In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words.

A
gap
year
could be seen as valuable in the long run. It is all too common, for a student to take a
year
travelling or working after finishing high school.
This
essay will discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of taking a
gap
year
. A
gap
year
is intended to give a young person different perspectives, with the hopes it creates an impression on their future lives. One advantage of
this
venture can be getting a once lifetime opportunity.
For example
, volunteering abroad can give someone an opportunity to better understand a different culture and its systems. Another pro of a
gap
year
is working. Not only can a student get a chance to earn work experience for their CV but
also
have an income they can use to pay for their education. A
gap
year
can be very beneficial to students who are not certain about what studies they want to pursue. Amidst its man advantages, taking a
gap
year
has some downfalls.
Firstly
, it is extremely expensive to travel.
For instance
, travelling abroad has both relocating and unforeseen costs, which most cannot afford.
Secondly
, it can be a waste of valuable time. If a student goes a
year
without going to school, they could lose their academic momentum making it harder for them to catch up. Taking a
gap
year
is a high-risk decision which students should not consider lightly before leaping into.
Gap
years are encouraged in some places globally but can have some pitfalls. In summary,
this
essay discussed the advantages and disadvantages of taking a
gap
year
. I believe that the
gap
years should specifically be encouraged to individuals who are less certain about their future lives.
Submitted by christianbetre on

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Use cohesive linking words accurately and appropriately

Linking words are very important in your essay.

To score effectively on your IELTS exam, you should make an effort to implement short concise sentences coupled with linking words.

Almost every sentence in your essay should have a linking word of some sort.

In fact, the only sentences that can omit linking words are your background sentence and thesis.

Linking word examples:

  • firstly
  • secondly
  • thirdly
  • in additional
  • moreover
  • also
  • for example
  • for instance
  • therefore
  • however
  • although
  • even though
  • despite

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • Cultural immersion
  • Life experience
  • Work ethic
  • Career readiness
  • Self-discovery
  • Delayed gratification
  • Intellectual stagnation
  • Financial implications
  • Social dynamics
  • Academic trajectory
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