In recent years, the topic of How Technology Is Transforming Higher Education has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam questions and current trends, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to feature prominently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.
## Analyzing the Question
> **Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others believe 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. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.**
This question relates to our main topic by addressing the purpose of higher education in an increasingly technology-driven job market. It requires candidates to discuss two contrasting views on the role of universities and provide their own perspective.
## Sample Essays
### Band 8-9 Essay
In the contemporary era of rapid technological advancement, the debate over the primary function of universities has intensified. While some argue that these institutions should focus on equipping students with practical skills for the job market, others contend that universities should prioritize the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. In my opinion, a balanced approach that incorporates both perspectives is crucial for the holistic development of students and society.
Those who advocate for a more vocational approach to higher education argue that universities should align their curricula with the demands of the modern workplace. In an age where technology is reshaping classroom learning, this perspective emphasizes the importance of preparing graduates for the digital economy. For instance, courses in data science, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing have become increasingly popular as they directly correspond to emerging job opportunities. This alignment between education and industry needs can lead to higher employability rates and economic growth.
On the other hand, proponents of a more traditional view argue that the fundamental purpose of universities is to foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. They believe that the pursuit of knowledge, regardless of its immediate practical application, is valuable in itself and contributes to the overall progress of humanity. This approach encourages students to explore diverse fields of study, engage in research, and develop a broader understanding of the world. For example, studying philosophy or theoretical physics may not have direct job market applications but can lead to groundbreaking innovations in the long term.
**In my view, the ideal approach lies in striking a balance between these two perspectives.** Universities should strive to provide a foundation of practical skills that are relevant to the job market while also encouraging intellectual exploration and critical thinking. This balanced approach can be achieved by offering a combination of vocational and liberal arts courses, integrating technology into traditional subjects, and promoting interdisciplinary studies.
Furthermore, as globalization is transforming education systems, universities should adapt their curricula to prepare students for a global workforce. This could involve incorporating international perspectives, fostering cross-cultural communication skills, and providing opportunities for global collaboration through online platforms.
In conclusion, while it is essential for universities to consider the practical needs of the job market, they should not lose sight of their fundamental role in advancing knowledge and fostering critical thinking. By embracing a holistic approach that combines practical skills with intellectual exploration, universities can better prepare students for the complexities of the modern world and contribute to long-term societal progress.
(Word count: 412)
### Band 6-7 Essay
The role of universities in today’s society is a topic of much debate. Some people believe that universities should focus on preparing students for their future careers, while others think that universities should provide knowledge for its own sake. Both views have their merits, and I will discuss them before giving my own opinion.
Those who support the idea that universities should prepare students for work argue that this is important for students’ future success. In today’s competitive job market, having practical skills is crucial. For example, learning how to use specific software or understanding business practices can help graduates find jobs more easily. This view is supported by many employers who often complain that graduates lack the necessary skills for the workplace.
On the other hand, supporters of traditional education believe that universities should focus on providing knowledge, regardless of its immediate usefulness. They argue that this approach helps students develop critical thinking skills and a broader understanding of the world. For instance, studying literature or history may not directly lead to a job, but it can help students become more well-rounded individuals.
**In my opinion, a combination of both approaches is the best solution.** Universities should provide students with practical skills that can help them in their future careers, but they should also offer courses that expand students’ knowledge and understanding of the world. This balanced approach can help create graduates who are both employable and intellectually curious.
One way to achieve this balance is by integrating technology into traditional subjects. For example, history students could learn how to use digital archives, while literature students could explore how technology is changing storytelling. This approach would combine practical skills with academic knowledge.
In conclusion, while preparing students for the workplace is important, universities should not forget their role in expanding knowledge. By balancing these two goals, universities can better serve both students and society as a whole.
(Word count: 309)
### Band 5-6 Essay
There is a big debate about what universities should teach. Some people think universities should teach things that help students get jobs. Other people think universities should teach knowledge even if it doesn’t help with jobs. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who think universities should teach job skills say it’s important for students’ futures. In today’s world, it’s hard to get a job. If students learn useful skills like using computers or speaking English well, they can find jobs more easily. Many companies want workers who already know how to do the job.
But other people think universities should teach all kinds of knowledge, even if it doesn’t help with jobs. They say this helps students think better and understand more about the world. For example, studying art or history might not get you a job, but it can make you a smarter person.
**I think both ideas are good, and universities should do both things.** They should teach some job skills to help students find work. But they should also teach other subjects to help students learn more about the world. This way, students can get jobs and also be smart about many things.
One way to do this is by using technology in all classes. For example, online learning is changing higher education. Students can learn job skills and other subjects on the internet. This helps them learn both types of things at the same time.
In conclusion, I think universities should teach both job skills and other knowledge. This will help students get jobs and also be smart people who understand the world better.
(Word count: 266)
## Analysis of Sample Essays
### Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and meets all the criteria for a high band score:
1. **Task Response**: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
2. **Coherence and Cohesion**: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively and presents a clear central topic in each paragraph.
3. **Lexical Resource**: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Some examples include “contemporary era,” “rapid technological advancement,” “vocational approach,” and “interdisciplinary studies.”
4. **Grammatical Range and Accuracy**: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately. It shows flexibility and precision in its language use.
### Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
1. **Task Response**: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but some points are not fully extended or supported.
2. **Coherence and Cohesion**: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical.
3. **Lexical Resource**: The essay uses a sufficient range of vocabulary, but lacks the sophistication of the higher band essay. Some good examples include “competitive job market” and “intellectually curious.”
4. **Grammatical Range and Accuracy**: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there are occasional errors.
### Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but has several limitations:
1. **Task Response**: The essay addresses the task in a general way, but some points lack detail and support.
2. **Coherence and Cohesion**: The essay has a basic organizational structure, but cohesion is often faulty or mechanical.
3. **Lexical Resource**: The essay uses a limited range of vocabulary, with some repetition. However, it does attempt to use some less common vocabulary.
4. **Grammatical Range and Accuracy**: The essay relies mainly on simple sentence structures with limited accuracy in more complex structures.
## Key Vocabulary to Remember
1. **Vocational** (adj.) /vəʊˈkeɪʃənl/ – relating to skills you have been trained in and that are necessary for a particular job
2. **Interdisciplinary** (adj.) /ˌɪntədɪsəˈplɪnəri/ – involving two or more academic disciplines
3. **Curriculum** (n.) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
4. **Holistic** (adj.) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected
5. **Critical thinking** (n.) /ˈkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment
6. **Employability** (n.) /ɪmˌplɔɪəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being suitable for paid work
7. **Innovation** (n.) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – the action or process of innovating, introducing new ideas or methods
8. **Adaptability** (n.) /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions
9. **Globalization** (n.) /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence
10. **Digital literacy** (n.) /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information
## Conclusion
The topic of how technology is transforming higher education is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Future questions might explore themes such as:
* The impact of artificial intelligence on university teaching methods
* The role of online degrees in the future job market
* The balance between traditional and digital learning resources in universities
* The ethical implications of technology use in higher education
To practice, try writing your own essay on one of these topics or on the question provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice is an effective way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.
