Some people think the best way to succeed is to get a university education, while others disagree and say it is no longer true nowadays. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

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Decades ago, getting a
college
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degree
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was perceived as the only route to a successful
career
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, significantly boosting one’s chances of securing a high-paying
job
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.
However
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, with rising tuition
costs
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and an increasing demand for practical
skills
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from
employers
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, some argue that entering the workforce directly and gaining hands-on experience might be a better option. I agree with
this
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perspective, as it is a more practical and financially sensible approach nowadays. There are several reasons why going to
college
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and following a traditional
career
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path can be seen as the only path to success.
Firstly
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, by obtaining a
college
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degree
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one can prove to future
employers
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that they have achieved a baseline understanding of the subject matter and developed a certain set of
skills
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, including time and project management
skills
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, research
skills
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, and writing and editing abilities during their academic
career
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. A 2016 research suggests that one-third of Americans without a
college
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degree
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had failed to apply for a
job
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because of a lack of tertiary education. Beyond having a slew of marketable
skills
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, a
college
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education can guarantee a widened social network, participation in a community of like-minded people, and, in turn, increased opportunities for internships and
job
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placements.
Thus
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, having university credentials might still matter.
Nevertheless
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, I think finishing
college
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is no longer a guarantee of impressing
employers
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, given tuition
costs
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are rising and an increasing number of jobs that don’t necessarily require academic qualifications. Reports show
costs
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have been on an upward trend for the
last
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20 years, reaching a rate of 158%. Graduating from university, once seen as a solid investment, now contributes significantly to a student debt crisis.
Moreover
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, in-demand
skills
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,
such
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as strategic thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, and the like, that companies need are not what students study now.
According to
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Labor Statistics, more than 50% of jobs require on-the-
job
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experience. Many students, already burdened with excessive debt, do not view unpaid internships- which could guarantee the acquisition of these technical
skills
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- as a measure of success.
Therefore
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, pursuing apprenticeship programs, vocational training, or attending community
college
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following high school, which offers education and
skills
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at a lower cost, appears to be a more viable path forward. In conclusion,
while
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a
college
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degree
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has traditionally been seen as a critical step toward a successful
career
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, the evolving
job
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market challenges
this
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notion, with the rising
costs
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of tuition resulting in significant student debt, and the increasing number of
employers
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requiring hands-on expertise. Given the demand for practical
skills
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that are often best acquired through direct workforce participation, vocational training, apprenticeships, or community
college
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programs present viable and more advantageous alternatives in the way of success.
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task achievement
Try to provide additional examples or statistics to make your points more robust. Including reputable sources can enhance the credibility of your argument.
coherence cohesion
Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly into the next. While your essay is already cohesive, paying more attention to transition words and phrases can further improve the flow.
coherence cohesion
Your introduction and conclusion are clear and effectively frame your argument.
task achievement
You have presented a well-balanced discussion of both viewpoints and provided relevant examples to support your position.
coherence cohesion
Your essay is logically structured, making it easy for the reader to follow your argument.
task achievement
Your ideas are comprehensive and clearly presented, demonstrating a strong grasp of the topic.

Word Count

IELTS says that you should write a minimum of 250 words in writing task 2. If you go under word count you will lose marks in task response.

A very long essay will not give you a higher band score.

Aim for between 260 to 290 words in writing task 2. This will ensure a concise essay and will be realistic in terms of time management. You have only 40 minutes to write the essay and you need around 10 minutes of planning time, so you will not be able to write a long essay in 30 minutes.

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ »— a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

Topic Vocabulary:
  • university education
  • higher pay
  • sweated and sacrificed
  • higher education
  • time, effort, and financial investment
  • specialized knowledge and skills
  • job prospects
  • economic contributions
  • valuable contributions
  • fairness and equality
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