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?

It is often seen and heard that numerous graduates from lower education levels – colleges, polytechnics, high schools take a
year
off before entering a university. Many feel that
this
is a setback for undergraduates as they do not have the proper qualification to enter into the workforce.
However
, it can be seen as an advantage to them as
this
result in gaining exposure and insights into the realities of the working world as well as allowing them to be self-reliant. Certainly, perhaps by having a break, these undergraduates may not be able to focus on studying.
For instance
, it is commonly observed that many find it difficult to get back into the study momentum. Worse, a recent study revealed that 60% of the students who took a
year
off before joining university had done nothing fruitful. Rather than taking a break after finishing school, a person can take admission in college and get a job after completing his college studies. It will save him a term, helping him to gain hands-on work experience which is more vital than theoretical knowledge.
Therefore
, it is evident that those who take that path could be wasting their
time
.
Accept space
.
Yet, taking a gap
year
off studying can allow these students to work and earn money to pay for school fees.
For example
, typically, university fees can amount up to approximately nine thousand per academic
year which
Accept comma addition
year, which
is definitely more than the sum paid for lower education. Indeed, many take up full-
time
jobs – the Food and Beverage (F&B) sector where employers usually pay more, for them to earn as much as they can before resuming back to the studying routine.
Besides
, students become more independent
instead
of asking their parents for daily allowance and saving up the salary they earn, as well as thinking twice before spending unnecessarily. By cultivating good habits, they are,
thus
, able to pay off school fees with the amount they have, proving that taking a gap
year
can serve as a useful lesson to these graduates.
Moreover
, students resorting to
such
measures undoubtedly gain experience and develop skills required for the future.
Furthermore
, these experiences can be added into their portfolio, which are often sought for by employers in the industry. But, many argue that while they spend the
time
working, their friends have the upper hand, having the ability to receive adequate tertiary education. In fact, it enables others to enter into the working industry a
year
faster, where employers value an employee’s degree more than a diploma where the minimum wage level is increased. To conclude, taking a
year
off can be beneficial to one as these undergraduates are well-equipped and prepared for society once they finish their studies. At the same
time
, it can be a drawback as they can fall behind if they do not put in extra effort to keep up with their peers during their schooling and delay their
time
to graduate. After all, the majority of the students need to plan and balance the remaining
time
they have to enjoy before stepping out into the world.
Submitted by Isabelle Chua on

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Answer the 'Advantages and Disadvantages' topic

IELTS advantages and disadvantages questions normally give you a statement and ask you to comment on the advantages and disadvantages of that statement.

Answer structure for the type of essay

  • Introduction
  • Body paragraph 1 – advantages
  • Body paragraph 2 – disadvantages
  • Conclusion

Examples to start your body paragraph:

  • The main advantage is...
  • The disadvantage of this...
  • The main benefit...
  • Despite these advantages...
  • One possible drawback...

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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
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