IELTS Writing Task 2: Academic Study vs. Vocational Training

IELTS Opinion Essays (Agree/Disagree) test your ability to present a clear viewpoint, support it with examples, and maintain logical progression throughout your essay. This task type evaluates how effectively you express and justify your opinion on a social, educational, or general issue.

In this blog, we look at the topic “Many people go to university for academic study. More people should be encouraged to take up vocational training because there is a lack of qualified workers such as electricians and plumbers.”, a real  IELTS writing task 2 question. You’ll find a Band 8 sample answer, structure breakdown, useful vocabulary, and writing strategies to help you craft strong responses for this essay type.

Question

Learn the Best IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips for Achieving Band 9 and check out the IELTS essay for “Academic Study vs. Vocational Training” below.

Structure Breakdown

Essay Type

• IELTS Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree)

Introduction

• Paraphrase the question
• Clearly state your opinion

Main Body Paragraph 1

• Present your first reason(s) supporting your opinion
• Expand with examples and explanations

Main Body Paragraph 2

• Provide additional reasons or discuss solutions
• Support your points with examples

Conclusion

• Restate your main opinion
• Summarize key ideas in different words

Academic Study vs. Vocational Training – Sample Answer 1

Many people prefer pursuing academic studies at university rather than following a vocational training course. While no one can deny the importance of university graduates, I strongly agree that more people should be encouraged to qualify as electricians, plumbers, and other skilled manual workers who are essential to society’s functioning.

There are two major reasons why vocationally trained workers are vital. Firstly, these professionals play a crucial role when new buildings are constructed, renovated, or maintained. Their expertise ensures the safety and efficiency of public spaces such as hospitals, schools, and museums. For instance, most institutions employ a permanent maintenance staff consisting of skilled tradesmen to handle electrical and plumbing systems. Secondly, in many countries, there is an imbalance between academic graduates and skilled laborers, leading to graduate unemployment. At the same time, industries suffer from a shortage of qualified tradespeople. Governments, therefore, must collaborate with employers to create more vocational training opportunities that align with job market needs.

More people should indeed be motivated to pursue vocational education. Schools can play a significant role by integrating practical workshops and skill-based subjects into their curriculum instead of focusing solely on university preparation. This approach not only caters to students who are not academically inclined but also helps them develop hands-on skills through real-world applications. For example, physics lessons could include practical projects that teach electrical or mechanical skills. Moreover, parents should encourage their children to consider vocational training as a respectable and rewarding path. Skilled manual work often offers excellent employment prospects and attractive remuneration, which makes it a viable alternative to a university degree.

In conclusion, I completely agree that promoting vocational training is essential for modern society. Without skilled professionals such as plumbers, electricians, and mechanics, communities would face significant challenges in maintaining essential services and infrastructure. Encouraging more people to choose vocational careers not only reduces unemployment but also strengthens the overall economy.

Academic Study vs. Vocational Training – Sample Answer 2

Today, most students aim to attend university, while fewer choose vocational education. Although academic qualifications are valuable, I completely agree that more people should be encouraged to pursue vocational training because skilled trades are crucial for every modern society.

To begin with, vocational professions provide the backbone of infrastructure and daily life. Electricians, plumbers, and builders ensure that homes, offices, and hospitals function safely and efficiently. Without them, even the most advanced cities would struggle to operate. For example, in many developed countries, there is already a shortage of technicians, which delays essential maintenance and construction work. Hence, increasing the number of trained tradespeople would directly benefit economic growth and public safety.

Furthermore, vocational careers often offer strong job security and competitive pay. Many graduates face unemployment or underemployment because their degrees do not match current market demands. In contrast, tradespeople acquire practical, in-demand skills that lead to immediate job opportunities and self-employment. Encouraging more students to explore such paths would also help break the stereotype that only university graduates are successful.

In summary, vocational training deserves equal importance to university education. Societies thrive not only on theoretical knowledge but also on practical expertise. Promoting vocational courses is therefore essential to building a balanced and sustainable workforce.

Academic Study vs. Vocational Training – Sample Answer 3

In many countries, young people are encouraged to attend university rather than pursue vocational training. While higher education is important, I strongly believe that more individuals should be motivated to take up vocational courses to meet society’s growing demand for skilled workers.

Firstly, vocational jobs such as electricians, plumbers, and mechanics are essential for maintaining public and private infrastructure. Without these workers, even basic services like water supply, electricity, and building maintenance would be affected. For instance, during construction projects, trained professionals ensure safety and efficiency, which university graduates may not be equipped to handle.

Secondly, the job market in many countries is oversaturated with degree holders, leading to graduate unemployment. On the other hand, skilled tradespeople often find stable jobs immediately after completing their training because their skills are always in demand. Moreover, vocational careers can offer good salaries and long-term job security, making them just as rewarding as professional careers that require university degrees.

In conclusion, vocational training should be promoted equally with academic study. Societies need both intellectual and practical skills to function effectively. Encouraging young people to pursue vocational paths would not only reduce unemployment but also ensure that essential services continue to run smoothly.

Academic Study vs. Vocational Training – IELTS Vocabulary 

The following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the "IELTS Writing Task 2: Academic Study vs. Vocational Training."

• Vocational training – Education that focuses on learning practical job skills instead of theory.
  Example: He decided to take vocational training to become an electrician.
• Skilled manual workers – People who do physical work that requires special training or ability.
  Example: Skilled manual workers like plumbers and carpenters are in high demand.
• Infrastructure – Basic systems like buildings, roads, and power needed for a country to work.
  Example: Good infrastructure helps cities run smoothly.
• Shortage – A situation where there is not enough of something.
  Example: There is a shortage of qualified nurses in many countries.
• Unemployment – The state of not having a job.
  Example: Many university graduates struggle with unemployment after finishing their studies.
• Practical skills – Abilities that help you do real, physical, or hands-on tasks.
  Example: Students should learn practical skills like fixing appliances.
• Remuneration – Formal word for payment or salary.
  Example: The job offers good remuneration and benefits.
• Job security – The certainty that you will keep your job for a long time.
  Example: Government jobs usually provide better job security than private ones.
• Self-employment – Working for yourself instead of a company.
  Example: After learning plumbing, he started his own business and enjoyed self-employment.
• Sustainable workforce – A group of workers with long-term job stability and balanced skills.
  Example: Promoting both academic and vocational education helps build a sustainable workforce.

Connectors Used in the Sample Answer

Using connectors helps improve coherence and cohesion, a key criterion in IELTS Writing.

Examples of Connectors Used:

• Firstly
• For instance
• Secondly
• Therefore
• Indeed
• Moreover
• At the same time
• In conclusion

Understanding how to effectively structure an Agree/Disagree essay is crucial for achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2. By studying the sample answers on ‘Academic Study vs. Vocational Training’, you can learn how to present a clear opinion, support your ideas with relevant examples, and use topic-specific vocabulary effectively. Regular practice with similar topics will help you write more confidently, develop coherent arguments, and achieve precision in your essays on test day.

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