Achieve ielts academic Writing Success

Now check the following sample answer:
 
Question 12:
 
Some people believe that universities should provide graduates with
the knowledge and practical skills needed in the workplace. Others
think that the true function of a university should be to provide,
discuss and encourage knowledge for its own sake, regardless of
whether the subject is useful to an employer.
 
In your opinion, what should be the main function of a university?
 
Sample Answer:
 
Universities serve an important function in society, providing and encouraging education
and higher learning. While some people view universities as merely preparation for the
workplace, others see tertiary education as something more. In my opinion, the main
function of a university should be as a place not only to prepare for a career, but also as
an environment that fosters and encourages innovation and exploration.
Firstly, I believe it is true that universities should provide students with skills and
knowledge relevant to a specific career in the workplace. For example, an individual who
attends law school should graduate with a sound knowledge of law policies, and be ready
to provide useful service in that field upon graduation. Society depends on university
graduates to bring their specialised expertise to law offices, schools, businesses, banks,
and many, many other fields across both the public and private sectors.
But universities should also encourage innovation and exploration. University years are a
time for exploration; once an individual graduates and gets a job, he or she will be less
likely to have the time or resources to pursue knowledge for its own sake. For example,
when I was a university student working towards a Bachelor of Arts in English, I took
classes in psychology, astronomy and also music. I value these experiences greatly, since
each of those classes expanded my knowledge and allowed me to pursue secondary
interests I may not have the chance to indulge again.
In conclusion, while I do agree that universities should provide knowledge and skills that
are useful in the workplace, I also think an equally important purpose of the university
experience should be to explore the many opportunities a tertiary education has to offer.

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