Essay 36 (Are universities producting more graduates?)

Some people believe that universities are producing more graduates than needed, and that less emphasis should be placed on university education. Others are of a different opinion. Discuss both views and include your own opinion.

University education does equip students with wider perspective about life and better general knowledge.  However, increasing number of university graduates find it hard to find employment and this raises the question whether university education should be given less importance.

On the one hand, many graduates from universities are not employable, yet skilled labour is in shortage in today’s growing industrial and business sectors.  This indicates the wrong emphasis given to tertiary education, whereas sufficient number of school graduates do not opt for technical education, as required by the job market.  This tendency would lead to further unemployment of the educated youth, which is already being experience in many parts of the world.  Evidences in many industrialised countries like Australia show that increasing number of graduates are forced to choose jobs that do not match their qualifications.  Moreover, as their knowledge is often not used, the huge investment that government makes for their education can go waste.

In contrast, there are those who believe that the purpose of education is not just to teach a trade.  Hence, university graduates, with their superior knowledge have a greater role to play for the development of the nation.  They are better equipped to take up leadership in many areas of social life.  Hence, they believe, the importance given to university education is justified. 

Nonetheless, viewing from a practical point of view, and the difficulties experienced by university degree holders in finding jobs, one needs to admit that universities churn out more graduates than required.  There are evidences that suitable job openings are scarce for large number of graduates and postgraduates in subjects like history, philosophy, language and even science.

In conclusion, although an excess in the number of university students may reflect the level of education in the country, it would create certain practical problems like unemployment among the educated youth and scarcity of skilled labour.

Words and phrases to study

equip

perspective

tertiary education

employable

scarce

job openings

excess

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The Pie Chart and Essay IELTS exam July 2011

June 2011 IELTS Academic Test

the percentages of household energy usage and greenhouse gas produced in Australia.

Task II

Every year rare languages disappear from the world. Some people say this is not important, because it is better to have fewer languages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Essay 35 (Who should handle enviro. damage)

Reducing global environmental damage should be handled by governments rather than individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The damage to the environment is increasing at an alarming rate mainly due to human activities.  Although a great deal of effort is being now made by governments all over the world, individuals also have a major role to play in the minimising global environmental hazards.

To start with, one of the major reasons for the pollution of the environment is the uncontrolled use of automobiles.  If individuals can make a conscious effort to change their lifestyle, by cutting down the use of private cars and use public transport, it would substantially reduce the burning of fossil fuels.  For instance, serious attempt should be made by individuals to travel to work regularly by buses and trains.  The lack of public support can seriously hamper any government endeavour towards the reduction of pollution.

Again, people use enormous amount of plastic in daily life, which is a hazardous pollutant of the soil.  Individuals can make a great contribution for the protection of the environment, opting for eco friendly substitutes.  An ideal way to do this is by using paper and cloth bags instead of plastic in supermarkets. 

Finally, people should gradually withdraw from excess consumerism, which has greatly contributed to the over exploitation of natural resources. This would mean that they should give greater priority to durable and reusable products in the shopping list, consequently discouraging ‘use and throw’ culture.

In conclusion, individuals have a crucial role in joining hands with the government in reducing the harm caused to the environment. 

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Recent IELTS Essay Questions (May 2011)

Some say that public health is important and there should be more sports facilities. Others say that they have small impact on individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Many people believe that teachers should also teach students how to judge right from wrong and how to behave, while others think they should just teach academic subjects. What is your opinion?

In many countries crime is increasing. What are the main reasons for this? What can be done to improve the situation? Support your position with relevant examples and include your own experience.

Reducing global environmental damage should be handled by governments rather than individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?