Some People Believe That University Education Should Focus on The Skills - IELTS Writing Task 2

The IELTS Writing Task 2 discussion essay, “Some People Believe That University Education Should Focus on The Skills,” asks candidates to examine the purpose of higher education and discuss whether universities should prioritize practical skills over theoretical knowledge. This essay explores both perspectives and provides insight into the debate. This blog includes three sample answers with useful vocabulary to help learners structure their ideas effectively and achieve a higher band score.

Question

Outline

Essay Type

Discussion essay

Introduction

Explain in brief what you are going to write in the body of your essay.

Some individuals feel colleges should focus on developing students’ professional abilities, while others believe universities should focus on theoretical knowledge.

Body paragraphs

Paragraph 1: Some people place emphasis on the practical value of university education.

Paragraph 2: Others believe that colleges exist solely to conduct academic study since theoretical knowledge can assist individuals in becoming capable.

Conclusion

Summarize the points and restate your opinion in clear and direct sentences.

Some People Believe That University Education Should Focus on The Skills - Sample Answer 1

A higher education degree is now a must for respectable employment. As a result, some individuals feel colleges should focus on developing students’ professional abilities, while others believe universities should focus on theoretical knowledge. From my perspective, educational institutions should take both factors into consideration. In the following paragraphs, I shall discuss both views and give reasons to support my opinion.

On the one hand, some people place emphasis on the practical value of university education. In many cases, students’ sole goal is to improve their employment prospects, so skills should take precedence over other considerations. In this sense, if colleges can assist students in enhancing their vocational talents and turn them into skilled employees needed by society, graduates will be able to find an ideal job that will benefit their future growth, especially at a time when youth unemployment is a major concern.

On the other hand, others believe that colleges exist solely to conduct academic study since theoretical knowledge can assist individuals in becoming capable. Academic education provides learners with the chance to build abilities that are useful in their daily lives. Students can use critical thinking and logical thinking, for example, to help them solve difficulties they will encounter at work. Academic knowledge, on the other hand, can extend learners’ horizons. Professors’ ideas might educate them with unique and insightful perspectives and help them examine situations from differing viewpoints. This will allow students to generate creative ideas, qualifying them for academics and employment.

In conclusion, professional skills and academic knowledge are essential components of higher education. Thus, these two elements should be considered, and students must be encouraged to apply theory to practice.

Some People Believe That University Education Should Focus on The Skills - Sample Answer 2

University education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of students, but there is debate about whether it should prioritize practical skills for employment or focus on academic study. This essay will discuss both views and provide my own opinion.

On the one hand, many people argue that universities should equip students with skills that are directly relevant to the job market. In today’s competitive world, employers increasingly seek graduates who can contribute immediately with technical abilities, communication skills, and problem-solving capabilities. Practical training, internships, and career-oriented courses help students transition smoothly into the workforce and reduce unemployment among graduates.

On the other hand, some believe that universities should concentrate on academic study and theoretical knowledge. A strong academic foundation develops critical thinking, research skills, and intellectual curiosity, which are essential for innovation and long-term professional growth. Focusing solely on employment-related skills may limit students’ ability to adapt to changing industries or pursue further education.

In my opinion, university education should strike a balance between academic study and practical skill development. While theoretical knowledge is vital for critical thinking and intellectual growth, incorporating career-oriented skills ensures that graduates are prepared for the demands of the modern workforce. A combined approach would therefore be the most beneficial for students and society.

Some People Believe That University Education Should Focus on The Skills - Sample Answer 3

The purpose of university education has long been debated, with some people arguing that it should primarily focus on developing employable skills, while others contend that academic study should remain its core objective. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.

Proponents of a skills-focused education argue that universities must prepare students for real-world employment. In a rapidly evolving job market, graduates with practical skills such as technical proficiency, teamwork, and communication are better positioned to succeed. Work placements, vocational courses, and applied learning opportunities allow students to gain hands-on experience, making them immediately valuable to employers and reducing the skills gap between education and industry.

Conversely, opponents claim that universities should prioritize academic study, as theoretical knowledge forms the foundation of intellectual development. Focusing exclusively on employment skills may compromise students’ analytical thinking, creativity, and capacity for research. Moreover, a strong academic base allows graduates to adapt to diverse career paths, pursue higher education, or contribute to innovation in their fields, which is equally important for societal progress.

From my perspective, university education should integrate both approaches. While academic study develops critical thinking and knowledge, practical skills prepare students for immediate employment. By combining theoretical learning with applied experience, universities can equip graduates to meet both personal career goals and the broader needs of society.

Some People Believe That University Education Should Focus on The Skills - IELTS Vocabulary

The following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the above writing sample answers. 

• Emphasis 

Meaning: (noun) special importance, value, or prominence given to something.
Eg: The teacher asked students to underline the words to put emphasis on them.

• Precedence 

Meaning: (noun) the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority in importance, order, or rank.
Eg: Safety must be given precedence.

• Assist 

Meaning: (verb) help (someone), typically by doing a share of the work.
Eg: Divya greatly assisted her cousin after her surgery.

• Enhancing 

Meaning: (verb) intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value or extent of.
Eg: This company provides superior, performance-enhancing goods which are good value for money.

• Vocational

Meaning: (adj) relating to an occupation or employment.
Eg: Not all the courses are purely vocational.

• Capable 

Meaning: (adj) having the ability, fitness, or quality necessary to do or achieve a specified thing.
Eg: Rudra is capable of running an organization alone.

• Encounter

Meaning: (verb) unexpectedly be faced with or experience (something hostile or difficult).
Eg: Jessica had a frightening encounter with a poisonous snake.

• Horizons 

Meaning: (noun) the line at which the earth’s surface and the sky appear to meet.
Eg: The ship sailed towards the horizon.

• Insightful 

Meaning: (adj) having or showing an accurate and deep understanding; perceptive.
Eg: Your insightful feedback is very valuable to the company.

• Essential 

Meaning: (adj) absolutely necessary; extremely important.
Eg: Patience is essential for learning.