(IELTS ESSEY)Nations should spend more money on skills and vocational training for practical work, rather than on university education

Q: Nations should spend more money on skills and vocational training for practical work, rather than on university education.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Answer:  

Many today feel that countries should prioritise vocational training over higher education due to changes in the labour market. In my opinion, though there are strong economic reasons to support this idea, university education holds greater value.

Those in favour of more practical skills training point out the financial benefits. Most university graduates are burdened with student debt and face uncertain job prospects. In contrast, training schools are cheap, fast, and ease students into steady employment immediately. The jobs they train for are also most likely recession-proof and durable, including positions as cooks, hotel managers, and skilled technicians. Someone who is firmly established in such a job in their early 20s does not have to deal with the pressures associated with university life and its incumbent debts. Instead, they can begin to set aside money for a house or start a family.

Nonetheless, lacking a university degree limits one’s options. The jobs available will pay well initially and be secure but offer narrow scope for advancement and virtually no opportunity to switch career paths. An individual with a university degree, on the other hand, might begin from a lower position but has a higher ceiling on future earnings. It is also possible for them to explore a variety of fields. Most good jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree even for simple internship vacancies. Lacking such a degree, means restricting oneself to manual labour or service industry jobs. The actual learning that takes place at university, particularly for those with multi-disciplinary majors or studying at liberal arts schools, also encourages students to consider a wide range of possible career options.

In conclusion, increasing funding for vocational training is an attractive yet short-sighted approach that curbs possibilities. Governments ought to continue to support higher education even in dark economic times in order to reap future rewards.

Q: Governments in many countries have recently introduced special taxes on foods and beverages with high levels of sugar. Some think these taxes are a good idea while others disagree. Discuss both views and give you own opinion. 

Answer:

Across the world, many nations have implemented special taxes on foods and beverages with high sugar levels. While some people support this move, others oppose. In my opinion, imposing tax on sugary foods and drinks is a good idea as it improves public health and reduces the burden on public health care systems. 

On the one hand, many people support the special taxes on food items containing high levels of sugar mainly because this measure helps to maintain good health. In other words, the imposition of higher taxes reduces the consumption of sugary foods and beverages by increasing their price. Sugar in fact provides no nutrition and adds just ‘empty calories’ to human body, contributing to gain weight and disrupting the glucose levels of blood. So, obviously, this measure is in public interest as it will help individuals keep their health in control and avoid the adverse consequences of a sugar-rich diet, such as diabetes or obesity.  

On the other hand, some people opine that the government has no business interfering with people’s food choices. After all, adults are capable of choosing what is right and wrong for them. They maintain that if the government deliberately increases tax on sugary foods with the sole objective of making them unaffordable to people, it violates people’s rights. However, in my opinion, this argument does not hold much water because it is a well-known fact that sugary foods lead to health problems in people, and as the government spends the most on public health, it has the right to control the consumption of unhealthy foods. A lot of people even in developed countries depend entirely on public healthcare programs and hence if they eat whatever they want and end up in hospitals, it does not benefit anyone. 

In conclusion, I fully support the argument that the government should increase tax on sugary drinks and foods with the objective of reducing their consumption. These foods are known to cause health problems in people and, as such, their consumption should be controlled. 

Q: Some people think students should study the science of food and how to prepare it. Others think students should spend time on important subjects. Discuss both views and give your opinion. 

Answer:

There has been much controversy around the importance of studying food science and cooking. While some insist that schools should place more emphasis on teaching core subjects such as math or science, I would argue that food-related courses should also be an option in the curriculum. 

On the one hand, the core disciplines standard at most schools are imperative for one’s future career. These subjects give students basic knowledge in many areas, help them to land a good job and make it easier for them to transit into a professional environment. For example, logical thinking acquired during math lessons and critical thinking fostered by literature will make for a confident individual who is up for a challenge, able to solve problems, and ultimately able to make informed choices about their future. 

On the other hand, a solid understanding of food and cooking will benefit students immensely in many respects. Firstly, scientific knowledge about food encourages students to take a health-conscious approach to their diet. Students can see the value of healthy eating habits and know which foods are harmful to their physical health. Therefore, they are more likely to adopt a balanced diet rather than consuming junk food. Furthermore, equipping young people with the foundational knowledge of food science will build up their self-reliance and enable them to lead independent lives. Armed with a knowledge of food science, they will also be more capable of adjusting to living on their own because they can prepare nutritious home-made food without relying on fast food or processed food. 

In conclusion, I believe studying nutrition and food preparation is of paramount significance in leading a healthy and independent lifestyle. Thus, courses about food should be included as an option in the school curriculum.