Cambridge IELTS 18 Test 2 Writing Task 2: Sample Answer

University is increasingly seen either as a place to broaden the mind or as a route to a qualification. Both views have merit, but I believe that a limited amount of study outside the main subject is more beneficial than harmful.

Those who favour total concentration argue that degree courses are demanding and time is short. Medicine, engineering and law students face heavy workloads, and failing an examination can mean an extra year of tuition fees. In addition, employers often judge graduates by their final grades, so any distraction that lowers results may damage career prospects. For students whose families have made great financial sacrifices, devoting every hour to the qualification is an understandable priority.

On the other hand, learning other subjects can make students more rounded and more employable. An engineering student who takes a course in economics, for example, will understand how projects are funded, while a literature student who learns basic programming acquires a practical skill. Such combinations encourage flexible thinking, which many modern employers value as highly as technical knowledge. Moreover, a different subject can provide a refreshing change of pace that reduces burnout and keeps motivation high throughout a long degree.

In my opinion, the sensible approach is balance. Students should ensure that their principal course always comes first, but setting aside a few hours each week for an elective, a language class or a society is realistic and rewarding. Those who are struggling academically might reasonably postpone such activities until their grades are secure, whereas confident students would lose very little by exploring a new field.

In conclusion, a qualification remains the main purpose of university study, yet students who also give some time to unrelated interests tend to graduate with broader skills and a healthier attitude to learning.