Sample LNAT Essay: ‘It is right that students should contribute to the cost of their degrees.’ Do you agree?

Posted by Catherine Robinson on October 16, 2023

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Scroll to the bottom of the page to find a sample LNAT essay on whether students should have to pay to go to university.

What is the LNAT essay?

The LNAT essay is a 40-minute written task that assesses your ability to construct a persuasive argument. It is an opportunity for you to showcase your critical thinking, analytical skills, and ability to communicate effectively.

Understand the question

Before you start writing, take the time to carefully read and understand the essay question. Identify the key terms and concepts, and make sure you have a clear understanding of what is being asked. This will help you structure your essay and ensure that you address the question directly.

Plan your essay

Planning is crucial when it comes to writing a successful LNAT essay. Take a few minutes to brainstorm ideas, create an outline, and organise your thoughts. This will help you stay focused and ensure that your essay has a logical flow.

Structure your essay

A well-structured essay is easier to read and understand. Start with an introduction that provides an overview of your argument and sets the tone for the rest of the essay. Then, develop your argument in the body paragraphs, using evidence and examples to support your points. Finally, conclude your essay by summarising your main points and restating your thesis.

Use evidence and examples

When writing your LNAT essay, it is important to support your arguments with evidence and examples. This will make your essay more persuasive and convincing. Use relevant facts, statistics, and real-life examples to back up your claims and strengthen your argument.

Be concise and clear

In a time-limited task like the LNAT essay, it is important to be concise and clear in your writing. Avoid unnecessary repetition and wordiness. Use clear and straightforward language to convey your ideas effectively. It is much better to write in plain and simple language than convoluted flowery language.

Practice, practice, practice

Like any skill, essay writing requires practice. Take the time to practice writing LNAT essays under timed conditions. This will help you improve your time management skills and help familiarise yourself with the format and requirements of the test.

Seek feedback

After writing practice essays, seek feedback from teachers, tutors, or peers. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

Example essay: ‘It is right that students should contribute to the cost of their degrees.’ Do you agree?

The debate over whether students should contribute to the cost of their degrees is a contentious issue in contemporary society. While one perspective asserts that students should bear a portion of the financial burden, it is vital to explore this argument in depth. It is often argued that students should contribute to the cost of their degrees due to the benefits reaped from higher education. However, this view is misguided because it disregards the societal advantages of accessible education, the risk of deterring capable individuals from pursuing higher education, and the burden it places on already financially strained students. Therefore, it will be argued that students should not be required to contribute to the cost of their degrees.

Education is not just a personal asset; it is a public good that enriches societies. Accessible higher education contributes to an educated and skilled workforce, which, in turn, drives innovation, economic growth, and social progress. By sharing the cost of education across the broader community, we can ensure that the benefits of a well-educated population are widely distributed. One argument in favour of students contributing to the cost of their degrees is that it ensures they value and make the most of their education. However, this argument can be refuted. Valuing education can be fostered through other means, such as scholarships, mentorship programs, or academic guidance, without burdening students with exorbitant fees.

Imposing financial burdens on students can deter capable individuals from pursuing higher education. Potential scholars might be discouraged by the prospect of debt or by the necessity of working long hours to cover their expenses. As a result, society loses out on the talents and contributions of these individuals. Proponents of student contributions argue that it instils a sense of responsibility and financial acumen. Nonetheless, it is essential to consider the bigger picture. There are alternative ways to teach financial responsibility, such as personal finance courses or workshops, without impeding access to education.

Requiring students to contribute to the cost of their degrees places a significant financial burden on young people who are often already facing substantial economic challenges. The weight of student loans can follow graduates for years, limiting their ability to start families, buy homes, or invest in their future. Some contend that this financial strain is an investment in one's future and that the long-term benefits of a degree outweigh the short-term costs. However, this argument overlooks the unequal distribution of this burden, as it disproportionately affects students from less privileged backgrounds.

In conclusion, while there are arguments in favour of students contributing to the cost of their degrees, they fail to consider the societal advantages of accessible education, the risk of deterring capable individuals, and the financial strain placed on students. Higher education should be seen as a collective investment in a brighter and more prosperous future for all, rather than a financial hurdle for individuals. Therefore, it is not right that students should contribute to the full cost of their degrees, and we should explore more equitable and sustainable approaches to funding education.

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