Should University Education Be Free? B2 Writing Practice Tests Rules & Examples

How to Write a For-and-Against Essay: Should University Education Be Free?

A for-and-against essay is a formal piece of academic writing in which you explore both sides of an argument in a balanced, objective way before reaching a reasoned conclusion. This type of essay is common in the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) examination and is also widely used in academic and professional contexts.

In real life, for-and-against essays help us think critically about complex social issues — such as whether university tuition should be funded by the government or by individual students. Your task is not simply to share your personal opinion, but to present both perspectives fairly, support each with evidence or examples, and then conclude with your own reasoned stance.

This lesson will guide you through the structure, language, and techniques you need to write a confident, well-organised B2 for-and-against essay on the topic: "Should university education be free?"

Essential Writing Rules & Sentence Structure

1. Overall Essay Structure

A B2 for-and-against essay should follow a clear four-paragraph structure:

• Paragraph 1 — Introduction: Introduce the topic and state that there are arguments on both sides. Do not give your opinion here.
• Paragraph 2 — Arguments in Favour: Present the strongest reasons why university education should be free, with supporting examples or evidence.
• Paragraph 3 — Arguments Against: Present the strongest reasons why it should not be free, again with support.
• Paragraph 4 — Conclusion: Summarise both sides and state your own reasoned verdict.

2. Writing a Strong Introduction

Your introduction should introduce the debate without expressing a personal view. Use an impersonal structure to present the issue clearly.

Formula: General statement about the topic + acknowledgement that it is a controversial issue + indication that both sides will be examined.

Example: "The question of whether university education should be provided free of charge is one that continues to generate considerable debate among educators, politicians, and students alike."

3. Topic Sentences

Each body paragraph must begin with a clear topic sentence that signals the focus of that paragraph. This helps the reader follow your argument logically.

• "There are several compelling arguments in favour of free university education."
• "On the other hand, there are significant reasons why many oppose this approach."

4. Concession Clauses

At B2 level, you are expected to acknowledge the opposing view even within a paragraph that argues one side. Use concession structures to show sophisticated thinking.

• Despite + noun/gerund: "Despite the financial burden it places on governments, free education would benefit millions."
• While it is true that...: "While it is true that funding university education is costly, the long-term economic benefits are considerable."
• Although + clause: "Although some graduates earn high salaries, not all degree programmes lead to well-paid careers."

5. Passive Structures for Formal Register

In formal essays, use the passive voice to create an objective, impersonal tone. Avoid writing in the first person ("I think...") in the body paragraphs.

• ✅ "It is widely argued that access to higher education should be considered a basic right."
• ✅ "It has been demonstrated that graduates contribute significantly to economic growth."
• ❌ "I think everyone should go to university for free." (Too informal and subjective for the body paragraphs.)

6. Punctuation with Discourse Markers

Sentence adverbs and discourse markers must be followed by a comma when they appear at the start of a sentence or clause.

• ✅ "Furthermore, students from low-income families would benefit greatly."
• ✅ "Nevertheless, the financial implications for taxpayers cannot be ignored."
• ❌ "Furthermore students from low-income families would benefit greatly." (Missing comma.)

Useful Linking Words (Connectors)

The following connectors are essential for writing a well-organised, cohesive B2 for-and-against essay. Study the function of each one carefully and note how they differ in meaning and grammatical use.

Model Writing Sample: Should University Education Be Free?

Read the following model essay carefully. Notice how it is structured, how connectors are used, and how a formal register is maintained throughout. The essay is written to Cambridge B2 First (FCE) standard at approximately 175 words.

Exam Prompt: "Some people believe that university education should be provided free of charge by the government. Others disagree. Write a for-and-against essay discussing both views."

Model Essay

[Introduction — Introduce the debate without stating a personal opinion]
The question of whether university education should be provided free of charge is one that continues to generate considerable debate. While some regard access to higher education as a fundamental right, others argue that individuals should contribute to its cost.

[Body Paragraph 1 — Arguments in favour of free university education]
There are several compelling arguments in support of free university education. First and foremost, it would significantly improve access for students from low-income backgrounds who might otherwise be deterred by substantial tuition fees. Furthermore, a more highly educated workforce benefits society as a whole, as graduates contribute to economic growth and innovation. In countries such as Germany and Norway, where tuition is largely state-funded, graduation rates are notably high.

[Body Paragraph 2 — Arguments against free university education]
On the other hand, funding university education entirely from public finances places considerable strain on government budgets. Consequently, other essential services such as healthcare and infrastructure may receive reduced investment. Moreover, it is widely argued that those who benefit most directly from a degree — the graduates themselves — should bear a fair proportion of its cost.

[Conclusion — Balanced verdict with reasoned personal stance]
On balance, while free university education is an admirable ideal, a carefully regulated system of income-based contributions appears to offer a more sustainable and equitable solution.

Essay Breakdown & Annotations

• Introduction: The topic is introduced with an impersonal structure. Both perspectives are acknowledged without bias. No personal opinion is expressed.
• Body Paragraph 1: Opens with a clear topic sentence. Two supporting arguments are developed, connected with "Furthermore". A real-world example (Germany, Norway) adds credibility and evidence.
• Body Paragraph 2: Signalled clearly by "On the other hand". Uses the passive structure ("it is widely argued") for objectivity. "Consequently" links cause and effect logically.
• Conclusion: Opens with "On balance" — the ideal B2 concluding phrase. The personal verdict is measured and qualified, not extreme. No new arguments are introduced.
• Register: Consistently formal throughout. No contractions, no informal phrases, no first-person opinion in the body paragraphs.

Key Phrases & Sentence Starters

The following phrases are reusable in any B2 for-and-against essay. Practise using them so they feel natural in your writing.

Introducing the Topic (Introduction)

• "The question of whether ... is one that continues to generate considerable debate."
• "In recent years, the issue of ... has become a subject of widespread discussion."
• "There are those who believe that ..., while others maintain that ..."
• "This essay will examine the arguments both for and against ..."

Presenting Arguments & Evidence

• "There are several compelling arguments in support of ..."
• "First and foremost, it is important to consider ..."
• "It has been demonstrated that ..."
• "Evidence suggests that ..."
• "For instance, in countries such as ..., it has been shown that ..."
• "A further advantage is that ..."

Contrasting & Conceding Points

• "On the other hand, it is important to recognise that ..."
• "While it is true that ..., it is equally important to consider ..."
• "Despite the fact that ..., many argue that ..."
• "In spite of its apparent benefits, ... raises serious concerns."
• "Whereas some countries have adopted this approach successfully, others have struggled to ..."
• "Nevertheless, this argument fails to take into account ..."

Concluding & Giving a Reasoned Verdict

• "On balance, it would appear that ..."
• "Taking all factors into consideration, ..."
• "In conclusion, while both perspectives have merit, ..."
• "To summarise, the evidence suggests that ..."
• "Although the debate is far from resolved, it seems clear that ..."

Common Writing Mistakes to Avoid

The following mistakes are frequently made by B2 learners writing formal for-and-against essays. Study each error carefully and make sure you understand why it is incorrect.

❌ "University education should be free, this would help poor students."
✅ Correct: "University education should be free, as this would greatly benefit students from low-income backgrounds."
This is a comma splice — two independent clauses cannot be joined with only a comma. Use a subordinating conjunction ('as', 'since', 'because') or separate the clauses with a full stop.

❌ "Furthermore students from poorer families would benefit."
✅ Correct: "Furthermore, students from poorer families would benefit significantly."
When a sentence adverb or discourse marker ('Furthermore', 'Nevertheless', 'Consequently') begins a sentence, it must be followed by a comma. This is a very common punctuation error at B2 level.

❌ "Despite the tuition fees are very high, students still apply."
✅ Correct: "Despite the high tuition fees, students continue to apply in large numbers."
'Despite' is a preposition and must be followed by a noun or gerund, NOT a clause with a verb. If you wish to use a full clause, write: "Despite the fact that tuition fees are very high, students still apply."

❌ "I think that university should definitely be free because it's not fair that rich people can go and poor people can't."
✅ Correct: "It is widely considered unfair that access to higher education is often determined by financial circumstances rather than academic ability."
In a formal for-and-against essay, avoid first-person opinion statements ('I think', 'I believe'), contractions ('it's', 'can't'), and informal vocabulary. Use passive structures and formal language to maintain an objective tone throughout the body paragraphs.

❌ "In spite of the government has limited resources, it should fund all universities."
✅ Correct: "In spite of the government's limited resources, many argue that higher education should receive greater public investment."
Like 'despite', 'in spite of' must be followed by a noun phrase, not a clause. Note also that 'in spite of' and 'despite' have identical meanings and grammatical requirements — they are interchangeable, but neither can be used with 'of the fact that' unless you write 'in spite of the fact that' or 'despite the fact that'.

Writing Checklist & Practice Task

B2 For-and-Against Essay Checklist

Before you submit your essay, work through this checklist to ensure your writing meets B2 standard.

• ☐ Structure: Have I written four clear paragraphs: introduction, arguments for, arguments against, and conclusion?
• ☐ Introduction: Does my introduction present the issue without stating my personal opinion?
• ☐ Topic sentences: Does each body paragraph begin with a clear topic sentence?
• ☐ Arguments: Have I included at least two supporting points or examples in each body paragraph?
• ☐ Connectors: Have I used a range of appropriate discourse markers (e.g. 'Furthermore', 'On the other hand', 'Consequently', 'Nevertheless')?
• ☐ Concession: Have I acknowledged the opposing view at some point, using structures such as 'While it is true that...' or 'Despite the fact that...'?
• ☐ Register: Is my language consistently formal? (No contractions, no informal phrases, no first-person opinions in body paragraphs.)
• ☐ Passive voice: Have I used at least one passive structure for objectivity?
• ☐ Punctuation: Have I placed a comma after discourse markers at the start of sentences?
• ☐ 'Despite' / 'In spite of': Have I checked that these are followed by a noun or gerund, not a clause?
• ☐ Conclusion: Does my conclusion summarise both sides and offer a measured, reasoned verdict?
• ☐ Word count: Is my essay between 140 and 190 words?

Your Practice Task

Write your own for-and-against essay in response to the following Cambridge B2 First-style prompt. Aim for 140–190 words and apply everything you have practised in this lesson.

Exam Prompt:

"You have been discussing the following statement in your English class:

'University education should be provided free of charge by the government, as access to higher education is a basic right for all citizens.'

Your teacher has asked you to write a for-and-against essay, discussing the arguments on both sides of this debate."

Remember to:

• Write a four-paragraph essay (introduction, arguments for, arguments against, conclusion).
• Use a range of formal connectors and discourse markers.
• Maintain a consistently formal register throughout.
• Include a reasoned personal verdict in your conclusion.
• Check your essay against the checklist above before finishing.

Now test your writing mechanics and sentence skills in the exercises below.