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

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

313 words · Illustrative target band

In this contemporary world, taking a gap year has become common among the young generation. They are inspired to take a gap year as a chance to work and travel when they complete high school and are on the verge of studying at university. I believe the advantages of this argument outweigh the disadvantages, as it can help young people develop independence and gain useful experience before they begin a demanding degre…

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AI-completed learning example

282 words · Illustrative target band

Nowadays, the majority of young adults who complete their high school studies are inclined to pursue an academic career and enroll in a bachelor’s degree. A vast amount of these students prefers to take a gap year in order to experience the real world and travel or work to gain more consciousness on their future plans. This arrangement can offer several benefits, although it also has some drawbacks. One important adv…

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