axiom

University or a job after school: IELTS Task 2 essay #18, band 7.5

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.

271 words. Marked by Axiom on 7 May 2025. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.

Task 2271 words

Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after school. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

When they finish school, teenagers face the dilemma of whether to get a job or continue their education.

  1. Grammar & accuracy

    RevisedWhile getting a job straight after school has its benefits, I would argue that continuing education at a college or university is a better long-term investment.

    The revised sentence is more specific and clear.

Many young people want to start earning money as soon as possible. In terms of their career, young people who decide to find work, rather than continue their studies, may progress more quickly. They will have the chance to gain real experience and learn practical skills related to their chosen profession.

  1. Coherence & cohesion

    RevisedThere are several reasons why the option to start work straight after school is attractive.

    This revision makes the sentence more concise and improves the flow of ideas.

  2. Lexical resource

    RevisedThis allows them to achieve independence and afford their own housing, or even start a family.

    The revised sentence is more natural and specific.

  3. Lexical resource

    RevisedThis may lead to career advancement and success.

    The revised sentence is more general and applicable to a wider range of people.

Firstly, academic qualifications are required in many professions. For example, it is impossible to become a doctor, teacher or lawyer without having the relevant degree. Secondly, the job market is becoming increasingly competitive, and sometimes there are hundreds of applicants for one position in a company.

  1. Coherence & cohesion

    RevisedConversely, I believe that continuing studies is more beneficial for students.

    The revised sentence is more direct and to the point.

  2. Grammar & accuracy

    RevisedAs a result, university graduates have access to a wider range of job opportunities and tend to earn higher salaries than those with fewer qualifications.

    The revised sentence is more precise and specific.

  3. Grammar & accuracy

    RevisedYoung people without university or college qualifications may find it more challenging to compete in the job market.

    The revised sentence is more tactful and considers the potential for these young people to compete in a different way.

  1. Coherence & cohesion

    RevisedTherefore, I believe that students' chances of success in their careers are higher if they continue their studies beyond school level.

    The revised sentence is more formal and academic.

Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.

Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.

What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.

Coherence & cohesion

Band 8.0/ 9

The essay is logically organized and ideas are connected well. The introduction and conclusion are clear and relevant. However, there are a few areas where the flow of ideas could be improved.

Suggestions

  • Use more linking words to connect your ideas and make your argument more cohesive.
  • Ensure that each paragraph has a clear central topic.

Sentence revisions 3

  • RevisedThere are several reasons why the option to start work straight after school is attractive.

    This revision makes the sentence more concise and improves the flow of ideas.

  • RevisedConversely, I believe that continuing studies is more beneficial for students.

    The revised sentence is more direct and to the point.

  • RevisedTherefore, I believe that students' chances of success in their careers are higher if they continue their studies beyond school level.

    The revised sentence is more formal and academic.

Grammar & accuracy

Band 8.0/ 9

The essay uses a wide range of complex structures. There are a few minor errors, but they do not impede communication.

Sentence revisions 3

  • RevisedWhile getting a job straight after school has its benefits, I would argue that continuing education at a college or university is a better long-term investment.

    The revised sentence is more specific and clear.

  • RevisedAs a result, university graduates have access to a wider range of job opportunities and tend to earn higher salaries than those with fewer qualifications.

    The revised sentence is more precise and specific.

  • RevisedYoung people without university or college qualifications may find it more challenging to compete in the job market.

    The revised sentence is more tactful and considers the potential for these young people to compete in a different way.

Lexical resource

Band 8.0/ 9

The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary and there is evidence of less common and idiomatic language. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect word choice.

Sentence revisions 3

  • RevisedThe option to begin working immediately after school is attractive for several reasons.

    The revised sentence is more natural and commonly used.

  • RevisedThis allows them to achieve independence and afford their own housing, or even start a family.

    The revised sentence is more natural and specific.

  • RevisedThis may lead to career advancement and success.

    The revised sentence is more general and applicable to a wider range of people.

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 detail. However, the conclusion could be stronger.

Suggestions

  • Make sure your conclusion is more comprehensive and it should clearly restate the main points of the essay and your opinion.

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