Completing University Education is Thought by Some to Be The Best Way to Get a Job - IELTS Writing Task 2

Discussion essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 require candidates to examine different viewpoints on a given issue before presenting a balanced conclusion. This essay type evaluates a test-taker’s ability to analyze contrasting opinions, organize ideas coherently, and use appropriate academic language. Writing a clear introduction that outlines the topic and signals a discussion of multiple perspectives is crucial for achieving a higher band score.

In line with this format, the topic “Completing University Education is Thought by Some to Be the Best Way to Get a Job – IELTS Writing Task 2” explores differing views on whether obtaining a university degree is the most effective method to secure employment. This guide provides three well-structured sample answers, helping IELTS candidates understand how to discuss both sides effectively while maintaining coherence and meeting task requirements.

Question

Outline

Essay Type

Discussion Essay

Introduction

Elaborate on the essay topic and mention the view.

Body Paragraphs

University education is a must in this day and age to be eligible for a decent job.

People who are more experienced will always be preferred over freshers or candidates with little experience.

Conclusion

Paraphrase the topic and mention the final verdict.

Completing University Education is Thought by Some to Be The Best Way to Get a Job - Sample Answer 1

In this day and age, individuals are considered ineligible for a high paying job if they lack a remarkable educational record from reputed academic institutes. The significance of being qualified as a person has become paramount in today’s corporate world. At the same time, simply attaining theoretical knowledge without practical experience is also an unsuitable trait. Many believe that having more work experience makes a candidate stand out from the crowd. In my opinion, having practical knowledge is more consequential when it comes to job-hunting.

It is a well-known fact that presently every organisation demands a well-educated candidate, even for entry-level positions. The first impression recruiters have of candidates is greatly influenced by a person’s CV, which mainly comprises a person’s qualifications. Consequently, students tend to take on several certificate courses whilst pursuing a university education to help gain an edge over other candidates. Moreover, in most high-paying jobs like a doctor, lawyer or engineer, having adequate knowledge and training is crucial for betterment. What is more important is that, nowadays, university education provides theoretical knowledge and enough exposure that aids in the holistic development of an individual.

Nevertheless, we must also acknowledge that work experience holds significant value when seeking high-profile job roles. Only being aware of theories and concepts without any practical idea of utilising them is completely futile. Due to this fact, work experience is a determining factor when applying for a master’s degree like MBA and is an undeniable indicator of the advantage experienced individuals have over the rest. Apart from that, the rationale behind preferring experienced professionals is that such individuals will require less time and effort to learn and adapt to an organisation and the type of work they are responsible for, as opposed to freshers who need to be trained to be productive.

In conclusion, I would like to say that having a decent education and relevant practical competency are both equally vital for securing lucrative employment. However, experiential learning is indeed more indicative of a person’s capabilities.

Completing University Education is Thought by Some to Be The Best Way to Get a Job - Sample Answer 2

In today’s competitive job market, some people believe that completing a university education is the most effective way to secure employment. They argue that a degree provides essential knowledge, technical skills, and a recognized qualification that can improve career prospects. For instance, many professional fields such as medicine, engineering, and law require formal university degrees, making higher education indispensable for entry. Additionally, university education often helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which employers highly value.

On the other hand, others maintain that practical experience and soft skills are more important than academic qualifications. Skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and work experience gained through internships or vocational training can make candidates more attractive to employers. In many industries, hands-on experience demonstrates competence more effectively than a degree alone.

In my opinion, while university education is valuable for acquiring knowledge and credibility, combining it with practical experience and soft skills offers the best chance of securing a desirable job. Therefore, a balanced approach that includes both formal education and real-world experience is ideal.

Completing University Education is Thought by Some to Be The Best Way to Get a Job - Sample Answer 3

There is ongoing debate about whether completing a university degree is the best way to obtain employment, or whether practical experience and soft skills matter more. Proponents of higher education claim that a university degree equips students with in-depth subject knowledge and professional qualifications. For example, graduates in fields such as engineering, law, and finance are often preferred by employers due to their formal credentials. Moreover, university programs foster analytical thinking and research skills, which are highly regarded in many workplaces.

Conversely, some argue that employers value practical experience and soft skills more than academic qualifications. Internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work provide hands-on exposure and help develop communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities. In fast-paced or creative industries, practical competence often outweighs theoretical knowledge.

Personally, I believe that both approaches are important. While a degree provides essential knowledge and credibility, gaining experience and developing soft skills enhances employability and prepares candidates for real-world challenges. Combining education with practical exposure is therefore the most effective strategy for career success.

Completing University Education is Thought by Some to Be The Best Way to Get a Job - Vocabulary

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

• Ineligible

Meaning: legally or officially unable to be considered for a position or benefit.
Eg: He was ineligible for the competition because of his wrong attitude.

• Remarkable

Meaning: worthy of attention; striking.
Eg: Her level of patience in stressful situations was remarkable.

• Paramount

Meaning: more important than anything else; supreme.
Eg: Decent moral schooling is paramount to the development of a child’s personality.

• Consequential

Meaning: important; significant.
Eg: The presence of the minister is consequential to the event’s success.

• Edge

Meaning: a quality or factor which gives superiority over close rivals.
Eg: His strong physique helped him gain an edge over the other sprinter.

• Determining

Meaning: causing something to occur or be done in a particular way
Eg: Money was the determining factor behind his actions.

• Rationale

Meaning: a set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action or belief.
Eg: The rationale behind these policy changes were understandable.

• Competency

Meaning: the ability to do something successfully or efficiently.
Eg: The work done under pressure is an example of an employee’s competency.

• Lucrative

Meaning: producing a great deal of profit.
Eg: The salesperson offered a lucrative deal to the customer.

• Experiential

Meaning: involving or based on experience.
Eg: Internships are a great opportunity for experiential learning.

In conclusion, the three sample answers illustrate how to effectively discuss both sides of the debate on whether completing a university education is the best way to secure a job. By analyzing contrasting viewpoints, presenting supporting examples, and maintaining a balanced perspective, IELTS candidates can structure a coherent discussion essay and achieve a higher band score.

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