In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea.

 Taking a “gap year” off between high school and university has become a popular option among many young people. Although some argue students can use this opportunity to do something hands-on and refreshing which enables them to learn more about themselves, there are critics who believe drawbacks of such a gap outweigh its advantages.

The benefits of taking a year off are plentiful. On a personal level, students who travel away from home develop their independence and self-confidence. On a cultural level, they learn about viewpoints, traditions and perspectives different from their own. Professionally, students get a taste of diverse workplaces, which might inspire a possible career interest. Intellectually, they examine their own beliefs and ideas in relation to those of others in a new environment. All these advantages combine to make a strong case for taking the one-year break.

Nevertheless, there are also dangers involved in taking such a long break. Academically, the main drawback is that students can get sidetracked from their studies. A year is a long time and students could lose the good study habits and sense of discipline they had when they were in a formal academic structure. If they begin working, they could also be deluded into thinking that they’re making a lot of money as a result of which they could lose the benefit of college or university education and the chance to earn a higher income all their lives. An illustration of this is my uncle who would be a PhD holder now, had it not been for starting a business during the gap year.

In conclusion, whether to take a year-long break or not is an individual decision. What I personally assume is that each young person should consider his or her motivations carefully and decide on what’s most desirable. Time is a precious resource and people of all ages, including young people, should treat it with respect.

 Analysis

A. Task response:

1. This essay has covered all parts of the given topic most probably because the candidate has spent enough time on comprehending the topic before he/she started to write.

2. The candidate has stated his own opinion definitely regarding the topic.

3. The central paragraphs of the essay are not well-supported.

4. This candidate has applied 280 words, which is good.

B. Coherence & cohesion:

1. The candidate has managed to express his/her position clearly and successfully because of applying correct & appropriate linkers such as although, nevertheless, which, if , …

۲٫ This piece of writing is both coherent (ideas have been arranged logically) & cohesive.

C. Grammar:

1. This candidate has used a wide range of structures including adjective clauses, noun clauses, conditional, complex sentences, …; more importantly, they are correct which mean the candidate has shown an excellent command of English structures by making mistakes in neither basic ones advanced ones .

2. The candidate has paid special attention to punctuation.

D. Vocabulary:

1. This candidate has used a wide range of appropriate & different words whose collocations are correct, for instance enable, outweigh, intellectually, delude, discipline, …

۲٫ There is no sign of repetitive words or contractions in the essay; also, spelling and capitalization have been taken care of flawlessly.

 Examiner’s final comment:

Totally, this essay seems good enough to be worthy of IELTS Band 7+ because of the above-mentioned plus points.