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.

The practice of working or travelling for high school graduates before entering their higher education is common in some states. The main benefits are allowing young adults to gain more experience in real industry and acquire money before starting their university lives.
However
, it
also
has drawbacks
such
as being a
gap
year
student and some job vacancies that require younger ages. On the positive side,
this
opportunity allows
students
to encounter real industrial challenges and learn how professionals tackle them. Pupils mostly learn theoretical knowledge at schools, and there are wide gaps between education and real work problems,
thus
from these chances they can learn and use them in their future studies at university.
In addition
, their salary from working can be saved and they can use it for paying tuition fees.
For example
, universities in the US charge around $150,000 for a whole-
year
undergraduate program.
Thus
saving $1000 each month will be helpful to fund their studies.
However
, leaving a
year
for internships and being
gap
year
students
will cause some inconvenient effects
such
as the need to readapt upon their starts. Some
students
may have changed their habits because of their work and they should adapt again in their study paces. Some
also
need to re-open their books to refresh their memories because during their internships they did not apply all of their knowledge.
In addition
,
gap
year
also
poses risks for some older
students
. Many companies have set up a maximum age for their recruits.
For instance
, Unilever opens Management Trainee positions and requires their candidate to be no older than 25 years old.
Thus
graduates who choose to enter their higher education late will have more limited choices compared to those who directly continue to universities. In conclusion, choosing to work before continuing the undergraduate program, will benefit
students
to enrich their working experience and gain money.
However
, being
gap
year
students
also
possess impacts
such
as readapting and having limited job opportunities.
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coherence cohesion
Introduction and conclusion are present but could be more explicit in presenting the nuances of the argument.
coherence cohesion
Pay attention to paragraph structure; each should contain a clear main idea, fully expanded and supported by evidence.
task achievement
Provide a more balanced discussion of advantages and disadvantages, ensuring each point is equally explored.
task achievement
Use specific and relevant examples to support each point, making sure they are precise and fully elaborated.

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