University Education vs Work Experience for a Career

Many people say that the only way to guarantee a good job is to complete a course of university education. Others claim that it is better to start work after school and gain experience in the world of work. How far do you agree or disagree with the above views? Give reason for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Annotated response

7 correction notes

Showing 7 correction notes.

It is probably true to say that most people believe that a university degree is the only way to get a good job. I think this is true in certain areas, while in other areas, a degree is not as useful.

To begin with, many people have ambitions to become a qualified professional and there is no doubt that becoming a doctor or a lawyer, for example, is only possible with a degree. Another advantage of graduating from university is that it when it comes to choosing a job. Most employers will be more impressed by a candidate who has a degree than they would be by one who only has high school qualifications because it shows a certain level of intelligence and education, as well as the commitment and self-discipline that is needed a degree course for three or four years.

On the other hand, there might be some benefit to starting your career early, especially if is one which does not typically require a university education. This would apply to somebody who wants to be a for instance, who would not necessarily gain anything from going to university. while others are studying for a degree can give you a distinct advantage. I once read about a man who left school at sixteen and went on to become a wealthy and successful investment broker. He claimed that he had learned all he needed to know by working in his chosen field and that he could not have done any better by getting a degree.

So, to conclude, it is possible to get a good job without going to university. Having said that, some professions, such as the law, require you to have a degree and as degree could potentially open more doors when looking for a job.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The response directly addresses the question, presents a clear qualified position, and develops both sides with relevant examples, including a personal anecdote. Its strongest aspect is the balanced, well-organised argument with largely natural language. The main limitation is that the position and examples remain somewhat conventional and could be extended with deeper analysis for a higher band.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

Task Response

7.0

The response addresses both views, presents a clear qualified position throughout, and supports main ideas with relevant examples, though the development is sometimes conventional rather than fully extended.

Coherence and Cohesion

7.0

The argument progresses logically through well-managed paragraphs with a range of cohesive devices used naturally, with only occasional slight overuse of formulaic linkers.

Lexical Resource

7.0

The response uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some natural collocations such as 'hands-on experience' and 'open more doors', with only minor imprecision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.0

A variety of complex structures is used with good flexibility and generally strong accuracy, with occasional minor errors such as inconsistent capitalisation and punctuation.