# Fewer science students: causes and solutions: IELTS Writing Task 2 samples

Writing Task 2 - Science

In many countries, fewer students are choosing to study science subjects at university. What are the causes of this, and what measures could be taken to encourage more students to study science?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Source: Sample answers and examiner notes are written by Testmigo.

## Band 6 sample

In many countries, the number of students who choose science at university is going down. This is a problem because countries need scientists and engineers for developing. In this essay I will explain why students do not choose science and what can be done to change this situation.

There are some reasons for this problem. Firstly, many students think science is very difficult. At school, science lessons are full of formulas and theory, and students cannot see how it is connect to their real life. For example, when I was in high school, our chemistry teacher only wrote on the board and we copied, we never did experiments, so most of my classmates hated chemistry. Secondly, some schools do not have enough good science teachers, because people with science degree can earn more money in companies. Another reason is that students do not know what job they can do after studying science, and they think subjects like business or law will give them more money.

There are several measures to solve this problem. The first one is schools should make science lessons more interesting and practical, for example doing experiments and visiting science museums. The second one is government should pay more salary to science teachers so more good teachers will come to schools. Also, universities and companies can give scholarships to students who study science and show them what kind of jobs they can get.

In conclusion, students avoid science because it is difficult, there are not enough good teachers and they do not know about the jobs. If schools, government and companies take these measures, I believe more students will choose science in the future and the country will develop faster.

**Examiner notes.** This Band 6 essay identifies relevant causes and offers a matching measure for each, and the chemistry lesson is a useful personal example. However, the second and third causes are stated rather than explained, and the measures are listed without showing how they would change students' choices. Linking is mechanical ("The first one is", "The second one is"), and errors such as "how it is connect", "with science degree" and "pay more salary" are noticeable but do not block meaning. For Band 7, every point needs explanation and support.

## Band 7 sample

In a number of countries, fewer students are applying for science degrees, which may eventually lead to a shortage of researchers, doctors and engineers. This essay will suggest that the main causes lie in the way science is taught at school and in students' uncertainty about future careers, and that better teaching and financial incentives could reverse the trend.

One important reason is that many teenagers find science difficult and abstract. When lessons focus on memorising formulas and definitions for exams, students rarely see how the subject relates to everyday life, and they lose interest long before they have to choose a university course. This is made worse by a shortage of specialist teachers in some schools. A physics class taught by a non-specialist is less likely to be confident or inspiring, simply because the teacher may not fully understand the material. Furthermore, young people are often unsure where a science degree will lead, and they may assume that subjects such as business or law offer a clearer and better-paid route into employment.

Several measures could encourage more students to choose science. Schools should make lessons more practical, with regular experiments and examples linked to real issues such as climate change or medicine. Governments could also attract more specialist teachers by offering higher salaries or training bursaries to science graduates who enter teaching. In addition, universities and companies could offer scholarships, and invite working scientists to schools so that students can see the variety of careers available.

In conclusion, the decline in science students is mainly caused by unengaging lessons, a lack of specialist teachers and unclear career paths. By making science more practical, investing in teachers and showing students what the subject can lead to, countries can attract more young people into this vital field.

**Examiner notes.** This Band 7 essay keeps a clear position throughout and answers both parts, with solutions presented in the same order as the causes. The first cause is well explained, showing how exam-focused lessons make students "lose interest long before" they choose a course. However, the career-path cause is stated quickly, and the phrase "less likely to be confident" describes the class rather than the teacher, a minor slip. A Band 8 essay would explain each cause as fully as the first and use language with more consistent precision.

The Band 8 and 9 samples are free with an account on the [topic page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/writing/topics/task-2/fewer-science-students).

## Common questions

### How many words should I write?

At least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 for Task 2. Writing a little more is fine; an answer under the minimum loses marks.

### Can I use these sample answers in my test?

No. Memorised material is marked down and you will not get this exact question. Use the samples to see what each band does with the same task.