IELTS Task 2 model essay: Some people think universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace

The question

Some people think universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think the true function of a university is to give access to knowledge for its own sake. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Essay type: Discuss both views. Write at least 250 words in 40 minutes.

The plan (5 minutes)

• Paragraph 1: The purpose of a university education has long been debated.
• Paragraph 2: Those who see universities as preparation for work point to the cost of higher education.
• Paragraph 3: On the other hand, many people believe that universities exist to advance human understanding.
• Paragraph 4: In my opinion, these aims are not opposites.
• Paragraph 5: In conclusion, although preparing students for work is an important function of universities, it should not replace the pursuit of knowledge.

Model essay (272 words)

The purpose of a university education has long been debated. While some argue that universities should prepare students for employment, others believe that their main role is to provide knowledge for its own sake. In my view, the best universities do both, although career preparation should not dominate.

Those who see universities as preparation for work point to the cost of higher education. Students often graduate with large debts, so it seems reasonable to expect that their degree will help them find a well-paid job. Employers also complain that many graduates lack practical skills, such as teamwork, communication and the ability to use industry software. Courses that include work placements and project-based learning can close this gap and benefit both graduates and the economy.

On the other hand, many people believe that universities exist to advance human understanding. Subjects such as philosophy, history and pure mathematics may not lead directly to a job, yet they develop critical thinking and have produced ideas that later transformed society. Moreover, the job market changes so quickly that narrowly practical training may soon become out of date, whereas the ability to analyse and learn independently lasts a lifetime.

In my opinion, these aims are not opposites. A graduate who can think critically, write clearly and solve unfamiliar problems is exactly what most employers want. Universities should therefore keep a broad academic foundation, while offering optional internships and practical modules for those who want them.

In conclusion, although preparing students for work is an important function of universities, it should not replace the pursuit of knowledge. A balance between the two serves students, employers and society best.

Why it's a band 7+ answer

• Task Response: every part of the question is answered, with a clear position from the introduction to the conclusion.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 5 paragraphs, each with one main idea, linked naturally (however, moreover, in my view, in conclusion).
• Lexical Resource: precise topic vocabulary and collocations, without forced "big words".
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: a mix of simple and complex sentences, with very few errors.

Your turn

Write your own answer to this question in 40 minutes, then paste it into the free IELTS writing checker for an estimated band on all four criteria. For more practice questions, see the 60 IELTS Task 2 questions.