University students always focus on one specialist subject, but some people think universities should encourage their students to study a range of subjects in addition to their own subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree? | Real exam ielts writing task 2 cbt |

Sample Answer

It is often argued that university students should focus only on one specialist subject, while others believe that they should also be encouraged to study a variety of subjects along with their main field of study. I personally believe that universities should promote a balance, where students gain deep knowledge of their chosen subject but also get exposure to other areas to develop broader skills. I will discuss both perspectives in the following paragraphs.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why focusing on a single specialist subject is beneficial. Firstly, universities are the stage where students build expertise in their chosen field to prepare for their careers. Focusing only on one subject allows them to develop in-depth knowledge and technical skills, which are often required in today’s competitive job market. For example, a medical student who spends all their time mastering medicine is likely to become more competent than one who divides time between medicine and unrelated subjects. Furthermore, specialising in one field can save time and reduce pressure, as students can concentrate fully on their area of interest without being distracted by additional coursework. Therefore, sticking to one subject can help students achieve academic excellence and professional success.

On the other hand, encouraging students to explore other subjects alongside their major has its own advantages. Firstly, it helps develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving, which are valuable in any profession. For instance, a student of engineering who also studies communication or business can become more versatile and adapt to different roles in the workplace. Additionally, learning about other areas helps students understand the world better and become more well-rounded individuals. This is particularly important in today’s interconnected world, where problems often require knowledge from multiple disciplines. Therefore, studying a range of subjects can improve both personal development and employability.

In conclusion, while focusing on one specialist subject allows students to gain expertise and excel in their careers, studying a variety of subjects alongside can help them become more adaptable and well-rounded. In my opinion, universities should encourage students to prioritise their major while also offering opportunities to explore other fields for their overall development.

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🎯 Vocabulary & Phrases You Can Use

🔷 Introduction Phrases

• It is often argued that…

• Some people believe that… while others think that…

• I personally believe that…

• I firmly believe that…

• I will discuss both perspectives in the following paragraphs.

• Although some people argue that… I believe that…

• This essay will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

🔷 Agree/Disagree Phrases

• I strongly agree/disagree with the idea that…

• I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

• I think it is a negative/positive development…

• I suppose… while there are many arguments in favour of…, the drawbacks cannot be ignored.

🔷 Body Paragraph Starters

• On the one hand…

• On the other hand…

• There are several reasons to support this view…

• Firstly… / First and foremost…

• Secondly… / Additionally… / Moreover…

• For instance… / For example…

• Therefore… / Hence… / As a result…

🔷 Academic Vocabulary (General Topics)

• specialist subject / chosen field / major / area of interest

• well-rounded individuals / overall development / personal growth

• in-depth knowledge / expertise / technical skills / transferable skills

• competitive job market / employability / professional success

• critical thinking / problem-solving / creativity

• interconnected world / global issues / cultural heritage / identity

• linguistic diversity / endangered species / ecosystem balance

• international recognition / global communication / inclusivity

🔷 Other Useful Expressions

• negatively impact / positively influence / contribute to / lead to

• a moral obligation / responsibility

• economic growth / boost the economy / expand tourism

• preserve local traditions / protect regional languages / maintain cultural identity

• discover hidden talent / uncover potential

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