Making an Argument 75

Some universities require students to take classes in many subjects.

Other universities require students to specialize in one subject. Which is
better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Universities offer opportunities to study many different subjects and

university students should take advantage of this. Studying many subjects
can help students better prepare for their careers. It can also help them
become responsible members of society and can add to their personal
enjoyment, as well.
Studying many subjects can help students be better prepared for their
careers. A doctor doesn’t need to know only about medicine, for example.
She also needs to know how to respond to patients’ emotional needs. She
might need to know about accounting and legal contracts so she can run her
own office. Each profession requires certain specialized skills, but all
professionals also need other, more general skills in order to do their jobs
well.
Studying many subjects can help students become more responsible
members of society. They need to understand the economic and social issues
of their communities so that they can vote responsibly. They might want to
do volunteer work at a community organization. They will need to be able to
educate their children, no matter what their children’s abilities and interests
are. They will need to know about more than just their profession in order to
do these things.
Studying many subjects can add a great deal of enjoyment to a
student’s life. If students understand art and music, they will get a lot of
enjoyment from museums and concerts. If they study literature, they will
continue to read good books. Life is about more than just career. If students
know about a lot of subjects, they will get a lot out of life.
Some university students think only about their careers. If the choice
is left to them, they might only study courses for their future profession.
They will have a much better future, however, if they study subjects in
addition to their career. Therefore, universities should require students to
take classes in many subjects. (314 words)