1.4 Choosing a University or Course
Lesson 1.4 introduces the most heavily weighted skill: Writing Task 2. See the 4-part essay as a framework, walk through a TFNG decision flowchart, and meet your first sample Task 1 visual.
- See the 4-part essay as a framework
- Apply a TFNG decision flowchart
- Use 10+ opinion phrases
- Use reason→result linkers accurately
- Recognise a Task 1 bar chart at a glance
Warm-up · Choosing a university
- Most important factor — reputation, cost, location, or course content?
- Is studying abroad worth the extra cost?
- Should students choose a course they enjoy or one that leads to a good job?
Vocabulary · Opinion language
Overusing 'I think' / 'In my opinion' — they appear in nearly every Band 5–6 essay. Replace with higher-register alternatives.
Grammar · Reason → result linkers
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| because + clause | Students choose this university because it offers scholarships. |
| due to / owing to + noun | Due to strong industry links, the course leads to excellent employment. |
| so + adj + that | The fees are so high that many take out loans. |
| such + noun + that | It has such a strong reputation that competition is fierce. |
| consequently / as a result | Costs have risen sharply; consequently, students share housing. |
✓ The course is so demanding that few students complete it in three years. ✗ The course is so demanding so few students complete it.
Reading · True / False / Not Given
Surveys in the UK and Australia consistently show course reputation and graduate employment rates are the two most influential factors for prospective students, well ahead of campus facilities or social life. Most domestic students prefer to study within three hours of home, but international students weigh climate, safety and cost of living more heavily. The perceived prestige of the host city often outweighs the university's actual ranking — the 'city halo effect'. Recent data suggest almost two-thirds of UK undergraduates now factor expected debt into their choice — a figure that has more than doubled in fifteen years.
| Q | Statement | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Course reputation matters more to students than social life. | TRUE |
| 2 | Domestic students always prefer to stay close to home. | FALSE |
| 3 | International students earn higher salaries after graduating. | NOT GIVEN |
| 4 | Almost 66% of UK undergraduates consider future debt. | TRUE |
| 5 | The 'city halo effect' has been criticised by rectors. | NOT GIVEN |
Speaking · Part 3 — University choices
- What factors should young people consider when choosing a university?
- Is university the best path for everyone?
- How has the role of universities changed in the last 20 years?
- 'Students should think about cost, location and reputation. Cost is important because many don't have money. Reputation helps with jobs.'
- Listed reasons, simple connectors
- 'I'd say there are three factors worth weighing seriously. First and foremost, the academic reputation of the specific department — not the university overall — because that's what employers actually look at.'
- Ranked argument, hedging, specificity
Writing · Task 2 essay framework
Task 2 is essentially identical in both pathways. The difference is Task 1: Academic = describe a chart/graph; General Training = write a letter.
Writing Task 1 · Sneak peek (Academic)
Academic Task 1 asks you to describe a visual. Here is a typical bar chart so you know what's coming in Unit 3.
Exam strategies
- State a clear opinion in the introduction — examiners must know your position before the body.
- Paraphrase the prompt — never copy more than 3 consecutive words.
- TFNG literally: if the passage doesn't state it, it's NOT GIVEN.
- Plan for 3 minutes before writing — saves 5 minutes of editing.
Self-study tasks
Write 3 different introductions for the prompt above — vary the opener each time.
5 sentences with 'so + adj + that' and 5 with 'such + noun + that'.
Pick a news article. Write 5 of your own TFNG statements, then check each one.
Key takeaways
- Every Task 2 = Intro + Body 1 + Body 2 + Conclusion.
- A clear thesis is non-negotiable for Band 6+.
- TFNG: never infer.