It is true these days that many high school leavers choose to start their work or take a trip before going to university. While a gap year can bring some immediate drawbacks, I am convinced that it is more likely to have long-term benefits for their lives.
Despite the disadvantages below, I think the main advantage is a gap year is an ideal opportunity for students to learn about what is not taught at university. Working with other people who are experts in a particular field can give these newcomers not only understanding of the job but also valuable practical lessons to help them become more mature. Furthermore, in terms of recreation, having a year to relax can be advantageous as students can have a chance to relieve stress in the study. With a comfortable and willing attitude, undergraduates can acquire knowledge more effectively in comparison with those who go to university straight away.
Admittedly, there are some disadvantages that young students are very likely to encounter when delaying their university study. Firstly they will have a delay in academic progress caused by spending one year off school. As a result, gap-year takers may have to face the challenge of becoming familiar with the knowledge at school again, receiving more pressure of catching up with their peers. Secondly, the life out of the university campus may prove to be mentally and physically overwhelming for inexperienced school leavers. They, for instance, may be at risk of being exploited in an exhausting job or face potential dangers on their trips to a new country if not well prepared for such possible obstacles.
In conclusion, despite some negative aspects, it seems to me that the benefits of a gap year are more significant for the reasons mentioned.
Important Vocabulary:
• Long-term (adj): continuing for a long time into the future
Example: The longterm effect of education should not be neglected.
• To encounter sth (v): to experience something, especially something unpleasant
Example: Young graduates commonly have to encounter great difficulty in seeking employment.
• Progress (n): movement to an improved or more developed state
Example: By adequately rewarding the students who have made significant progress in study, the school administration can recognise the achievements of these diligent students to others, encouraging many more students to devote more effort to study to obtain similar rewards.
• Peer (n): a person who is the same age, or has the same social position or the same abilities as other people in a group.
Example: In some developing Asian countries such as India, baby girls are usually less appreciated than their peers due to the remnants of feudalism that favoured men more than women.
• Overwhelming (adj): too great or large for somebody
Example: High school students in India, ranging from primary to high school ones, are obliged to learn an overwhelming amount of knowledge at school, not to mention loads of homework and other extra classes.
• Inexperienced (adj): having little knowledge or experience
Example: Many companies, for fear of arising expenses on training inexperienced new employees, tend to refuse the applicants who have just graduated.
• Extensive (adj): having a great range
Example: Society certainly benefits from the intellectual workforce who possess extensive knowledge in scientific areas.
• Occupation (n): a person’s job
Example: On the other hand, manual occupations are of fundamental importance to society.
• Advantageous (adj): giving advantages or helping to make you more successful
Example: The ability to speak foreign languages fluently can prove to be very advantageous for job seekers in the competitive job market.