IELTS Writing Task 2 – Should Universities Focus Only on Practical Degrees?

With rising university fees and competitive job markets, many students and parents question the value of studying arts subjects like philosophy and history. Some argue that universities should focus only on practical degrees that improve employment prospects.

In IELTS Writing Task 2, this is a “To what extent do you agree or disagree?” question. Candidates must evaluate the value of arts education versus practical degrees and present a clear opinion.

This blog provides a step-by-step guide including question breakdown, essay planning for three approaches (agree, disagree, balanced), high-band sample essays, key vocabulary, and final tips to achieve Band 9.

Question Breakdown

Rising university fees and scarce employment prospects for graduates have led some people to say that universities should not teach arts subjects, like philosophy and history, and only offer practical degree courses that maximise chances of employment. Do you agree or disagree?

Task Type: Agree/Disagree Essay

Key Focus:

• Arts subjects: philosophy, history, literature
• Practical degrees: engineering, business, IT, medicine
• Consider whether universities should prioritize employability over arts education

Considerations:

• Benefits of arts degrees: critical thinking, cultural understanding, creativity
• Benefits of practical degrees: employability, career readiness, income potential
• Role of universities in society: broad education vs vocational training

Essay Planning

Plan 1: Agree Only (Universities Should Focus on Practical Degrees)

Introduction: Arts degrees are less valuable in today’s job market; practical degrees ensure better career prospects.
Body 1: Rising tuition fees make it essential to choose courses with high employability; arts subjects rarely lead directly to well-paid jobs.
Body 2: Practical degrees equip students with job-ready skills in industries like IT, engineering, and healthcare, providing a better return on investment.
Conclusion: Universities should prioritize practical degrees to align with economic realities and student needs.

Plan 2: Disagree Only (Arts Subjects Should Continue)

Introduction: Arts degrees remain essential for a well-rounded education despite employment concerns.
Body 1: Arts subjects foster critical thinking, creativity, and ethical reasoning, which are valuable in any career.
Body 2: Many graduates succeed in diverse fields regardless of degree; limiting education to practical subjects narrows intellectual development.
Conclusion: Universities should continue offering arts subjects alongside practical degrees to ensure holistic education.

Plan 3: Balanced Approach

Introduction: Both arts and practical degrees offer value; universities should maintain a balance.
Body 1: Agree – practical degrees increase employability and help students recover the cost of higher education.
Body 2: Disagree – arts subjects develop transferable skills and critical thinking necessary for innovation and societal understanding.
Conclusion: Universities should offer both types of courses, allowing students to choose according to career goals and personal interests.

High Band Sample Essays (≥250 words)

Sample Essay 1 – Agree Only

Rising university fees and the scarcity of employment opportunities have led some to question the value of arts degrees. I strongly agree that universities should focus primarily on practical degrees that maximise graduates’ chances of securing employment.

Firstly, tuition costs have skyrocketed in recent years, making students more conscious of the return on their educational investment. Degrees in arts subjects such as philosophy or history rarely lead directly to well-paying jobs, leaving many graduates struggling with debt and limited career prospects. For example, while an engineering or computer science graduate is likely to find a job quickly, a philosophy graduate may face prolonged unemployment.

Secondly, practical degrees equip students with specific, job-ready skills. Courses in fields such as healthcare, IT, and business prepare students for immediate integration into the workforce, ensuring that education serves economic as well as personal development objectives. Given the competitive job market, universities have a responsibility to produce graduates who can contribute productively to society.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that universities should prioritise practical degrees that provide tangible employment opportunities. While arts subjects have cultural value, the economic realities of higher education demand a focus on career-oriented courses.

Sample Essay 2 – Disagree Only

While employment prospects are important, I disagree with the notion that universities should abandon arts subjects entirely. Arts degrees play a crucial role in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and cultural understanding, all of which are essential for personal and professional growth.

Firstly, studying arts subjects develops transferable skills. Philosophy encourages logical reasoning, history cultivates analytical abilities, and literature enhances communication skills. These competencies are valuable across various sectors, including business, media, and public service, demonstrating that employability is not limited to practical degrees.

Secondly, restricting universities to practical courses narrows intellectual development. Higher education should broaden students’ perspectives and encourage lifelong learning. Many successful professionals, including entrepreneurs and leaders, have backgrounds in arts disciplines, proving that practical employment is not the sole measure of an academic degree’s value.

In conclusion, arts subjects should continue to be offered alongside practical degrees. They enrich education, foster critical thinking, and equip students with versatile skills that remain valuable in the modern workforce.

Sample Essay 3 – Balanced Approach

The debate over whether universities should teach only practical degrees or continue offering arts subjects is complex. I believe that while practical degrees are crucial for employability, arts courses provide essential skills and should not be abandoned.

On one hand, practical degrees such as engineering, medicine, and IT prepare students for specific careers and allow them to repay rising tuition fees. These courses develop technical skills that align with market demand and provide a clear pathway to employment.

On the other hand, arts subjects cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning. Students who study philosophy, history, or literature acquire transferable skills that are valuable in diverse professions, including management, journalism, and public service. Ignoring arts education risks producing graduates who lack broader perspectives and problem-solving abilities.

In my view, universities should offer both practical and arts degrees. This approach allows students to choose courses that suit their career aspirations while ensuring a well-rounded and intellectually rich education.

Key Vocabulary

• Practical degrees – vocational courses, career-oriented programs
• Arts subjects – humanities, philosophy, history, literature
• Transferable skills – critical thinking, communication, problem-solving abilities
• Job-ready skills – employable skills, technical expertise
• Return on investment – benefits relative to cost, economic value of education
• Tuition fees – university costs, higher education expenses
• Holistic education – well-rounded learning, intellectual development
• Career prospects – employment opportunities, job potential
• Lifelong learning – continuous education, ongoing skill development

Final Tips for IELTS Candidates

1. Analyse the question carefully – decide if your essay will fully agree, disagree, or adopt a balanced stance.
2. Use specific examples – mention subjects, career paths, or industries to strengthen arguments.
3. Include academic vocabulary – words like practical degrees, transferable skills, job-ready improve lexical range.
4. Structure your essay clearly – introduction, 2–3 body paragraphs, conclusion.
5. Use cohesive devices – for instance, on the other hand, moreover, in conclusion to enhance coherence.
6. Keep word count between 250–300 words – ensures full coverage without unnecessary repetition.
7. Plan before writing – outline key arguments to maintain clarity and logical flow.

✅ By following these strategies and using the sample essays as templates, candidates can confidently approach IELTS Writing Task 2 essays on arts vs practical degrees, employment, and university education, aiming for a high band score.

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