Cambridge IELTS 10 Test 2 Writing Task 2: Sample Answer

Choosing a degree is one of the most significant decisions a young person makes. While some argue that students should follow their own interests, others insist that only courses with clear practical value, particularly in science and technology, deserve a place at university. I believe a balanced approach is more sensible than either extreme.

Those who favour complete freedom make a persuasive point about motivation. A student who is fascinated by history or music will usually study harder, read more widely and persevere through difficult periods than one who has been steered into a subject for purely financial reasons. Moreover, creative and critical thinking, which are nurtured by the arts and humanities, are valuable in almost every profession, and society would be poorer without historians, writers and philosophers.

On the other hand, there is a strong case for directing students towards useful disciplines. Public money often subsidises university places, and governments naturally want graduates whose skills meet national needs, such as engineers, doctors and software developers. A country that produces too few of these professionals may struggle to keep its economy competitive. Students themselves may also benefit, since graduates in technical fields generally find stable employment more easily.

In my view, however, restricting choice entirely would be short-sighted. Labour markets change rapidly, and a course considered essential today may be obsolete in twenty years, whereas adaptable thinkers tend to thrive whatever happens. A fairer solution would be for governments to offer scholarships or reduced fees in areas of national shortage, while still allowing people to pursue other subjects.

In conclusion, both views have merit, but compelling students to study only what seems useful would waste talent. Encouraging, rather than forcing, young people towards high-demand fields respects individual passion and national priorities alike.