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Writing Samples
Band 6.5

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

In recent years, the practice of taking a
gap
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year
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 between secondary and tertiary education has become increasingly popular among young people in various countries.
This
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 essay will discuss both the benefits and drawbacks of
this
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 trend before concluding that the advantages generally outweigh the disadvantages when
students
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 approach their
gap
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year
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 with proper planning. One of the most significant advantages of taking a
gap
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year
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 is that it facilitates personal development and maturity. Adolescents who transition directly from high school to
university
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 often lack essential life skills and real-world experience. By engaging in work or travel during
this
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 period, they develop independence, confidence, and practical abilities that cannot be acquired in an academic setting.
For example
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, a student working in hospitality learns customer service, teamwork, and financial management,
while
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 those who travel abroad gain cross-cultural understanding and adaptability.
Furthermore
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, research conducted by the
University
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 of Sydney demonstrates that
gap
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year
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students
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 typically achieve 30
percent
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per cent
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 higher grades in their first
year
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 of
university
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 compared to their peers who did not take time off, suggesting that
this
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 period of personal growth translates into better academic outcomes. Another considerable benefit is the opportunity for career exploration and clarity. Many school leavers feel uncertain about their future career path and may choose unsuitable
university
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 courses. A
gap
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year
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 allows them to test different fields through internships, volunteering, or part-time employment.
For instance
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, someone considering medicine might volunteer at a hospital, thereby gaining valuable insights into whether
this
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 demanding profession truly aligns with their interests and abilities.
This
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 exploration helps
students
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 make more informed decisions about their education, potentially preventing the waste of time and money on inappropriate degree programs.
However
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, there are several drawbacks that must be acknowledged. The primary concern is the risk of losing academic momentum. After spending a
year
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 away from formal study, some
students
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 struggle to readjust to the rigorous demands of
university
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 coursework. Research from Australian educational institutions indicates that approximately 10
percent
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per cent
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 of
students
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 who take
gap
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 years either delay their
university
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 enrollment significantly or abandon their higher education plans entirely.
Additionally
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, financial inequality poses a serious challenge.
While
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students
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 from affluent families can afford enriching experiences
such
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 as international travel or unpaid internships, those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds often must work in low-paying jobs merely to survive, thereby missing the developmental opportunities that make
gap
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 years beneficial. In conclusion,
although
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 taking a
gap
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year
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 presents certain risks, particularly regarding academic continuity and socioeconomic disparities, the substantial benefits in terms of personal maturation and career direction make it a valuable option for many young people. To
maximize
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maximise
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 these advantages,
students
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 should establish clear objectives before their
gap
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year
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 and, importantly, policymakers should develop support systems to ensure that
students
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 from all economic backgrounds can access meaningful
gap
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year
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 opportunities.

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structure
Make the plan of your essay clear in the first lines and keep to it.
language
Use short, plain words. This helps the reader and the score.
evidence
Add facts that you can name or say they can be checked.
argument
Show one counter view and then show why your main idea is stronger.
stance
The essay shows a clear take on which view is stronger.
evidence
Good use of examples to back up main points.
Your opinion

Don’t put your opinion unless you are asked to give it.

If the question asks what you think, you MUST give your opinion to get a good score.

Don’t leave your opinion until the conclusion.

Here are examples of instructions that require you to give your opinion:

...do you agree or disagree?...do you think...?...your opinion...?

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