Prompt
Essay – University funding
Some people think that universities should focus only on subjects that are useful for future employment, while others believe that universities should also offer courses in subjects that interest students even if they have no direct use in the job market. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Band 9 sample answer
Band 9 sample answer
Many argue that universities should prioritise subjects with obvious labour-market value, whereas others contend that higher education should also include courses chosen primarily for students’ intellectual interests. Both positions have merit, but I believe universities should maintain a broad curriculum while ensuring graduates gain employable skills.
Those who favour a strictly employment-focused approach point to rising tuition fees and intense competition for jobs. From this perspective, degree programmes ought to produce “work-ready” graduates in fields such as engineering, nursing and computer science, where skills are directly transferable and shortages are common. Concentrating resources on these areas can also make public funding easier to justify, because taxpayers can see clearer economic returns in the form of productivity and higher earnings.
However, limiting universities to vocationally oriented subjects risks undermining their wider purpose. Disciplines like history, philosophy and literature develop critical thinking, ethical reasoning and communication—abilities that remain valuable across careers, even if the link is indirect. Moreover, student motivation matters: when learners study what genuinely interests them, they often engage more deeply and achieve better outcomes. Finally, today’s job market is unpredictable; narrowly trained graduates may struggle when industries change, whereas broad-based education can build adaptability.
In my view, universities should not abandon subjects without immediate job-market utility, but they should embed practical elements across the curriculum. For example, humanities degrees can include data literacy, internships or project-based work with employers. This balance preserves academic breadth while helping graduates translate their knowledge into real employment opportunities.
Verified word count: 251
Why this answer works
explanation
The essay addresses all parts of the prompt: it discusses both views in separate, well-developed body paragraphs and gives a clear opinion that is maintained throughout. Ideas are extended with realistic reasoning (funding justification, skill transferability, motivation, labour-market uncertainty) and a concrete solution (embedding practical components in non-vocational degrees). Paragraphing is logical, with cohesive devices used naturally and without overuse.
what this question tests
This question tests your ability to (1) discuss two contrasting views fairly, (2) state a clear position, and (3) support ideas with specific, well-developed reasoning and examples. Coherence and cohesion are assessed through clear paragraphing and logical progression, while lexical resource and grammar are judged by precise vocabulary, varied sentence structures, and accuracy.
Useful vocabulary and phrases
labour-market value
Shows precise, academic phrasing instead of informal alternatives like “good for jobs”.
Some subjects have obvious labour-market value, such as nursing and software development.
work-ready graduates
A common IELTS collocation that fits employability arguments.
Employers often say they need work-ready graduates who can contribute from day one.
directly transferable skills
Adds specificity and supports cause–effect reasoning.
Programming skills are directly transferable to many roles in the tech industry.
justify public funding
Connects education to policy and economics, strengthening argument depth.
Governments want universities to justify public funding through measurable outcomes.
undermine their wider purpose
Signals evaluative, critical writing.
A narrow focus could undermine universities’ wider purpose in society.
ethical reasoning and communication
Shows range beyond generic “soft skills”.
Philosophy strengthens ethical reasoning and communication in professional contexts.
an unpredictable job market
Supports the argument for breadth with a realistic contemporary point.
In an unpredictable job market, adaptability is a key advantage.
embed practical elements
Offers a solution-oriented stance, improving Task Response.
Universities can embed practical elements like internships into humanities degrees.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Discussing only one view and giving an opinion without comparing both sides.
- Equating ‘useful for employment’ only with STEM and ignoring employability skills in other fields.
- Writing a vague conclusion that repeats the prompt without a clear stance.
- Overusing memorised linking phrases that make cohesion sound mechanical.
- Giving examples that are too personal or unrealistic instead of generally plausible academic examples.
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