IELTS Writing Task 2: University's Function - Providing Knowledge or Skills?

Universities play a crucial role in students' lives in this competitive world. However, whether universities should provide more academic knowledge or professional work skills to students is a controversial issue. I agree with the view that colleges should mainly teach basic knowledge for its own sake, which can benefit students more than teaching practical skills, for the following reasons.

To begin with, the basis of those practical skills is basic academic knowledge. Skill expertise is the process of using certain methods to achieve goals, and it should be guided by theories and principles. Pure knowledge is the first step to learning skills; without it, students have to put more effort into learning skills and may not be able to use them properly. Therefore, it is essential for universities to focus on theories and academic learning as a prerequisite for further study and work.

Moreover, students need a better academic performance to meet the requirements of applications and entry tests for their postgraduate education. A higher education experience can help them find jobs that provide higher salaries and more comfortable work environments. This is because most companies hire those with a strong academic background. For example, global companies like Amazon, Tencent, and Microsoft set up a series of job requirements that are difficult to achieve, in order to hire more excellent applicants. So, students need to gain more academic practice and higher scores provided by universities.

However, this does not mean that universities should not teach any job-related skills, as these can help students cope with work challenges and problems quickly, and increase their chances of finding a job. But unfortunately, many practical experiences can be learned through internships. Meanwhile, with the development of Artificial Intelligence, some basic work has already been replaced due to lower costs and better efficiency.

In conclusion, basic academic knowledge should be prioritized in universities, as it can create more possibilities and achievements in students' futures. Meanwhile, other aspects of education should also be considered, as they can expose students to the latest trends in work requirements and the needs of society. Only by doing so can universities develop fluently and positively.