Writing task 2: Success Sample Essay

Some people believe that university education should focus on the skills of employment for the future. Others think they should focus on academic study only. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Sample Essay

Some people think that the focus of universities should be on skills for future employment, while others argue that it should only be on academic study. I agree with the former viewpoint because teaching employment skills offers students a higher return on their investments.

On the one hand, academic study is the foundation of innovation. It equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to bring new ideas to reality. For example, without the academic theories acquired at school, scientists would not have been able to find a cure for AIDS. Since employment skills can be gained at work, it would be better for students to concentrate only on academic study to make the best use of their time. However, I think most students do not have the ambition to become inventors who change the world. They just hope their college degrees can help them get high-paying jobs.

On the other hand, higher education will be a better investment for students if it focuses on preparing them for work. Many people take on huge student loans to go to college. Employment skills can increase their chances of getting high-paying jobs. As a result, they would be able to pay off their debts and have money to live more comfortably. I agree with this argument because no one wants to spend tens of thousands of dollars learning academic theories just to end up working at an Amazon warehouse.

In conclusion, even though academic theories play a major role in innovation, I believe tertiary education should be more about helping students develop skills for future employment so that their investments are not being wasted.

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