Section A: Directed Writing Read both texts and answer Question 1. Text A Arham, businessman While going to university can be useful, it is not the only path to success. Some of the most famous business people have made it without a university degree. When I left school, I didn't go to university; instead, I started working full-time in a clothing shop. I worked my way up to the role of manager and then, with all I had learnt, I opened my first shop. Now I own one of the biggest chains of clothing shops in the country. Even now, I make more money than a lot of my friends who went to university and, what's more, I didn't have to spend three years studying before I could start earning. In fact, I first got paid just a week after leaving school! For many students, university is simply too expensive; the cost of tuition, coursebooks, and living expenses can really add up. Young people can save a lot of money and avoid getting into debt by choosing to go straight into work. In many cases, experience and hard work are more important for success than academic qualifications. This was certainly true for me, and I'd encourage all young people who are about to leave school to think carefully about whether university is the right choice for them or whether they could take a different path to success. Text B Maryam, third-year university student I have personally gained so much from being at university. Firstly, university has given me the chance to learn more about myself and find out who I really am. Through my university course and extra-curricular activities, I've been able to discover my passions, which has helped me to decide on the career I'd like to have in the future. Having a university degree will also mean that I'll be able to earn more money while also doing a job that I know I'll enjoy. Being at university has given me all the essential skills and knowledge that I'll need in the future. My classes have given me the chance to learn and practise things like problem-solving, critical thinking and communication, which will help me to get the job I want. There are students at my university from all over the country, so being here has given me the chance to meet people I would never have met otherwise. I've made friends with lots of people who think like me, and I'm sure we'll be friends for life. I have loved my time so far at university, and to any school student thinking about whether or not to go to university, I would say 'Go for it!' as you definitely won't regret it.