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.

These days, in many western countries,

students

choose to take a “gap

year

” between finishing high school and enrolling at

university

. There are both advantages and

disadvantages

to

this

phenomenon;

however

,

this

essay will argue that the advantages completely outweigh the

disadvantages

.

To begin

with,

students

who choose to take a gap

year

experience many benefits over those who go straight into higher education. For one thing, they have a chance to see the world and mature somewhat. Many high school

students

lead sheltered lives and simply are not ready to deal with

university

, but taking a

year

to work or travel can help them to grow up and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

In addition

, they may be able to earn some money by working for a

year

.

University

can be extremely expensive, and having earned a

year

’s salary might help to mitigate the worries that come with

such

a financial burden. The

disadvantages

are few and comparatively minor. Those who disagree with the concept of a gap

year

argue that it is a waste of time as

students

should go to

university

first

in order to complete their education.

However

,

this

is based upon a misunderstanding of the benefits that can come from a well-spent

year

between school and

university

. As explained in the previous paragraph,

students

may develop certain useful skills that can actually benefit them at

university

,

such

as maturity or financial security. In conclusion, the advantages of

students

taking a

year

off prior to starting higher education significantly outweigh the

disadvantages

. It can allow them to develop important skills that may give them benefits not shared by their peers.