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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Students in many countries are encouraged to travel or work for a year before starting their university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to work or travel after finishing high school and starting education in a university. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Students in many countries are encouraged to travel or work for a year before starting their university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to work or travel after finishing high school and starting education in a university. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In many countries, students are often advised to take a gap year to travel or work before they begin their university studies. This trend has both advantages and disadvantages for young people. In my opinion, while there are benefits to gaining real-world experience, the drawbacks of delaying education should not be overlooked.

On the one hand, taking a gap year can provide young people with valuable experiences that can help them mature and gain a better understanding of the world. For instance, traveling to different countries can expose them to diverse cultures and ways of life, broadening their perspectives. Similarly, working during this time can help them develop essential life skills and a sense of responsibility, which can be beneficial in their future academic pursuits.

On the other hand, postponing university education can have its downsides. Firstly, young people may find it challenging to return to a structured academic environment after a year-long break. This could lead to a lack of motivation and focus, impacting their academic performance. Additionally, with the rising cost of education, students might struggle to finance their studies without the support of their parents or guardians if they delay entering university.

In conclusion, while taking a gap year can offer young people valuable life experiences, it also comes with potential drawbacks that should be considered. Personally, I believe that the decision to work or travel after high school should be made carefully, weighing the benefits and drawbacks to ensure it aligns with one's long-term goals and aspirations.

(243 words)

Model Essay #2:

Students in many countries are encouraged to travel or work for a year before starting their university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to work or travel after finishing high school and starting education in a university. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In many countries, it is common for students to take a gap year to travel or work before they start their university studies. This practice has its own advantages and disadvantages for young people. In my opinion, I strongly support the idea of students taking a gap year as it can provide them with valuable experiences and help them gain clarity about their future academic and career paths.

To begin with, taking a gap year can offer young people the opportunity to explore different cultures, gain independence, and develop important life skills. For example, traveling to various destinations can broaden their horizons and foster a sense of open-mindedness. Similarly, working during this time can help them understand the value of hard work and financial independence, which are essential skills for their future endeavors.

Furthermore, a gap year can allow students to make more informed decisions about their university studies. It can provide them with the time and space to reflect on their interests and career aspirations, leading to a more focused approach when they do enter university. This can ultimately result in higher academic motivation and success, as they have a clearer sense of purpose and direction.

In conclusion, I believe that taking a gap year before starting university can be highly beneficial for young people. It provides them with opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and a better understanding of their academic and career goals. Therefore, I am in favor of encouraging students to take a gap year to travel or work before embarking on their university education.

(254 words)

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