Some people think that universities should focus exclusively on providing academic knowledge and technical skills related to a specific career, while others believe they should also teach students how to think critically and solve complex societal problems. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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Introduction

In the contemporary era, the primary purpose of higher education is a subject of ongoing debate.

While

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some individuals argue that universities should focus exclusively on career-specific technical skills, others believe that they should

also

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teach critical thinking and problem-solving.

This

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essay will discuss both perspectives and explain why I believe a balanced approach is essential.

Body paragraph 1

On the one hand, proponents of vocational-focused education argue that the main objective of

university

Correct article usage

a university

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is to prepare students for the job market. Advocates of

this

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view

emphasize

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emphasise

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that modern industries require graduates who possess concrete, job-ready competencies to integrate smoothly into specific professions

such

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as engineering or medicine.

Furthermore

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, sticking strictly to a syllabus tailored to workforce demands ensures economic efficiency and reduces the time needed for on-the-job training.

Consequently

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, many believe that spending time on abstract theories can distract students from gaining practical expertise.

Body paragraph 2

On the other hand

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, a compelling counterargument suggests that universities must cultivate higher-order cognitive faculties. Because modern workplaces are undergoing rapid transformations driven by technology,

hyper-specialized

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hyper-specialised

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technical skills can quickly become obsolete. By

prioritizing

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prioritising

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critical analysis and multi-disciplinary problem-solving, higher education equips students with adaptive resilience to navigate unforeseen real-world challenges.

For instance

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, institutions that encourage open-ended inquiry consistently produce graduates who can lead systemic innovations rather than merely execute routine operational tasks.

Conclusion

In conclusion,

while

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a career-oriented focus guarantees immediate employability, exclusive reliance on technical training leaves graduates vulnerable to a changing global landscape.

Therefore

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, I believe that universities must

harmonize

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harmonise

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technical instruction with the development of critical thinking to ensure long-term professional success.

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Sep 29, 2026

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task response

You discuss both sides clearly and give your own view. To make the answer stronger, explain more fully why work skills and thinking skills can work together in the same course.

task response

Your main ideas are clear, but the example is quite general. Add one real or clear example, such as how a doctor needs medical skills and also needs to judge new health problems.

coherence and cohesion

The essay has a clear four-part shape: start, first view, second view, and end. Each paragraph stays on one main idea.

coherence and cohesion

Your linking words are used well. You could make the link between the two body parts even smoother by saying that job skills are useful now, while thinking skills help people later when work changes.

coherence and cohesion

The last paragraph clearly returns to both views and states your view. It could be a little stronger if it briefly said how schools should share time between practical work and wider thinking.

task response

You answer every part of the question: you explain the career-skills view, the wider-learning view, and your own balanced opinion.

task response

Your ideas are relevant and easy to follow. The point that work changes fast gives a strong reason for teaching critical thinking.

coherence and cohesion

The opening gives a clear plan, and the ending gives a clear final view.

coherence and cohesion

Words such as “On the one hand”, “On the other hand”, “Furthermore”, and “Therefore” help the reader follow your argument.

Use a variety of complex and simple sentences

You should use complex sentences in your writing, but it does not mean that you should try to make all of our sentences complex.

‘Complex’ sentences are not actually very complex; they are just two or more simple sentences put together. Putting them together makes the essay more coherent and cohesive.

Examples:

I really want to study but I’m too tired.

I wore a warm coat because the weather was cold.

If action is not taken soon on climate change, global warming will get worse.

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9
Linking words
meeting the goal of 7 or more
0
Word repetition
meeting the goal of 3 or fewer
5
Grammar mistakes
detected issues

0123456789.0505

Overall Band Score

Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0

Logical structure

Introduction & conclusion present

Supported main points

Accurate linking words

Variety in linking words

Lexical resource: 5.0

Varied vocabulary

Accurate spelling & word formation

Grammatical Range: 5.0

Mix of complex & simple sentences

Clear and correct grammar

Task Achievement: 7.0

Complete response

Clear & comprehensive ideas

Relevant & specific examples

Appropriate word count

4 paragraphs

257 words

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Some people think that universities should focus exclusively on providing academic knowledge and technical skills related to a specific career, while others believe they should also teach students how to think critically and solve complex societal problems. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In some cultures, children’s are often told they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?

Without capital punishment our lives are less secure and crimes of violence increase. Capital punishment is essential to control violence in society. To what extent do you agree or disagree

With recent developments in technology like e-books, some people feel that printed media like books, newspaper and magazines will soon be a thing of the past. Others feel that these forms of media will never disappear. What is your opinion?

Some people believe that in order to give opportunities to new generation companies should encourage high level employess who are older than 55 to retire. Do you agree or disagree? Why.

It is often said that governments spend too much money on project to protect wildlife, while there are other problems that are more important? Do you agree or disagree?