A degree or skills for a good job: IELTS Task 2 essay #1, band 7.0
A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.
246 words. Marked by Axiom on 14 October 2026. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
Task 2246 words
Some people think having a university degree is the best way to secure a good job. However, others believe skills and experience are more important. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
While others consider that experience and skills are more significant. Personally, I believe both sides play a pivotal role in finding a well-paid job.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedCurrently, some people believe that having a university degree is the best way to secure a good job.
The revised sentence is more formal and precise.
Firstly, having a university degree is one of the easiest ways to find a job. Furthermore, people who possess a university degree may have better career opportunities, so they can apply for higher-level positions and earn a good salary. For example, people who want to work as doctors, teachers, or engineers usually need a university degree.
Lexical resource
RevisedThis is because most companies prefer to hire individuals with a university diploma.
The revised sentence provides a more precise and formal expression of the idea.
Lexical resource
RevisedTherefore, possessing a diploma can help individuals achieve their career goals.
The revised sentence provides a more precise and formal expression of the idea.
This is because employers often prefer those who have practical knowledge and experience rather than university degrees. For instance, some professions, like IT and logistics companies, require practical experience instead of higher education. In addition, employers want a worker who solves problems effectively.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedConversely, acquiring skills and experience are also essential for securing employment.
The revised sentence provides a more formal and precise expression of the idea.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedThey also believe that employees can acquire theoretical knowledge from online courses, eliminating the need for a university education.
The revised sentence provides a more precise and clear expression of the idea.
I believe that both education and experience can help people find better job opportunities and build a successful career.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedIn conclusion, while a university degree is required in some professions, acquiring practical experience and skills is also crucial for securing a well-paid job.
The revised sentence provides a more formal and precise expression of the idea.
Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.
What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.
Coherence & cohesion
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay is logically organized and the ideas are connected well. The introduction and conclusion are clear and the paragraphs are well-structured. However, there are a few areas where the flow of ideas could be improved.
Suggestions
- Try to use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas more effectively.
- Ensure that your examples are directly relevant to the point you are making.
Sentence revisions 2
RevisedConversely, acquiring skills and experience are also essential for securing employment.
The revised sentence provides a more formal and precise expression of the idea.
RevisedIn conclusion, while a university degree is required in some professions, acquiring practical experience and skills is also crucial for securing a well-paid job.
The revised sentence provides a more formal and precise expression of the idea.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms and there are very few grammatical errors. However, there is room for improvement in terms of sentence variety and complexity.
Sentence revisions 2
RevisedCurrently, some people believe that having a university degree is the best way to secure a good job.
The revised sentence is more formal and precise.
RevisedThey also believe that employees can acquire theoretical knowledge from online courses, eliminating the need for a university education.
The revised sentence provides a more precise and clear expression of the idea.
Lexical resource
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay uses a good range of vocabulary and there is evidence of some less common and idiomatic language. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect word choice.
Sentence revisions 2
RevisedThis is because most companies prefer to hire individuals with a university diploma.
The revised sentence provides a more precise and formal expression of the idea.
RevisedTherefore, possessing a diploma can help individuals achieve their career goals.
The revised sentence provides a more precise and formal expression of the idea.
Task response
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay addresses the task effectively, presenting a clear position throughout. Both sides of the argument are discussed in a balanced way and the writer's opinion is clearly stated. However, the introduction could be improved to more effectively introduce the topic and the writer's position.
Suggestions
- Consider rephrasing the introduction to make the topic and your position more clear.
- Ensure that each paragraph focuses on a single main idea and that all sentences in the paragraph support that idea.
Check your own essay on this question
Write your answer and Axiom marks it the same way: a band for each criterion, and revisions for your own sentences. How the Task 2 checker works.
Check an essay free