TOEFL & IELTS Writing

People attend university for many different reasons (for example, expanded knowledge, societal awareness, and enhanced interpersonal relationships). Why do you think people decide to go to university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

THE OUTLINE

I. The Thesis Statement

In my opinion, people in my country, Vietnam, choose to go to university because of three main reasons such as pursuing their academic interest, preparing for their future career, and enjoying social life.

II. Body

Paragraph 1

First of all, many people attend university to study a particular subject or field in which they are deeply interested.

- focus on the fields they are interested in

- explore them in depth

- take a variety of specialized courses in one discipline

Paragraph 2

Another common reason for people in my country to go to university is that college education often leads to a better career in the future.

- to find better-paid jobs than those without university degress

- to get higher and more attractive positions

- examples

Paragraph 3

Finally, for some students, making friends and enjoying social life can be a sufficient reason for staying in school for another four years.

- to meet diverse groups of people and learn about their lifestyles as well as perspectives.

- to have wide relations through numerous clubs and student organizations

- to improve social knowlege

III. Conclusion

In conclusion, going to university is a significant decision in life, and people may have different reasons for making that decision. They might decide to attend university to pursue their academic goals, to achieve a better career, to increase their knowledge or to develop friendships.

SAMPLE

Written by Nguyễn Hồng Anh

At one point or another in their high school lives, many students are faced with one big question: whether they should go to university. Some students say no to the question because they might think that higher education is not necessary for them or that they have something more meaningful to do. Other people say yes and spend the next four years in classrooms. Although the final decision these people make is the same, their reasons might vary. In my opinion, people in my country, Vietnam, choose to go to university because of three main reasons such as pursuing their academic interest, preparing for their future career, and enjoying social life.

First of all, many people attend university to study a particular subject or field in which they are deeply interested. University curriculums allow students to focus on the fields they are interested in and explore them in depth. In order to satisfy students’ desire to learn, universities offer a variety of specialized courses in one discipline and have knowledgeable professors to teach them. For example, a student who is interested in political science can study political systems, political thought, comparative politics, and many other subjects related to politics. Such a wide selection of courses and professors with expertise enable students to pursue their academic goals in the fields of their choice.

Another common reason for people in my country to go to university is that college education often leads to a better career in the future. As a matter of fact, in many countries, people with university degrees tend to find better-paid jobs than those without them. Companies usually offer higher salaries and more attractive positions to university graduates. In addition, some universities provide their students with opportunities to acquire practical skills that can be useful in the real world. For example, they offer courses in accounting, computing and foreign languages, as well as internship programs in which students can experience working in a company and learn business skills.

Finally, for some students, making friends and enjoying social life can be a sufficient reason for staying in school for another four years. Unlike high schools, in which the student population largely consists of young people living in the area, universities often attract students from different parts of the country and even from the world. University life offers chances to meet this diverse group of people and learn about their lifestyles as well as perspectives. Moreover, universities usually have numerous clubs and student organizations, such as sports teams, hobby groups, and social activity groups. Thus, universities can be places to meet people with different backgrounds and foster relationships.

In conclusion, going to university is a significant decision in life, and people may have different reasons for making that decision. They might decide to attend university to pursue their academic goals, to achieve a better career, to increase their knowledge or to develop friendships. Whatever the reason is, it is important for students to remember why they are in university and make the best of the opportunities the school provides them. If they do, the time they spend as university students will surely be one of the most meaningful periods of their life. I also promise to myself that I try to get enough knowledge when I have a chance to study at university so that I can ensure my future career and contribute something to the development of the country.

Written by Nguyễn Hồng Anh.