Choosing University Subjects: Personal Interest vs Useful Fields
Higher education
Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
According to some people, students at universities should pursue what they are most passionate about. Others, however, believe that only those subjects should be allowed, which are relevant to the future, particularly those dealing with science and technology. I will elaborate on both views in the following paragraphs.
It is thought that allowing students to select subjects at the university level would enhance student performance in the classroom and prevent students from studying subjects that they do not enjoy. Students need to be exposed to multiple technology-related courses, but if they are forced to study programming while their interests lie in literature, they probably won’t learn much. The learning process is more interesting for students if they have the opportunity to pick their subjects. Additionally, some students possess talents across a wide variety of fields. If we integrate some cultural and arts subjects into science courses, young people can explore diverse fields. Consequently, this proposed change will provide them with the opportunity to learn more about a variety of subjects and develop new skills.
On the other hand, medical, engineering, and IT courses tend to dominate careers in the arts. People argue for allowing students to study technology-related subjects because they have high employment opportunities after graduation. Innovations are abounding. With the advent of new research areas and subject topics, technologies have become better. By specializing in a specific skill set, graduates may have greater job prospects and get higher-paying jobs, which may lead to a higher standard of living. Therefore, for the sake of students’ better future, they concentrate more on the popular subjects since the employment opportunities will be based on this technical knowledge.
In conclusion, some do not believe in studying only core subjects; however, it is always beneficial to get a strong foundation in them to ensure a successful future.
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Response 02
304 words
Nowadays, more and more students are unconscious about how to choose their major. They think if they need to choose the subject that they love or choose the subject that is good and useful for the society in the future.
It is no doubt that there are some benefits to study a major is about the technology and science. If most of the students study these kinds of major, there will be a sharp increase in the technical development, the productivity will be improved and produce more high-tech products, as a result, the living standard will be better that before and it will have a rise in the economic growth. Moreover, students may get high salary, if they find a job that needs a lot of skill about technology or science.
On the other hand, the others think that students need to study the subject that they love it. For example, students choose their favorite subject, they would like to spend more time on their subject that they are interest and they don’t feel boring about their classes, try their best to do their research or lecture, even though the subject is difficult for them, so they could get high mark and get more successful in their major.
In addition, different people have different favorite major, not all the students only study technology and science, it can makes the society develop in many kinds of ways, such as literature, art, sports.
In , I believe that students need to choose the subject that they love, the reason for this is students can have more incentive to study and they can have a good mark in their exam. I think university could add some additional subjects about technology or science for students who do not learn these, let students learn some knowledge about technology or science.
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Response 03
319 words
While some citizens believe that university students should enjoy the freedom to study subjects that they are interested in, others disagree with it and opine that they have to study subjects that will be useful for their future and career. In this essay, I will explore both perspectives and opine that universities should teach learners subjects that have practical values and employability.
Some believe that allowing tertiary students to choose subjects fosters their passion and helps them thrive academically. To illustrate, my brother, Luce, who always had an interest in analysing data and numbers, was offered a seat in political science at a university. He got admitted to that major but did very poorly. After two semesters, when he got admitted to a private university and took statistics as a major, he was one of the best scorers in his class. Thus it is evident that allowing learners to choose their majors and subjects has a significantly positive impact on their performance.
From the opposite point of view, many people feel that college and university students should learn subjects that would help them prepare for future careers. Thus they advocate for subjects that are related to technology and science considering the present job markets. Based on research carried out by the Statistics Center in Semarang, it is evident that technology, engineering, mathematics, physics and science dominate the job sectors and students from those majors have far better career prospects than majors from art faculties. Therefore, they advise that universities should teach those subjects to their students so that they can adapt to future circumstances and make themselves ready for professional life.
After analysing both views, it can be concluded that although people should enjoy some freedom to choose their major in university and college, it is a wise decision to study subjects that can be utilised in their future and that can prepare them better for their future career.
Estimated band7.0
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Response 04
302 words
Some would argue that all students in universities have to study the subject they like, while others think that they have to only study something useful for their future, for example, those related to science and technology sectors. Although learning about the latter subjects is crucial to secure a good job and salary, I believe that enrollment in whatever subject they favor leads to students being successful in their fields.
Studying science and technology during third-level education makes students able to easily find a job that pays high wages. That is to say, working in the majority of modern workplaces requires up-to-date technological information aiming to improve the quality of work and to compete with others, and, in turn, those employees will earn good remuneration. For instance, many IT graduates from the University of Toronto were able to have high positions and good wages in many renowned business companies. However, I think that the passion for what students study is more important than how much their earnings are in the future.
It is very important for university students to study the subjects they like because this is the reason behind a successful career. That is because the love for this particular subject allows them to go beyond their limits, be creative, and be eager to improve, and, thus, they might be promoted. For instance, many well-known musicians decided to study music because they were passionate about it and this positive spirit helps them climb their professional ladder. Therefore, I support this school of thought because studying a favorite subject is more important.
To conclude, despite the fact that a course in science and technology can provide postgraduates with a good future career and enough income, in my view, studying whatever they prefer is better because this leads to success in their field.
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Response 05
385 words
Whether university students should study subjects of their own choice or should they be obliged to study career-oriented subjects like technology and science is a widely debated issue. Both of these views have arguments for and against them. This essay delves into both views and expresses an opinion that tertiary education should grant freedom to its students when it comes to the subject they want to study.
On the one hand, the supporters of university students studying career-oriented subjects contend that offering a wide range of subjects according to learners' choice has little practical value. A recent study shows that a predefined syllabus at a university bound a student to study regularly and prepare for the exam while the freedom to take any subject or major they like dramatically increases the number of dropout students. This is an alarming outcome, and this is why the university authority needs to think twice before implementing the policy. Furthermore, the development of a nation, these days, highly depends on a technologically sound workforce and universities should yield such a workforce for the country. From this perspective, it seems quite logical for universities to teach technology and science-related subjects to most of their pupils.
On the other hand, others opine that a university is the highest citadel for education, and helps build the next generation who would lead the country. In this regard, the education and teaching policy of the university affects the whole nation. When students at the university are given certain freedom while picking their majors, it helps create all-rounded individuals who are ready to lead the nation. Forcing them to study some selected subjects for future employment would make them become workers for offices, not leaders for the country. They also express that letting them study a wide range of subjects, including history, arts, commerce and so on, would make them far more knowledgeable and prepared to take on future challenges. Society needs artists, filmmakers, writers, journalists, politicians and so on, and not only scientists, doctors and engineers.
To conclude, universities have to consider the pros and cons of any policy adopted including whether the students are free to pick their subjects or not. Personally, I believe that letting university students prefer their subjects has far more benefits and seems more logical in a broader sense.
Estimated band7.5
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Response 06
375 words
The debate over whether university students should have the freedom to study subjects of their choice or be limited to those deemed more utilitarian has long been a controversial issue. In this essay, I will examine both viewpoints and argue that granting students the liberty to pursue their passions and interests is vital for fostering creativity. This approach ultimately helps build individuals who do better in their careers and contribute more to society.
On the one hand, proponents of teaching useful science subjects at the tertiary level argue that it promotes individual interests in education and skill development. Numerous research and data show that a practical approach to education is important in an ever-changing job market driven by technology and scientific advancements. In this modern era when the job market is highly competitive, it is essential to equip students with skills that align with future career opportunities. A recent study conducted by the University of Illinois shows that encouraging subjects related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can better prepare students for the demands of the job market, where expertise in these fields is highly sought after.
On the other hand, advocates of allowing students to study whatever subjects they like believe that it promotes intrinsic motivation, as students are more likely to be enthusiastic and engaged when studying subjects that align with their interests. This passion can drive them to excel and explore the subject matter in greater depth. Additionally, allowing students to follow their passions nurtures a love for learning, making education a fulfilling and lifelong pursuit. When students are free to choose their academic path, they become active participants in their education, leading to a more meaningful and empowering learning experience. As a result, the university builds leaders not just workers. Those well-rounded individuals are more adept in their professional life and help society flourish.
In conclusion, granting university students the freedom to study subjects of their choice is essential for nurturing individual growth, creativity, and lifelong learning. Allowing students to follow their passions empowers them to take ownership of their education, leading to more meaningful and fulfilling academic experiences. It is expected that universities would consider the benefit of this approach in education and help build a prosperous and thriving nation.
Estimated band8.0
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Response 07
297 words
People have different views about how much choice students should have with regard to what they can study at university. While some argue that it would be better for students to be forced into certain key subject areas, I believe that everyone should be able to study the course of their choice.
There are various reasons why people believe that universities should only offer subjects that will be useful in the future. They may assert that university courses like medicine, engineering and information technology are more likely to be beneficial than certain art degrees. From a personal perspective, it can be argued that these courses provide more job opportunities, career progression, better salaries, and therefore an improved quality of life for students who take them. On the societal level, by forcing people to choose particular university subjects, governments can ensure that any knowledge and skill gaps in the economy are covered. Finally, a focus on technology in higher education could lead to new inventions, economic growth, and greater future prosperity.
In spite of these arguments, I believe that university students should be free to choose their preferred areas of study. In my opinion, society will benefit more if our students are passionate about what they are learning. Besides, nobody can really predict which areas of knowledge will be most useful to society in the future, and it may be that employers begin to value creative thinking skills above practical or technical skills. If this were the case, perhaps we would need more students of art, history and philosophy than of science or technology.
In conclusion, although it might seem sensible for universities to focus only on the most useful subjects, I personally prefer the current system in which people have the right to study whatever they like.
Estimated band8.0
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Response 08
284 words
There is an ongoing debate about whether university students should have complete freedom in choosing their courses or if they should be limited to fields with clear future benefits, such as science and technology. I believe that focusing on practical subjects is more beneficial for both individuals and society. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my viewpoint.
Primarily, supporters of academic freedom argue that forcing students to study specific subjects can be counterproductive. They opine that not every student has an aptitude for science and technology, and compelling them to follow such paths could lead to dissatisfaction and underperformance. Furthermore, creative fields such as music, design, and philosophy contribute significantly to society. For example, the entertainment industry generates billions of dollars annually and employs millions worldwide. If universities only focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, essential aspects of human culture and expression would diminish.
However, prioritizing science and technology in higher education ensures that students acquire skills that are in high demand, leading to better career prospects. In today’s world, automation and artificial intelligence are rapidly replacing traditional jobs, making technical expertise more important than ever. To exemplify, countries that invest heavily in STEM education, such as South Korea, have seen remarkable advancements in innovation and economic stability. Additionally, many industries, including healthcare and environmental science, rely on technological progress to address global challenges such as climate change and pandemics.
To conclude, while freedom of choice in education nurtures creativity and diversity, in my opinion, prioritizing subjects with clear economic and technological benefits is more practical in today’s fast-paced world. Therefore, universities should encourage students to pursue STEM-related fields while still offering opportunities for those passionate about other disciplines.
Estimated band8.0
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7.5
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Response 09
282 words
Some argue that university students should have the freedom to study whatever they like, while others believe that only practical subjects, such as science and technology, should be allowed due to their importance for the future. I strongly support the idea that students should be able to choose their preferred fields of study. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my opinion.
To begin with, those in favor of restricting university education to science and technology argue that these subjects are essential for economic growth and job security. With rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy, professionals in these fields are in high demand. For instance, countries like Germany and Japan, which focus heavily on technological education, have seen significant economic progress. Moreover, studying subjects like engineering or computer science increases employability, ensuring students secure well-paying jobs upon graduation.
On the other hand, allowing students to study whatever they enjoy fosters creativity, innovation, and a well-rounded society. The arts, humanities, and social sciences play a crucial role in shaping culture, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Take history, for example—understanding past events helps societies avoid repeating mistakes. Similarly, literature enhances communication skills, which are valuable in any profession. If students are forced into subjects they have no interest in, they may lack motivation and perform poorly, leading to an unfulfilled workforce.
In conclusion, while science and technology subjects contribute significantly to economic growth and job stability, restricting university education to only these areas would be shortsighted. A balanced society requires expertise in diverse fields. Therefore, I believe that students should have the autonomy to pursue subjects that align with their interests and strengths, as passion often leads to success.
Chances of finding good work and doing well in your working life.
From the essay
However, prioritizing science and technology in higher education ensures that students acquire skills that are in high demand, leading to better career prospects.
The ability to develop new ideas and find different ways to solve problems.
From the essay
Besides, nobody can really predict which areas of knowledge will be most useful to society in the future, and it may be that employers begin to value creative thinking skills above practical or technical skills.
