Homework
Homework
DIRECTED WRITING
Marks: /
In this article, the writer discusses the experience and benefits of going to university.
Hannah Morrish tackles some of the common myths about student life and higher education.
Going to university to study for a degree is as invaluable now as it ever has been. Yes, there are
other paths you can follow, and it’s always worth considering your options, but don’t let anyone
put you off university if that’s what you want.
University is like everything in life: you only get out what you put in. So, inquisitive students who
are not afraid to work hard will leave fully rewarded, both in terms of personal satisfaction and
employability.
New evidence from the UK has revealed that three and a half years after leaving university, 96
per cent of graduates were in employment or undertaking further study. It’s true that a degree
itself is not enough to secure a job – employers are looking for solid communication skills,
experience of administration, initiative and commitment. These are skills you can acquire from
your overall university experience, if not from studying your chosen subject. Some universities
offer career weeks and careers advisors.
Many students will supplement their bank balances by working part-time, thus using their time
productively. But even if they are not picking up extra cash by working, students are generally
industrious and committed to developing themselves. Some set up new volunteering projects or
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create new societies and groups that bring people together. There is no excuse for watching
endless episodes of the latest TV series on your days off. Universities are excellent
environments for students to hone their leadership skills and inspire other students to do the
same. Don't believe me? Just join your university entrepreneurs’ society.
The financial cost of a degree can seem daunting, but this shouldn’t put you off. Loans are
available to cover both tuition fees and your living costs. Yes, the level of debt when you finish
your degree is difficult to ignore, but it’s often the case that you will barely notice the repayments
once you are earning a good salary.
However, it’s important not to think about university costs as simply paying for lectures and
seminars. You’ll have access to fantastic learning resources. Listening to experienced lecturers
means you learn about the latest research in their chosen fields. You’ll also get the opportunity
to be guided in your specialism, and receive expert feedback on your work.
Make the most of it. Education just for the sake of education shouldn’t be dismissed.
Text B
In the extract from a different article, three young people explain why they won’t be applying for
a university place.
Hazel: Since I don’t know what I want to do for my career, I couldn’t see a reason to go to
university. Instead, I’m going to give myself those three years to try out lots of different things
and work out what I really want to do. I want to try to find something I really love rather than
study something I might regret.
Ajay: Work experience while at school made me realise that I didn’t need to go to university. I
had intended to go to university, but faced with a choice of three years of studies, or going
straight into work and avoiding huge student debts, it seemed like an obvious choice. I talked
to my parents about it and we agreed it was better to get professional qualifications. I’m just
not someone who learns by sitting at a desk. I’ll miss the lazy student life perhaps, but I’ll still
have a social life.
Edon: I found school and exams overwhelming and knew I would not be able to cope with the
university workload. I do not want to live knowing that I have massive debts to pay back. My
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parents used to say if you have a degree you’ll be paid more, but it’s my decision. I’m trying to
find work but many young people are trying to find summer jobs at the same time. Almost all
of my friends are going to university. It does make me feel jealous, but I’ll try to make the best
of any situation I end up in.
Read carefully the two texts above and then answer this question:
Base your letter on what you have read in the article and extract, but be careful to use your own
words. Address each of the bullet points.
Begin your letter, ‘Dear …’ Write about 250 to 350 words. Up to 15 marks are available for the
content of your answer, and up to 25 marks for the quality of your writing
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