Assignment | Grammar Point: Present Simple

Writing Task 2 Application – Opinion Essays

Objective: Use the present simple tense to express opinions, state general truths, and present arguments effectively.

Task:
Expand the following essay outline into complete sentences using the present simple tense appropriately.

Essay Outline:
Introduction:
• Many people __________ (have) different opinions about university education focus.
• The debate __________ (center) around academic versus practical approaches.
• This essay __________ (discuss) both perspectives and __________ (provide) my view.

Academic Focus Arguments:
• Academic subjects __________ (develop) critical thinking and analytical abilities.
• Students who __________ (study) theoretical concepts __________ (gain) deeper understanding.
• This approach __________ (prepare) graduates for research and innovation.
• Universities traditionally __________ (exist) to advance knowledge, not just for job training.

Practical Skills Arguments:
• Practical education __________ (equip) students with job-ready skills.
• Employers often __________ (prefer) graduates with hands-on experience.
• Technical knowledge quickly __________ (become) outdated in today’s fast-changing world.
• Many graduates __________ (struggle) to find jobs despite having academic degrees.

My Opinion:
• Both approaches __________ (offer) valuable benefits to students.
• The ideal education __________ (combine) theoretical and practical elements.
• This balanced approach __________ (ensure) graduates __________ (possess) both depth of understanding and applicable skills.
• Universities that __________ (integrate) both methods __________ (produce) more well-rounded graduates.


Sample Answer:
Introduction:
• Many people have different opinions about university education focus.
• The debate centers around academic versus practical approaches.
• This essay discusses both perspectives and provides my view.

Academic Focus Arguments:
• Academic subjects develop critical thinking and analytical abilities.
• Students who study theoretical concepts gain deeper understanding.
• This approach prepares graduates for research and innovation.
• Universities traditionally exist to advance knowledge, not just for job training.

Practical Skills Arguments:
• Practical education equips students with job-ready skills.
• Employers often prefer graduates with hands-on experience.
• Technical knowledge quickly becomes outdated in today’s fast-changing world.
• Many graduates struggle to find jobs despite having academic degrees.

My Opinion:
• Both approaches offer valuable benefits to students.
• The ideal education combines theoretical and practical elements.
• This balanced approach ensures graduates possess both depth of understanding and applicable skills.
• Universities that integrate both methods produce more well-rounded graduates.