Some students prefer to take a gap year between high school and university to or to travel. Do the advantages of this outweight the disadvantages?

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Taking a
gap
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year
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between high school and
university
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the university
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has become an increasingly popular choice, with
students
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either
traveling
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travelling
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the world to gain cultural exposure or engaging in internships to enhance their skills.
While
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some argue that a
year
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-long break fosters personal and academic growth, others believe it disrupts academic momentum and leads to uncertainty about future aspirations.
Although
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a
gap
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year
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carries certain risks, I firmly believe that its advantages outweigh the drawbacks when approached with a structured plan. On the one hand, a strategically planned
gap
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year
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can be immensely beneficial. After years of rigorous academic commitments,
students
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often require a break to recharge before embarking on the demands of university life.
Traveling
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Travelling
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,
for instance
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, fosters independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding—qualities that are invaluable in an increasingly globalized world. A student who visits historical landmarks in Italy or Greece may develop a newfound appreciation for art, archaeology, or history, which could influence their academic choices.
Furthermore
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, participating in internships, volunteer programs, or skill-based training enhances a student's résumé, making them more competitive in university admissions and future job markets. Many prestigious institutions value applicants who exhibit initiative and real-world experience, as these qualities reflect maturity and commitment.
On the other hand
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, an unstructured
gap
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year
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can have detrimental consequences. One of the primary concerns is the potential difficulty of reintegrating into academic life after an extended hiatus, as
students
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may lose their study habits and motivation.
Additionally
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, without a clear plan, some individuals may squander their time, leading to indecisiveness regarding their career path. There is
also
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the risk that those who begin working for financial stability may become reluctant to return to formal education, ultimately hindering their long-term prospects. In conclusion,
while
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a
gap
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year
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poses certain challenges, its benefits in fostering independence, expanding perspectives, and providing career-oriented experiences far outweigh its drawbacks. To mitigate potential downsides,
students
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should carefully structure their time, ensuring their
gap
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year
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is utilized productively. With proper planning and guidance, a
gap
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year
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can serve as a transformative period that enhances both personal and academic growth.

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coherence and cohesion
Improve the logical progression of ideas in the body paragraphs, making clear links between sentences and concepts. This will enhance clarity and cohesion.
task achievement
Ensure each main point is fully developed and supported with examples or explanations to strengthen your argument and demonstrate depth of understanding.
task achievement
The essay presents a clear stance on the topic and addresses both advantages and disadvantages effectively.
coherence and cohesion
The introduction provides a strong opening statement and sets up the argument well, engaging the reader right from the start.

Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

  • Paragraph 1 - Introduction
    • Sentence 1 - Background statement
    • Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
    • Sentence 3 - Thesis
    • Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
  • Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
    • Sentence 1 - Summary
    • Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
    • Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • gap year
  • personal growth
  • maturity
  • cultural exposure
  • global awareness
  • empathy
  • work experience
  • internships
  • competitive
  • academic pressures
  • transition
  • financial constraints
  • indecisiveness
  • productive use of time
  • potential drawbacks
  • future plans
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