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Many University Students Want to Learn about Different Subjects in addition to Main Subjects-Task 2

Updated: Oct 18

Write about the following topic:


Many university students want to learn about different subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others feel it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for their qualification.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.


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


You should write at least 250 words.


IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay prompt: Many university students want to learn about different subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others feel it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for their qualification.  Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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Sample Essay 1

Some university students prefer to explore various subjects beyond their primary field of study, while others advocate focusing solely on their core study areas for gaining specialized expertise. While both approaches are beneficial, this essay argues that incorporating diverse subjects alongside major studies can foster intellectual versatility and adaptability, which are highly valuable in today’s dynamic job market.


Learning subjects beyond one’s main field can foster well-rounded knowledge and broaden intellectual horizons. Exposure to diverse fields like philosophy, psychology, or economics can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are essential in today’s dynamic job market. For instance, engineering students who study business management acquire entrepreneurial skills, making them more competitive in the workforce. Additionally, a broad-based education promotes creativity by allowing students to connect ideas across disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach can equip students with a broader perspective, enabling them to tackle challenges holistically in both their careers and personal lives. As modern careers often demand adaptability, learning multiple subjects offers a distinct advantage.


On the other hand, focusing solely on one’s primary subject provides the depth of knowledge required for academic excellence and specialized expertise. For fields like medicine, law, or engineering, in-depth learning is essential, as these professions demand a high level of technical competence. By dedicating their time entirely to their chosen discipline, students can master complex theories and develop practical skills needed for success in their future careers. For instance, medical students need to invest countless hours mastering anatomy and clinical practices to become competent doctors. Furthermore, exclusive focus helps avoid distractions, ensuring students meet the academic standards required to earn top qualifications and secure employment in highly competitive fields.


In conclusion, while interdisciplinary learning cultivates broad knowledge and adaptability, focusing solely on core subjects ensures specialized expertise and academic success. A balanced approach that allows students to explore other fields while prioritizing their primary qualification can be ideal.


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Sample Essay 2

In the realm of academia, a dichotomy exists between students who favor diversifying their knowledge across various subjects and those who advocate for a singular focus on their major for optimal qualification achievement. This essay posits that while a specialized focus is essential for professional expertise, the breadth of knowledge enhances cognitive flexibility and societal understanding.


Proponents of concentrating solely on one's major argue that this approach allows for a deeper, more focused understanding and mastery of the subject, thereby significantly increasing employability and expertise in a highly competitive job market. For instance, a dedicated medical student investing all their time and efforts into understanding intricate physiological processes and medical theories is more likely to excel and emerge as a leader in their field, given the substantial complexity and depth required for proficiency. This perspective firmly underscores the critical importance of specialized knowledge in achieving professional excellence and setting oneself apart in the job market.


Conversely, advocates for a broader academic pursuit contend that understanding diverse disciplines fosters critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability, key skills in today's dynamic world. Interdisciplinary studies enable students to draw connections between different fields, thereby enriching their intellectual landscape and preparing them comprehensively for a rapidly changing world that values versatility. For example, a computer science student who also studies philosophy and ethics may develop unique, innovative approaches to ethical coding, demonstrating how varied knowledge can significantly inform and revolutionize within a specialization, contributing to the advancement of technology with a moral compass.


In my view, the integration of diverse academic disciplines alongside one's major is imperative for nurturing well-rounded individuals. This approach not only equips students with specialized skills but also broadens their perspective, enabling them to navigate and contribute to the world more effectively.


In conclusion, while focusing on a major is crucial for developing specialized skills, the enrichment gained from exploring various subjects cannot be overlooked. The synthesis of depth and breadth in education cultivates versatile individuals who are not only experts in their field but also possess the broad understanding necessary to adapt and innovate in an ever-evolving societal landscape.

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Sample Essay 3

The academic arena is abuzz with the discourse on whether university students should narrow their focus to their major subjects or enrich their curriculum with diverse disciplines. I assert that integrating a variety of subjects not only broadens one’s knowledge base but also hones critical interdisciplinary skills, preparing students for a multifaceted future in both their personal and professional lives.


Proponents of specialization maintain that focusing intensively on a single discipline allows students to attain a depth of knowledge unmatched by broader academic pursuits, thereby establishing themselves as undisputed experts. This focused approach is believed to not only elevate job prospects significantly but also to stimulate innovation within specialized domains. For example, an in-depth engagement with biotechnology could enable a student to make substantial contributions to pioneering medical research, potentially culminating in discoveries that save lives and transform healthcare practices.


However, the interconnectivity of today’s global challenges necessitates a multidisciplinary perspective. Learning across a variety of disciplines, from the humanities to the sciences, equips students with a versatile toolkit, enabling them to tackle complex problems with innovative solutions. The case of a software engineer proficient in environmental science illustrates this point. Such an individual is uniquely positioned to develop technology-driven solutions to climate change, demonstrating how interdisciplinary knowledge can be harnessed for societal benefit.


In my view, while specialization is undeniably valuable, the advantages of a diversified academic journey are paramount in preparing students for the multifaceted challenges of the future. A holistic education fosters not only intellectual agility but also empathy and cultural awareness, attributes increasingly indispensable in our interconnected world.


In conclusion, the pursuit of additional subjects alongside one's major subject is not merely an academic exercise but a strategic preparation for the complexities of the 21st-century professional landscape. It is through this lens that we must view our educational choices, not as a dichotomy between depth and breadth, but as a harmonious blend that cultivates versatile, innovative, and empathetic leaders for tomorrow.



Sample Essay 4

Nowadays, a growing number of choices are given to university students worldwide, and one of these is to take other subjects in addition to their main ones. While some students want to use this opportunity, others argue that it is more crucial to give all their time and attention for acquiring a qualification. Despite the advantages of both opinions, I firmly concur that students should expand their learning areas by taking other subjects in addition to their main ones.


There are numerous subjects provided at universities, such as medicine, law and commerce. However, because each subject area is quite narrow, some university students desire to learn about other subjects as well as their majors. For example, my mother undertook international relations as her major at the university, but she also attended classes about constitutions and South Korean. Although these two subjects were not part of her main subject, having this knowledge became her strength and helped her attain a popular job with desirable working environments and high wages. This experience exemplifies that studying other areas than the students’ main subjects fosters the uniqueness of their learning experiences and knowledge.


Nevertheless, some believe in solely focusing on acquiring a qualification and repudiate the notion of learning different subject areas. It is undeniable that their belief in the importance of having an expertise in a specific area is precise; however, all subject areas that students can learn at universities have robust relationships in real life, and acquiring knowledge of other subjects gives them advantages when they start working. For instance, one of my friends spent all her time to gain a qualification as a doctor while studying at a university. However, after successfully becoming a doctor, she now regrets this decision as she needs to have a certain skill in foreign languages to gain information quickly and accurately without the use of a translator.


Therefore, despite the advantages of both notions, students should learn both their main subjects and other ones to gain uniqueness and multiple skills that will eventually help them work more efficiently in the future.


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Sample Essay 5

The ongoing debate about whether university students should diversify their studies beyond their primary field or concentrate solely on their major is multifaceted. In my view, while a focused approach on the major subject is essential for depth of knowledge, the inclusion of additional subjects can significantly enrich a student’s educational experience and future professional capabilities.


On one hand, dedicating oneself exclusively to a major subject allows for an in-depth mastery of the field. For example, medical students who devote their entire curriculum to medical courses can attain a level of specialization crucial for effective healthcare practice. This focused approach ensures that students develop a profound understanding of their chosen field, potentially leading to groundbreaking advancements within that specialty. Moreover, in professions where precision and expertise are paramount, such as engineering or law, a singular focus on the core subject matter is often necessary to meet the high standards of these professions.


On the other hand, integrating subjects outside the primary field of study broadens one's perspective and fosters adaptability. For instance, an engineering student taking courses in environmental studies may gain valuable insights into sustainable design, an increasingly important aspect in today's construction industry. Similarly, a finance major exploring psychology could better understand consumer behavior, enhancing their ability to devise effective financial strategies. This interdisciplinary approach not only supplements the students' primary knowledge but also prepares them for a dynamic work environment where cross-disciplinary skills are increasingly valued.


In conclusion, while a concentrated study in one’s major is vital for attaining specialized expertise, the inclusion of diverse subjects offers a broader educational perspective, crucial for navigating the complexities of the modern professional world. Balancing depth with breadth in education equips students with a versatile skill set, preparing them to excel in an ever-evolving career landscape.



Sample Essay 6

University students today are faced with a critical choice: should they expand their academic pursuits to encompass a variety of subjects, or is a concentrated focus on their major the more prudent path? This essay argues in favor of a balanced educational approach, examining first the benefits of specialized study, then the advantages of a broader academic spectrum, and ultimately advocating for a blend of both strategies.


Proponents of a specialized academic focus emphasize the depth of knowledge and expertise that can be achieved when university students concentrate solely on their major subjects. This approach, they argue, allows for a thorough understanding of the chosen field, equipping students with the specialized skills necessary for professional success. For example, a student majoring in Astrophysics would benefit immensely from dedicating their entire university tenure to this discipline, thereby gaining in-depth insights and a competitive edge in a highly specialized field.


Conversely, those who support the idea that university students want to learn about other subjects argue that a well-rounded education is instrumental in developing versatile and adaptable professionals. In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the ability to integrate knowledge from various disciplines is invaluable. For instance, an Engineering student who also studies Environmental Science can apply their technical skills to sustainable development, addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our times. Similarly, a Law student taking courses in Psychology might gain deeper insights into human behavior, enhancing their ability to empathize and negotiate in legal contexts.


In my opinion, while specialization is undoubtedly important, the integration of other subjects into a university curriculum offers a more holistic educational experience. This approach not only broadens the intellectual horizons of students but also prepares them to adapt and innovate in a multifaceted professional world. The synergy created by combining knowledge from different fields can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and solutions.


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