Topic:
Some people believe that gaining work experience after high school is more beneficial than going directly to university.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 7+ Sample Essay:
Many young people face the dilemma of whether to pursue higher education immediately after high school or to gain work experience first. I believe attending university is the more effective path in the long term because it provides foundational knowledge and broader career opportunities.
On the one hand, entering the workforce right after secondary school can be practical for those who prefer hands-on experience. By starting a job early, individuals learn real-world skills, financial responsibility, and professional discipline. Moreover, for students from low-income families, earning money immediately might be a financial necessity rather than a choice. Real-world experience can also help students better understand their interests and career direction before investing time and money in higher education.
On the other hand, university education opens doors to specialized fields such as medicine, engineering, or law, which cannot be entered without formal qualifications. Attending university also nurtures critical thinking, research skills, and networking opportunities that are valuable in modern careers. Furthermore, a degree often acts as a minimum requirement for many well-paying jobs, and statistics show that university graduates tend to earn more over their lifetimes than those without higher education.
In my opinion, while work experience can be valuable, especially for developing soft skills and financial awareness, university education offers more significant long-term advantages. It not only equips students with technical and theoretical knowledge but also enhances their ability to adapt to a rapidly changing job market.
Useful Vocabulary for This Essay (IELTS Task 2 Vocabulary):
- Foundational knowledge – basic academic understanding required for professional fields
- Real-world skills – practical abilities gained through experience
- Financial responsibility – ability to manage money and expenses
- Critical thinking – the ability to analyze and evaluate ideas logically
- Career direction – a clear idea of one’s professional goals
- Minimum requirement – the lowest level of qualification needed for a job
- Soft skills – interpersonal skills like communication and teamwork
This Band 7+ IELTS “discuss both views” sample essay helps learners understand how to structure arguments, write clear thesis statements, and use academic vocabulary correctly. Ideal for students preparing for IELTS Academic or General Training Writing Task 2.
IELTS 5 to 6 