In recent times, many individuals pursue academic studies in college as they believe it leads to better job prospects and a higher income. However, some argue that it is necessary to encourage students to learn vocational skills like plumbing and electricians. I firmly agree with this notion, and in this essay, I will elaborate on the reasons for my stance.

Firstly, vocational skills are essential in the world we live in. We require a variety of professionals to assist us with daily necessities, such as fixing leaky pipes, electrical issues, and more. We often take these services for granted, but these professions play a crucial role in our lives. Encouraging young students to learn these skills not only equips them with practical knowledge but also helps in generating employment opportunities.

Secondly, vocational skills are not always given the same amount of importance as academic skills, despite being equally important. In a society that respects academic degrees more, those with vocational skills may find themselves struggling to gain recognition and a respectable income. By encouraging students to learn these skills, we promote the idea of equality, and that everyone’s contribution to society is valuable.

Lastly, learning a vocational skill does not negate academic studies but rather complements it. The combination of academic knowledge and practical skills gives individuals an advantage over those with just one of the two. These individuals can apply their knowledge in real-life situations, giving them a better understanding of the theory they learn in their academic studies.

In conclusion, vocational skills are vital and should be encouraged in students alongside academic studies. Learning a skill like plumbing or electrical work not only opens up opportunities but also creates a balance in society, where both academic and vocational skills are valued equally. It is time we start celebrating the importance of these professions and provide young individuals with the opportunity to learn and grow in these fields.

Vocabulary words:

• Pursue: to follow or chase after something with the intent of catching or achieving it.
• Prospects: the chances or possibilities for future success or advancement.
• Vocational: relating to an occupation or trade.
• Equips: to provide someone with the necessary knowledge or resources to do something.
• Generating: producing or creating something.
• Recognition: acknowledgment or appreciation for something that has been done.
• Respectable: worthy of respect or admiration.
• Complements: to enhance or improve something by combining it with another.
• Advantage: a circumstance or feature that makes something more beneficial or useful.

Linkers:

• Firstly: used to introduce the first point in a list or series.
• Secondly: used to introduce the second point in a list or series.
• Despite: used to contrast one thing with another or to introduce a surprising fact.
• By: used to indicate the means or method by which something is done.
• Lastly: used to introduce the final point in a list or series.
• In conclusion: used to signal the end of an argument and to summarize the main points.

Explanation: Vocabulary words are the key words used in an essay that convey the writer’s message. Linkers are used to connect different ideas and provide a structure to the essay. By extracting the vocabulary words and linkers from the essay, we can understand how the writer has structured their argument and the key points they are making. Understanding the vocabulary words and linkers also helps in improving one’s vocabulary and writing skills.