Studying at university is harder: IELTS Task 2 essay #3, band 6.5
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.
306 words. Marked by Axiom on 23 October 2026. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
Task 2306 words
Many students find it harder to study when they are at university or college than when they were at school. Why is this? What can be done to solve the problem?
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedThese days, many learners find it harder to study at the university or college, especially at the master's level, than when they were in school.
The revised sentence is more grammatically accurate and easier to understand.
Lexical resource
RevisedThis is mainly due to the higher level of independence required and the possibility of being assigned to a profession they do not like.
The revised sentence is more clear and uses more precise language.
The second reason is that, university students have to manage their time effectively as they may face some difficulties about their studies, and university students receive less supervison from their teachers than school students do. For instance, there are a lot of students who have a part-time jobs, or lives far away from their familiy, which may be a reason to organise their schedules effectively.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedThe first reason students find university more challenging than school is the lack of physical and emotional support, which makes them feel less safe.
The revised sentence is more concise and the relationship between the ideas is more clear.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedCollege students have a heavy workload and complex subjects, which require a significant amount of time and energy.
The revised sentence is more coherent and the ideas are connected more effectively.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedHowever, these types of assignments can be beneficial for their future careers and help them reach their goals.
The revised sentence is more grammatically accurate and uses more precise language.
First, university directors have to give some opportunities to talk with their teachers and handle their time management issues, and provide with academic support. Universeties may offer additional classes, which can help students to understand the subjects better and effectively. The second effective way to solve these probems is that, individuals should create a realistic study schedule and put their study to the first place.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedSeveral measures could be taken to address these problems.
The word 'tachkle' is not a valid English word. The correct word to use in this context is 'address'.
Lexical resource
RevisedBy following a study schedule, students can lead a healthier life and reduce stress.
The revised sentence is more clear and uses more precise language.
In conclusion, university students may face some struggles such as time-management, and a heavy academic workload.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedNonetheless, these issues can be overcome with support from teachers and additional courses.
The revised sentence is more grammatically accurate and uses more precise language.
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 6.0/ 9
The essay is logically organized and ideas are connected well. However, there are some areas where the flow of ideas could be improved. The essay follows a logical structure, but transitions between ideas and paragraphs could be smoother. The introduction sets up the main points well, but the connection between different ideas could be enhanced with more explicit linking phrases. Clearer topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph and more explicit linking phrases would help guide the reader through the essay. Ensuring consistent punctuation and spacing will also improve the overall readability of the essay.
Suggestions
- Try to use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas more effectively.
- Ensure that your arguments flow logically from one to the next.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedThe first reason students find university more challenging than school is the lack of physical and emotional support, which makes them feel less safe.
The revised sentence is more concise and the relationship between the ideas is more clear.
RevisedCollege students have a heavy workload and complex subjects, which require a significant amount of time and energy.
The revised sentence is more coherent and the ideas are connected more effectively.
RevisedSeveral measures could be taken to address these problems.
The word 'tachkle' is not a valid English word. The correct word to use in this context is 'address'.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 6.0/ 9
The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms and there are only minor errors. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect sentence construction. For example, "students are always provided with physical and emotional support, they can feel safer at school than at university" should be rephrased for clarity. Paying closer attention to grammatical accuracy, including correct verb forms and preposition usage, will improve the overall quality of the essay.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedThese days, many learners find it harder to study at the university or college, especially at the master's level, than when they were in school.
The revised sentence is more grammatically accurate and easier to understand.
RevisedHowever, these types of assignments can be beneficial for their future careers and help them reach their goals.
The revised sentence is more grammatically accurate and uses more precise language.
RevisedNonetheless, these issues can be overcome with support from teachers and additional courses.
The revised sentence is more grammatically accurate and uses more precise language.
Lexical resource
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide 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. For example, "universeties" should be "universities," and "tachkle" should be "tackle." Improving the precision and appropriateness of vocabulary will enhance the overall clarity and professionalism of the essay. Additionally, ensuring correct spelling and grammar usage will improve the overall quality of the essay.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedThis is mainly due to the higher level of independence required and the possibility of being assigned to a profession they do not like.
The revised sentence is more clear and uses more precise language.
RevisedThe second reason is that university students need to manage their time effectively, as they may face difficulties in their studies.
The revised sentence is more clear and concise.
RevisedBy following a study schedule, students can lead a healthier life and reduce stress.
The revised sentence is more clear and uses more precise language.
Task response
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay addresses the task effectively, providing a clear position throughout the response. The essay effectively addresses the prompt by discussing the reasons why some students find it harder to study at the university compared to school and suggesting potential solutions. The ideas are relevant and well-developed, with clear explanations and examples. However, the essay could benefit from a more formal tone and structure. The introduction and conclusion are clear and concise, but the body paragraphs could be more structured with clear topic sentences and transitions.
Suggestions
- Ensure that you fully develop your arguments and provide sufficient support for your ideas.
- Consider addressing potential counterarguments to make your essay more persuasive.
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