Recent exam · 24 Oct 2026Recycled · 2021More recent exam questions

Increasing Competition for University Places

Competition for university study is becoming increasingly strong. Why are universities becoming more competitive? Is this a positive or negative development?

1 sample answer, estimated Band 7.0. Your turn?

Write it first, then read the sample answers and reviews below. You'll see the gap at once.

  • Question ready
  • 40-minute exam timer
  • Results in about 20 seconds
  • 1 free preview a week

From essays on this question

Essay ideas: Increasing Competition for University Places

WhyThis is aPositive or negative essay — it asks why a trend is happening and whether it is good or bad.

SoWe split the ideas intoReasons(why it is happening),Positive(why it is good)andNegative(why it is bad).

Reasons

2 ideas

Positive

1 idea

Negative

2 ideas

Same question · Different responses

Sample responses and feedback

Response 01

Must fixSuggested

Essay · 339 words · 4 paragraphs · 14 comments

Score details

Response 01
Estimated band7.0/ 9

Overall assessment

The response addresses both parts of the question with relevant reasons and a balanced discussion of effects, using a good range of language. The positive case needs a clearer link between admission competition and innovation. The conclusion gives society a positive verdict, while earlier paragraphs emphasise mixed effects; this distinction needs clearer explanation rather than being inherently contradictory.

TR

Task Response

Both questions are addressed with relevant reasons and discussion of benefits and costs. However, the link from admission competition to innovation is underdeveloped, and the final positive judgment for society is not clearly reconciled with the earlier emphasis on mixed effects.

6.0
CC

Coherence and Cohesion

Ideas progress logically across clear paragraphs with effective linking devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'However', with only minor mechanical use and a slightly compressed conclusion.

7.0
LR

Lexical Resource

Vocabulary is flexibly used with some precision, including items like 'tertiary education', 'prestigious', 'influx', and 'take a toll', though occasional phrasing such as 'ultimate burnout' is imprecise.

7.0
GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

A good range of complex structures is used with generally strong control, including subordinate clauses, relative clauses and passives. Some constructions could be more direct, but meaning remains clear throughout.

7.0

What to work on next

Present and maintain one consistent, clearly signposted position from the introduction through to the conclusion.

From essays on this question

Useful vocabulary: Increasing Competition for University Places

Practise this question

Write your response

Task 2 question loaded.
Part 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words.

Words: 040:00 starts on first word