“It is becoming increasingly popular to have a year off between finishing school and going to university. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?”

In recent years, taking a

gap

Use synonyms

year

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between completing high school and starting

university

Use synonyms

has become increasingly common.

While

Linking Words

this

Linking Words

practice offers several advantages in terms of personal growth and career clarity, it

also

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carries notable disadvantages that must be considered. One major benefit of a

gap

Use synonyms

year

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is that it allows young people to gain valuable life experience. Many

students

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choose to travel, volunteer, or work during

this

Linking Words

time, which helps them develop independence, financial management skills, and cultural awareness.

For instance

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, working part-time not only enables

students

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to save money for

university

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but

also

Linking Words

teaches them responsibility and teamwork.

Furthermore

Linking Words

, a

gap

Use synonyms

year

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provides

students

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with the opportunity to reflect on their future academic choices.

As a result

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, they may enter

university

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with clearer goals and stronger motivation. Despite these advantages, there are

also

Linking Words

potential drawbacks. A significant concern is the loss of academic momentum.

Students

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who take a long break from formal education may find it difficult to return to a structured study routine, which could affect their

university

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performance.

In addition

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, a

gap

Use synonyms

year

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can place financial pressure on families. Travelling abroad or participating in volunteer programs often requires substantial funds, making

this

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option less accessible to

students

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from modest backgrounds.

Finally

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, without proper planning, a

gap

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year

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may be wasted on unproductive activities, providing little long-term benefit. In conclusion, taking a

year

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off between school and

university

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has both positive and negative aspects.

Although

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it can broaden

students

Use synonyms

’ horizons and help them make informed decisions about their studies, it may

also

Linking Words

cause academic setbacks and financial strain. In my view, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages only if the

gap

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year

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is carefully structured and used purposefully.

avipatel9831

Aug 17, 2025

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task response

For task response, give a clear main view in the end and show how each point links to this view.

coherence

For coherence, use simple linking words to connect ideas and keep each paragraph on one main idea.

lexical

Use easy words and short phrases. Avoid hard terms to keep the voice simple.

grammar

Mix sentence length; use one or two longer sentences with simple form.

balance

Clear view on both good and bad points.

structure

Good form with intro, body and conclusion.

content

Good use of examples of things a gap year can bring.

Support ideas with relevant, specific examples

Examples make your writing easier to understand by illustrating points more effectively.

Examples, if used properly, not only help you get higher marks for ‘Task Response’ but also for ‘Coherence’.

When giving examples it is best to put them after your main idea or topic sentence. They can be used in the middle of supporting sentences or they can be used to start a new sentence. There is no rule for where exactly to give examples in essays, logically they would come after your main idea/topic sentence or just after a supporting sentence.

Linking words for giving examples:

for example
for instance
to illustrate this
to give a clear example
such as
namely
to illustrate
take, for example

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9
Linking words
meeting the goal of 7 or more
4
Word repetition
meeting the goal of 3 or fewer
0
Grammar mistakes
detected issues

0123456789.0505

Overall Band Score

Coherence and Cohesion: 4.0

Logical structure

Introduction & conclusion present

Supported main points

Accurate linking words

Variety in linking words

Lexical resource: 6.0

Varied vocabulary

Accurate spelling & word formation

Grammatical Range: 9.0

Mix of complex & simple sentences

Clear and correct grammar

Task Achievement: 6.0

Complete response

Clear & comprehensive ideas

Relevant & specific examples

Appropriate word count

4 paragraphs

281 words

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“It is becoming increasingly popular to have a year off between finishing school and going to university. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?”

Support ideas with relevant, specific examples

Some people say that now is the best time in history to be living. What is your opinion about this? What other time in history would be interesting to live in? Give reasons for your answer and invlude any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Nowadays, a growing number of people with health problems are trying alternative medicines and treatments instead of visiting their usual doctor. Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?

In some cities public parks and open spaces are changed into gardens where local residents can grow their fruit and vegetables. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.