IELTS WRITING TASK 2

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 decided
to do this.
Answer:
Before embarking on college many young people are advised that a year
working or travelling may be a good option. This essay will suggest that
saving money is the biggest advantage of this and a reduced motivation to
study is the primary disadvantage.
Third level education is very expensive and lots of students decide to work
for 12 months and save up money before they begin their studies. This allows
them to pay for their living costs, tuition fees and accommodation and focus
on their studies, rather than struggle financially or have to get a part time job
on top of their academic work. The Times recently reported that the average
student at a UK university requires over $12,000 per annum just to survive
and many drop out because they cannot afford to stay.
Despite these advantages, many students often get used to working or
travelling and don’t want to return to a life of study after a year off. This short
term view can cause some to bypass university altogether and go straight
into a job that is beneath their capabilities or may not offer the same
prospects their future career might have done. For instance, a recent survey
by the British Government found that 26% of students who take a gap-year
never enter tertiary education.
In conclusion, taking a break from studies can be advantageous if it allows
people to gather up savings, however, they should also be careful that it does
not lead to disillusionment with education altogether.