Homework · Day 3

Finish Your Essay — Body 2 & Conclusion

Estimated time: 30 minutes Due: Before Day 4 Submit by: Email (button in writing box)

What you'll do tonight

  1. Re-read your intro + body 1 from class (it auto-saved in the in-class box — open Day 3 handout in another tab if you want to copy from it).
  2. Write Body 2 — either a second supporting reason OR a counter-argument with refutation.
  3. Write a conclusion that restates your position and summarises your main points.
  4. Paste your full essay (all 4 paragraphs) into the writing box below.
  5. Self-check, then submit.

The prompt (reminder)

Free university education?

"Some people believe that university education should be free for all students, regardless of their financial background. Others argue that students should pay for their own higher education.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

Write at least 250 words.

Exercise 1 — Plan Body 2 (2 minutes)

Which approach are you taking for Body 2?

  • ☐ Option A: A second reason supporting my Body 1 position
  • ☐ Option B: A counter-argument + refutation ("On the other hand, some argue X. However, this is outweighed by Y because…")

I'll go with:

My Body 2 topic sentence:

My Body 2 example:

If you're not sure, pick Option B

Counter-argument + refutation tends to score higher because it shows you can engage with the opposing view. The structure: "On the other hand, it could be argued that [X]. This is true to some extent because [Y]. However, I believe this is outweighed by [Z], since [reason]."

Exercise 2 — Conclusion formula

3-step conclusion
  1. Restate your position (in different words from the intro): "In conclusion, although [counter-point], I firmly believe that [your view]…"
  2. Summarise main points: "…due to [reason 1] and [reason 2]."
  3. Final thought (optional): "Therefore, governments should…" — a recommendation or prediction.
Don't introduce new ideas in the conclusion

If you find yourself starting a new argument in the conclusion, stop. Move it into Body 2 (or cut it). The conclusion summarises; it doesn't extend.

Exercise 3 — Write your full essay (250+ words)

Paste your intro + body 1 in first (from Day 3 handout), then write Body 2 + Conclusion. The whole essay must be in this box for submission.

Your full essay (4 paragraphs)

Target: 250+ words
Words: 0 Not saved yet
25:00
Finish essay — 25 min

Exercise 4 — Self-check

  • ☐ 250+ words →
  • ☐ 4 separate paragraphs (intro, body 1, body 2, conclusion) →
  • ☐ Paraphrased intro (didn't copy prompt) →
  • ☐ Clear thesis stating my position →
  • ☐ Both body paragraphs follow TEEL →
  • ☐ Specific example in each body paragraph →
  • ☐ Conclusion restates position, no new ideas →
  • ☐ Read it back once to catch grammar / spelling →

Exercise 5 — Band 8 full essay (reveal after submitting)

Word count: ~278

Introduction. In many societies, there is ongoing debate about whether higher education should be provided free of charge to all, irrespective of socioeconomic status, or if students ought to bear the costs themselves. While I acknowledge that free university access could promote equality, I largely disagree with making it entirely cost-free, as this approach may lead to inefficiencies and undervaluation of education.

Body 1. One primary reason for my position is that charging fees encourages students to take their studies more seriously. If tuition is free, individuals might enrol without genuine commitment, leading to higher dropout rates and wasted resources. For instance, in countries like Germany, where university is largely subsidised, some observers note that a small fee structure could motivate better attendance and completion. As a result, paying students tend to value their degrees more, fostering a sense of responsibility.

Body 2. Furthermore, funding free education for all would place an immense burden on government budgets, potentially diverting funds from other essential services such as healthcare or infrastructure. In developing nations like India, where resources are limited, requiring contributions from those who can afford it allows scholarships for the needy, creating a balanced system. Although critics argue that fees exacerbate inequality, targeted financial aid can mitigate this, ensuring access without universal free provision.

Conclusion. In conclusion, while free university education has merits in promoting inclusivity, I believe students should contribute to costs to ensure accountability and sustainable funding. Governments should focus on means-tested support to make higher education accessible without being entirely gratis.

Notice:

  • Body 2 picks a different angle (cost to government), not just a repeat of Body 1.
  • The "critics argue that fees exacerbate inequality" sentence is a mini counter-argument inside Body 2 — a sophistication move that signals Band 8+.
  • Conclusion offers a recommendation ("means-tested support") rather than just repeating the thesis.
  • Linking words used: furthermore, although, in conclusion, as a result, for instance, however (implicit).

Free practice resources

Extra free practice for tonight — each link opens in a new tab. These are free online resources (no purchase needed); a few may ask you to create a free account.

Ready to submit?

Use "Submit by email" inside the writing box.