You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer. What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. Write at least 250 words. 

MODEL ANSWER>>> 

There exists a healthy debate whether the real function of a university is to equip students for career or to deliver knowledge, rather than focusing on a specific objective. Both the views are significant and relevant to the situation, which are discussed in detail in the ensuing paragraphs.

When analysed in the former group’s perspective, the job requirements today are entirely different from the traditional demands. For example, the demand professionals in the field of computer science in a particular firm is far more when compared to the demand of primary school teachers a 100 km radius. Therefore, it is the responsibility of universities to supply employees to these sectors.  Another reason is that today’s work sector is much competitive and requires deep knowledge and skills in the specific area. In this situation, universities should focus on courses which best fit the job requirement of an employer.

However, others feel that knowledge deliverance should be considered as the prime objective of any university because it would mould a person responsible citizen in addition to a productive citizen. To be precise, when a person becomes an expert surgeon, and knows very little about the social responsibilities and commitments, he is more likely to focus on just economic benefits ignoring the social welfare and ethics. Another benefit is that when a person is educated in a wholesome way, he can take up an alternate job in case of a crisis or even can do multiple jobs if demand arises. These people are least likely to encounter a setback in their professional life.

To conclude, it is clear that in order to equip people to assume a decent job in today’s society, universities should focus on the requirements of the workplace. At the same time, it is always good for universities to have more options in order to train multiple talents.