Education in IELTS Writing Task 2: Double Question Essay Samples

Education is a frequently tested theme in the IELTS Writing Task 2 section, often requiring candidates to express opinions or discuss problems and solutions. Common subtopics include online vs traditional education, the role of technology in classrooms, whether university should be free, and the importance of arts in the curriculum, teacher-centered vs student-centered learning, and academic pressure on students. These questions not only test language ability but also critical thinking on global education trends.

Use Benchmark IELTS Writing Correction service to write error-free IELTS Essays, Letters & Reports.

Essay Topics

Topic 1: Why do some who fail in school succeed in life? What’s key to success?
Topic 2: Is learning English more important than local languages? How can we protect them?

Task 1

Some people fail in school, but end up being successful in life. Why do you think that is the case? What is the most important thing to succeed in life?

How to approach the essay:

How to Approach the Essay:

Introduction: Briefly introduce the debate on academic success vs. real-life success. State that resilience and self-belief are more important than academics for success.

Reasons Those Who Fail Academically Can Succeed	Key Traits for Future Success
• Develop resilience and resourcefulness by overcoming academic challenges • Focus on passions (e.g., Steve Jobs’ dedication to technology despite dropping out) • Adaptability allows thriving outside formal education	• Self-belief empowers individuals to trust their instincts and pursue visions • Perseverance enables persistence through adversity, distinguishing successful people • Determination turns setbacks into opportunities, driving long-term achievements

Conclusion: Summarize that personal traits, not just academic success, lead to achievement in life.

Model Answer

It is often said that academic success is a key predictor of future achievements, yet many people who fail in school go on to achieve remarkable success in their lives. This raises the question of why some individuals can flourish despite academic setbacks. I believe that qualities such as resilience and self-belief play a much larger role in future success than academics alone.

One reason some people who fail in school succeed later in life is that their lack of academic success doesn’t diminish their ability to adapt and overcome challenges. For example, Steve Jobs, who dropped out of college at 18, went on to found one of the most successful companies in the world, Apple. Jobs didn’t let his academic failures define him; instead, he focused on his passion for technology, persevered through challenges, and ultimately revolutionized industries. Many people who struggle in school develop a resilience and resourcefulness that allows them to thrive in the real world, even without a formal education.

In terms of the most important thing to succeed in life, I would argue that self-belief and perseverance are key. These qualities allow individuals to overcome obstacles and persist through difficult times. For instance, Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, struggled in school due to dyslexia but succeeded by trusting his instincts and continually pursuing his entrepreneurial vision. The ability to push forward in the face of adversity often makes the difference between success and failure, regardless of academic background.

In conclusion, while academic success can be important, it is not the only path to success. Traits such as self-confidence and the determination to follow one’s passion are just as critical. These qualities enable individuals to turn setbacks into opportunities and leave a legacy that the school toppers don’t.

Commentary

Commentary

Essay Question:
Some people fail in school, but end up being successful in life. Why do you think that is the case? What is the most important thing to succeed in life?

Introduction

Clarity: The topic is introduced clearly, stating the debate about academic success vs. life success.
Thesis: The thesis expresses the writer’s stance, stating that resilience and self-belief are more important for success than academic performance.

Body Paragraphs

Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):

Paragraph 1: Failure in school doesn’t define one’s success. Resilience and adaptability are key, with the example of Steve Jobs who succeeded despite dropping out of college.
Paragraph 2: The most important traits for success are self-belief and perseverance. Richard Branson’s success, despite struggling with dyslexia, highlights these qualities.
Coherence: Both sides are well covered with clear examples, and the essay is logically organized with smooth transitions. The response addresses both parts of the question effectively.

Conclusion

Summary: The conclusion restates the importance of traits like self-confidence and determination over academic success. It reinforces the opinion that these traits lead to success in life.

Vocabulary & Grammar

High-Level Vocabulary:

Resilience – the ability to recover from setbacks
Perseverance – persistence in doing something despite difficulty
Adapt – adjust to new conditions
Instincts – innate behaviour
Vision – a strong belief in future goals

Academic Phrases:

“It is often said that”
” In terms of”

Complex Sentences:

“One reason some people who fail in school succeed later in life is that their lack of academic success doesn’t diminish their ability to adapt and overcome challenges.”
“The ability to push forward in the face of adversity often makes the difference between success and failure, regardless of academic background.”

Task 2

Learning English at school is often seen as more important than learning local languages. If these are not taught, many are at risk of dying out. In your opinion, is it important for everyone to learn English? Should we try to ensure the survival of local languages and, if so, how?

How to approach the essay:

How to Approach the Essay:
Break Down the Task: Identify the two parts—(1) Is learning English important? (2) Should local languages be preserved, and how?

View 1: Preserve Local Languages	View 2: Foster Multilingual Environments
• Language connects to cultural identity and heritage • Overemphasis on early English can lead children to think primarily in a foreign tongue • Maintaining the mother tongue is vital for cognitive growth and a sense of belonging	• Examples like the Netherlands and Scandinavia show how to combine native fluency with English proficiency • Daily immersion-TV without subtitles, library access, and conversational practice-supports balanced development • Similar educational systems succeed by complementing, not replacing, native language instruction

Thesis Tip: Clearly support both English learning and language preservation in your introduction and conclusion.

Model Answer

While learning English offers undeniable advantages for global communication and career opportunities, this growing emphasis has raised concerns about the decline and possible extinction of native tongues. In my view, although English is vital, it is equally important to preserve local languages, and both goals can and should be pursued together.

Prioritizing English must not come at the expense of local languages. Language is more than a communication tool; it is intrinsically linked to the preservation of cultural identity and heritage. It is indeed concerning that some children begin to articulate thoughts in English rather than their native languages, such as Korean, due to the overwhelming emphasis on early English education. Many parents, aware of the difficulties in learning English later in life, emphasize early exposure. While this is understandable, I believe that maintaining a child’s mother tongue is vital for their cognitive development and sense of cultural belonging.

To strike a balance, we can look to countries where multilingualism is the norm. Nations such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and those in Scandinavia manage to preserve their native languages while achieving high levels of English fluency. A closer look at their educational systems reveals that they are not fundamentally different from Korean English education. However, their daily lives are more immersed in English and other languages compared to Korean society. They frequently watch English-language programs on television without subSubtitles, easily access English literature from libraries, and readily switch to English in conversations with native speakers.

In conclusion, rather than choosing one language over another, we should foster environments where children grow up surrounded by both English and their native languages. This approach not only supports global competence but also safeguards linguistic diversity, allowing future generations to thrive in both worlds.

Commentary

Commentary Format
Essay Question: Learning English at school is often seen as more important than learning local languages. If these are not taught, many are at risk of dying out. In your opinion, is it important for everyone to learn English? Should we try to ensure the survival of local languages and, if so, how?

Introduction

Clarity: The topic is introduced effectively, immediately addressing the tension between English learning and the decline of native languages.
Thesis: Clearly states the writer’s stance: English is important, but local languages must also be preserved.

Body Paragraphs

Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):

Pros of English: Global communication, career access.
Cons of English emphasis: Cultural erosion, identity loss, early language shift in children.
Solutions: Look to multilingual societies (e.g., Netherlands, Scandinavia) as models.
Coherence: Arguments are balanced, examples are relevant, and transitions are smooth and logical.

Conclusion

Summary: Restates the thesis with a nuanced suggestion—cultivating bilingual environments for mutual language survival and competence.

Vocabulary & Grammar

High-Level Vocabulary:

Preservation – the act of maintaining something in its original state.
Immersed – deeply involved or engaged.
Safeguards – protects from harm.

Academic Phrases:

“This growing emphasis has raised concerns…”
“It is intrinsically linked to…”
“To strike a balance…”
“This approach not only supports…but also…”
“A closer look…”

Complex Sentences:

“While this is understandable, I believe that maintaining a child’s mother tongue is vital for their cognitive development and sense of cultural belonging.”
“Rather than choosing one language over another, we should foster environments where children grow up surrounded by both…