Task:

You should spend 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words.

Many people believe that university students should study a full range of subjects, instead of some specific subjects. Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answers and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

Content of this blog

1. Why many people say that university students should study a full range of subjects?

2. Why some people argue that they need study only specific subjects?

3. What is better, studying a full range of subjects, or studying only specific subjects

4. Do you think school children should study a full range of subjects?

5. Should school children be permitted to study only those subjects they like/prefer?

6. What is better for school children?

7. What are the possible answers a candidate can write?

8. What structure should be used?

9. Can we adapt this question to frame any other type of questions?

10. What are the usual IELTS Writing Task 2 appear covering the area ‘EDUCATION’?

11. Sample answer

a) I Totally agree

b) I totally disagree

General Discussion

1. Why many people say that university students should study a range of subjects?

It aids the students to develop diverse skill sets and gain a wider range of knowledge which, in turn, helps one become a more well-rounded and informed individual. They can imbibe deeper vision of evaluation as they learn a number of different logical and methodological approaches. It can also help the students enhance analytical and critical thinking abilities as well as expand their creativity. Researches reveal that those who have studied several subjects in university have better transferable skills such as communication, presentation and problem-solving skills while surging their ability to work as part of a team.

2. Why do some people argue that university students need to study only specific subjects?

The aim of university education is to provide specialized knowledge to the students, and not to boost their overall knowledge and experience. Universities are the tertiary levels to acquire core competency, research and community engagement. Moreover, they are admitted to universities after completing several years of academic performance on a full range of subjects.

Imparting unrelated subjects at higher levels can result in developing unnecessary strain to their domain. For example, there is little relation between sociology and math. A mathematics major student may get confused while studying various areas of sociology, in the same way, a sociology student will be hesitant to workout the complicated calculations of math. Thus, the urge to incorporate inappropriate subjects will detriment the legitimate purpose of university education.

3. Which is better for university students, study a range of subjects or a specialist subject?

It depends on the career goals, interest and learning style of the student. Both have their own merits.

In IELTS Writing task 2, given above, (“….university students should study a full range of subject…’), you can either totally agree or disagree with the statement. However, the third option, (“I partially agree….) is not applicable because you can choose only one.

4. Do you think the school children should study a full range of subjects?

It is essential that children should study a wide range of subjects for several reasons:

* It helps them develop a comprehensive understanding of the world around them.

* It helps them building transferable skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership.

* It helps one to become a well-informed citizen by providing one with a good level of knowledge about history, economics, politics and globalized issues.

* It improves the research and writing skills, the ability to think creatively and promote greater understanding of the current affairs.

5. Why do some people say that school children should be permitted to study only those subjects that they are interested in?

* When students choose the subjects themselves, they are likely to make something better of it.

* Focusing on the subject of their interest may motivate them to do deeper learning and give them a sense of fulfilment.

* However, they are not mature enough understand and discriminate their interests and passions.

6. What is better for school children, studying a range of subjects or selected few subjects?

Considering the pros and cons, it is always desirable that school children study a range of subjects, the merits of which are explained in point no. 5.

7. What is the structure for Task 2 question given above?

The structure depends on whether you want to ‘Totally Agree” or ‘Totally disagree’ with the general statement.

Please see the Sample Answers given below.

8. Can we adapt the given general statement into any other types of IELTS Task 2?

Yes.

1. Do you think the advantages of studying some specific subjects outweigh the disadvantages?

2. Discuss both the views and give your opinion.

3. Why do some school children want to study some specific subjects only? Is this a positive or a negative trend?

4. Do you agree or disagree? Is it a positive or a negative trend?

Sample Answer -1

Totally Agree

Task

Many people believe that university students should study a full range of subjects instead of some specific subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Key Word Analysis (KWA)

1. University students

2. Should study

3. A full range of subjects

4. Instead of some specific subjects

5. Agree or Disagree?

Task requirements

1. Aim of university education

2. Merits of studying a range of subjects.

3. Why it is better to study a range of subjects than a specialized subject

4. Totally Agree with the general statement

Structure

Paragraph 1 Introduction

* Paraphrase of general statement

* Thesis sentence (Why totally agreeing)

Paragraph 2 Body Para 1

* Argument for studying a range of subjects

* Reasons for argument 1

* Example for argument 1

* Conclusion of BP 1 ( Studying a range of subject is better)

Paragraph 3. Body Para 2

* Argument 2- Merits of studying a range of subjects

* Reasons for argument 2

* Example for argument 2

* Conclusion of BP 2 ( Why it is better than studying selected subjects)

Paragraph 4 Conclusion

* Paraphrase Introduction ( Studying a range of subjects is better than studying selected subjects. Totally Agree)

Sample 1 Totally Agree

Paragraph 1 Introduction

Nowadays, universities are the epicenter of controversies about curriculum and content, such as, should students learn a wide range of subjects or only a selected subject for specialization. [Paraphrase] This essay will dwell on my opinion that they should pursue a full range of subjects because it helps the students develop critical thinking skills, creativity and problem-solving abilities. [Thesis sentence]

Glossary:

1. Epicenter: Focus, capital, hub, focal point, core, nexus,

2. Controversy: Argument, dispute, discussion, strife, altercation.

3. Wide range: Broad-spectrum, extended, comprehensive, pervasive

4. Pursue: Perform, study, carry on, practise, conduct, seek , aspire to.

5. Dwell on: Discuss, consider, elaborate on, linger on

Paragraph 2 Body Para 1

To embark on, learning a broad spectra of subjects aids the students to develop diverse skills set and gain a wider range of knowledge, which in turn, helps one become a well-rounded and well-informed individual. [Argument] They can imbibe deeper vision of evaluation because they learn a number of different logical and methodological approaches. Moreover, this is inevitable at a time when the focus is on multi-disciplinary studies. [Reasons] For example, researches reveal that those who are exposed to several subjects in universities have better transferrable skills, such as, communication, presentation and problem-solving capabilities. [Example] Thus, studying multiple subjects has more merits than confining to a specialized one. [Conclusion of BP1]

Glossary

1. Aid: Benefit, assist, contribute, support, favour, encourage, succour

2. Diverse: Various, varied, different, dissimilar, distinct

3. Imbibe: acquire, get, receive, ingest, assimilate

4.Inevitable: Unavoidable, inescapable, certain, assured, imperative

5. Focus: Centre, core, hub, attention.

6. Confine: Limit, restrict, bound.

Paragraph 3 Body Para 2

Furthermore, studying a range of subjects improves the research and writing skills, the ability to think creatively and promote greater understanding of the current affairs. [Argument 2] Most prestigious competitive examinations, such as, the civil service exams include questions from all areas of knowledge, and a student with limited level of knowledge cannot thrive there. [Reasons] For instance, a science-specialized student may be weak at history and economics. Such lopsided knowledge level can be hazardous in a world of cut throat competition. [Example] Therefore, for several reasons, multi-disciplinary study is more desirable. [Conclusion of BP2]

Glossary:

1. Furthermore: Moreover, In addition, Besides, additionally, what is more,

over and above.

2. Improves: upgrade, enhance, augment, embellish, ameliorate, refine.

3. Prestigious: Reputed, distinguished, respected, esteemed, notable, eminent, impressive.

4. Limited: finite, restricted, curbed, controlled, minute, measured

5. Thrive: produce, flourish, prosper, burgeon, sprout, propagate

6. Weak: Feeble, exhausted, infirm, unsteady, faint, disabled.

7. Lopsided: uneven, awry, unbalanced, one-sided, unequal .

8. Hazardous: dangerous, risky, unsafe, precarious, parlous.

9. Desirable: Advantageous, wise, useful, profitable, convenient, preferable advisable.

Paragraph 4 Conclusion

To conclude, the aim of university education is to mould individuals of higher levels of competencies who are capable of tacking problems judiciously. This is feasible only if they are educated in several disciplines, and that is the reason why I totally agree with the notion. [Re-phrased Introduction]

Glossary

1. Mould: Create, shape, cast, form, guide, pattern, model.

2. Capable: Suited, competent, qualified, expert, adequate

3. Feasible: Possible, viable, acceptable, plausible, sensible, practicable.

4. Judiciously: Wisely, aptly, duly, properly, carefully, sensibly, reasonably, prudently

5. Notion: Idea, belief, view, opinion, conception, thought, mindset.

Sample 2 – Totally Disagree

Task

Many people believe that university students should study a full range of subjects, instead of some specific subjects. Do you agree or disagree?

KWA

1. University students

2. Should study

3. A full range of subjects

4. Instead of specific subjects

5. Agree or disagree?

Task requirements

1. Aim of university education.

2. Merits of studying a specialized subject

3. Why it is better to study a specialized subject than a range of subjects

4. Totally disagree with the general statement

Structure

Paragraph 1 Introduction

* Paraphrase general statement

* Thesis (Why totally disagree)

Paragraph 2 Body para 1

* Argument for the study of specialized subjects

* Reason for the argument

* Example

* Conclusion of BP 1 ( Why studying selected subject is better)

Paragraph 3 Body Para 2

* Argument for studying specialized subjects

* Reason for argument

* Example

* Conclusion of BP 2 ( Why it is better than studying a range of subjects)

Paragraph 4 Conclusion

* Paraphrase Introduction (Studying specialized subject is better- totally disagree with the general statement)

Sample Essay 2 – Totally Disagree

Paragraph 1 Introduction

Nowadays, universities are the epicenter of controversies about curriculum and contents, such as, should students study a wide range of subjects or only a selected subject for specialization. [Paraphrase of the general statement] This essay will dwell on my opinion that they need to study only a subject of their interest and choice because universities are the tertiary levels to acquire core competency and research. [Thesis sentence]

Glossary:

1 Tertiary level : Higher level, university level

2. Core competency: Specialized knowledge, aptitude, basic skills, essential skills

Paragraph 2. Body para 1

To embark on, the aim of university education is to provide specialized knowledge to the students, and not to boost their overall knowledge and experience. [Argument 1] They are admitted to the universities after completing several years of academic performances on a full range of subjects. [Reason] For example, up to higher secondary level, students are exposed to languages, math, general science and humanities. By that span, they are expected to learn all the basics an individual must know. [Example] Hence, higher education should be devoted to specialization, where a broad spectrum learning has no scope. [Conclude BP1].

Glossary:

1. Boost: Improve, raise, uplift, increase, escalate, surge, embellish

Paragraph 3 Body Para 2

Furthermore, imparting unrelated subjects at higher levels can result in developing unnecessary strain to their domain. [ Argument 2] Specialization demands total time and devotion, which is hampered when a student has to learn multiple subjects that are not relevant for specialization. [Reason] For instance, there is little relation between math and sociology; therefore, a sociology major student may get confused or hesitant to work out the complicated calculations of math. [Example] So, it it is more beneficial to specialize rather than studying multiple subjects. [Conclusion of BP2]

Glossary

1. Impart: Give, convey, communicate, relate, divulge, reveal.

2. Strain: Stress, pressure, difficulty, burden, demands.

3. Hamper: Hinder, block, prevent, restrict, curb, frustrate

Paragraph 4 Conclusion.

The function of university education is to create experts in each disciplines and it is possible if only one undertakes specialized learning in any one subject. Therefore, I totally disagree with the perspective that university students should study a wide range of subjects.

Glossary:

1. Expert: Specialist, authority, professional, genius, wizard.

2. Perspective: View, outlook, angle, overview, context

3. Discipline: subject of study, training, exercise.

Assignments

Based on the general statements, write essays on:

[General statement: Many people believe that university students should study a range of subjects, instead of some specific subjects.]

1. Do you think the advantages of studying some specific subjects outweigh its disadvantages?

2. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

3. Why do some school children want to study specific subjects they are interested in? Is it a positive or negative trend?

4. Do you agree or disagree? Is it a positive or negative development?

NOTE: Please send your answers to the Academic Co-ordinator, Bemax Academy for Assessment and Feedback.