. critical thinking, 3. brush up on, 4. scholarships, 5. calling, 6. finals, 7. submit, 8. assignment, 9. campus, 10. syllabus, 11. breeze through, 12. drop out