Band 7 IELTS Writing Task 2: Freedom of University Subjects and Improvement Suggestions
Sample Answer with Feedback

In contemporary society, the issue of whether university students should have the freedom to choose their own subjects has become increasingly contentious. While it is often asserted that students should be given a chance to decide for themselves, others maintain that they should be allowed to enrol in courses that will be demanding in the near and distant future. This essay will discuss both views before presenting my opinion that students should have the liberty to set their goals and decide for their lives ahead.

On the one hand, proponents of this view assert that a career should be a choice and not a compulsion. This is largely because every individual has unique interests and abilities, which can be used effectively to make a living. A clear illustration of this is that students who choose arts and humanities often have a higher motivation and excel in those areas than if they were forced to do subjects they do not enjoy. As a result, allowing freedom of choice can produce more competent and fulfilled graduates, which ultimately benefits society as a whole.

On the other hand, opponents claim that students should be guided towards subjects with clear practical value. This is largely because subjects like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics often lead to innovation and economic growth. For instance, in many countries, there is a shortage of skilled labourers in fields such as health care, information technology, and scientific research. Consequently, producing more graduates means filling in the gaps to enhance economic stability.

From my perspective, while it is essential to consider the value of science and technology, restricting students from making their own choices would cause consistent demotivation and a lack of effectiveness in the workforce. While national stability and economic growth are crucial, it should also foster creativity, critical thinking and personal development.

In conclusion, although directing students towards practical subjects may support economic needs, it is evident that allowing individuals to choose their own areas of study leads to better outcomes both personally and socially.

      Education is a personal journey, and having autonomy in selecting subjects can lead to deeper learning experiences. The question of whether university students should have the freedom to select their own subjects or whether they should be restricted to subjects that are relevant for the future, such as those in science and technology, is a matter of debate. I believe that students should be free to choose their own subjects. In this essay, I will examine both these perspectives and discuss my own view.

      On the one hand, allowing students to choose their own subjects can foster a sense of ownership over their learning journey. When learners have control over the content they engage with in class, it can lead to increased motivation and engagement. Additionally, they can choose classes based on individual interest which allows for more personalized instruction as each student has unique passions and areas of expertise they want to explore further.

      On the other hand, some argue that students should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. This is because these fields are expected to grow in the future and will provide students with better job prospects. However, I think that, while it is important for students to have some guidance when choosing their subjects, they should ultimately be free to choose what they want to study. This is because students who are passionate about what they are learning are more likely to succeed in their studies and find fulfilling careers later on.

      In conclusion, while there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate, I believe that students should have the freedom to choose their own subjects. This is because it allows them to explore their interests and passions, which can lead to increased motivation and engagement in their studies.