IELTS Band 9 Essay About Despite the increased access to education, a significant number of people cannot read or write.
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Despite the increased access to education a significant number of”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.
Sample Answer (Band 9)
Despite the increased access to education, a significant number of people cannot read or write.
What are the disadvantages?
What action should governments take?
In the modern era, despite widespread access to education, a substantial proportion of the global population remains illiterate. This issue has far-reaching consequences, including economic stagnation and social inequality. Governments must adopt comprehensive policies to tackle this problem effectively.
One of the primary disadvantages of illiteracy is its negative impact on economic development. Individuals who lack the ability to read or write are often confined to low-paying, menial jobs, which limits their career advancement and earning potential. Consequently, entire communities may struggle with poverty, thereby perpetuating a cycle of economic hardship. Furthermore, illiteracy hinders national economic growth, as a workforce lacking fundamental literacy skills is less productive and innovative.
Another significant drawback is the exacerbation of social inequality. Literacy is a fundamental tool for empowerment, enabling individuals to access information, understand their rights, and actively participate in democratic processes. Without this ability, marginalized groups, particularly women and minorities, remain disenfranchised and vulnerable to exploitation. Moreover, illiteracy can lead to health-related issues, as individuals who cannot read are less likely to understand medical instructions, health warnings, or government policies related to public health.
To mitigate these challenges, governments must implement multifaceted strategies. Firstly, compulsory and free primary education should be enforced to ensure that every child acquires basic literacy skills. Secondly, adult literacy programs should be expanded to provide opportunities for those who missed formal education earlier in life. Financial incentives, such as scholarships and grants, can also encourage school attendance among disadvantaged communities.
Additionally, leveraging technology can be a transformative approach. Digital literacy programs and online learning platforms can help reach remote and underprivileged populations, making education more accessible. Governments should also collaborate with non-governmental organizations and private institutions to create literacy campaigns that promote the importance of education across all age groups.
In conclusion, illiteracy remains a significant barrier to both economic and social progress. Governments must prioritize education by implementing inclusive policies that provide equitable access to literacy programs. By doing so, societies can foster economic growth, reduce inequality, and create a more informed and empowered citizenry.
5 Academic Words in the sample for Despite the increased access to education a significant number of
Widespread /ˈwaɪd.spred/
- Example: The widespread use of smartphones has revolutionized communication.
Substantial /səbˈstæn.ʃəl/
- Example: A substantial increase in government funding is necessary to improve education.
Disenfranchised /ˌdɪs.ɪnˈfræn.tʃaɪzd/
- Example: Many disenfranchised citizens are unable to participate in elections due to a lack of education.
Transformative /trænsˈfɔː.mə.tɪv/
- Example: The introduction of artificial intelligence has had a transformative effect on multiple industries.
Multifaceted /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/
- Example: The issue of climate change requires a multifaceted approach, including policy changes and technological advancements.
5 Advanced Grammar Structures and How They Enhance the Essay
Complex Sentences with Subordinate Clauses
- Example: “Individuals who lack the ability to read or write are often confined to low-paying, menial jobs, which limits their career advancement and earning potential.”
- Why it helps: This structure enhances coherence and fluency by linking ideas logically, demonstrating a high level of writing proficiency.
Passive Voice
- Example: “Compulsory and free primary education should be enforced to ensure that every child acquires basic literacy skills.”
- Why it helps: The use of passive voice emphasizes the action rather than the subject, making the writing more formal and impersonal—appropriate for academic contexts.
Parallel Structures
- Example: “Governments should also collaborate with non-governmental organizations and private institutions to create literacy campaigns that promote the importance of education across all age groups.”
- Why it helps: Using parallel structures makes the sentence more readable and sophisticated, improving clarity and cohesion.
Nominalization
- Example: “Illiteracy remains a significant barrier to both economic and social progress.”
- Why it helps: Converting verbs into nouns (e.g., illiterate → illiteracy) makes the writing more formal and academic in tone.
Conditional Sentences
- Example: “If governments prioritize education, societies can foster economic growth, reduce inequality, and create a more informed and empowered citizenry.”
- Why it helps: The use of conditionals demonstrates the ability to discuss hypothetical scenarios and consequences, which is crucial for argument development in IELTS Task 2.
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