Task 2 (Discussion Essay)
Topic: The Value of University
Skill: Discussing two opposing views and giving your opinion.
Directions: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words.
Write about the following topic:
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. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Example Response
Introduction: The role of higher education is a subject of ongoing debate. One school of thought argues that universities should function as training grounds for the workforce, while others believe their primary purpose is the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. In my opinion, while employment skills are practical, the preservation of theoretical knowledge and critical thinking is the true essence of a university.
Body Paragraph 1 (View 1: Focus on Skills): Those who argue that universities should prioritize workplace skills point to the current economic climate. In a competitive job market, graduates need specific technical abilities—such as coding, engineering, or accounting—to secure employment immediately. If a student spends four years studying philosophy but cannot find a job, it is often viewed as a poor return on investment. From this perspective, universities are service providers meant to fuel the economy with skilled labor.
Body Paragraph 2 (View 2: Focus on Knowledge): However, restricting education to mere job training limits human potential. Universities have historically been centers of research, innovation, and critical thought. Subjects like history, art, and theoretical physics may not lead directly to a specific job, but they teach students how to think deeply, analyze complex problems, and understand the human condition. Without this "knowledge for its own sake," society risks losing its cultural and intellectual depth.
Conclusion: To conclude, while preparing students for a career is an important function of modern education, I believe that universities must remain sanctuaries for broad intellectual development. A society that only values what is immediately profitable will eventually stagnate; therefore, the pursuit of knowledge remains the higher goal.
(278 words)
Examiner's Note: This essay explicitly discusses both views before giving a personal opinion (as required by the prompt). It uses excellent cohesive devices ("One school of thought," "From this perspective," "However").
