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.
In several countries, young people are often encouraged to take a gap year between completing high school and starting university. During this time, they may choose to work or travel, gaining valuable experiences beyond the classroom. This approach offers several benefits, such as fostering independence and developing interpersonal skills, but it also comes with challenges, including potential academic disruption and financial strain.
One of the key advantages of a gap year is the opportunity to develop independence. Navigating new environments, managing finances, and making decisions without parental guidance helps young people become more self-reliant. These experiences build confidence and problem-solving skills, preparing them for the responsibilities of university life. As a result, they are better equipped to handle academic and personal challenges. Another significant benefit is the development of interpersonal skills. Working during the gap year allows students to collaborate with others in a professional setting, improving teamwork and communication. These experiences not only enhance their academic performance but also help them succeed in their future careers. For example, I worked at a fast-food restaurant before university, which taught me how to work effectively as part of a team.
On the other hand, one major drawback of taking a gap year is the risk of academic disruption. A long break from studies can weaken students’ study habits, making it difficult to transition back into university life. Without the routine of regular learning, students may struggle to maintain focus, manage coursework effectively, and keep up with their peers. Consequently, this can lead to lower motivation and poor academic performance. Additionally, a gap year can create financial strain. Travel or unpaid work experiences often require a significant amount of money, and without a stable income, students may face financial challenges. For instance, a student who spends a gap year traveling may deplete their savings and be forced to take on student loans or part-time jobs, which could negatively impact their focus on studies.
In conclusion, taking a gap year can offer numerous advantages, such as the development of self-reliance and improved interpersonal skills. However, the potential drawbacks, including academic disruption and financial strain, should not be overlooked. While this period can provide valuable life experiences, students should carefully consider the pros and cons before deciding whether to take a gap year.
Band Score Analysis: 7.0
1. Task Response: 7.0
✅ Strengths:
- Fully addresses both advantages and disadvantages, maintaining balance.
- Well-developed points with clear explanations and relevant examples.
- Personal example (fast-food job) adds authenticity and depth.
2. Cohesion & Coherence: 7.0
✅ Strengths:
- Logical flow with clear paragraph structure.
- Effective use of linking words (One of the key advantages, On the other hand, Consequently, Additionally, In conclusion).
3. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary): 7.5
✅ Strengths:
- Good use of topic-related vocabulary (self-reliant, financial strain, transition back, professional setting).
- Some varied expressions (deplete their savings, maintain focus, problem-solving skills).
4. Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 7.0
✅ Strengths:
- Clear and grammatically sound sentence structures.
- Good use of complex sentences without excessive errors.
Areas for Improvement:
- Instead of just summarizing, briefly suggest strategies to overcome the disadvantages (e.g., part-time work, online courses to maintain study habits).
- Strengthen coherence by refining connectors between ideas, ensuring a more seamless flow.
- Reduce repetition by using synonyms and incorporating more sophisticated expressions.
- Improve conciseness and fluency by restructuring longer sentences for clarity.
- The financial strain point is well-explained, but discussing ways to manage costs (scholarships, budgeting) could add depth.
Read more IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages sample essays from here. To learn more tips on how to write a perfect IELTS Essay read this.
