Some people think having a university degree is the best way to secure a good
job. However, others believe skills and experience are more important.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
In an increasingly competitive and dynamic job market, the question of whether a
university degree or practical experience holds greater value has sparked considerable
debate. While some contend that formal academic qualifications are essential for
securing desirable employment, others assert that demonstrable skills and hands-on
experience carry greater weight in the modern workforce. This essay will explore both
perspectives before articulating my own stance.
Proponents of university education argue that a degree remains a fundamental
prerequisite for entry into many professions, particularly those that demand rigorous
theoretical knowledge. Fields such as medicine, law, and engineering require not only
specialized expertise but also adherence to professional standards—both of which are
cultivated through structured academic training. Furthermore, a degree often symbolizes
discipline, analytical capability, and a commitment to long-term goals, qualities that are
highly prized by employers. In numerous countries, possessing a university qualification
is not merely advantageous but mandatory for consideration in certain sectors.
Conversely, there is a growing school of thought that emphasizes the superiority of
practical skills and experiential learning. In rapidly evolving industries like information
technology, digital media, and entrepreneurship, adaptability, creativity, and problem-
solving abilities frequently eclipse the value of academic credentials. For instance,
countless tech innovators have disrupted traditional markets and built successful
enterprises without ever completing a formal degree. Their success illustrates that real-
world experience, when paired with initiative and critical thinking, can yield results that
conventional education may not always guarantee.
Personally, I contend that while academic qualifications serve as a useful foundation,
they are no longer sufficient on their own. The most competitive candidates are those
who can synthesize theoretical knowledge with practical application. Integrating
academic learning with internships, freelance projects, or vocational training not only
enhances employability but also prepares individuals to navigate complex professional
environments with confidence and competence.
In conclusion, although a university degree can be instrumental in certain careers, the
evolving nature of work increasingly demands a blend of academic rigor and experiential
insight. For optimal success in the job market, individuals must strive to cultivate both.
📊 IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Descriptors Breakdown
1. Task Response – Band 9
Fully addresses all parts of the task:
o The essay clearly discusses both views and presents a strong personal opinion.
o All arguments are well-developed with relevant examples and justifications.
Clear position throughout: The opinion is consistent and supported logically.
No repetition or off-topic content.
2. Coherence and Cohesion – Band 9
Logically organised ideas throughout.
Paragraphs flow smoothly with a clear progression from introduction to conclusion.
Uses a wide range of cohesive devices naturally and accurately: e.g., Proponents
of..., Conversely, For instance, Personally, In conclusion...
No overuse or mechanical linking.
3. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary) – Band 9
Demonstrates a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary: Prerequisite, analytical
capability, experiential learning, synthesize, disrupt markets, cultivate both...
Uses precise and appropriate collocations: Rigorous theoretical knowledge,
demonstrable skills, academic rigor, vocational training.
No spelling or word choice errors.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Band 9
Uses a wide variety of complex sentence structures with full accuracy: e.g., While
some contend that..., Proponents argue that..., Personally, I contend that...
Flawless grammar throughout—no punctuation, tense, or agreement mistakes.
Balanced use of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
This essay meets the highest standards in clarity, argument strength, language
precision, and task fulfillment. It's not just correct—it's elegant and persuasive, as
expected at a Band 9 level.
Comprehensive Outline of Linking Words
1. Addition Linking Words
These linking words add information, ideas, or examples to the points already made. They
are essential for expanding on thoughts and building a more detailed argument.
1.1 Moreover
1.2 In addition
1.3 Furthermore
1.4 Additionally
1.5 As well as
1.6 Not only…but also
1.7 What’s more
1.8 Besides
1.9 In fact
1.10 Also
2. Contrast Linking Words
Contrast linking words are used to show differences, contradictions, or opposing ideas.
They help structure arguments by showing how two points diverge from one another.
2.1 However
2.2 On the other hand
2.3 Nevertheless
2.4 Although
2.5 In contrast
2.6 Whereas
2.7 On the contrary
2.8 Despite
2.9 Even though
2.10 Though
2.11 While
2.12 But
2.13 Yet
3. Cause and Effect Linking Words
These words show the relationship between causes and effects, explaining why
something happens or the result of an action or event.
3.1 Because
3.2 Since
3.3 As
3.4 Due to
3.5 Owing to
3.6 Therefore
3.7 Thus
3.8 As a result
3.9 Consequently
3.10 Hence
3.11 So
3.12 For this reason
3.13 Accordingly
3.14 In view of
4. Comparison Linking Words
These linking words are used to highlight similarities or make comparisons between
ideas, events, or things.
4.1 Similarly
4.2 In the same way
4.3 Likewise
4.4 Just as
4.5 Equally
4.6 As…as
4.7 In comparison
4.8 Just like
4.9 In a similar way
5. Concession Linking Words
Concession words are used to acknowledge or admit an opposing point of view, often
while still reinforcing the original argument.
5.1 Although
5.2 Even though
5.3 Though
5.4 Despite
5.5 In spite of
5.6 Admittedly
5.7 Nevertheless
5.8 Nonetheless
5.9 Regardless
5.10 Be that as it may
6. Time Linking Words
Time linking words help to establish the relationship between actions or events over
time, showing the order in which they occur.
6.1 Before
6.2 After
6.3 When
6.4 While
6.5 As soon as
6.6 Once
6.7 Meanwhile
6.8 Simultaneously
6.9 Eventually
6.10 At the same time
6.11 Subsequently
6.12 Previously
6.13 Initially
6.14 In the meantime
7. Purpose Linking Words
Purpose linking words are used to show the reason or intention behind an action or
event.
7.1 In order to
7.2 So as to
7.3 For the purpose of
7.4 So that
7.5 With the intention of
7.6 For the sake of
7.7 To
7.8 In an effort to
7.9 With a view to
8. Condition Linking Words
These words express conditions that must be met for something to happen or for an
action to take place.
8.1 If
8.2 Unless
8.3 Provided that
8.4 As long as
8.5 In case
8.6 On the condition that
8.7 If and only if
8.8 Supposing that
8.9 Given that
8.10 Should
9. Example Linking Words
These linking words help to introduce examples that clarify or illustrate an argument or
statement.
9.1 For example
9.2 For instance
9.3 Such as
9.4 Like
9.5 Namely
9.6 To illustrate
9.7 In particular
9.8 That is to say
9.9 As an illustration
10. Conclusion Linking Words
Conclusion words are used to summarize or conclude an argument, point, or idea.
10.1 In conclusion
10.2 To sum up
10.3 Finally
10.4 In summary
10.5 All in all
10.6 Overall
10.7 Thus
10.8 Hence
10.9 In brief
10.10 To conclude
10.11 As a result
10.12 In short
11. Emphasis Linking Words
These linking words are used to emphasize a point, idea, or fact, making it stand out
more clearly.
11.1 Indeed
11.2 In fact
11.3 Of course
11.4 Especially
11.5 Particularly
11.6 Above all
11.7 Notably
11.8 Significantly
11.9 Without a doubt
11.10 Undoubtedly
11.11 Clearly
12. Clarification Linking Words
Clarification words are used to make the meaning clearer, explaining or interpreting
what was just said.
12.1 In other words
12.2 That is to say
12.3 To put it another way
12.4 Namely
12.5 To clarify
13. Contrast Linking Words (Alternative)
This category is for words and phrases that present alternatives or options that contrast
with the previous statement.
13.1 Alternatively
13.2 Otherwise
13.3 On the other hand
13.4 Instead
13.5 In contrast
13.6 By contrast
13.7 Or else
14. Result Linking Words
Result linking words describe the outcome or consequence of a situation or action.
14.1 Therefore
14.2 Thus
14.3 As a result
14.4 Consequently
14.5 Hence
14.6 Accordingly
14.7 For this reason
