Full-Time University Students Need to Spend a Lot of Time Studying - IELTS Writing Task 2 Agree Disagree Essay

In the IELTS Writing Task 2 of the Academic section, you may come across a question type called the Agree Disagree questions, which is a very common one. “Full-Time University Students Need to Spend a Lot of Time Studying” is one such Agree Disagree essay topic. 

In this type of question, as a test taker, you must take a stand on a given statement. It requires you to decide on whether you support, oppose, or partly accept the given statement. 

A strong answer to this clearly showcases your views in the introduction and next uses logical reasoning, proper explanations, and real-life examples to justify your position throughout the essay. So why wait? Let us begin solving this question! 

Structure Breakdown 

Band 8 Sample Answer - Full-Time University Students Need to Spend a Lot of Time Studying - IELTS Writing Task 2 Agree Disagree Essay

Most people argue that due to full-time university students already devoting substantial time to academic study and engaging in other activities is unnecessary. I firmly agree with this view. However, an involvement in extracurricular activities is important for university students, since it contributes significantly to their personal development and also their future success.

To begin with, participating in activities outside the classroom will help students develop practical skills that cannot be learned through their textbooks alone. Moreover, team sports, student communities, or volunteering encourages their communication, leadership, and time-management skills as well. These are the abilities that are highly valued by employers, who actively seek well-rounded graduates rather than those with only strong academic performances. Hence, engaging in other activities can enhance the employability rate of their students after their graduation.

Moreover, non-academic activities play an important role in balancing the students’ mental and physical well-being. University life can be evidently stressful due to an increased workload and exam pressure. Activities such as sports, art, music, or social clubs provide a healthy outlet for their stress and help students relax and stay motivated. As a result of this, students who balance study with other interests may actually perform better academically in the longer run.

On the other hand, excessive involvement in extracurricular activities may distract students from their academic work. However, this is an issue only when students fail to manage their time properly. With considerate planning, it is possible to maintain a healthy balance between academics and other extra curricular pursuits.

To conclude, although studying is the foremost responsibility of full-time college students, participation in other activities is also equally important. Such kinds of involvement supports skill development, mental well-being, and future career prospects, making it an important part of the university experience.

Band 9 Sample Answer - Full-Time University Students Need to Spend a Lot of Time Studying - IELTS Writing Task 2 Agree Disagree Essay

In universities, students expend a lot of time heeding to their studies, and the importance of education has never been in doubt. But, some people argue that students should also focus on extracurricular activities during their college days. In this essay, I will discuss why I agree with the former perspective.

Firstly, the purpose of attending universities is to enhance and polish one’s knowledge. Hence, students spend a significant amount of time and effort in preparing for lectures, examinations and subsequent academic activities, which pertain to the bookish nature of the subject. Focusing on exams, if you score high and do well, you have a higher chance of getting a good job. Hence, spending time studying is a way to learn skills pertaining to one’s field of study.

Secondly, to spend time seeking knowledge also aids a person’s thinking and thought processes. For instance, mathematics is often beneficial to incite a deeper state of thinking in specific individuals, just like psychology facilitates introspection. It is a notable step towards self-actualisation, something that almost every human being tries to fulfil.

However, extracurricular activities are also deemed an excellent way to acquire skills resulting in success in life. For instance, sports is a great way to imbibe discipline and a healthy lifestyle. But, concentrating more on studies in the university is indeed essential because one carries through their purpose of attaining knowledge.

To sum up, it is crucial to acknowledge the importance of extracurricular activities in one’s life. However, during the college and university years, a student must devote a significant amount of time towards his studies.

Vocabulary to Answer “Full-Time University Students Need to Spend a Lot of Time Studying”

• Expend

Meaning – Spend, use up.
Example – The government expends crores of rupees towards the beneficiary schemes for poor people.

• Heeding

Meaning – paying attention to; take notice of.
Example – I am heeding to the demands my body made and trying to change  my sleep schedule for good.

• Extracurricular

Meaning – (of an activity at a school or college) pursued in addition to the normal course of study.
Example – Besides sports, debate competitions are also a great extracurricular activity.

• Pertaining

Meaning – be appropriate, related, or applicable to.
Example – I want to have a talk to you pertaining to your behaviour.

• Incite

Meaning – encourage or stir up.
Example – Some people try to incite violence for their own gains.

• Introspection

Meaning – the examination or observation of one’s own mental and emotional processes.
Example – Introspection is a difficult art to master, but a very rewarding one.

• Self-actualisation

Meaning – the realization or fulfilment of one’s talents and potentialities, especially considered as a drive or need present in everyone.
Example – It is said that people who introspect are the ones who achieve self-actualisation.

• Exceptional

Meaning – Compared with extraordinary.
Example – His parents were happy that he got exceptional marks in mathematics.

• Imbibe

Meaning – Absorb, take in.
Example – The pupils listened with attention as they imbibed what their teacher taught.

• Devote

Meaning – give all or most of one’s time or resources to a person or an activity.
Example – Jay devotes a lot of his time to study art and literature.