Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Sample Response
The debate over whether university students should have the freedom to study subjects of their choice or be limited to those deemed more utilitarian has long been a controversial issue. In this essay, I will examine both viewpoints and argue that granting students the liberty to pursue their passions and interests is vital for fostering creativity. This approach ultimately helps build individuals who do better in their careers and contribute more to society.
On the one hand, proponents of teaching useful science subjects at the tertiary level argue that it promotes individual interests in education and skill development. Numerous research and data show that a practical approach to education is important in an ever-changing job market driven by technology and scientific advancements. In this modern era when the job market is highly competitive, it is essential to equip students with skills that align with future career opportunities. A recent study conducted by the University of Illinois shows that encouraging subjects related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can better prepare students for the demands of the job market, where expertise in these fields is highly sought after.
On the other hand, advocates of allowing students to study whatever subjects they like believe that it promotes intrinsic motivation, as students are more likely to be enthusiastic and engaged when studying subjects that align with their interests. This passion can drive them to excel and explore the subject matter in greater depth. Additionally, allowing students to follow their passions nurtures a love for learning, making education a fulfilling and lifelong pursuit. When students are free to choose their academic path, they become active participants in their education, leading to a more meaningful and empowering learning experience. As a result, the university builds leaders not just workers. Those well-rounded individuals are more adept in their professional life and help society flourish.
In conclusion, granting university students the freedom to study subjects of their choice is essential for nurturing individual growth, creativity, and lifelong learning. Allowing students to follow their passions empowers them to take ownership of their education, leading to more meaningful and fulfilling academic experiences. It is expected that universities would consider the benefit of this approach in education and help build a prosperous and thriving nation.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Use clearer wording Original: deemed more utilitarian Suggested revision: considered more practical Why it matters: "Practical" communicates the intended employment-related value more directly.
- 2. Remove redundant noun Original: has long been a controversial issue Suggested revision: has long been controversial Why it matters: Because the subject is already a debate, the noun "issue" is unnecessary.
- 3. Use natural verb Original: build Suggested revision: develop Why it matters: "Develop" more naturally describes the formation of people's abilities and qualities.
- 4. Use precise academic phrasing Original: do Suggested revision: perform Why it matters: The replacement is more precise and formal than the general verb "do."
- 5. Use countable research noun Original: research Suggested revision: studies Why it matters: "Research" is uncountable and therefore cannot follow "numerous."
- 6. Add activity complement Original: encouraging subjects related to Suggested revision: encouraging the study of subjects related to Why it matters: Subjects themselves are not encouraged; the intended activity is their study.
- 7. Use general plural Original: the university builds leaders Suggested revision: universities build leaders Why it matters: The plural form is needed because the statement refers to universities generally.
- 8. Use clear reference Original: Those Suggested revision: Such Why it matters: "Such" links the people directly to the qualities described in the preceding sentences.
- 9. Fix number agreement Original: more adept in their professional life Suggested revision: more capable in their professional lives Why it matters: The plural possessive subject requires "lives," and "capable in" fits the broad claim naturally.
- 10. Fix modal and number Original: universities would consider the benefit Suggested revision: universities should consider the benefits Why it matters: "Should" expresses the recommendation directly, and the plural noun fits the multiple advantages described.
- 11. Sentence rewrite Original: On the one hand, proponents of teaching useful science subjects at the tertiary level argue that it promotes individual interests in education and skill development. Suggested revision: On the one hand, proponents of teaching practical science subjects at the tertiary level argue that this approach supports students' educational interests and skill development. Why it matters: The rewrite clarifies the pronoun reference and corrects the awkward phrase about individual interests.
Suggested Rewrites
- deemed more utilitarian considered more practical
- has long been a controversial issue has long been controversial
- build develop
- do perform
- research studies
- encouraging subjects related to encouraging the study of subjects related to
Why this response received Band 8.0
The essay discusses both views directly, sustains a clear preference for student choice, and develops each side through relevant reasoning about employability, motivation, and lifelong learning. Its main limitation is that some evidence and phrasing are broad or awkward, and the conclusion does not explicitly weigh freedom against future workforce needs. Prioritise a sharper comparative justification and more precise handling of research and institutional claims.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Detailed feedback by IELTS writing criterion after the annotated essay.
Task Response
Both positions are substantially developed and the writer's own view is clear throughout, with relevant support for employability and intrinsic motivation.
Explain directly why the benefits of free choice outweigh the labour-market case for restricting subjects.
Coherence and Cohesion
The four-paragraph structure creates clear progression, and cohesive devices effectively signal the opposing views and conclusion.
Tighten the final part of the student-choice paragraph so its leadership and social-contribution claims connect more explicitly to academic freedom.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is broad and often precise, although several collocations such as numerous research and encouraging subjects are inaccurate.
Use evidence from numerous studies and encouraging students to take STEM subjects for more natural academic phrasing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Complex sentences are varied and mostly well controlled, with occasional agreement, article, and conditional-form errors.
Correct forms such as research shows, universities build leaders, and universities should consider the benefits.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.