Young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing.. - Band Sample 9 Essay

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

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.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.

You should write at least 250 words.

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IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay

In some countries, it's customary for youthful individuals to undertake a gap year, either working or traveling, prior to embarking on their tertiary education upon completion of secondary school. This offers a substantial benefit to students as it affords them the opportunity to determine how their chosen field of study aligns with their career aspirations. However, this hiatus from academics may result in lagging behind peers and postponing their professional advancement.

As the majority of high school graduates are under the age of 20, taking a gap year before starting university provides them with the chance to clarify their life goals and envision their future. During their youth, when convictions are often not firmly established, many young individuals find the concept of a gap year appealing, as it serves as a break from academics and provides an opportunity for them to construct a professional career plan that aligns with their interest. For instance, after graduating from high school, I took a gap year to work at a local charity and travelled to different countries. This experience helped me discover my passion for helping people which made it easier for me to choose the right university courses and make the most of the higher education.

Conversely, the primary drawback of this approach is that students who opt for a gap year will commence their first job after university at a later age compared to those who did not take a break. The time spent building new connections through work or travel will result in a delay in the initiation of their tertiary education, thus prolonging their graduation and entry into the workforce. For example, I know a student, who did not take a gap year, started his career at the age of 22, whereas his peers who worked for a year before university began their professional journey at around 25. This exemplifies how a gap year after high school can cause a deferral in employment onset.

In conclusion, though undertaking a gap year between completing secondary education and embarking on tertiary studies can offer students the valuable chance to assess the alignment of their field of study with their career goals, this break from academics may result in falling behind peers and delaying professional progression.

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