39. Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer.

What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?

Sample Answer 1

Band 8.5

Undoubtedly, the past 15 years have seen a more dynamic evolution in university curricula compared to the preceding three decades. The ongoing debate centers on whether universities should prioritize imparting specialized skills crucial for workplaces or adhere to the traditional role of providing broad knowledge cultivated over decades, regardless of its relevance to students.

Undeniably, fostering specialized skills offers numerous advantages. Foremost among them is the heightened likelihood of securing coveted positions in the job market. Students equipped with technical, nontechnical, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills sought by leading organizations enhance their prospects of being selected by multinational corporations. These corporations often offer lucrative salaries, comprehensive holiday packages, and favorable working environments. Graduates keen on securing employment in their respective fields should focus on honing these key skills. Therefore, universities ought to adapt their curricula to incorporate practical, industrial training, moving beyond traditional theoretical lectures.

Conversely, some argue that a well-rounded education, encompassing general knowledge and moral values, is paramount. They advocate for the continuation of the traditional education model, emphasizing its role in fostering the overall development of graduates and postgraduates. A Times of India survey highlights that a significant proportion (70%) of students lose jobs due to issues related to behavior with colleagues. This underscores the importance of universities not only focusing on the curriculum but also prioritizing the holistic development of their students.

In conclusion, I believe that universities and colleges should offer essential facilities such as personality development and corporate training to enable students to refine their skills rather than emphasizing unnecessary subjects. Striking a balance between specialized skills and a well-rounded education ensures that graduates are not only proficient in their fields but also possess the interpersonal and ethical attributes necessary for success in the professional world.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Dynamic (adjective): Energetic and constantly changing.

Example: The tech industry is a dynamic environment, always evolving with new technologies.

Crucial (adjective): Absolutely necessary; essential.

Example: Access to clean water is crucial for survival.

Adhere (verb): To stick to or follow closely.

Example: Students are expected to adhere to the school dress code.

Cultivated (verb): To develop or improve something over time.

Example: The artist cultivated her unique style over many years.

Relevance (noun): The importance of something to a particular subject or situation.

Example: The teacher made sure the lesson was relevant to the students' lives.

Nontechnical (adjective): Not related to technology or technical skills.

Example: The job requires strong nontechnical skills, such as communication and teamwork.

Interpersonal (adjective): Relating to communication or relationships between people.

Example: She has strong interpersonal skills and is able to build rapport with everyone she meets.

Paramount (adjective): Having more importance than anything else; supreme.

Example: Her health is paramount to her right now.

Holistic (adjective): Relating to the whole of something, rather than just a part.

Example: A holistic approach to health considers both physical and mental well-being.

Ethical (adjective): Relating to moral principles or standards of behavior.

Example: The company is committed to acting in an ethical manner.

39. Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer.

What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?

Sample Answer 2

Band 8.5

The function and purpose of universities have long been the subject of debate. Others believe that the fundamental purpose of a university is to impart knowledge for its own sake, regardless of its direct relevance to employers, while some argue that universities should prioritise providing graduates with practical skills for the workplace. Universities should establish a balance between these two perspectives, providing graduates with both practical skills and a broader worldview, in my opinion.

       Obtaining the necessary knowledge and abilities for the workplace is unquestionably essential. Universities should equip students with practical skills, ensuring that they are well-equipped to enter the workforce and effectively contribute to their respective disciplines. This can be accomplished through industry partnerships, internships, and practical training programmes that bridge the divide between academic knowledge and practical applications. By providing graduates with job-ready skills, universities enhance their employability and enable them to make valuable contributions to the workforce.

Nonetheless, it is also essential that universities emphasise the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. Institutions of higher education serve as intellectual and cultural centres where students engage in critical thinking, investigate a variety of subjects, and gain a deeper comprehension of the world. This broader education fosters creativity, instills a passion for lifelong learning, and equips graduates with the ability to adapt to a society that is swiftly changing.

            Universities should be places where students are exposed to a variety of disciplines, allowing them to develop interdisciplinary thought and a global perspective. This strategy cultivates well-rounded individuals who can navigate complexities, solve problems, and contribute to the betterment of society beyond their professional responsibilities.

       In conclusion, universities should serve the dual purpose of preparing graduates for the workplace and disseminating knowledge for its own sake. Universities can produce graduates who are both professionally competent and intellectually enriched, and therefore capable of making significant contributions to society, by establishing a balance between these two perspectives.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Function and purpose (phrase): The role and intended use of something.

Example: The function of a hammer is to drive nails, and its purpose is to join pieces of wood.

Impart (verb): To give or bestow knowledge or information.

Example: Teachers impart knowledge to their students.

Worldview (noun): One's overall perception of the world and their place in it.

Example: Many people have different worldviews based on their experiences and beliefs.

Balance (noun): An equal amount of weight or importance given to two different things.

Example: It is important to find a balance between work and life.

Perspective (noun): A particular way of considering something; an attitude.

Example: I want to hear your perspective on this issue.

Discipline (noun): A subject of study or a branch of knowledge.

Example: I am majoring in history and political science.

Interdisciplinary (adjective): Involving more than one discipline.

Example: Many universities offer interdisciplinary courses that combine different subjects.

Complexities (noun): Things that are difficult to understand or deal with.

Example: The world is full of complexities, and it is impossible to know everything.

Disseminating (verb): To spread or distribute information or knowledge.

Example: Journalists are responsible for disseminating news to the public.

Intellectually enriched (phrase): Having a deep understanding and knowledge of a variety subjects.

Example: A good education should leave you intellectually enriched.

39. Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer.

What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?

Sample Answer 3

Band 8

Undoubtedly, the past five decades have ushered in more transformative changes in the perception of acquiring university degrees than the preceding two centuries. Education holds a pivotal role in shaping valuable members of society, and the debate surrounding obtaining a university degree for knowledge and skills is rife with compelling arguments on both sides.

Certainly, obtaining a university degree to augment knowledge and skills offers myriad advantages. Becoming an expert in a specific field not only enhances intelligence but also contributes significantly to overall development. The acquisition of specialized knowledge and experience opens doors to gainful and meaningful employment opportunities, tapping into individuals' inner talents. Additionally, achieving mastery in a chosen field often leads to higher salary packages, bolstering confidence and activating brain muscles. Studies consistently show that experts in their respective fields tend to be more realistic, showcasing the tangible benefits of this approach.

However, there are drawbacks to pursuing knowledge through various courses. Students may encounter challenges in their practical work, leading to difficulties in learning other subjects—a significant factor contributing to university dropouts. Furthermore, the pressure of balancing multiple courses can result in concentration issues, leading to depression and negatively impacting both mental and physical development.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that acquiring knowledge relevant to the workplace is indispensable for the nation's growth, offering the dual advantage of securing meaningful employment opportunities. Striking a balance between specialized expertise and addressing challenges in the education system is crucial to ensure the holistic development of individuals and, by extension, society.    

39. Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer.

What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?

Sample Answer 4

Band 8

Undoubtedly, the necessity for students to be well-versed in the requirements of their future work is of paramount importance. In my opinion, universities should prioritize providing students with industry-relevant knowledge, although there are arguments both for and against this approach.

Imparting this pertinent information to students carries numerous benefits. One of the most significant advantages is the potential for individuals to perform their jobs with minimal errors. Acquiring specific skills during their university years empowers students to excel in their roles, contributing to error-free performance for their future employers. Furthermore, possessing effective communication skills equips individuals to interact seamlessly with their coworkers, enhancing their chances of securing promotions and achieving financial stability. Additionally, students gaining relevant job experience during their academic journey can significantly benefit their careers, positioning them to excel in their professional endeavors.

Indeed, the primary objective of a university is to provide information pertinent to their courses, enabling students to obtain a quality education and excel in their academic pursuits. It is essential that students gain knowledge about their subjects, as this lays the foundation for future success. While some may argue that colleges may fall short in providing industry-specific information, it is crucial to recognize that students attend universities with the ultimate goal of preparing for their future careers. Thus, it becomes the responsibility of educational institutions to equip students with the necessary information for their future professional endeavors.

In conclusion, it is evident that colleges play a critical role in preparing students for their future careers by offering education relevant to their chosen fields. This preparation empowers individuals to enhance their lives and secure a decent living through the application of industry-specific knowledge gained during their academic journey.