Band 8 IELTS Writing Task 2 University Subjects Essay with Strong Task Response
Sample Answer with Feedback

The question of what university students should study sits at the heart of what we think university is for. One side argues for total freedom of choice, the other for a curriculum focused only on "useful" subjects like science and technology. Both views have strong points.

Those who support free choice believe university is about more than getting a job. The goal, they argue, is to develop critical thinking, creativity, and an understanding of the world. Subjects like philosophy, history, literature, and art teach students how to question ideas, communicate clearly, and understand different cultures. These skills are not tied to one career, but they are useful in almost every career. Supporters also say passion matters. A student who loves sociology or music will study harder and contribute more than a student forced into engineering who has no interest in it. Innovation often comes from unexpected places, and many of today's tech leaders studied humanities before applying that thinking to technology.

The opposing view focuses on practical outcomes and national needs. Proponents argue that university places and public funding are limited, so they should be used to train people in fields with clear demand. Science, technology, engineering, and medicine directly address problems like climate change, healthcare, and economic growth. Graduates in these areas are more likely to find well-paid jobs quickly, which reduces graduate unemployment and student debt. From a government perspective, investing in STEM also helps a country stay competitive globally. They worry that too many students in "less useful" subjects creates a mismatch between what graduates study and what the job market needs.

In my opinion, the best approach is somewhere in the middle. Students should have freedom to choose, but that freedom should come with better information and guidance. Universities can require a core of transferable skills like data literacy, coding basics, and communication, while still allowing majors in arts and humanities. We also need to stop treating "useful" as only meaning STEM. Teachers, designers, psychologists, and policy experts are just as essential to society's future.

Completely restricting choice would kill curiosity and limit innovation. Completely ignoring job relevance would set many graduates up to struggle. A system that respects both personal interest and future needs gives students the best chance to succeed and to contribute.