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

In some parts of the world, it is common for young people to take a gap

year

Use synonyms

after finishing high school and before starting university. During

this

Linking Words

time, they often travel or work.

This

Linking Words

essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of

this

Linking Words

choice. One main advantage is that a gap

year

Use synonyms

gives young people the chance to gain life experience. By working or travelling, they learn about different cultures, become more independent, and improve their social skills. These experiences can help them mature before entering university.

Also

Linking Words

students

Use synonyms

who work during

this

Linking Words

time may save money to help pay for their studies. Another benefit is that taking time off can help

students

Use synonyms

decide what they really want to study. Some

students

Use synonyms

are unsure about their future after high school. A

year

Use synonyms

of real-world experience may help them choose a career path with more confidence.

On the other hand

Linking Words

, there are some disadvantages.

Firstly

Linking Words

, some

students

Use synonyms

may find it hard to return to academic life after a long break. They might lose study habits or motivation, which can affect their university performance.

Secondly

Linking Words

, travelling or living independently can be expensive, and not every student has the money to afford a gap

year

Use synonyms

. In conclusion, taking a

year

Use synonyms

off after high school can help young people grow personally and professionally, but it is not the right choice for everyone.

Students

Use synonyms

should carefully think about their goals and financial situation before making

this

Linking Words

decision.

vanagorkin56

Jul 7, 2025

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

task achievement

Consider adding more examples to support your points, such as personal stories or statistics about gap years.

coherence and cohesion

Ensure each paragraph flows smoothly to the next. You can use linking words to improve the connection between ideas.

task achievement

Try to develop your ideas a bit more in the disadvantages section, to show a balanced view of the topic.

coherence and cohesion

The essay is well-structured with a clear introduction and conclusion.

task achievement

Good identification of both advantages and disadvantages of taking a gap year.

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.

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ »- a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

Do you want to check your IELTS essays?

Submit unlimited essays, letters and charts. Sign up right now and start improving your writing skills.

5
Linking words
meeting the goal of 7 or more
2
Word repetition
meeting the goal of 3 or fewer
0
Grammar mistakes
detected issues

0123456789.0505

Overall Band Score

Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0

Logical structure

Introduction & conclusion present

Supported main points

Accurate linking words

Variety in linking words

Lexical resource: 8.0

Varied vocabulary

Accurate spelling & word formation

Grammatical Range: 6.0

Mix of complex & simple sentences

Clear and correct grammar

Task Achievement: 7.0

Complete response

Clear & comprehensive ideas

Relevant & specific examples

Appropriate word count

5 paragraphs

242 words

🚀 Prepare for IELTS writing section today!

Unlimited Task 1 & Task 2 checks
Practice with essays, charts, and letters.
Suggestions & mistake analysis
Find every mistake and boost your score.
Topic ideas & vocabulary
Expand your ideas and use the right words.

What to do next:

Look at other essays:

6
band
Knowing how to make a group presentation is the most important skill for anyone in the world of work today. How important are presentation and public speaking skills, compared to various other work skills? Which skill is the most important ability for most people these days?
In today’s competitive job market, effective communication skills, including presentation and public speaking abilities, are undeniably valuable. However, while these skills play a significant role in professional success, they are not the most important abilities compared to other essential workplace skills. This essay will examine the importance of presentation skills and argue that adaptability and technical proficiency are more crucial for success in the modern workforce.
8
band
Many people leave their home country and go to other countries to live and work. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh its disadvantages?
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of individuals discussing the concept of relocating to foreign nations for residence and employment and its impact on various aspects of our lives. Some argue that such a movement is essential for economic progress and personal advancement, while critics strongly oppose this view and contend that it can lead to social disruption and cultural conflicts. This essay will explore the advantages and potential drawbacks of migration for living and working abroad, ultimately asserting that the benefits prevail.
7.5
band
Although many people value their public parks, this space could be better used for other purposes such as residential areas for the ever growing population or to develop business and boost economies. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this?
Public parks are appreciated by many as essential green spaces in cities. However, due to the growing population and increasing economic demands, some people argue that this land could be used for housing or business development. Whereas I understand the need for urban growth, I believe public parks should be protected.
6.5
band
Nowadays celebrities are more famous for their glamour and wealth than for their achievements, and this sets a bad example to young people. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
It is true that some celebrities are known for their glamorous lifestyles rather than for the work they do. While I agree that these celebrities set a bad example for children, I believe that other famous people act as positive role models.
8
band
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory in high school programs (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children). Do you agree or disagree?
It is believed that volunteering ought to be taught in schools. This essay wholeheartedly concurs with that recommendation because it aids students in acquiring crucial work experience while also helping them build soft skills.

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

Fully explain your ideas

Knowing how to make a group presentation is the most important skill for anyone in the world of work today. How important are presentation and public speaking skills, compared to various other work skills? Which skill is the most important ability for most people these days?

Many people leave their home country and go to other countries to live and work. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh its disadvantages?

Although many people value their public parks, this space could be better used for other purposes such as residential areas for the ever growing population or to develop business and boost economies. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this?

Nowadays celebrities are more famous for their glamour and wealth than for their achievements, and this sets a bad example to young people. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory in high school programs (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children). Do you agree or disagree?