IELTS Writing Task

Sample Answer

Band 7+ 

42. In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

Discuss advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

Sample Answer 1

  Many nations recommend that high school graduates take a year off between high school and college, during which they can gain professional experience or see the world. This practise presents both benefits and drawbacks for individuals who choose to engage in it.
  On the one hand, there are a multitude of advantages associated with the decision to partake in a gap year. First and foremost, this opportunity enables young individuals to acquire hands-on experience and cultivate fundamental life competencies. Through engaging in work or travel experiences, individuals have the opportunity to delve into diverse cultural contexts, expand their perspectives, and cultivate a greater sense of autonomy and self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the use of a gap year affords individuals the chance to engage in introspection and cultivate personal development, thereby empowering students to make more discerning choices regarding their educational and professional trajectories. Furthermore, certain individuals may opt to utilise this period to generate income, thereby making a valuable contribution towards their forthcoming educational expenditures.

     Conversely, there are potential drawbacks associated with opting for a gap year. A significant limitation is the potential for a decline in academic progress. The process of transitioning from high school to university can present difficulties, and an extended period of time away from academic pursuits may result in a decline in concentration or drive. Moreover, certain individuals may encounter challenges when attempting to readjust to a structured academic setting following a period of unrestricted autonomy and exploration. Furthermore, opting for a gap year may result in the postponement of an individual's initiation into their chosen professional field, which could potentially have repercussions on their future employment opportunities and financial security.
    In general, despite the existence of potential drawbacks, the benefits associated with embarking on a gap year, such as personal development and the acquisition of practical skills, surpass the disadvantages. Nevertheless, it is imperative for individuals to thoroughly contemplate their objectives and priorities prior to reaching a conclusion.

Important phrases and vocabulary:

high school graduates: Students who have completed high school.

gap year: A year-long break between high school and college.

professional experience: Work experience or employment in a specific field.

see the world: Travel and explore different parts of the world.

benefits and drawbacks: Advantages and disadvantages.

partake in: Engage in or participate in.

acquire: Gain or obtain.

hands-on experience: Practical experience gained through direct involvement.

cultivate: Develop or foster.

life competencies: Essential skills or abilities for life.

cultural contexts: Different cultural environments or settings.

expand their perspectives: Broaden their outlook or understanding.

autonomy: Independence or self-governance.

self-sufficiency: Ability to rely on oneself or be independent.

engage in introspection: Reflect on oneself or engage in self-examination.

personal development: Growth or improvement of oneself.

discerning choices: Thoughtful or wise decisions.

educational expenditures: Costs or expenses related to education.

potential drawbacks: Possible disadvantages.

decline in academic progress: Reduction or decrease in academic achievements.

concentration: Ability to focus or pay attention.

drive: Motivation or determination.

readjust to: Adapt or get used to again.

structured academic setting: Formal educational environment or system.

unrestricted autonomy: Complete freedom or independence.

exploration: Investigation or discovery.

initiation into: Entry or introduction into.

employment opportunities: Chances for employment or job prospects.

financial security: Stability or assurance in terms of finances.

personal development: Growth or improvement of oneself.

surpass: Exceed or go beyond.

disadvantages: Drawbacks or negative aspects.

contemplate: Consider or think about.

objectives: Goals or aims.

priorities: Things that are considered more important.

42. In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

Discuss advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

Sample Answer 2

BAND 7

             There is no doubt that the past 15 years have witnessed a greater shift in student views about careers and education than in the preceding 30. In a few countries, adolescents are encouraged to find work or take a year off after graduating from high school and beginning their secondary studies. The article will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of such a policy for the younger generation.

            Without a doubt, there are many benefits to working and travelling prior to pursuing further schooling. One of the most significant benefits is that kids get knowledge about other cultures and are exposed to a new world. In other words, young people have the chance to travel while still working in a competitive world, acquiring skills that top-tier companies need. Additionally, after graduating from high school, kids may assess their inner characteristics when given the opportunity to evaluate their perspective skills and risk tolerance in a variety of job settings. Additionally, people gain experience while working in an organisation.

               Despite the benefits, there are many drawbacks. One disadvantage is that the gap between high school and university education is often abused. In other words, while living freely, working, and seeing the globe, some young individuals develop an addiction to narcotics and alcoholic drinks. Additionally, they lose interest in learning and divert their attention away from their chosen professional route. According to a survey done by the Times of India, 70% of high school pupils in the United States have not applied to universities or colleges.

                To summarise, students have an opportunity to assess their skills during the gap between primary and secondary school. However, some students take advantage of this opportunity by engaging in unethical behaviours that are detrimental to their future.

289 Words

42. In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

Discuss advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

Sample Answer 3

BAND 6.5

                  There is little doubt that the last 15 years have seen more changes in student attitudes toward a career and education than the previous 30. In few nations, youngsters are motivated to get a job or go on vacation for 12 months, after completing high school and commencing their secondary education. The essay will go over both the advantages and disadvantages of doing so for the younger generation.

                    Certainly, there are numerous advantages to working and travelling prior to furthering one's education. One of the most important positives is that they learn new things regarding different cultures and get exposure to a new world. To put it another way, young people have the opportunity to travel as well as work in a competitive world, developing skills that are required by top-tier organizations. Moreover, after completing high school, students can analyze their inner qualities when they get a chance to test their potential abilities and risk tolerance in different working environments. Furthermore, they obtain experience while doing a job in an organisation.

                    Despite the advantages, there are many disadvantages, too. One negative is the misuse of the break between high school and university education. In other words, some young people become addicted to drugs and alcoholic beverages while living independently, working, and travelling around the world. Furthermore, they lose interest in studying and become sidetracked from their intended career path. According to a study conducted by the Times of India, 70% of high school students have not applied for admission to universities or colleges in the United States.

                     To conclude, students have an opportunity to examine their abilities during the break between primary studies and secondary education, but some of them misuse this chance by doing unethical activities which are bad for their future.

293 Words

42. In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

Discuss advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

Sample Answer 4

BAND 7

                   There is little doubt that the educational system has changed more in the past 15 years than it has in the preceding 30. In a few countries, students are encouraged to work or travel for a year after finishing their high school education and before beginning their university studies. The essay will examine the advantages and disadvantages of such a strategy for today's youth.

                     There are undoubtedly many advantages to travelling and working prior to seeking further schooling. One of the most significant advantages is exposure to various cultures, which means that when travelling to another country, kids get the opportunity to encounter the culture and language of another country, which leads in increased ability and language skills. Additionally, students may get experience resolving conflict when working or travelling in a foreign nation. According to a study done by the Times of India, 70% of applicants in the United States of America go to another nation over their summer vacation to explore other cultures; furthermore, they get experience points for their curriculum vitae (CV). As a result, exposure to a different world assists them in obtaining a letter job.

              Despite the benefits, there are many drawbacks. One disadvantage is that the gap between high school and university education is often abused. In other words, some young people go to experience the country's nightlife and casinos. As a result, individuals spend valuable time on these activities and are unable to concentrate on their future.

               To conclude, kids have an excellent chance to develop their abilities throughout the transition from elementary to secondary school.

262 Words

42. In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

Discuss advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

Sample Answer 5

BAND 6.5

                There is little room for doubt that the last 15 years have seen more changes in the education system than the previous 30 years. In a few nations, youngsters are motivated to work or travel for 12 months, after completing their high school education along with commencing university studies. The article will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of such a policy for the younger generation.

                        Certainly, there are numerous upsides to travelling and working prior to pursuing further education. One of the most important benefits is the knowledge related to other cultures, meaning that while travelling to another country, students get a chance to experience the culture as well as language of a different nation, which results in enhancing ability along with language skills. Additionally, students might also get experience of tackling difficult situations while working or travelling in a different country. A survey conducted by the Times of India, has revealed that 70% of candidates in the USA travel to another country in their summer break because of experiencing different cultures; moreover, they also add experience points in their curriculum vitae (CV). Hence, experiencing the distinct world helps them in getting a letter job.

                   Despite the advantages, there are numerous disadvantages, too. One downside is the misuse of the break between high school and university education. In other words, some youngsters mostly visit to experience the night life as well as casinos of a distinct country. As a consequence, they waste their precious time doing all these things and do not focus on their future.

              To conclude, students have the golden opportunity to enhance their skills during the gap between primary and secondary school.

275 Words