Level: CEFR B2–B2+ | Question Type: Discussion Essay | Discuss Both Views and Give Your Own Opinion
1. IELTS Writing Task 2 — Question（题目）
Some people believe that university students should study subjects that will help them find good jobs in the future, while others think students should be free to choose subjects based on their personal interests.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
2. Sample Essay（参考范文）
Paragraph 1 — Introduction（引言段）
Some people argue that university students should choose subjects that improve their future job opportunities, while others believe that personal interests should guide their decisions. In my opinion, although employment opportunities are an important consideration, students should have the freedom to study subjects they are genuinely interested in.
Paragraph 2 — Body Paragraph 1（主体段一）
Those who support choosing subjects based on job opportunities believe that higher education should prepare students for employment. University education often requires a significant investment of time and money, so students naturally want to find stable and well-paid jobs after graduation. For example, degrees in engineering, medicine and computer science can provide students with specialised knowledge needed in particular industries. Studying subjects with clear career opportunities may also reduce the risk of unemployment and help graduates become financially independent. From this perspective, choosing a practical degree is a sensible way to prepare for the future.
Paragraph 3 — Body Paragraph 2（主体段二）
On the other hand, allowing students to follow their interests can lead to greater motivation and better academic performance. When students enjoy what they study, they are more likely to participate actively in classes, complete difficult assignments and develop a deeper understanding of their subjects. For instance, a student who is passionate about history may work harder in that field than in engineering, even if engineering offers better job opportunities. Furthermore, personal interests can develop into successful careers through dedication and further training. For these reasons, I believe students should make their own academic choices after carefully considering both their interests and future employment prospects.
Paragraph 4 — Conclusion（结论段）
In conclusion, choosing university subjects based on employment opportunities can offer financial security and clear career paths. However, I believe students should have the freedom to follow their personal interests, as motivation and genuine enthusiasm can contribute to both academic success and long-term career satisfaction.
Word Count: 301 words（全文约301词）
3. Essay Structure（文章结构）
| Paragraph 段落 | Main Idea 主要内容 |
| Introduction 引言段 | Introduce both views and state your own opinion. 介绍双方观点，并明确表达自己的立场。 |
| Body Paragraph 1 主体段一 | Explain why some people believe students should choose subjects based on future employment opportunities. 解释为什么一些人认为学生应该根据未来就业机会选择专业。 |
| Body Paragraph 2 主体段二 | Explain why others support choosing subjects based on personal interests, and support your own opinion. 解释为什么另一些人支持根据个人兴趣选择专业，并论证自己的立场。 |
| Conclusion 结论段 | Summarise both views and restate your opinion. 总结双方观点，并重申自己的立场。 |
4. Useful Writing Expressions（实用写作表达）
| Some people argue that… | 一些人认为…… |
| while others believe that… | 而另一些人认为…… |
| In my opinion, … | 在我看来…… |
| improve future job opportunities | 改善未来的就业机会 |
| be an important consideration | 是一个重要的考虑因素 |
| have the freedom to do something | 有做某事的自由 |
| a significant investment of time and money | 大量的时间和金钱投入 |
| prepare someone for employment | 使某人为就业做好准备 |
| reduce the risk of unemployment | 降低失业风险 |
| become financially independent | 实现经济独立 |
| On the other hand, … | 另一方面…… |
| be more likely to do something | 更有可能做某事 |
| develop a deeper understanding of something | 加深对某事的理解 |
| be passionate about something | 对某事充满热情 |
| contribute to something | 有助于某事 |
| long-term career satisfaction | 长期职业满意度 |
5. What Students Should Learn（学习重点）
This essay follows a clear four-paragraph structure and discusses two different views on choosing university subjects. The first body paragraph explains why employment opportunities are important when selecting a degree. The second body paragraph explains why personal interests should also influence students’ decisions and supports the writer’s own opinion.
The writer does not simply say that both views are reasonable. Instead, the introduction makes it clear that students should have the freedom to choose subjects based on their interests, while recognising that future employment opportunities deserve consideration.
这篇范文采用清晰的四段式结构，讨论大学生选择专业时应该优先考虑就业机会还是个人兴趣。
第一个主体段解释为什么就业前景是选择大学专业时的重要因素。第二个主体段说明个人兴趣为什么同样重要，并进一步支持作者自己的立场。
作者并没有简单地表示双方都有道理，而是在引言中明确指出：虽然就业前景值得考虑，但学生最终应该拥有根据个人兴趣选择专业的自由。
Teaching Focus（教学重点）：In a Discussion Essay, students should explain both views fairly and make their own position clear. Each body paragraph should focus on a different view, supported by relevant explanations and examples.
在 Discussion Essay 中，学生应当合理解释双方观点，并清楚表达自己的立场。两个主体段可以分别讨论不同观点，并通过相关解释和例子展开论证。
Important Difference（重要区别）：
Opinion Essay: The main task is to explain whether you agree or disagree with a statement.
观点类议论文：主要任务是说明自己是否同意题目中的观点，并解释原因。
Discussion Essay: The main task is to explain both sides of an argument and give your own opinion.
双方观点讨论类议论文：主要任务是讨论双方观点，并明确表达自己的看法。
Remember（记住）： Discussing both views does not mean you must support both views equally. You can favour one side, but you must explain both perspectives and maintain a clear position throughout the essay.
讨论双方观点并不意味着必须同等支持双方。你可以更赞同其中一方，但必须合理解释双方的观点，并在整篇文章中保持清晰一致的立场。