Taking a “gap year” off between high school and university has become a popular option among many young people. This time off provides a break after many years of formal study. Some students use this time to travel around the world, others volunteer and still others begin working. The idea behind each of these activities is to do something hands-on and refreshing, which enables young people to learn more about themselves and their place in the world around them.
The benefits of taking a year off are plentiful. On a personal level, students who travel away from home develop their independence and self-confidence. On a cultural level, they learn about viewpoints, traditions and perspectives different from their own. Professionally, students get a taste of diverse workplaces, which might inspire a possible career interest. Intellectually, they examine their own beliefs and ideas in relation to those of others in a new environment. All these advantages combine to make a strong case for taking the one-year break.
Nevertheless, there are also dangers involved in taking such a long break. Academically, the main drawback is that students can get sidetracked from their studies. A year is a long time and students could lose the good study habits and sense of discipline they had when they were in a formal academic structure. If they begin working, they could also be deluded into thinking that they’re making a lot of money. They could lose the benefit of college or university education and the chance to earn a higher income all their lives.
In conclusion, whether to take a year-long break or not is an individual decision. Each young person should consider his or her motivations carefully and decide on what’s most desirable. Time is a precious resource and people of all ages, including young people, should treat it with respect
Robots and artificial intelligent are being developed to replace human in the workplace. Why is this happening? Do you think this will have a positive or negative impact on society?
Today more people put personal and private information (address, telephone and plastic card numbers) online to do their daily activities such as banking, shopping, and socializing. Is this a positive or negative development?
Some countries have introduced a law to limit working hours for employees. Why is this law introduced? Do you think it is a positive or a negative development?
Some people are interested in finding out about their family history. why do people want to do this? Do you think it is positive or negative development?
The map below shows the development of the village of Rynemouth between 1995 and the present.
In many cities, CCTV cameras are being used in order to tackle crime. Is this a positive or a negative development?
Some people believe that **single-sex schools are more beneficial to students because they achieve better academic results.** Others, however, **argue that mixed schools are better since students can develop better social skills**. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
One of the widely discussed issues nowadays is that governments of wealthy countries should take more obligation for assisting impoverished countries in such areas. Now people are beginning to realize that development depends on the joint efforts of a large number of different groups.
Social media has completely changed the way family and friends communicate with each other. What ore the reasons for this? Is this a positive or negative development?
Why is this In recent years, there has been a rise in the popularity of second-hand clothing amongst younger generations. Why is this happening? Do you think it's a positive or negative development?
Many developed countries are helping poor countries in the world.Some people insist financial aid cannot boost their economy alone.To what extent do you agree with this statement.
The maps below show how a coastal town developed between 1950 and 2007. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features.
Some people spend large amount of money to buy tickets for sport or cultural events, it this a positive or negative development.
some people opine that it is more important to spend time in developing a successful career. while, others think that it is more important to spend time with friends and family. Discuss both the views and give your opinion.
The plans below show information about a coal mine before and after redevelopment as a visitor attraction. Summarise the information in the maps.
In many countries, people can eat a wide variety of food today. As a result, they eat more food from other regions than local food. Do you think the advantages of the development outweigh disadvantages?
The maps demonstrate the development of Islip town center from the present to the future.
Despite huge improvements in healthcare, the overall standard of physical health in many developed countries is now falling. What are the reasons for this and how can the problem be tackled?
In many countries, people like to eat a wider variety of food than can be grown in their local area. As a result, much of the food people eat today has to come from other regions. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
Many young people are leaving their home in rural area to study or work in cities.What are the reasons? Do the advantages of this development outweigh its disadvantages?
The graphs below show the layout of a university's sports centre now, and how it will look after redevelopment.
In the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays, they have the opportunity to study abroad.What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?
In the past, most people used to travel to their place of work. with increased use of computers the Internet and smartphones more and more people are starting to work from home . what are the advantages and disadvantages of the yeast development you should use your own ideas knowledge and eperience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.
The charts below show the layout of a university's sports centre now, and how it will look after redevelopment. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Although some people value their public parks, this space could be better used for other purposes such as residential areas for the growing population or to develop business and develop the economy of the city. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Should young people develop their own talents to contribute to their own social status or the development and stability of society? Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Lifestyles and cultures are becoming more similar in different countries. why this is so? is this a positive or negative development?
Being able to purchase goods from any places in the planet has made nations around the world become almost identical. Do you think this is a possitive or negative development?
Nowadays ,many parents put pressure on their children so that they excel in schools as well as in other extracurricular activities. Why do parents do this? Is this a positive or a negative development for children?
Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the same products anywhere in the world.
Do you think this is a positive or negative development?”
some children spend hours every day on their smartphones. why is this the case? Do you think this is a positive or a negetive development?
Nowadays, many people are buying fewer new things and more second-hand goods. What are the possible reasons for this trend? Is this a positive or a negative development?
An increasing number of professionals, such as doctors and teachers, are leaving their own poorer countries to work in developed countries. What are the reasons behind this trend? What solutions can you suggest to deal with this situation? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your own knowledge.
In some cities of the world, cars are replacing bicycles. However, in some other cities, bicycles are replacing cars. What are the reasons for 2 developments? In your opinion, which is better.
Nowadays automation is being used to drive cars. Why do you think this is happening? Is this a positive or a negative development?
A country becomes more interesting and develop more quickly when its population includes a mixture of nationalities. To what extend do you agree pr disagree?
The below letter is an example of a band 9 informal letter to a friend. Write a letter to a friend to ask him/her to develop a website for your business. In your letter:
Give a brief description of the business
Mention what you’d like to be there on the website
Provide some ideas on the use of images on the website.
Today, people think that attraction of foreign investment is necessary and important for the development of the economies of the host countries, while the others think that attraction of foreign investment has negative impact on the society and not only on this sphere. Discuss both sides and write your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Band-9 Samples: Nowadays, a growing number of people with health problems are trying alternative medicines and treatments instead of visiting their usual doctor. Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
Due to poorer countries experiencing a 'brain drain' they are seeing many professionals, such as doctors and teachers, leaving to work in more developed countries. What problems does this cause? What solutions can be suggested to deal with this situation?
In many developing countries, there are major problems with the quality of air and water from both industry and construction. What problems has this created? What solutions could be provided to prevent this?
***Some people believe that teaching children at home is best for a child's development while others think that it is important for children to go to school.*** ***Discuss the advantages of both methods and give your own opinion.***
Some people think that robots are very important to human’s future development, while others think they are dangerous and have negative effect on society. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Nowadays governments in many countries spend a lot of money on works of art such as paintings to be displayed in public places. Is this a positive or negative development?
Nuclear power is far too dangerous. Therefore, countries should ban its use and concentrate instead on developing alternative sources of energy such as hydroelectric power, wind power, and solar energy. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer
There is a moral necessity today for the richer countries of the world to help the poorer countries develop in terms of feeding the population, education and health care. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience
Nowadays, young people communicate with friends and family through mostly social network sites, rather than other ways of communication like talking on the phone or face to face. Do you think it is a positive or negative development? Give some reason for your answer.
A lot of professionals like doctors and engineers are leaving their poor countries to settle down in developed countries. What are the problems? What can be done to control the situation?
the maps below show a coal mine and its redevelopment into a visitors attraction site.