Giải đề thi IELTS Writing – University versus Work: Which is Better?

• Cách viết một đoạn văn single – idea trong Task 2

1. Analyzing the Education Topic – IELTS Writing Task 2

Recently, questions related to 'Education' have been frequently integrated with other themes to assess candidates' comprehension and language application skills. For example:

In topics related to 'Education' and 'Jobs and Career', one common question is whether high school graduates should pursue university education or gain work experience. This is the issue we will delve into in this study.

2. Sample Essay: Students' Choice Between University and Work

Making the decision whether to pursue higher education is one of the most crucial and challenging choices individuals face. In my view, while college is suitable for some, it may not be the best path for everyone.

Entering college immediately after high school is a popular option because statistically, college graduates tend to earn higher incomes and face lower unemployment rates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earnings increase with higher levels of education, and unemployment rates are lower among those with college degrees. Higher education is also advisable if the chosen career path typically requires a bachelor’s degree for most entry-level positions, making it necessary to pursue higher education to enter the field. In addition to preparing for specific careers, students can acquire valuable transferable skills such as communication, interpersonal, time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, which are beneficial across various professions.

On the other hand, entering the workforce directly after high school may be a better option for individuals pursuing careers that do not require a degree, such as personal trainers, electricians, and massage therapists. Those who face academic challenges or cannot afford tertiary education should also consider entering the workforce, as obtaining a degree can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, working provides individuals with financial independence, confidence, life experience, and helps them make more informed decisions regarding further education.

In conclusion, deciding between attending university or entering the workforce is a pivotal life choice that demands significant time and financial investment. Therefore, individuals should carefully weigh these advantages and disadvantages to determine the best path for their future.

(307 words, written by Mr. Thanh Tung – 8.0 IELTS)

• significant and challenging decisions: những quyết định quan trọng và có tính thách thức
• higher education ( = university education): giáo dục đại học
• experience unemployment: trải nghiệm giáo dục
• median weekly earnings: thu nhập trung vị theo tuần
• bachelor’s degree: bằng cử nhân
• entry-level jobs
  : công việc cho những người mới tốt nghiệp
• to enter the field: tham gia vào lĩnh vực
• interpersonal skills (n) nhóm các kỹ năng liên kết
• critical thinking skills (n) kỹ năng tư duy phản biện
• to pursue a career: theo đuổi sự nghiệp
• to struggle academically: gặp những vấn đề
• tertiary education (n) giáo dục đại học
• to obtain a degree: đạt bằng cấp
• a life-changing situation: một tình huống có sức ảnh hưởng lớn

3. Some IELTS Writing Topics on Education

1. Do you think it is better for students to work before their university study?  Why? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.
2. Some people think that schools have to be more entertaining, while others think that their sole purpose is to educate. Which do you agree with?
3. Nowadays computer education is compulsory for your learners in most schools. Do you think this is necessary or will children acquire these skills naturally from their daily interaction with technology everywhere? 
4. Some people think that a person improves intellectual skills better when doing group activities. To what extent do you agree? 
5. Compared to the past, more people are now studying abroad because it is more convenient and cheaper than before. Do you think this is beneficial to the foreign student’s home country?
6. Computers have become so advanced and interactive that students in the future will have no need for a human educator in the classroom. Do you agree? Why or why not? 
7. In some countries, health care and education are only partially funded by the government. Some people argue that the government should be responsible for covering the full cost of these services. Do you support or oppose the opinion?
8. Doing an enjoyable activity with a child can develop better skills and imagination than reading. To what extent do you agree? 
9. University students nowadays have too much freedom and do not study enough. To what extent do you agree and disagree? 
10. The internet has become so efficient and popular that many people rely on it for learning.  Some suggest that it could replace the use of books as the main source of knowledge for education. Do you support or oppose the opinion?
11. What do you think is the best way to find a job: by gaining more knowledge and education or through more practical skills? 
12. Do you think that education and training should be completely free or it is better to require fully paid tuition? Which way do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
13. Students should be completely free to choose whether to study or play games. They should be allowed to manage their own time. Do you agree or disagree?
14. Some people think that real life skills like cooking, housekeeping and gardening should be included in the curriculum as compulsory subjects? Do you agree or disagree?
15. Childcare has always been of primary concern and importance. Do you think that courses designed to help mothers are necessary or can they acquire the essential knowledge through personal experience? 
16. Gaming is argued to have a bad influence on young children but some people think that it could have a positive effect on them as well. Which view do you agree with? 
17. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? If students were given the choice between ‘not to study’ and ‘study most of the time’, they would choose ‘not to study’. 
18. Many universities have introduced tests for evaluation rather than the old written exams based upon lessons from books.  What is your opinion? 
19. Some people say that school education is not useful and the essence of study can be acquired at home. Do you agree or disagree?
20. Cramming and immersion are becomingly increasingly recognised methods of gaining knowledge in an area, other people disagree and say that only through lifelong learning can a subject be learnt. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 
21. In recent years, online education is becoming more and more popular. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this phenomenon?