Some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Sample Response
In university settings, some students are interested in broadening their knowledge beyond their major field by studying other subjects, while others argue that it is better to focus solely on their primary discipline. Although dedicating all efforts to one’s main subject has clear benefits, I believe that gaining exposure to multiple fields can provide a more well-rounded and practical education.
There are compelling reasons why some students prefer to study subjects outside their major. Firstly, acquiring diversified knowledge allows individuals to become more adaptable and capable of solving complex problems in the real world. In today’s job market, interdisciplinary skills are highly valued. For example, a computer science student who studies business can design software that aligns better with user needs and market trends, making them more competitive in the workplace. Furthermore, learning different subjects fosters personal growth and intellectual curiosity. It provides a refreshing break from intensive coursework and helps students discover hidden passions. For instance, an engineering student who takes a literature or philosophy class may develop creative thinking and better communication skills - qualities essential in any profession.
On the other hand, many argue that full dedication to one's primary subject is essential for academic success. University programs are often demanding and require a high level of commitment. Splitting focus between multiple subjects could negatively impact performance in core areas or prolong the time needed to graduate. For example, students pursuing medicine or law must devote most of their time to mastering complex concepts and practical skills. In addition, many professional fields place a higher value on deep expertise rather than broad knowledge. Employers tend to look for candidates who demonstrate strong competence and specialization in a particular area, especially in technical or scientific roles.
In conclusion, while exclusive focus on one’s major can lead to better academic outcomes and career preparation, exploring other disciplines brings unique advantages for intellectual development and versatility. Therefore, universities should support flexible learning paths that allow students to broaden their horizons without compromising their academic goals.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Improve the collocation Original: dedicating all efforts to one’s main subject Suggested revision: devoting all one’s effort to one’s main subject Why it matters: “Devote effort” is a more natural collocation, and “effort” is normally uncountable here.
- 2. Use natural phrasing Original: acquiring diversified knowledge Suggested revision: acquiring knowledge across different fields Why it matters: The revision expresses breadth of knowledge more naturally and precisely.
- 3. Refine the collocation Original: aligns better with user needs Suggested revision: is better aligned with user needs Why it matters: The passive collocation is smoother in this description of software design.
- 4. Clarify the alternatives Original: takes a literature or philosophy class Suggested revision: takes a class in literature or philosophy Why it matters: This wording makes clear that either subject can be chosen for the class.
- 5. Use a proper dash Original: skills - qualities Suggested revision: skills—qualities Why it matters: An em dash correctly marks the explanatory phrase that follows.
- 6. Use natural wording Original: full dedication to one's primary subject Suggested revision: devoting one's full attention to one's primary subject Why it matters: The revision states the idea of concentrated study more idiomatically.
- 7. Improve the collocation Original: Splitting focus Suggested revision: Dividing one's attention Why it matters: “Dividing one’s attention” is the more natural expression in this context.
- 8. Make wording concise Original: prolong the time needed to graduate Suggested revision: delay graduation Why it matters: The shorter phrase conveys the same meaning more directly.
- 9. Improve comparison structure Original: a higher value on deep expertise rather than broad knowledge Suggested revision: greater value on deep expertise than on broad knowledge Why it matters: The parallel “on … than on …” structure makes the comparison more controlled.
- 10. Sentence rewrite Original: In university settings, some students are interested in broadening their knowledge beyond their major field by studying other subjects, while others argue that it is better to focus solely on their primary discipline. Suggested revision: At university, some students want to broaden their knowledge beyond their major, whereas others prefer to focus exclusively on their main discipline. Why it matters: The revision removes repetition and presents the contrast more directly.
Suggested Rewrites
- dedicating all efforts to one’s main subject devoting all one’s effort to one’s main subject
- acquiring diversified knowledge acquiring knowledge across different fields
- aligns better with user needs is better aligned with user needs
- takes a literature or philosophy class takes a class in literature or philosophy
- skills - qualities skills—qualities
- full dedication to one's primary subject devoting one's full attention to one's primary subject
Why this response received Band 8.0
The response is strongest in its balanced, well-developed treatment of both perspectives, supported by relevant academic and workplace examples and a consistently clear opinion. Its main limitation is that a few claims and phrases are somewhat broad or conventional, which slightly reduces precision. Refine the analysis by qualifying generalisations and making the final recommendation follow even more explicitly from the preceding comparison.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both views are addressed fully with a clear, sustained opinion and well-developed, relevant support.
Qualify broad claims about employers and professions to make the argument more nuanced and exact.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas progress logically through well-focused paragraphs, and cohesive devices are managed naturally throughout.
Strengthen the final transition by explicitly connecting the proposed flexible learning paths to the trade-offs analysed in both body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is wide, fluent, and generally precise, with effective academic phrasing across the discussion.
Replace slightly conventional or awkward phrases such as acquiring diversified knowledge with more idiomatic wording such as developing knowledge across disciplines.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex structures is used accurately, with only rare minor punctuation or stylistic lapses.
Maintain the same control while polishing punctuation around parenthetical examples and compound modifiers.
Write this task while it is fresh
Try the same task now. It helps you remember the feedback and write better next time.
IELTS Writing Task 2
Some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.