IELTS Band 9 Essay About being highly qualified is the only way to ensure a well-paying job
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “being highly qualified is the only way to ensure a well-paying job”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.
Sample Answer (Band 9)
Some people are of the opinion that being highly qualified is the only way to ensure a well-paying job. While others believe that having work experience is the best way to get a well-paying job.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
The debate over whether academic qualifications or practical experience is more crucial for securing a well-paying job has been a contentious issue. While some argue that higher education is the key to success, others believe that hands-on experience holds greater value. Both perspectives have their merits, and a balanced view is essential to understand this complex issue.
On the one hand, proponents of academic qualifications argue that they provide a strong theoretical foundation, which is indispensable in many professions. For instance, fields such as medicine, engineering, and law require specialized knowledge that can only be acquired through formal education. Moreover, possessing a degree from a prestigious institution often enhances an individual’s credibility and employability, as employers tend to associate higher qualifications with greater competence. Additionally, academic achievements can open doors to lucrative career opportunities that are otherwise inaccessible.
On the other hand, advocates for practical experience emphasize its role in developing transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. Unlike theoretical knowledge, which may sometimes be abstract, work experience equips individuals with the ability to handle real-world challenges effectively. For example, in industries like marketing or entrepreneurship, hands-on experience is often more valuable than formal education, as success in these fields depends on creativity, networking, and practical insights. Furthermore, experienced professionals are often preferred for senior roles, as their track record demonstrates their ability to deliver results.
In my opinion, a combination of both academic qualifications and work experience is the most effective way to secure a well-paying job. While education provides the necessary knowledge and credentials, experience enhances one’s ability to apply that knowledge in practical settings. For instance, a candidate with a degree in business administration and several years of managerial experience is likely to be more attractive to employers than someone with only one of these attributes.
In conclusion, while academic qualifications and work experience each have their unique advantages, their synergy offers the best pathway to a successful and well-paying career. Individuals should strive to balance both aspects to maximize their potential in the competitive job market.
Selected Academic Vocabulary in the sample for being highly qualified is the only way to ensure a well-paying job
- Academic qualifications /ˌækəˈdɛmɪk ˌkwɒlɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz/
- Sentence: Academic qualifications are often considered a prerequisite for entry into professional fields.
- Practical experience /ˈpræktɪkəl ɪkˈspɪəriəns/
- Sentence: Employers value practical experience because it demonstrates an individual’s ability to perform in real-world scenarios.
- Specialized knowledge /ˈspɛʃəlaɪzd ˈnɒlɪdʒ/
- Sentence: Doctors require specialized knowledge to diagnose and treat medical conditions effectively.
- Prestigious institution /prɛˈstɪdʒəs ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃən/
- Sentence: Graduating from a prestigious institution can significantly enhance one’s career prospects.
- Transferable skills /trænsˈfɜːrəbl skɪlz/
- Sentence: Transferable skills such as communication and leadership are valuable across various industries.
Advanced Grammar Structures and Their Contribution to a Higher Band Score:
- Complex Sentences with Multiple Clauses:
- Example: “While some argue that higher education is the key to success, others believe that hands-on experience holds greater value.”
- Explanation: The use of contrasting clauses (“While some argue… others believe…”) demonstrates the ability to present balanced arguments, which is essential for a high band score.
- Conditional Sentences:
- Example: “If individuals possess both qualifications and experience, they are more likely to secure high-paying jobs.”
- Explanation: Conditional structures allow for the exploration of hypothetical scenarios, showcasing advanced grammatical range.
- Passive Voice:
- Example: “Academic achievements can open doors to lucrative career opportunities that are otherwise inaccessible.”
- Explanation: The passive voice is used to emphasize the outcome rather than the subject, adding sophistication to the writing.
- Comparative Structures:
- Example: “Work experience is often more valuable than formal education in creative fields.”
- Explanation: Comparative structures enable clear and effective comparisons, which are crucial for discussing opposing views.
- Nominalization:
- Example: “The acquisition of specialized knowledge is essential for success in technical professions.”
- Explanation: Nominalization (e.g., “acquisition” instead of “acquiring”) makes the writing more formal and concise, contributing to a higher band score.
Free IELTS Sample Essays with Answers PDF
Here you can download over a 1000 sample essays in pdf written by former ielts examiners: PDF 1 / PDF 2 / PDF 3 / PDF 4 / PDF 5
Last But Not Least!
We suggest a useful IELTS website in English for more valuable IELTS sample essays on a range of topics. Our final suggestion is our writing free correction Telegram channel where you can send your own sample for evaluation and correction by an experience IELTS tutor with over a decade of practical experience in this matter.
