Task 2 · · 18 samples

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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Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Paid work can build responsibility and practical skills while helping young people save for university costs.
  • Travel can broaden perspectives and strengthen confidence through exposure to unfamiliar places and ways of life.
  • A gap year may disrupt study habits or become costly, especially when the young person has no clear plan or budget.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the gap-year choice and state clearly whether its advantages outweigh its disadvantages.
  2. Explain the main benefits, supporting each with a result for the young person.
  3. Present drawbacks such as interrupted study and expense, explaining when these risks are most likely.
  4. Conclude with a balanced judgement and a practical condition, such as planning goals and costs.
Useful vocabulary & examples
practical skills
Abilities that can be applied in real situations, such as communication or time management.

A part-time job can help school-leavers develop practical skills before university.

academic momentum
The habit and motivation to continue studying regularly.

Returning to university may be harder if a student loses academic momentum during a gap year.

broaden their perspective
Help someone understand a wider range of experiences, ideas or ways of life.

Travel can broaden young people’s perspective by introducing them to different cultures.

a realistic budget
A spending plan based on the money a person is likely to have and their expected costs.

A realistic budget can prevent travel costs from becoming a major problem.

Sample answers

AI-completed learning example

354 words · Illustrative target band

Nowadays, a new trend has emerged among young people to take a year off to work or travel before entering university. I will explore the pros and cons of this practice. In many Western countries like the US, UK, and Canada, students are often encouraged to take a “gap year” after finishing high school. This period can offer useful experience, but its value depends on how it is organised rather than on a universal nat…

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AI-completed learning example

348 words · Illustrative target band

The practice of taking a gap year between high school and higher education has gained popularity in many countries. This period, often spent traveling or working, offers young people a chance to explore their interests and gain life experience before committing to further academic or professional paths. While this approach presents several advantages, it also has drawbacks that need to be considered, including cost a…

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AI-completed learning example

351 words · Illustrative target band

The question of whether students should be encouraged to engage in work or travel for a year following their completion of high school, rather than immediately pursuing university studies, has generated considerable debate. In several countries, it is customary for young individuals to transition directly to university and subsequently embark on job searches upon graduation. A year of work or travel provides another …

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AI-completed learning example

350 words · Illustrative target band

Nowadays, in many countries, teenagers are suggested to have a gap-year between graduating high school and starting university. Some people argue whether it is time-consuming or helps the young to gain more experience before maintaining an advanced education. This essay will discuss why there are significant benefits which far outweigh the drawbacks. This is firstly because work can provide responsibility and travel …

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AI-completed learning example

349 words · Illustrative target band

Nowadays, in many countries, teenagers are suggested to have a gap-year between graduating high school and starting university. Some people argue whether it is time-consuming or helps the young to gain more experiences before maintaining an advanced education. This essay will discuss why there are significant benefits which far outweigh the drawbacks. This is first because planned work or travel can give students exp…

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AI-completed learning example

350 words · Illustrative target band

In certain nations, it is common practice for young individuals to engage in work or travel for a period of time after completing high school and prior to commencing their university studies. This essay will examine the advantages and disadvantages associated with this decision. Taking a gap year before pursuing tertiary education can be perceived as an opportunity to gain experience and independence, although it can…

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AI-completed learning example

349 words · Illustrative target band

The practice of taking a gap year after high school is gaining more grounds. This has both benefits and drawbacks as we shall see. Post-secondary school pause of a year before proceeding to the university can help students re-strategize for a completely new adventure in the terrains of higher institutions. This will help them pick a subject that suits their interests, provided they reflect on what they learn during t…

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AI-completed learning example

350 words · Illustrative target band

Before college, many young people are advised that a year of working or travelling may be a good option. This essay will suggest that experience gained and money saved are the biggest advantages of this, but delaying careers and reducing motivation to study are the primary disadvantages. The main advantages of a gap year are practical experience and possible savings. Neither is automatic, since the type of role and l…

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AI-completed learning example

348 words · Illustrative target band

Nowadays, a gap year is more popular among young people. In many countries students who graduate from high school are encouraged to make their business or have a journey during their gap year before starting university studies. This essay will discuss both advantages and disadvantages for young people, and I will give my concluding opinion. The effects depend on whether the year has a purpose and a realistic return p…

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AI-completed learning example

346 words · Illustrative target band

The ongoing global dialogue regarding the encouragement of young high school graduates to engage in work or travel experiences before commencing university studies has garnered widespread support. However, there are individuals who believe that a seamless transition from high school to university is essential. From my perspective, I concur with the notion of young adults taking a planned year for experience, while re…

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AI-completed learning example

351 words · Illustrative target band

Many people are in favor of the international discussion on allowing high school graduates to travel and work. However, there are those with the mindset that education should be a continuous path into university after completing high school. In my opinion, I agree with the mindset of having young adults travel and work, as this can provide experience before they choose a degree. Nevertheless, the year needs a realist…

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AI-completed learning example

355 words · Illustrative target band

In a share of countries the youth are encouraged to work and travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. The advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages. To start with, one benefit could be mentioned above as a number of scientists have shown that in recent years there have been claims about the value of experience. No specific scientific study is supplied in the sourc…

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