You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Essay Strategy: Should University Students Study Whatever They Like or Focus on Future-Useful Subjects?
If you're eager to jump straight into the Band 9 sample essays, feel free to scroll down and explore them right away. However, if you’re interested in understanding the strategy behind writing a high-scoring essay for this topic, read on! The debate over whether university students should study whatever they like or focus solely on future-useful subjects like science and technology is a common IELTS question. Writing a Band 9 response requires you to examine both perspectives thoroughly while presenting your own opinion clearly and convincingly.
To craft a top-scoring essay, focus on one or two well-developed ideas in each paragraph. Instead of listing multiple arguments, provide detailed explanations and use examples to support your points. For instance, when discussing the importance of allowing students to pursue their interests, you could explain how passion-driven learning fosters innovation and creativity, making your argument compelling and relatable. Similarly, when addressing the value of studying practical subjects, provide a scenario that highlights the economic benefits of skills in demand. Remember, IELTS examiners prioritize quality over quantity, so clarity and depth matter more than the number of points. Use made-up examples or real-life experiences that are relevant and aligned with the discussion. Also, ensure your essay meets the Band Descriptors by maintaining coherence, using varied vocabulary, and demonstrating grammatical accuracy throughout.
To maximize your preparation, explore the resources available on this website. Download our comprehensive eBooks in PDF format, which cover everything you need to know to achieve your desired band score. These include detailed tips, step-by-step strategies, and plenty of practice questions from recent IELTS exams. You can also access our personalized essay correction service, where a dedicated IELTS examiner provides detailed feedback on your essays within 24 hours. These tools are designed to help you excel in your IELTS Writing exam—don’t miss out!
Sample Essay 1
Some argue that university students should only pursue subjects that are useful for future careers, such as science and technology, while others believe students should be free to study whatever they like. This essay will explore both perspectives, ultimately supporting the view that students should have the freedom to choose their fields of study, as this promotes both individual satisfaction and societal innovation.
Proponents of restricting students to future-useful subjects emphasize the practical benefits of aligning education with market demands. Subjects like science and technology often lead to high-demand careers, contributing to economic growth and addressing global challenges such as climate change or technological advancement. For instance, an increase in professionals trained in renewable energy solutions has directly supported the shift toward sustainable development. However, this view can be overly utilitarian, potentially stifling creativity and passion among students who feel disconnected from these fields. Furthermore, a workforce overly concentrated in specific areas may lack the diversity needed for a balanced society, as arts, humanities, and social sciences play crucial roles in culture and ethical development.
Conversely, allowing university students to study whatever they like fosters academic freedom and encourages creativity. When students pursue subjects that genuinely interest them, they are more likely to excel and make meaningful contributions to their chosen fields. For example, groundbreaking innovations in arts and entrepreneurship often emerge from individuals driven by passion rather than obligation. Additionally, a diverse educational landscape ensures that society benefits from well-rounded professionals who can address various needs. By enabling students to follow their interests, universities not only support personal fulfillment but also nurture a generation capable of thinking beyond conventional boundaries, driving progress in unexpected ways.
In conclusion, while focusing on future-useful subjects may align education with economic needs, the freedom for students to choose their fields ensures motivation, creativity, and a more diverse and adaptable society. Therefore, it is crucial to let students decide their academic paths based on their interests and aspirations.
Achieve your dream score with our detailed IELTS eBooks - your complete guide!
Get our comprehensive IELTS Essay Correction Service from a real examiner!
Sample Essay 2
Some argue that university students should have the freedom to study whatever they like, as it fosters personal growth and satisfaction. Others contend that students should focus solely on subjects that are future-useful, such as science and technology, to align education with societal and economic priorities. This essay will explore both perspectives, ultimately supporting the view that prioritizing practical fields ensures a robust and sustainable future while addressing societal needs effectively.
Those who advocate for students to study whatever they like believe that this approach nurtures creativity and individuality. By choosing their own fields of study, students can explore their passions, which may lead to groundbreaking contributions in unexpected areas, such as arts or philosophy. For example, the preservation of cultural heritage or the advancement of ethical frameworks often stems from individuals pursuing non-technical disciplines. However, while this argument underscores the value of diversity, it overlooks the growing demand for expertise in practical domains like data science, engineering, and healthcare. Focusing on personal interests without considering societal needs could result in an oversupply of graduates in less-demanded fields, leading to underemployment and wasted potential. This imbalance can ultimately hinder economic growth and societal development.
In contrast, ensuring that students prioritize future-useful subjects benefits both individuals and society. By specializing in high-demand areas such as artificial intelligence or renewable energy, graduates are better equipped to secure stable and lucrative careers while contributing to critical global advancements. For instance, the rapid evolution of technology requires a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and solving pressing challenges like climate change. Encouraging students to focus on these areas does not necessarily stifle creativity, as interdisciplinary opportunities often exist within these fields. Moreover, nations that prioritize practical education systems, such as Germany’s vocational programs, demonstrate higher rates of economic stability and workforce readiness. Therefore, aligning education with societal priorities ensures a sustainable and prosperous future.
In conclusion, while allowing students to study subjects of their choice promotes creativity, the focus on future-useful fields like science and technology ensures societal progress, economic stability, and individual career success. Prioritizing practicality in education aligns with both personal and global needs, making it the more compelling approach.
Achieve your dream score with our detailed IELTS eBooks - your complete guide!