Career counseling and guidance has become an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing regularly in recent years. Studies show that questions related to career guidance, professional development, and educational counseling have appeared in approximately 15% of IELTS Writing Task 2 tests between 2020-2023, making it a crucial area for exam preparation.
The role of mentorship in professional development has become particularly relevant as educational institutions worldwide recognize its impact on student success.
Recent Exam Question Analysis
Some people believe that schools should provide career counseling to all students from an early age. Others think career guidance should only be given to university students. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Breakdown
- Topic: Career counseling timing
- Task: Discussion + Opinion
- Key points to address:
- Early career guidance in schools
- Career counseling at university level
- Personal stance with justification
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.0)
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the timing of career guidance has become a contentious issue. While some advocate for early career counseling in schools, others maintain that such guidance is more appropriate at the university level. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Those who support early career counseling argue that it helps students make informed decisions about their academic path from the beginning. Early exposure to various career options enables children to develop interests and skills aligned with potential future professions. Additionally, importance of career counseling in high school has shown that students who receive early guidance are more likely to make well-informed subject choices for their higher education.
Conversely, proponents of university-level career counseling contend that younger students lack the maturity to make career-related decisions. They believe that career guidance is more effective when students have a clearer understanding of their abilities and interests, which typically develops during university years. This approach also allows for more specialized guidance aligned with specific degree programs.
In my opinion, while both arguments have merit, implementing career counseling from an early age is more beneficial. Should students have the right to choose their curriculum, early guidance can help them make more informed decisions. However, this should be an ongoing process that continues through university, adapting to students’ evolving needs and aspirations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Career counseling is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think schools should give it to young students, while others believe it’s better for university students only. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who want early career counseling say it helps students prepare better for their future. When students learn about different jobs early, they can choose better subjects in school. Also, they have more time to develop skills they need for their future career.
On the other hand, some people think career counseling should wait until university. They say young students are too young to know what they want to do. University students can make better decisions because they understand themselves better.
I think career counseling should start early in schools. This helps students make better choices about their studies. However, the counseling should continue in university because students’ interests may change.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.0 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “contentious,” “advocate,” “proponents”
- Clear structure with cohesive devices
- Well-developed arguments
- Balanced discussion with clear personal stance
- Complex sentence structures
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic organization
- Adequate development of ideas
- Some repetition
- Simpler sentence structures
Key Vocabulary
- Career counseling (n) /kəˈrɪər ˌkaʊn.səl.ɪŋ/ – Professional guidance in career planning
- Contentious (adj) /kənˈten.ʃəs/ – Causing disagreement or debate
- Proponents (n) /prəˈpəʊ.nənts/ – Supporters of an idea or cause
- Evolving (adj) /ɪˈvɒl.vɪŋ/ – Gradually developing
- Aspirations (n) /ˌæs.pɪˈreɪ.ʃəns/ – Strong desires to achieve something
Additional Practice Topics
- What role should employers play in providing career guidance to young employees?
- How can technology improve career counseling services?
- Should career counseling be mandatory in all educational institutions?
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion!