Writing task 2 - Topic: Gap year

Please check my writing task 2 below. I appreciate all your comments. Thank you.

Topic: In some countries, some high school leavers are choosing to work or travel for a period of time before going to university. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of those school leavers’ decision. Give your own opinion.

In some nations, a number of high school graduates are taking time to get a job or go on a trip before entering university life. While I accept that there are drawbacks of this issue, I would argue that it is better to take a gap year before going to university.

Taking time off between levels of schooling can bring several disadvantages to the learners. The first drawback is that it will cost students a year later to start a career after graduation. As a consequence, those students could possibly be judged as inexperience compared to their colleagues who do not choose to take a gap year. Moreover, travelling for a year requires a significant amount of money which not everyone could afford. Therefore, it is wiser to save money for actual university expense which is already costly rather than for entertainment travelling.

Besides the shortcomings, I strongly support the choice of getting a job or going on a trip after high school for the following undeniable advantages. The first advantage is that this is a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable experience from real life which could never be learned from campus. There is no doubt that traveling alone means students have to take care of themselves, make their own decisions which later transforms them into a more mature and responsible version. Furthermore, by getting themselves in the working environment at a young age, high school leavers can clarify what they would actually want to do in the future and hence, obtain a clear vision of their major in college. Most Vietnamese students, for instance, often go straight to university without determining their specific career path, leaving the important to parents or following their fellows and later regret about their unthoughtful decisions.

In conclusion, having a break for travel and job before enrolling university possesses both positive and adverse effects yet in my opinion, I completely support the decision of students taking a gap year.