Some school leavers travel or work for a period of time instead of going directly to university. What are the advantages or disadvantages for their study?

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Many school leavers choose to take a

gap

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year

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to travel or work

instead

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of enrolling in

university

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immediately.

While

Linking Words

this

Linking Words

decision may delay their academic studies, I believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages because it allows

students

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to gain valuable life experience, develop practical skills and make more informed career choices. One of the greatest advantages of taking

time

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off before

university

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is that

students

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can develop important personal and professional skills. By working, they learn responsibility,

time

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management, teamwork and communication, all of which are essential for academic success and

future

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employment.

Similarly

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, travelling exposes young people to different cultures, traditions and ways of thinking, helping them become more independent, adaptable and open-minded.

In addition

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, earning money during

this

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period can reduce the financial burden of higher

education

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, allowing

students

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to focus more effectively on their studies once they begin

university

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. Another significant benefit is that a

gap

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year

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gives

students

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time

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to reflect on their

future

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goals. Many school leavers are uncertain about which degree or career they wish to pursue. Working in a particular industry or travelling to different places can help them discover their interests and strengths, enabling them to make better educational decisions.

As a result

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, they are more likely to choose a suitable course and remain motivated throughout their

university

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education

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However

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, there are

also

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some disadvantages. Some

students

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may become accustomed to earning a regular income and lose the motivation to return to academic study. Others may find it difficult to readjust to

university

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life after spending a long period away from

education

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In addition

Linking Words

, if the

gap

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year

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is not used productively, it may simply delay graduation without providing any meaningful benefits. In my opinion, these drawbacks can be avoided if

students

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plan their

gap

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year

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carefully and have a clear intention of continuing their

education

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. When used wisely, a period of work or travel can significantly enhance both academic performance and

future

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career prospects. In conclusion,

although

Linking Words

taking

time

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off before

university

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may delay academic progress and reduce study motivation for some

students

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, I believe it is generally beneficial because it helps young people gain valuable experience, develop essential skills and make better-informed decisions about their

future

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musabekovaferuza50

Jul 8, 2026

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task response

For task response: Your answer is full and clear, but you can add one short real example to make your ideas stronger.

task response

For task response: You talk about both good and bad sides and give your opinion clearly. Keep this balance in future essays.

coherence and cohesion

For coherence and cohesion: Your essay is easy to follow because each paragraph has one main idea. This is very good.

coherence and cohesion

For coherence and cohesion: You use linking words well, but do not use too many. Simple links like 'also', 'however', and 'as a result' are enough.

coherence and cohesion

For coherence and cohesion: Your ideas are supported, but one more small example in the body would make the flow even better.

task response

You answer the question fully and give a clear opinion from the start.

task response

You explain the good points and the bad points in a fair way.

coherence and cohesion

Your essay has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

coherence and cohesion

Each paragraph connects well to the next, so the reader can follow your ideas easily.

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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9
Linking words
meeting the goal of 7 or more
7
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: 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

6 paragraphs

368 words

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Topic Vocabulary:

real-world experience
practical skills
time management
teamwork
problem-solving abilities
horizons
creativity
adaptability
gap year
academic rigor
financial constraints
long-term educational goals
academic pursuits
academic ambitions

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Some school leavers travel or work for a period of time instead of going directly to university. What are the advantages or disadvantages for their study?

Some people think that planning for future is a waste of time. They believe it is more important to focus on the present. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In today's world many people own a smartphone. Do you think the advantages of owing a smartphone outweigh the disadvantages?

In some countries, more and more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in. What are the reasons for this? How can people research this?

Some people think technology is now an invaluable study tool for young people. Others, however, believe that it is harmful to the studying process. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

Caring for children is probably the most important job in any society. Because of this, all mothers and fathers should be required to take a course that prepares them to be good parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?