Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology

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Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
There is no doubt universities play a crucial role in educating society. However, while some believe that this education should be geared exclusively towards subjects that may be of practical use in the future, I would agree with those who argue that one’s choice of degree should lie with the student.
Firstly, it is vital that universities equip our workforce with scientists, engineers and other professionals that enable our society to progress. This is because a country without such experts is a country without the means to plan, create or maintain essential features of modern life. For instance, if we did not have university-educated engineers, we would not enjoy such public transport facilities and infrastructure as subways, trams and bridges. The argument goes that if students are allowed to choose what they want to study, then there will be a shortage of these important workers.
However, I believe allowing students to choose what they want to study is the only way to acquire motivated, passionate, and thus competent professionals. The reason for this is that free choice provides people with a sense of autonomy, and research has shown that autonomy is a necessary catalyst for drive and enthusiasm. As a result, students have the impetus to master their subject rather than merely aim for good enough. Conversely, if universities force students into one category of study, then the drive for mastery that would have come with pursuing their passions will disappear.
In conclusion, although it is of critical importance that universities continue to supply society with professionals in the fields of technology and science, I feel that it should be the student’s choice to do so on the basis that this will give them the motivation to excel in their work.


Some people prefer to live in a house, while others feel that there are more advantages to living in an apartment.
Are there more advantages than disadvantages of living in a house compared with living in
an apartment?
It is important for people to consider which type of accommodation they should live in. While some
believe it is better to live in a house, others feel that living in a flat offers more benefits. This essay
will explain why I believe the drawbacks of living in a house are outweighed by its positives when
compared to life in an apartment.

Considering firstly the negatives of houses, an important one is that this kind of accommodation

tends to be less secure. The vast majority of houses are only protected by a single or double lock
on the front door, with occasionally a rarely-activated burglar alarm inside. Furthermore, houses
are usually only one or two storeys high, low enough for a burglar to see through and enter via a
window. Contrast this with apartment blocks, which are frequently equipped with surveillance
cameras, security guards and other forms of criminal deterrence.

However, the main advantages of living in a house are that they are often more spacious and more

private. With regards to the former, houses typically have multiple rooms to allow plenty of space
for leisure and relaxation, which is especially useful for families with children. As for the latter, at
least in the case of detached houses, greater privacy is possible because noise does not carry
through one wall and into the neighbouring residence. Conversely, not only are flats generally
smaller, but they are also less private due to neighbours living in very close proximity.

In conclusion, I think that the advantages of space and privacy that come with living in a house

outweigh the disadvantages of less security in comparison with living in an apartment.