Some people think that to lead a successful life, a university degree is important. Others believe that this is no longer true nowadays. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Submitted by: Mischele Anderson

Introduction

The question of whether a university degree is essential for a successful life has sparked considerable debate in recent years. While some argue that higher education provides the necessary foundation for career achievement, others contend that practical skills, experience, and personal qualities are increasingly more important. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.

Strengths and Weaknesses Table

Criteria	Strengths	Weaknesses / Limitations
Task Response	Clearly paraphrases the question; outlines what the essay will discuss; shows awareness of two perspectives.	Slightly generic phrasing; could include a hint of personal stance for stronger preview.
Coherence & Cohesion	Logical flow; clear connection between sentences; cohesive devices “While…others contend” used.	Could use a stronger concluding sentence to finish introduction.
Lexical Resource	Phrases like considerable debate, foundation for career achievement show lexical range.	Limited variety of more advanced connectors (e.g., “notwithstanding this”).
Grammar / Accuracy	Correct sentence structures; variety in complex sentences.	Minor simplifications; no conditional or passive structures here, which could elevate score.

Paragraph 1: Supporting the Degree

On one hand, proponents of formal education assert that a degree equips individuals with specialised knowledge and critical thinking skills. In professions such as medicine, engineering, and law, a university qualification is a requirement, and it can also enhance career prospects, higher salaries, and social recognition. Moreover, employers often view a degree as a signal of discipline, commitment, and intellectual ability. For many people, therefore, obtaining a degree is considered a key step toward long-term professional success.

Strengths and Weaknesses Table

Criteria	Strengths	Weaknesses / Limitations
Task Response	Directly addresses one side; supports argument with specific examples (medicine, engineering, law).	Could develop the idea of why it improves social recognition further.
Coherence & Cohesion	Good use of cohesive devices (On one hand, Moreover, therefore).	Some sentences are slightly long; minor risk of losing reader focus.
Lexical Resource	Uses formal vocabulary: proponents, equip, specialised, discipline, commitment.	Could include a few more idiomatic expressions or synonyms for “degree” to vary language.
Grammar / Accuracy	Mostly accurate; complex sentences used correctly.	Slight repetition of “degree” could be reduced.

Paragraph 2: Against the Degree

On the other hand, critics argue that a degree is no longer the only path to achievement. In today’s knowledge-driven economy, practical skills, creativity, and experience are highly valued. Successful entrepreneurs, including figures like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, illustrate that innovation and determination can compensate for a lack of formal education. Furthermore, the rise of online courses, vocational training, and digital portfolios allows individuals to acquire in-demand skills outside of traditional universities, often at a lower cost and with more flexibility.

Strengths and Weaknesses Table

Criteria	Strengths	Weaknesses / Limitations
Task Response	Strong counterargument; includes concrete examples; addresses modern context.	Could briefly acknowledge which types of careers still benefit from degrees.
Coherence & Cohesion	Cohesive devices used (On the other hand, Furthermore); smooth progression of ideas.	Minor repetition of “skills” – could use synonyms like “competencies” or “abilities.”
Lexical Resource	Advanced vocabulary: knowledge-driven economy, illustrate, compensate, in-demand.	Some sentences could incorporate more complex clauses to elevate range.
Grammar / Accuracy	Accurate grammar; correct complex sentence structures.	Could use more passive or conditional structures for higher-level grammatical variety.

Paragraph 3: Opinion / Balance

In my opinion, both perspectives have merit, but the relative importance of a degree depends on context. While a university qualification can be crucial in certain regulated professions, success in many modern industries is determined more by initiative, problem-solving skills, and perseverance. Ultimately, a combination of formal education, practical experience, and personal dedication is likely to produce the most successful outcomes.

Strengths and Weaknesses Table

Criteria	Strengths	Weaknesses / Limitations
Task Response	Clear personal opinion; synthesizes previous arguments; shows nuanced understanding.	Could give a brief example to illustrate the balance (e.g., IT vs medicine).
Coherence & Cohesion	Cohesive devices: Ultimately, while…, more by. Logical progression of ideas.	Slightly formal tone; could add a linking phrase to connect to conclusion.
Lexical Resource	Formal and precise: merit, relative importance, regulated professions, perseverance.	Could add one idiomatic expression or phrasal verb to vary style.
Grammar / Accuracy	Accurate use of conditionals and modals: depends on, can be crucial, is likely to.	Sentence complexity could be slightly higher for Band 8.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a university degree can be an important asset, but it is not the only route to success. In today’s dynamic world, personal skills, experience, and hard work are equally, if not more, significant in shaping one’s achievements.

Strengths and Weaknesses Table

Criteria	Strengths	Weaknesses / Limitations
Task Response	Summarizes essay effectively; reinforces opinion; answers the question fully.	Could be slightly longer with a final reflective comment for stronger impact.
Coherence & Cohesion	Logical ending; cohesive devices: In conclusion, equally, if not more.	Limited sentence variety – one complex sentence could elevate score.
Lexical Resource	Precise language: asset, route, dynamic world, significant.	Could include one more high-level synonym for “success” or “achievements.”
Grammar / Accuracy	Correct grammar; accurate punctuation and sentence structure.	Could vary sentence openings for stylistic effect.