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

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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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