The book I mentioned in Monday's lesson (What are Universities for?) reminded me of this question from Cambridge IELTS 7:
Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think 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.
What, in your opinion, should be the function of a university?
Here are some ideas:
- It would probably be easiest to argue that universities should fulfil both roles (providing vocational skills and knowledge for its own sake).
- We could use examples to help us generate ideas: try to make a list of some vocational degree courses (that provide training for a specific job), and a list of courses that do not lead to a particular job.
- Write one main paragraph explaining the benefits (to the student and to society in general) of the two types of course.