IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essay & Feedback

Some people believe that university students should study only subjects related to their future careers, while others think they should explore a wider range of topics. I believe that career preparation is important, but students should also have opportunities to study outside their main subject. A limited amount of choice can support both professional and personal development.

The main reason for concentrating on career subjects is that students need practical knowledge before they start work. For example, an engineering student must understand how materials behave before designing a bridge. If too much course time is spent on unrelated subjects, there may be less time to practise these essential skills. Students also pay considerable fees, so it is understandable that they expect their degree to help them find employment. For these reasons, the core of a course should remain connected to its professional purpose.

However, other subjects can be useful too. A science student who takes a writing course may become better at explaining research to the public. In a similar way, studying history can help business students understand why different communities respond differently to change. These experiences give students different perspectives and help them think about problems. They are useful in many situations and can make students more confident. Universities should therefore offer these subjects because they are useful for students and their future.

In conclusion, universities should give priority to the knowledge students need for their chosen careers, while leaving some room for other interests. I would support a small number of optional modules alongside compulsory professional courses. This balance would allow students to develop a clear specialism without limiting their education to a single area.