Theoretical subjects should be removed from university curricula

IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Theoretical subjects such as mathematics, philosophy and economics should be removed from university curricula and replaced with practical subjects such as computer programming and engineering.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:
The question of whether or not theoretical courses like mathematics, philosophy and economics should strike off from university syllabus and replace with practical subjects such as computer programming and engineering has always been a massive debate. However, when it comes to the issue of knowledge, there are several types of knowledge and several ways of acquiring each type. In general, there are two types of knowledge; one is theory and the other one is the practical application of theory. Both kinds of knowledge are crucial and both make us better at whatever we do. In this context, I do not grab one aspect particularly too firmly. That is why I will look at both sides and the arguments for and against it.

To begin with, theoretical courses are designed to teach us the why. They are conducive to comprehend why one technique works where another fails. It shows us the whole kingdom of knowledge and helps us set strategy. Theoretical courses lead us to a deeper apprehending of a concept through seeing it in the backdrop of a greater whole and understanding the why behind it. However, university should not be the mere training center for corporate business. Of course, the university should provide the course that can be applied in solving real world problem. But, this does not mean that the university’s sole responsibility is to supply executives for corporations.

On the other hand, practical subject aids us to learn the particular techniques that become the tools of our trade.  It deals with our day-to-day work. These are something we can acquire through doing and experiencing. Practical subjects help us to understand a concept clearly through the act of doing and personal experience. There is not a shade of doubt that everybody has to engage in jobs in order to earn bread and in that case practical knowledge is utterly important. Therefore, university should offer practical subject related to job field at least to some extent.

All in all, I would like to say that both of the above are significant for us. We cannot survive in any career unless we can bring result and to do so we need practical knowledge. Again, learning how to solve a particular problem only teaches us how to solve that problem again. Practice can only make us efficient in dealing the problem. Whereas, theory helps us apply what we learnt solving one problem to different problem. So, what we need is a perfect combination of theoretical and practical courses.