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

Before college, many young people are advised that a

year

Use synonyms

of working or travelling may be a good option.

This

Linking Words

essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of

this

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topic. The main advantages of a gap

year

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are learning more about the world and earning money. For

students

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who have just finished secondary school, working or travelling for a

year

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will allow them to learn what life is like outside of the

education

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system.

Also

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, third-level

education

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is very expensive, and many

students

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decide to work for 12 months and save money before they begin their studies. The average student at a UK university requires over £10,000 per annum to survive, and many drop out because they cannot afford to stay. Despite these advantages,

students

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lose a

year

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that could have been used to advance their future careers, and they often get used to working or travelling and do not want to return to a life of study. As job markets are very competitive, an extra

year

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of experience can make a massive difference when applying for jobs, and those who took a gap

year

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are at a disadvantage.

Moreover

Linking Words

, some decide to bypass university altogether and go straight into a job

that is

Linking Words

beneath their capabilities or may not offer the same prospects

their

Change preposition

as their

show examples

future career might have.

For instance

Linking Words

, jobs in the service industry are easy to get without a third-level

education

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, and many gap

students

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fill these roles only to be stuck in them for the rest of their lives. In conclusion, taking a break from studies can be advantageous if it allows people to accumulate savings or learn more about the world.

However

Linking Words

, they should

also

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be careful that it does not delay the start of their careers and lead to disillusionment with

education

Use synonyms

rifkirkt

Dec 26, 2025

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task

The essay talks about both good and bad points. Keep this balance and add more detail to each point.

task

Give one or two extra real examples that show how a gap year helps or holds back a person.

coherence

Explain how the examples connect to the main idea of the paragraph.

language

Fix small grammar problems and make phrases simple and clear.

coherence

Use a clear topic sentence in each paragraph and use linking words to show how ideas are connected.

lexical

Avoid phrases like 'gap students'; use 'gap-year students' or 'people taking a gap year'.

structure

Clear four-paragraph layout that covers both sides of the issue.

coherence

Good use of linking words such as Moreover and For instance.

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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6
Linking words
meeting the goal of 7 or more
3
Word repetition
meeting the goal of 3 or fewer
1
Grammar mistakes
detected issues

0123456789.0505

Overall Band Score

Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0

Logical structure

Introduction & conclusion present

Supported main points

Accurate linking words

Variety in linking words

Lexical resource: 7.0

Varied vocabulary

Accurate spelling & word formation

Grammatical Range: 8.0

Mix of complex & simple sentences

Clear and correct grammar

Task Achievement: 5.0

Complete response

Clear & comprehensive ideas

Relevant & specific examples

Appropriate word count

4 paragraphs

298 words

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

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