IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1198 - University students should study a full range of subjects
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Many people believe that university students should study a full range of subjects, instead of some specific subjects.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this viewpoint?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Disagreement]
Universities, supreme citadels for building an enlightened generation, play a pivotal role in shaping a country's destiny. Thus the curriculum they follow to teach pupils has a profound impact on its overall outcome. Though some scholars believe that teaching a wide range of subjects at the tertiary level is far more beneficial than restraining the syllabus to a few particular subjects, I have reasons to disagree with this view.
First of all, universities cannot teach all the subjects to the disciples, and the notion of teaching them a great number of subjects is impractical. For instance, an average university has more than 40 departments or so, and they are meant to specialise students in a particular field, not try to make them experts in all trades only to hopelessly produce mediocre professionals. Many public universities are already struggling to finish the course in time, and if more subjects are added, that would simply make the scenario worse.
Furthermore, a medical student, when forced to study history and poetry, would feel less connected to those subjects, ultimately ending with less specialised knowledge and skill. Similarly, a student from literature would find solving higher calculus a real challenge. The university already has separate departments that pick students based on their merits and interests, and the course offering should stick to that.
Finally, someone does not need to excel in all subjects to do better in his profession. If an engineering student is interested in studying history, he can always do so even if the university curriculum does not include it. Many eminent scientists had little knowledge of other subjects, and that did not deter them from changing the world forever, and this can be a great example of how specific subjects at the tertiary level can be more beneficial than the idea of adding a list of unrelated subjects.
To conclude, the areas of study, especially in this modern era, are myriad, and thus adding a spectrum of subjects in every major is not a practical idea.
Sample Answer 2: [Agreement]
Some people advocate for teaching university students a wide range of subjects instead of just a few specialised subjects. I tend to agree with this view as I believe that teaching many different subjects makes tertiary students better prepared for their careers, life and society.
To begin with, a university education is not meant to produce just skilled professionals who would earn big paychecks. Rather, it should aim to create enlightened and knowledgeable individuals who would lead the nations in the future. This is why a doctor should learn the history of the nation so that he never forgets that his primary aim is to serve the nation and not make money. Similarly, if a software engineer has no knowledge of accounting, the financial sector would struggle to have useful software for their automation.
Moreover, a university plays a crucial role in shaping the overall development of learners, aiming to cultivate not only their academic knowledge but also their personal and professional attributes. In this pursuit, the inclusion of a diverse range of subjects further bolsters the foundation upon which learners build their futures. By offering a broad spectrum of courses encompassing various disciplines, universities equip students with a well-rounded education, fostering their intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and adaptability.
In conclusion, studying fewer subjects in a university seems like have some benefits on the surface but it does not serve the true purpose of university education which is to create leaders and an enlightened generation. So it is expected that universities would introduce a spectrum of subjects to most majors to reap the maximum benefit.
Sample Answer 3: [Disagreement]
It is often suggested that disciples of tertiary institutions should have a wide range of subjects in their curriculum rather than a few particular subjects. I, however, disagree with this viewpoint primarily for two major reasons.
First, universities aim to provide specialized knowledge to their pupils, not enhance their general knowledge. Students are offered admission to universities after they complete many years of academic studies in various subjects. They are in a tertiary institution primarily to gain specific knowledge related to their field of interest. Giving redundant pressure by imposing subjects unrelated to their field can become a hurdle in achieving the required goals in their life. For instance, there is little relationship between sociology and mathematics. Mathematics majors will get confused while learning various aspects of sociology and similarly, sociology students will be reluctant to solve complex mathematics.
In addition to this, many universities are already trying hard to maintain their recognized status and some are providing only specializations in a few subjects. The addition of more subjects to each faculty will add unnecessary weight, and as a result, there will be discordant opinions and actions among them. For example, the 'Indian Institute of Technology Delhi' is among the top universities in India and provides specialization in scientific research and technology. If they are forced to add Arts related subjects to their science majors, they will soon find themselves struggling for their excellence.
In conclusion, universities are meant for specialization and students should study subjects related to their major or which they feel interested in. The urge to add a spectrum of irrelevant subjects will detriment the true purpose of university education.
[Written by - Sabrina Qamar]
Model Answer 4: [Agreement]
Whether universities should provide students with a full range of subjects rather than limiting them to specific areas of study is a topic of intense debate. I fully agree with this viewpoint that universities should include a wide range of subjects in their syllabus because it enables students to gain a broader perspective and a diverse range of skills that can be applied in various areas of life.
To begin with, studying a wide range of subjects can help students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. This is because exposure to different fields of study encourages students to think outside the box and make connections between seemingly unrelated topics. For instance, studying both biology and philosophy can help students understand the ethical implications of scientific advancements.
Moreover, a diverse range of subjects can prepare students for the ever-changing job market by providing them with a broad range of skills. For example, a computer science major who also takes classes in marketing and psychology will have a unique skill set that can be applied in a variety of industries. This can increase their employability and flexibility in the job market. The modern job market is so competitive that one can hope to land only a mediocre job if she knows about just some specific subjects. On the contrary, learners with a diverse set of knowledge stay ahead in the professional competition.
In conclusion, studying a whole range of subjects at the university level is highly beneficial. It not only enables students to develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities but also provides them with a broad range of skills that can be applied in various fields of work. This is why it is expected that universities would teach leaners a spectrum of subjects rather than just a few.
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