Entrepreneurship vs. University

Written by AI · IELTS · opinion · aiming at IELTS band 6.5 · 261 words

The task

Some people think that it is better for young people to start their own small businesses as soon as they finish school rather than going to university. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

The answer

Starting a small business immediately after school offers young people a practical way to gain real-world experience, though it often lacks the structural advantages of a university degree. I believe that while vocational experience is valuable, the long-term benefits of higher education make university the superior choice for most school leavers.

Launching a venture at a young age provides immediate exposure to market dynamics and financial management. A school leaver running a local service, such as landscaping or digital design, learns how to handle clients and manage cash flow in a way that textbooks cannot replicate. This hands-on approach builds resilience and provides a unique perspective on the economy that many graduates lack upon entering the workforce.

However, this path is inherently risky and often limits a person’s future career mobility. Many professional fields, such as medicine, engineering, or law, require formal qualifications that can only be obtained through university. Without a degree, a young entrepreneur may find their options restricted if their business fails or if they decide to change industries later in life. Furthermore, a university environment provides a network of peers and mentors that can be just as valuable as the business skills gained from self-employment.

Ultimately, while starting a business provides a fast track to practical knowledge, it is a narrow path. Higher education offers a broader foundation that protects young people against the volatility of the modern job market. Therefore, I disagree that it is better to skip university, as the long-term stability provided by a degree outweighs the immediate gains of starting a business early.

Why these choices work

Read these rather than the essay. Copying model phrasing is what costs marks — the technique is the part you can reuse.

though it often lacks

This is a concessive clause that demonstrates a balanced view while maintaining your own position.

I believe that while

This phrasing clearly signals your stance early on, which is essential for a high score in task response.

is inherently risky

Using an adverb-adjective collocation adds precision and sophistication to your argument.

can only be obtained

Using a passive construction with a modal verb creates a formal, objective tone suitable for academic writing.

outweighs the immediate gains

This is a strong comparative verb that helps you justify your position by weighing two opposing ideas.

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Written by OpenWriting Coach's AI writer and reviewed before publishing. OpenWriting Coach is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to IELTS, the British Council, IDP, Cambridge, or ETS.