IELTS Writing Task 2 – Band 8.0 Sample

Enrolment in humanities subjects such as history, literature and philosophy has fallen steadily in many universities. This decline is largely driven by economic pressures, and I believe it matters a great deal because these disciplines develop skills that society cannot afford to lose.

The main reason for this trend is the rising cost of higher education. Students who take on large loans understandably want degrees that lead directly to well-paid jobs, and fields such as computer science, engineering and business appear to offer a clearer return on investment. In addition, parents and governments often portray the humanities as impractical, and some universities have cut funding for these departments, reinforcing the perception that they are less valuable. Job advertisements, too, rarely mention these degrees by name.

Nevertheless, this shift is a cause for concern. Studying history helps citizens understand the roots of current conflicts and avoid repeating past mistakes, while literature cultivates empathy by allowing readers to see the world through other people's eyes. Philosophy, meanwhile, trains students to construct logical arguments and question assumptions. These abilities are essential in an era of misinformation, when voters must evaluate competing claims. Even employers in the technology sector increasingly seek graduates who can communicate clearly and think critically.

To reverse this trend, universities could offer interdisciplinary programmes combining humanities with technical subjects, and governments could provide scholarships for students who pursue these fields. Such reforms would show that the humanities and practical careers are not mutually exclusive.

In conclusion, fewer students are choosing the humanities mainly for financial reasons. This matters because a society that neglects history, literature and philosophy risks producing citizens who are skilled but poorly equipped to think deeply about ethical and political questions.