Ielts writing task 2

Some students take one year off between finishing school and going to university, in order to travel or to work. Do you think advantages outweigh disadvantages?

Over the past decade, there has been a growing trend towards taking a gap year between tertiary education and university for various purposes. While I accept that it has both benefits and drawbacks, I would argue that there are more advantages than disadvantages.

There is a major drawback of taking a gap year. Spending one year traveling will be a bit pricey as parents will have to provide funding for subsistence fee to their children. And if they are grown in some developing or poor countries such as Vietnam, most of them will probably not be able to spending one year exploring due to their parents' low incomes. Consequently, taking a gap year makes students hesitate when it comes to finance.

On the other hand, I support the view of those who believe that the drawback mentioned above will be eclipsed by some tremendous benefits. First, both working and traveling are good chances for students and help them broaden their horizons. My cousin, for example, she spent one year living in England, which gave her countless opportunities to improve her English. After one year, she came back home with a good command of English and became a good translator. Second, there is no denying that taking a gap year helps students to find out their hobbies and talents. After a long time experiencing an independent life, they will be more mature and wiser in choosing their own suitable fields to study at university. As a result, students will be more contented with their jobs when entering adult life.

In conclusion, despite the drawback of taking a gap year being provided by the cost, I believe that the benefits will preponderate over that apparent disadvantage and people should spend more time experiencing new things before entering university.