IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

IELTS Essay # 1151 - Some young people look forward to a gap year

IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some young people look forward to a gap year before they begin work or university and see it as a chance to broaden their horizons. For others, this is expensive and a waste of time.

Which viewpoint do you agree with?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.


 

Model Answer 1: (View: It offers the chance to broaden the youngster's horizon)
In contemporary times, many young people contemplate taking a gap year to explore the world or gain work experience before embarking on their academic or professional journey. While some view it as an opportunity to broaden their horizons, others consider it an expensive and unproductive idea. In my opinion, taking a gap year can bring significant benefits and is a worthwhile investment for young people.

On the one hand, the idea of taking a gap year can be seen as an unproductive venture as it involves a significant amount of money and time. For instance, the expenses incurred on travelling, accommodation, and other leisure activities during the gap year can be quite exorbitant. Additionally, spending a year without any structured activities may result in a lack of discipline and motivation, which can be detrimental in the long run.

On the other hand, taking a gap year before starting university or work can provide valuable opportunities for personal growth and development. The time spent exploring new cultures, meeting new people, and trying out new things can help young people gain a better understanding of themselves and their place in the world. This experience can lead to improved self-confidence and a broader perspective, which can be highly beneficial in academic and professional pursuits.

Overall, I support the idea of taking a gap year as it provides young people with an opportunity to develop themselves outside the traditional academic or professional structure. Despite the expenses and the potential for unproductivity, a well-planned gap year can result in personal and professional benefits that can last a lifetime. 

In conclusion, young people should be encouraged to take a gap year, but they should also be aware of the potential drawbacks and carefully consider their options before making a decision. If this year is used properly, they will reap more benefits. 



 

Sample Answer 2: (View: Support the gap year before starting the university education or a job)
Some youngsters consider a gap year the key to enhancing their career prospects, while others think it is a worthless pursuit. I believe that pursuing a gap year can provide worthwhile experiences to juveniles, laying the seeds for a prosperous professional career.

On the one hand, by taking a gap year, youngsters can gain relevant work experiences and key skills which help broaden their view of the world. Working during the deferred years can increase their knowledge and communication skills. Furthermore, experiencing the customs and cultures of other countries help them gain appreciation and awareness of global issues, which put them in leadership positions. Such knowledge is paramount to securing a dream job in the future.

However, if the gap year is used imprudently, it can cost an awful amount of money and time. To add to the ordeal, one can get into debt. One in ten people faces financial ordeals from budget mismanagement according to gap-year tour operators. In my view, that number is negligible when we consider the benefits the travelling and job experience can offer.

In my opinion, hefty expenses should be the least cause for deterring a gap year. The return on investment is high, bringing positive drastic changes to the personality of the youngster. Travelling to other countries solidifies young adults with soft, and hard skills; moulding character and individuality. Facing and circumventing adversity in an unfamiliar country sets a solid foundation for solving problems in life. Such an experience is worth the expense and effort.

In conclusion, there is definitely an edge some young people can attain contrasting to those who consider a gap year an expensive pursuit or a waste of time. However, improper planning can adversely affect personal finances, but accurate gap-year budgets and plans eliminate the risk of debt and the possibility of wasting time.

[Written by - Saad Yaseen]

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 4.04 (12 Votes)

Parinaz
Hi there, how do you write so good? I know most of the words you have used in your essays but honestly, I can't use them like how you do. Please give me some tips. I have to get an 8 in my writing, general, not academic.