IELTS Writing Task 2
Sample Answer
Band 7+
36. Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer.
What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?
Sample Answer 1
The function and purpose of universities have long been the subject of debate. Others believe that the fundamental purpose of a university is to impart knowledge for its own sake, regardless of its direct relevance to employers, while some argue that universities should prioritise providing graduates with practical skills for the workplace. Universities should establish a balance between these two perspectives, providing graduates with both practical skills and a broader worldview, in my opinion.
Obtaining the necessary knowledge and abilities for the workplace is unquestionably essential. Universities should equip students with practical skills, ensuring that they are well-equipped to enter the workforce and effectively contribute to their respective disciplines. This can be accomplished through industry partnerships, internships, and practical training programmes that bridge the divide between academic knowledge and practical applications. By providing graduates with job-ready skills, universities enhance their employability and enable them to make valuable contributions to the workforce.
IELTS Speaking
Part-1 Practice
Nonetheless, it is also essential that universities emphasise the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. Institutions of higher education serve as intellectual and cultural centres where students engage in critical thinking, investigate a variety of subjects, and gain a deeper comprehension of the world. This broader education fosters creativity, instills a passion for lifelong learning, and equips graduates with the ability to adapt to a society that is swiftly changing.
Universities should be places where students are exposed to a variety of disciplines, allowing them to develop interdisciplinary thought and a global perspective. This strategy cultivates well-rounded individuals who can navigate complexities, solve problems, and contribute to the betterment of society beyond their professional responsibilities.
In conclusion, universities should serve the dual purpose of preparing graduates for the workplace and disseminating knowledge for its own sake. Universities can produce graduates who are both professionally competent and intellectually enriched, and therefore capable of making significant contributions to society, by establishing a balance between these two perspectives.
Important phrases and vocabulary:
· Practical skills: applicable abilities that can be directly utilized in the workplace
· Job market: the employment sector or industry where job opportunities exist
· Employability: the level of suitability and readiness for employment
· Real-world applications: the practical use or implementation of knowledge in practical settings
· Industry collaborations: partnerships or connections with businesses and industries
· Internships: temporary work experiences that provide practical training in a specific field
· Bridge the gap: connect or link two different areas or aspects
· Intellectual and cultural hubs: centers of intellectual and cultural activities and exchange
· Critical thinking: the ability to analyze and evaluate information objectively and logically
· Lifelong learning: the continuous pursuit of knowledge and personal development throughout one's life
· Interdisciplinary thinking: the integration of knowledge and approaches from multiple disciplines
· Holistic perspective: a comprehensive view that considers all aspects and interconnections
· Adapt to a rapidly evolving society: adjust and respond effectively to the changing needs and demands of society
· Well-rounded individuals: individuals with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and experiences
IELTS Speaking
Part-1 Practice
36. Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer.
What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?
Sample Answer 2
BAND 7
Without a doubt, the last 15 years have witnessed more changes in the curriculum of universities than in the preceding 30 years. A significant number of people argue that specialised skills and knowledge should be provided to students by universities or colleges, which are essential in workplaces. Others believe that the actual function of higher education is to provide knowledge which they have been practising for 50 or more years, disregarding whether the curriculum is helpful for students.
Indeed, developing specialised skills has numerous upsides. One of the most significant positives is that people might increase the probability of getting their dream jobs. To put it another way, if pupils develop technical, nontechnical, communication, leadership, interpersonal skills which the top-leading organisations require, they might be selected by MNCs, which provide handsome salaries, holiday packages and a good working environment. For this, graduates have to focus on their key skills, which would assist them in getting placement in their respective fields. Thus, universities should modify their curriculum and provide good industrial training facilities for their pupils rather than giving lectures on theoretical subjects.
On the other hand, some individuals think that general knowledge and moral values are appropriate learning, instead of gaining only industrial and corporate skills. So, universities should continue with the old pattern of education, which would assist in the overall development of graduates and post-graduates. According to a survey conducted by the Times of India, 70% of students have lost their jobs because they have misbehaved with their colleagues. Therefore, universities should focus not only on the curriculum but also on the overall development of their pupils.
To conclude, it seems to me that universities and colleges should provide necessary facilities such as personality development and corporate training so that students work on their skills rather than covering unnecessary subjects.
302 Words
36. Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer.
What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?
Sample Answer 3
BAND 7
Without a doubt, the last 50 years have seen more changes in people's perception of gaining university degrees than in the previous 200 years. Education indeed plays an important role in making valuable members of society. Having a sense of acquiring a university degree for knowledge and skills is contentious, since there are compelling reasons both for and against.
Indeed, procuring a university degree to enhance knowledge and skills has numerous upsides. One of them is that they become experts, which means that when they have specific knowledge and experience regarding their work, they become more intelligent, which is unarguably beneficial to their overall development. Moreover, they surely get gainful and meaningful employment opportunities, which directly affects their inner talent. The second positive is that they get higher salary packages, as they become masters of their fields, they become more confident. This helps strengthen the brain muscles and activates them in such a way that the brain's capacity and probability of doing the task will increase. Studies have proven that people who become experts in their fields are more realistic than those who do not follow the same methodology.
Besides this, accessing knowledge of different courses has numerous drawbacks. Sometimes, students get stuck in their practical work, and they find it difficult to learn other subjects, which is one of the biggest reasons for dropping out of universities. Also, they can not concentrate on their studies because they become depressed, which is unarguably detrimental to their mental and physical development.
To conclude, it seems to me that acquiring knowledge that is needed in the workplace is essential for the growth of a nation, with the advantage of procuring a decent job.
281 Words
36. Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer.
What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?
Sample Answer 4
BAND 7
There is little room for doubt that the need for students to know about their work before working there is paramount. Universities, in my opinion, should provide students with knowledge that is required in the industry, although there are arguments for and against this.
There are undoubtedly many reasons for imparting this information to pupils. One of the most significant benefits is that individuals may work with virtually no errors in their jobs. If students acquire certain abilities throughout their university years, they may perform better for their employers with virtually no mistakes. Another issue is that individuals understand how to interact with their coworkers, since effective communication skills may assist them in obtaining promotions, allowing them to make a comfortable living. Additionally, students may get relevant job experience that will benefit their profession and enable them to perform well for their employers.
Indeed, the primary goal of a university is to impart information relevant to their courses in order for students to get a quality education and achieve higher marks in their academic endeavours. Students that gain information about their subjects will be able to do better in their life. However, we should not presume that colleges are incapable of providing the information that individuals need in their jobs. As a result, students attend universities in order to work for their employers, and as such, it is their duty to equip them with the necessary information.
In general, it seems as if colleges are critical before working in order for instructors to offer an education to students. As a consequence, people may improve their lives and make a decent living.
271 Words