It is becoming increasingly popular to have a year off between finishing school and going to university. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Recently, there are more people opting for a

gap

year

before they go for their tertiary studies after graduating high school.

Although

there are differing views, I feel that there are more advantages than the disadvantages. One evident benefit of taking a

gap

year

is that it allows students to have a new experience of their usual school life.

For example

, students can go for internships or volunteering activities during their

gap

year

. Other than studying in a traditional classroom, they get to learn new skills and obtain hands-on experience.

Secondly

, students are allowed more

time

to decide on their future study pathways. After high school, students are usually rushed to go to universities and they might choose a course which is not suitable for them. During their

gap

year

, students can explore and dive deep into their interests. They

also

can apply for jobs in their field of interest so they can decide if they want to enrol in a related course in university.

On the other hand

, students might

also

face drawbacks by taking a

year

off before going to university.

First

of all, students might not utilise their

gap

year well,

Suggestion

year as well,

resulting in a waste of

time

Although

it is acceptable to take

time

off studying, it does not mean that students can spend

time

wastefully. Students might end up spending their

time

on games and other entertainment unproductive for the whole

year

. In conclusion,

although

opinions are diverse, I believe that the advantages far outweigh the drawbacks.

Therefore

, students do not need to shy away from the idea of taking a

gap

year

before making a major decision of your study pathway.

Thu Apr 16 2020

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

Paragraph 1 - Introduction

Sentence 1 - Background statement
Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
Sentence 3 - Thesis
Sentence 4 - Outline sentence

Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph

Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
Sentence 2 - Example
Sentence 3 - Discussion
Sentence 4 - Conclusion

Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph

Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
Sentence 2 - Example
Sentence 3 - Discussion
Sentence 4 - Conclusion

Paragraph 4 - Conclusion

Sentence 1 - Summary
Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ »— a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

Essentional vocabulary list for IELTS Writing 7+

Learn how to write high-scoring essays with powerful words.
Download Free PDF and start improving you writing skills today!

Do you want to check your IELTS essays?

Submit unlimited essays, letters and charts. Sign up right now and start improving your writing skills.

7Linking words
meeting the goal of 7 or more
3Word repetition
meeting the goal of 3 or fewer
1Grammar mistakes
 

4 paragraphs

276 words

0123456789.0505

Overall Band Score

Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0

Logical structure

Introduction & conclusion present

Supported main points

Accurate linking words

Variety in linking words

Lexical resource: 7.0

Varied vocabulary

Accurate spelling & word formation

Grammatical Range: 8.0

Mix of complex & simple sentences

Clear and correct grammar

Task Achievement: 5.0

Complete response

6.5

Clear & comprehensive ideas

Relevant & specific examples

Appropriate word count

🚀 Prepare for IELTS writing section today!

Unlimited Task 1 & Task 2 checks
Practice with essays, charts, and letters.
Personalized suggestions & mistake analysis
Spot every mistake and boost your score.
Topic ideas & vocabulary helpers
Expand your ideas and use the right words.
Progress tracking
Watch your writing improve with every practice.

Topic Vocabulary:

gap year
work experience
internships
traveling
life experiences
personal development
independent
self-reliant
educational progress
graduation timeline
financial burden
academic momentum
structured academic environment

What to do next:

Look at other essays:

6.5
band
Many offenders commit more crimes after serving the first sentence. Why is this happening and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?
After first imprisonment, a quantity of offenders show a tendency to recidivism and this urgent issue has sparked heated debates throughout the ruling class. In these forthcoming paragraphs, I will discuss some of the main reasons and solutions to solve this problem promptly.
7
band
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Some people say that there is too much harmful content on the internet. They say the only way to make the internet safe is for the government to censor the content of websites. To what extent do you think the government should control what information is available on the internet? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
In the current period, technology has a significant impact on the world. With the improvement of technology, the harmful and tough content on the internet concentrates several issues in the person's life. Furthermore, several people believe that the government has a core role in shifting this tragedy into safety content; otherwise, many people think differently. In my perspective, the government should censor this phenomenon, but with limitations. This essay will illustrate the reasons behind this situation.
5
band
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (for example working for charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching sport to young children). To what extend do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays the advancement of the technology has covered all parts of the globe including the internet and social media .As a result , many teenagers have forgotten the vital role as a human to socialise with others and sharing is caring. I totaly agree with the statement above which I will explain in detail in the following paragraph.
5
band
Many children who are home-schooled are not prepared for university at the same rate of children in government-funded schools. What do you think are the causes of this? What effects will this have on society?
In present day, some children are being home schooled with private teachers for various reasons. Children who are home-schooled do not get the same opportunity to make contacts and connections or have the same social context compared to their peers who are attending government-funded schools. This essay will explore the causes of this and what consequences this has on the society.
<4
band
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?
Nowadays, a lot of countries are becoming identical and it caused significantly to world market. Because now people can buy other country’s products in their own state. From my point of view, it is beneficial development. Because you do not even need to go to other country and waste your time to thing. The second reason is, it will improve economy of each region.

It is becoming increasingly popular to have a year off between finishing school and going to university. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Fully explain your ideas

Essentional vocabulary list for IELTS Writing 7+

Many offenders commit more crimes after serving the first sentence. Why is this happening and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (for example working for charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching sport to young children). To what extend do you agree or disagree?

Many children who are home-schooled are not prepared for university at the same rate of children in government-funded schools. What do you think are the causes of this? What effects will this have on society?

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?