Some people think that universities should not provide so much theoretical   knowledge but give more practical training throughout their courses.

　　To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

　　Model Answer:

　　In the past, a majority of academics have held the opinion that   universities should only offer a theoretically-based approach to teaching   throughout their courses, as opposed to the more recent trend towards empirical   acquisition of knowledge involving more “hands on” experience. Is this the most   effective way for students to learn vital academic information while undertaking   their degrees? Undoubtedly, advantages and disadvantages of both academic   learning styles have to be evaluated.

　　Firstly, on the one hand, despite being the more traditional educational   approach, learning from theory in relevant academic discourses to identify   established knowledge allows us to gain a professional insight. For example,   students can easily identify facts and opinions from past discourses. In   addition, students acquire knowledge more easily when given relative theoretical   examples to build upon. For instance, in subjects such as history or sociology,   studying textbook examples allows students to unravel complex academic theories   which they could expand on. Alternatively, there are some disadvantages for   students.

　　On the other hand, there is no doubt that students could find themselves   reading tedious and monotonous academic papers. For instance, university degrees   involving the evaluation of numerous ‘long-winded’ academic discourses provide   little inspiration for students, discouraging enthusiasm. Obviously, interest   can be stimulated through empirical research in class. By this I mean that ‘the   human brain learns best by doing’. Although time-consuming, there is no   substitute for learning from making mistakes.

　　In conclusion, while both approaches have benefits and drawbacks in our   ever-changing academic world, I honestly believe that a more practical approach   promotes a stronger acquisition of academic knowledge. In spite of the   comprehensive nature which theoretical teaching can possibly provide, practical   learning equals more positive learning for future generations.