Introduction In today’s rapidly changing world, career paths are becoming increasingly flexible. Some people prefer to stay with one company for many years, valuing stability and loyalty, while others change jobs...
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This comprehensive guide will help you master the discursive essay format by exploring the perennial debate: should one change jobs frequently, or is it better to build a career within a single company? We will break down a model essay, analyze its structure, explain core concepts, and provide practical tips to help you achieve a top grade in your English VG1-VG3 exams. Understanding this essay type is crucial for demonstrating critical thinking and persuasive writing skills, making it a cornerstone of academic success.
The "Discuss both views and give your opinion" format is a cornerstone of the English VG1-VG3 written exam. It assesses your ability to think critically, structure an argument, and use language persuasively. This specific topic about career choices connects directly to the interdisciplinary theme of "Public Health and Life Skills" (Folkehelse og livsmestring), as navigating the labour market is a crucial life skill. Examiners use such tasks to evaluate not just your English proficiency, but also your maturity of thought.
Consider these concrete examples of how this skill is tested:
To write a successful discursive essay, you must understand its key building blocks. These concepts are the tools you use to construct a clear, coherent, and convincing argument. The model essay below effectively uses all of them.
| Concept | Definition & Purpose | Example from the Model Essay |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Statement | A single, clear sentence in your introduction that presents your main argument and states your opinion. It acts as a roadmap for the entire essay. | "...in my opinion, changing jobs periodically can lead to greater professional growth and personal satisfaction, provided it is done thoughtfully." |
| Topic Sentence | The first sentence of a body paragraph. It must introduce the main idea of that paragraph and link back to the overall thesis. | "Remaining in the same company for a long time offers a sense of security and stability." (This clearly signals the paragraph will discuss the benefits of loyalty.) |
| Counter-argument and Rebuttal | Acknowledging the opposing viewpoint (counter-argument) to show you have considered all sides, and then explaining why your own viewpoint is more convincing (rebuttal). | Paragraph 2 ("On the other hand, changing jobs regularly can offer faster career advancement...") serves as a full-paragraph counter-argument to the points made in Paragraph 1. |
| Synthesis | Moving beyond a simple "A is good, B is bad" structure by combining ideas to form a more nuanced and sophisticated conclusion. | "A balanced approach combines stability with flexibility." (This synthesizes the two opposing views into a new, more practical recommendation.) |
| Cohesive Devices (Linkers) | Words and phrases that connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, creating a smooth and logical flow for the reader. | "Furthermore...", "On the other hand...", "However...", "In contrast...", "In conclusion...". |
Below is a model essay structured to achieve a high grade. We'll examine each section to understand its function and how it contributes to a compelling argument.
In today’s rapidly changing world, career paths are becoming increasingly flexible. Some people prefer to stay with one company for many years, valuing stability and loyalty, while others change jobs frequently in search of new experiences and better opportunities. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages, but in my opinion, changing jobs periodically can lead to greater professional growth and personal satisfaction, provided it is done thoughtfully.
Remaining in the same company for a long time offers a sense of security and stability. Employees who build their careers within one organization often develop strong relationships with colleagues and gain a deep understanding of the company’s culture and goals. This familiarity can lead to promotions and long-term benefits such as pensions, health insurance, and job stability. Furthermore, employers value loyalty and experience, often rewarding long-term employees with trust and responsibility. For example, in traditional industries like banking or public service, long-term commitment is seen as a sign of professionalism and reliability. Staying in one company also reduces the stress and uncertainty associated with job transitions.
On the other hand, changing jobs regularly can offer faster career advancement and skill development. Each new position exposes employees to different challenges, work environments, and technologies, helping them build a more diverse and adaptable skill set. For instance, someone who moves between companies in the tech industry can gain experience in various systems and management styles, becoming more versatile and competitive. Additionally, job mobility often results in higher salaries, as new employers may offer better pay to attract skilled workers. For ambitious individuals, changing jobs can also prevent stagnation and keep motivation high through new learning opportunities.
However, both approaches have potential downsides. Staying too long in one company may lead to complacency or lack of innovation. Employees might become overly comfortable and miss out on better opportunities elsewhere. In contrast, changing jobs too frequently can create a negative impression, suggesting a lack of commitment or reliability. Employers may hesitate to hire someone with a history of short-term positions, fearing they will leave again soon. Therefore, the best career strategy depends on timing and purpose — changing jobs for growth rather than out of boredom or dissatisfaction.
A balanced approach combines stability with flexibility. Employees can remain loyal to an organization while still seeking internal growth, such as promotions, training, or transfers to different departments. At the same time, they should not fear exploring external opportunities when career progress stagnates. The key is to prioritize personal development and job satisfaction over rigid loyalty or restless change. In the modern economy, adaptability and lifelong learning are essential qualities, but they should be guided by thoughtful planning.
In conclusion, both staying in one company and changing jobs frequently have valid benefits and drawbacks. Long-term employment provides security and depth, while job mobility offers growth and variety. I believe that the best path lies in finding a balance—remaining loyal to a company as long as it supports personal and professional development, but being ready to move on when new opportunities offer greater fulfillment. In the end, a successful career is not about how often one changes jobs, but how much one learns and grows along the way.
Even with a good understanding of the topic, students can make mistakes that lower their grade. Here are three common pitfalls and how to avoid them. …