The topic of why fewer students are choosing science subjects at universities has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Its relevance to education, career choices, and societal development makes it a prime candidate for examination. Let’s explore a real IELTS question on this topic and analyze sample essays at different band levels.
In many countries, fewer students are choosing to study science subjects at university. What are the reasons for this, and what will be the effects on society?
Analyzing the Question
This question is a classic example of a problem-solution essay. It has two main parts:
- Reasons why fewer students are choosing science subjects
- Effects of this trend on society
To answer this question effectively, candidates need to:
- Identify at least 2-3 reasons for the decline in science subject choices
- Discuss multiple effects on society
- Provide a balanced perspective on both aspects
- Support arguments with relevant examples or explanations
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of students opting for science subjects at the tertiary level. This trend can be attributed to several factors, and its implications for society are significant and far-reaching.
One of the primary reasons for this shift is the perceived difficulty of science subjects. Many students find disciplines like physics, chemistry, and advanced mathematics challenging and opt for subjects they consider more manageable. Additionally, the rigorous nature of scientific study, often requiring long hours in laboratories and extensive research, can be daunting for some students who prefer a more balanced academic life.
Another factor contributing to this trend is the changing job market. With the rapid growth of industries like digital marketing, finance, and business management, many students are gravitating towards fields that promise immediate employment opportunities and potentially higher starting salaries. The misconception that science careers are limited to research or teaching further dissuades students from pursuing these subjects.
Moreover, the lack of engaging science education at the primary and secondary levels plays a crucial role. When students are not exposed to inspiring and practical science lessons early on, they are less likely to develop a passion for these subjects, influencing their university choices later.
The effects of this trend on society could be profound. Firstly, a shortage of qualified scientists and researchers could slow down technological advancements and innovation in crucial fields like medicine, environmental science, and engineering. This could hamper a nation’s ability to compete globally in scientific and technological arenas.
Secondly, the decline in science graduates could lead to a knowledge gap in society, potentially resulting in decreased scientific literacy among the general population. This could have serious implications for public understanding of critical issues such as climate change, vaccination, and genetic engineering.
Furthermore, the lack of diversity in the scientific community, which could result from fewer students choosing these subjects, might lead to biased research outcomes and limit the perspectives brought to scientific problem-solving.
In conclusion, while the reasons for the declining interest in science subjects are multifaceted, the potential consequences for society are significant. To address this issue, it is crucial to enhance science education at all levels, highlight diverse career opportunities in scientific fields, and promote the importance of scientific literacy in today’s world.
Decline in science subject enrollment at universities
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In many countries, there is a trend of fewer students choosing science subjects at university. This essay will discuss the reasons for this and its effects on society.
One reason for this trend is that science subjects are often seen as difficult. Many students think subjects like physics and chemistry are too hard and choose easier subjects instead. Also, science courses often require a lot of time in labs and doing experiments, which some students don’t like.
Another reason is that some students think science jobs don’t pay well. They might choose business or IT courses because they think these will lead to better-paying jobs. Sometimes, students don’t know about all the different types of jobs they can get with a science degree.
The effects on society could be serious. If there are fewer scientists, it might be harder for countries to solve important problems like finding cures for diseases or dealing with climate change. Also, if people don’t understand science well, they might make bad decisions about things like health or the environment.
However, not all effects are negative. Some people argue that having more students in other fields could lead to new ideas in areas like business or arts, which are also important for society.
In conclusion, while there are reasons why fewer students are choosing science subjects, this could have both positive and negative effects on society. It’s important for schools and universities to show students how interesting and useful science can be, and to explain the many job opportunities in science fields.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, not many students want to study science in university. This essay will talk about why this happens and how it affects society.
First, many students think science is very hard. They don’t like subjects like physics or chemistry because they have to study a lot. Also, some students think science jobs are boring. They want to do jobs that are more fun or make more money.
Another reason is that schools don’t teach science in a fun way. If students don’t like science when they are young, they won’t choose it in university.
This problem can be bad for society. If there are not enough scientists, countries can’t make new things or solve big problems. For example, we need scientists to find cures for diseases and to help the environment.
Also, if people don’t know about science, they might believe wrong things. This can be dangerous for health and other important things.
But some people say it’s okay if not everyone studies science. Other subjects like art and business are also important for society.
In conclusion, there are many reasons why students don’t choose science subjects. This can be both good and bad for society. Schools should try to make science more interesting so more students will want to study it.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Demonstrates sophisticated control of grammar and punctuation
- Ideas are coherent and there is clear progression throughout
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Has generally good control of grammar and punctuation with some errors
- Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary; some errors in word choice and spelling
- Uses a limited range of structures with some attempts at complex sentences
- Has some control of grammar and punctuation but with frequent errors
- Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression
Importance of science education in society
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Tertiary level (noun) – /ˈtɜːʃəri ˈlevl/ – relating to university education
- Rigorous (adjective) – /ˈrɪɡərəs/ – extremely thorough and careful
- Daunting (adjective) – /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ – seeming difficult to deal with in prospect
- Misconception (noun) – /ˌmɪskənˈsepʃn/ – a view or opinion that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding
- Hamper (verb) – /ˈhæmpər/ – hinder or impede the movement or progress of
- Scientific literacy (noun phrase) – /ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk ˈlɪtərəsi/ – knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes
- Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – the action or process of innovating
- Implications (noun) – /ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃnz/ – the conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated
- Diversity (noun) – /daɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the state of being diverse; variety
In conclusion, the topic of declining interest in science subjects at universities is a complex and important issue. It touches on various aspects of education, career choices, and societal development. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider practicing with similar topics such as:
- The role of technology in modern education
- The importance of STEM education in developing countries
- Balancing arts and sciences in school curricula
- The impact of AI and automation on future job markets
We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and get valuable feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.
