EDUCATION VOCABULARY

1. Graduate
3. Curriculum

5. Qualification

7. Coursework

9. Co-educational

11. Cheat

13. Literacy

15. Illiterate
17. Primary (elementary)
Education
19. Secondary Education

21. Higher (tertiary)

Education
23. Concentrate

To complete a first university degree successfully

I graduated from the University of Salford in 2009.
My graduation ceremony was in 2009.
The group of subjects studied in a school, college, etc.
Schools must ensure they have an excellent curriculum.
An official record showing that you have finished a training
course or have the necessary skills, etc
Good qualifications are really important if you want to get a
well-paid job.
I am qualified to teach English.
Regular work done by students as part of a course, but
assessed independently of formal exams.
The coursework on my degree was really difficult.
When male and female students are taught together in the
same school or college rather than separately
Co-educational schools prepare students for their future
better than single-sex schools.
To behave in a dishonest way in order to get what you want
He did really well in his exams but he cheated. He copied
from a friend.
Cheating on exams is not recommended.
The ability to read and write.
Literacy rates have declined considerably in Western
countries over the last decade.
However, most children are literate.
Unable to read and write
Many children in the poorest countries are illiterate.
First years of formal education from around age 5 to 11.
A good primary education is crucial for a child's
development.
Education during the time as a teenager.
I loved it at my secondary school as I had so many friends.
Non-compulsory education after finishing school, such as
university, as well as vocational education and training at
colleges.
60% of children now go into higher education after they
finish school.
To direct your attention or your efforts towards a particular
activity, subject or problem
It is difficult to concentrate on my work if there is a lot of
noise.

I keep losing concentration due to the noise.

Essay Writing
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs. Others
believe there are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals and society.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or
knowledge.
You should write at least 250 words.

Model Answer
These days, more and more people are making the choice to go to university. While some people are of
the opinion that the only purpose of a university education is to improve job prospects, others think that
society and the individual benefit in much broader ways.
It is certainly true that one of the main aims of university is to secure a better job. The majority of
people want to improve their future career prospects and attending university is one of the best ways to
do this as it increases a persons marketable skills and attractiveness to potential employers. In addition,
further education is very expensive for many people, so most would not consider it if it would not
provide them with a more secure future and a higher standard of living. Thus job prospects are very
important.
However, there are other benefits for individuals and society. Firstly, the independence of living away
from home is a benefit because it helps the students develop better social skills and improve as a
person. A case in point is that many students will have to leave their families, live in halls of residence
and meet new friends. As a result, their maturity and confidence will grow enabling them to live more
fulfilling lives. Secondly, society will gain from the contribution that the graduates can make to the
economy. We are living in a very competitive world, so countries need educated people in order to
compete and prosper.

Therefore, I believe that although a main aim of university education is to get the best job, there are
clearly further benefits. If we continue to promote and encourage university attendance, it will lead to a
better future for individuals and society.
(279 words)

Comments
The writer in this IELTS writing example has a clear thesis in the second sentence of the
introduction, establishing that two sides of this issue will be discussed (While some people are
of the opinion...others think that...).
Looking at the structure, the topic sentences make it clear when the first opinion is being
discussed (It is certainly true that one of the main aims of university is to secure a better job.)
and when the writer is moving onto the next opinion (However, there are other benefits for
individuals and society.).
Connectors (To begin... Also... Firstly... Secondly) are used well to introduce each new
supporting idea. Further connectors (For example...A case in point is that...As a result...) are
used to expand on these ideas.
Finally, the writer has demonstrated that they are able to use complex sentence structures
(While...that...in order to...as...), and has discussed both views and combined this with his/her
opinion, thus ensuring the question has been answered.