Some People Think that Universities should Provide Graduates with the Knowledge and Skills - IELTS Writing Task 2
10 min read
Updated On
-
Copy link
Improve your writing skills for IELTS Writing Task 2 with the opinion essay ‘Some People Think that Universities should Provide Graduates with the Knowledge and Skills’. Get a detailed outline, sample answers, and vocabulary to create your Band 7+ essay.
Table of Contents
- Essay Question for ‘Some People Think that Universities should Provide Graduates with the Knowledge and Skills’
- Outline for IELTS Opinion Essay
- Sample Answers for Some People Think that Universities should Provide Graduates with the Knowledge and Skills IELTS Writing Task 2
- Vocabulary to Use for Some People Think that Universities should Provide Graduates with the Knowledge and Skills - IELTS Writing Task 2
Try AI Essay Checker for Instant Band Score
In the era of global competition, universities are increasingly under pressure to justify the value of their degrees. While employers demand graduates who can contribute immediately to industry, academics argue that higher education should be a space for intellectual exploration, personal development, and research for the greater good. So, one of the recent IELTS topics in Writing Task 2, ‘Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills’, presents this debate and asks you to present your opinion.
In this blog, let us explore Band 7+ model essays on the topic ‘Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills’ and topic-specific vocabulary to help you craft a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 answer.
Essay Question for ‘Some People Think that Universities should Provide Graduates with the Knowledge and Skills’
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace . Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake , regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer . What , in your opinion , should be the main function of a university? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
Are you anxious about how to brainstorm and write a compelling IELTS opinion essay? Well, have a look at the video below and learn how to write one in just eight minutes!
Outline for IELTS Opinion Essay
Below is an outline for an IELTS opinion essay that will help you learn how to write one for an IELTS band score of 7 or higher.
|
Introduction
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3 (Optional)
Conclusion
|
Sample Answers for Some People Think that Universities should Provide Graduates with the Knowledge and Skills IELTS Writing Task 2
You will find some IELTS Band 9 essay samples on the topic ‘Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills’. Go through them as these will help you write your own high-scoring essay.
Some People Think that Universities should Provide Graduates with the Knowledge and Skills - Sample Answer 1
As higher education becomes more commercialised, many people believe that universities should focus mainly on workplace skills. However, I strongly believe that the main objective of a university should be the pursuit of knowledge, as this is what drives innovation, intellectual independence, and long-term societal progress.
To begin with, when universities focus primarily on employment-related skills, the purpose of education becomes narrow and short-sighted. Job markets are unpredictable, and technical skills required today may become obsolete in ten years’ time due to technological advancement. For example, many software tools learned by students a decade ago are no longer relevant. However, what remains valuable is the ability to think critically, analyse information, and adapt to change. These are the abilities developed through academic inquiry, not job-specific training, and are always essential, irrespective of the period you are living in.
Furthermore, universities are key contributors to research, discoveries, and cultural development. Advancements such as vaccines, AI, space exploration, and environmental solutions came from the pursuit of knowledge rather than direct employment goals. If universities were to shift completely towards vocational training, society would lose the institutions responsible for major scientific and philosophical breakthroughs. Additionally, studying disciplines like philosophy, anthropology, or literature helps students understand the world, develop empathy, and gain broader perspectives that benefit society.
In conclusion, although employability is an important outcome of education, universities should primarily exist to explore knowledge freely and contribute to human advancement. Graduates who emerge with strong thinking skills and deep understanding are better prepared not only for employment but also for shaping the future of society.
Book IELTS online classes, chat with our experts NOW, and ace your IELTS journey!
Some People Think that Universities should Provide Graduates with the Knowledge and Skills - Sample Answer 2
Universities and colleges are the places for acquiring a higher level of education. Some people argue that the knowledge imparted to students should be adjusted according to the requirements of the workplace. Others think that the fundamental goal of educational institutions is to provide access to information for its own sake, regardless of its usefulness for employment purposes. In my perspective, universities should help students to sharpen their skills for occupational purposes. In the following paragraphs, I shall explain my point of view in detail.
Primarily, students enrol in certain courses at universities in order to gain knowledge in that subject. In today’s competitive world, it is vital for people to be able to meet all employment requirements. Because employers already demand candidates to know almost everything, there is a need to know about their industry. Finding a job without in-depth knowledge becomes an arduous task.
Additionally, certain abilities that can only be obtained by studying that domain are required by the job market. For that matter, students won’t be willing to spend three to five years in college only to finish with a degree in a topic that employers do not demand. If a student applies to be an architect but does not obtain sufficient practical understanding of the profession in the job, the student will lose credibility in society’s eyes.
Some people believe that education is essential for general development and progress. However, if students who enrol in a specific course are unable to comprehend and use the information in the job, they will be unable to earn their livelihood.
Overall, colleges and universities are responsible for providing students with appropriate information and expertise in their disciplines so that students can succeed in their career and earn a living.
Book a FREE demo to talk to our experts and improve your writing skills now!
Some People Think that Universities should Provide Graduates with the Knowledge and Skills - Sample Answer 3
Universities are a place for acquiring higher education. Some people opine that the knowledge they impart should be adjusted according to the necessities of the workplace. Others debate that universities should only offer education regardless of whether it is valuable for employers.
To begin with, higher education will be a better investment for students if it focuses on preparing them for work. If people want to learn something for its own sake, they can read some books or buy online courses, which wouldn’t cost them much. They take on massive student loans to go to university, hoping that the knowledge and skillsets they acquire there can get them a high-paying job that allows them to live a good life.
Secondly, people are pursuing higher education to get better career opportunities. Some people might think of them as ruthless pragmatism who only cares about money and personal advantage. It is not necessarily true since having a good job and fulfilling professional responsibilities are part of being a good community member.
On the other side, the job market requires specific skills that can only be acquired from domain experts. Universities might be the right places to acquire knowledge, but it has no real value until the person gets some practical experience that can be achieved only on the field. Moreover, a large section of the population does not get the chance to attend university due to various reasons. So, if universities begin to train for jobs, they will be left out. However, it is crucial to have a glimpse of what is required in different employment to prepare or choose according to preferences. This can be done during university education; therefore, the main objective of university programs should be equipping students with the skills required to find a good job.
In conclusion, the university should give students essential value and ability that they will need in their dream job. Moreover, students attend university to use the knowledge for their future careers.
Come learn proven tips for handling IELTS Writing in our IELTS webinars! Explore Now!
Some People Think that Universities should Provide Graduates with the Knowledge and Skills - Sample Answer 4
Unlock Band 8+ Answer
In recent years, debate has intensified regarding whether universities should primarily equip students with job-oriented skills or simply provide access to knowledge for its own intellectual value. In my view, the main role of a university should be to develop practical competencies that prepare graduates for the modern workforce, while still nurturing academic growth.
First and foremost, universities are increasingly expected to produce graduates who can contribute meaningfully in professional environments from day one. As industries become more competitive, employers seek candidates who possess not only theoretical understanding but also demonstrable, hands-on abilities. For example, students studying engineering benefit far more from laboratory experience, internships, and industry collaborations than from abstract technical lectures alone. Practical training enables them to develop marketable expertise, making them more employable and better equipped to adapt to rapidly changing workplace demands.
Furthermore, universities also play a critical role in fostering independent inquiry, analytical thinking, and innovation. Research-based learning allows students to challenge existing assumptions, formulate new ideas, and contribute to technological and scientific advancement. Fields such as medicine, environmental science, and artificial intelligence would not progress without universities acting as centres of research and intellectual exploration. By teaching students how to think critically rather than simply memorizing information, universities cultivate graduates capable of solving complex, real-world problems.
Admittedly, some argue that universities should remain purely academic institutions, focusing on knowledge for its own sake. While this perspective preserves traditional educational values, it ignores the reality that students must eventually enter a competitive job market. Therefore, universities must evolve.
In conclusion, universities should prioritize equipping students with skills that are professionally relevant, while also promoting academic exploration and research. Only by striking this balance can they remain meaningful institutions that serve both individuals and society at large.
Vocabulary to Use for Some People Think that Universities should Provide Graduates with the Knowledge and Skills - IELTS Writing Task 2
Here is a list of good vocabulary words to use in an IELTS essay related to the topic, Some People Think that Universities should Provide Graduates with the Knowledge and Skills’, that will help you boost your overall vocabulary.
|
Word |
Meaning |
Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
|
Pursuit |
an activity or interest that someone spends time doing |
Her pursuit of medical research reflects a lifelong commitment to improving public health outcomes. |
|
Obsolete |
no longer in use or useful; out of date |
Rapid technological advancements can make educational materials obsolete within a few years. |
|
Inquiry |
the process of asking questions, investigating, or seeking information |
Scientific inquiry encourages learners to explore phenomena rather than simply memorizing conclusions. |
|
Vocational |
related to practical training and skills for specific careers |
Many students choose vocational courses to gain job-ready experience before entering the workforce. |
|
Breakthroughs |
sudden and important developments or discoveries |
Recent breakthroughs in renewable energy technology offer hope for a cleaner future. |
|
Empathy |
the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings |
Strong empathy helps future professionals build trust with clients and colleagues. |
|
Acquiring |
learn or develop (a skill, habit, or quality) |
Chetna spent five years acquiring the skills of an IT professional. |
|
Arduous |
involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring |
Teaching his son how to drive was an arduous task for Mr. Roy. |
|
Credibility |
the quality of being convincing or believable |
The rumours have damaged the credibility of the company. |
|
Livelihood |
a means of securing the necessities of life |
Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for farmers. |
|
Opine |
to express or state an opinion |
Many educators opine that digital learning will eventually replace outdated classroom practices. |
|
Impart |
to communicate information or knowledge to someone |
The professor aimed to impart not just historical facts but also an appreciation of cultural context. |
|
Ruthless |
showing no compassion or pity; harsh or cruel |
The company’s ruthless cost-cutting strategy led to widespread layoffs across departments. |
|
Pragmatism |
a practical approach based on evaluating what works rather than theory |
The government’s pragmatism was evident in its decision to prioritize immediate economic relief over long-term reforms. |
|
Domain |
a specific area or field that is under control or influence |
Artificial intelligence is quickly expanding into the domain of healthcare and diagnostics. |
|
Competencies |
skills and abilities required to perform tasks effectively |
Modern employers seek graduates who demonstrate digital competencies alongside academic knowledge. |
To conclude, with changing times, it is essential to keep in mind that even universities need to evolve and equip the young minds to drive meaningful change in the world. So, prepare yourself to create Band 7+ answers for your IELTS essay topics with this blog, which is a guide to concise writing for the IELTS exam.
Useful Links:
- It is commonly said that the increased business between countries has a great impact - IELTS Writing Task 2
- Some People Think that Radio is More Enjoyable and Practical than TV - IELTS Writing Task 2
- Many People Go To University For Academic Study - IELTS Writing Task 2
- University Education Should be Free for all Students- IELTS Writing Task 2
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essays Explained
- Should I Give My Opinion in IELTS Writing Task 2?
Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types
Start Preparing for IELTS: Get Your 10-Day Study Plan Today!
Explore other Opinion Essays
Recent Articles
Haniya Yashfeen
Prity Mallick
Kasturika Samanta
Post your Comments