In some countries, young people are ecouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decided to do this.

These days, some countries encourage young
people
to take a
gap
year
to work or travel before university.
This
has been widely followed by numerous young adults.
This
trend has both benefits and drawbacks for those who decide to follow it. The youth believe that a
gap
year
would have beneficial effects on their future. First of all, they could learn several essential
skills
that were not taught at school.
For instance
, they could improve communication
skills
by meeting new
people
while
travelling or they could learn how to manage
time
and finance in the working environment.
As a result
, these
skills
and experiences could support their education or job. Another positive aspect of a
gap
year
is that they would have the right direction for their lives. To illustrate
this
, they have a long period of
time
to review themselves and plan for their future.
Moreover
, they could try doing new things, which they did not have enough
time
to do when they were studying at school. These ways might guide them to the answer to what they want to do for their lives and the community.
However
, there are some negative aspects to giving up a
year
. The most serious disadvantage of
this
trend is
time
-wasting. If young
people
decide to take a
gap
year
without any clear plan, they will end up wasting a lot of valuable
time
by spending all day watching TV or playing video games
instead
of working or travelling.
Consequently
, they would be unemployed. An additional drawback of
this
is the loss of motivation
in studies
Change preposition
to study
show examples
after coming back to university.
In particular
, they are likely to be away from academic programs for so long that they might forget a few lessons that are important and find it difficult to catch up with university courses.
For
this
reason, they are no longer interested in studying. In conclusion, a
gap
year
is both beneficial and harmful for young
people
. It helps them learn more necessary
skills
and have the right direction for the future but it
also
wastes
time
and causes them to lose motivation to study. In my view, a
gap
year
is a good choice if the young think clearly and plan carefully before deciding to do
this
.
Submitted by dnquynhtram23 on

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task achievement
Ensure that all main points are fully developed with specific examples. While the essay addresses advantages and disadvantages, providing more concrete examples could strengthen the argument.
coherence cohesion
Work on the logical flow between sentences and paragraphs. The essay has a clear structure, but some transitions between points could be smoother to enhance readability.
coherence cohesion
Introduction and conclusion are present, but ensure they both succinctly present and summarize the main points of the essay respectively, for maximum clarity and impact.

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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