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

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

　　Model Answer:

　　It is quite common these days for young people in many countries to have a   break from studying after graduating from high school. This trend is not   restricted to rich students who have the money to travel, but is also evident   among poorer students who choose to work and become economically independent for   a period of time.

　　The reasons for this trend may involve the recognition that a young adult   who passes directly from school to university is rather restricted in terms of   general knowledge and experience of the world. By contrast, those who have spent   some time earning a living or traveling to other places have a broader view of   life and better personal resources to draw on. They tend to be more independent,   which is a very important factor in academic study and research, as well as   giving them an advantage in terms of coping with the challenges of student   life.

　　However, there are certainly dangers in taking time off at that important   age. Young adults may end up never returning to their studies or finding it   difficult to readapt to an academic environment. They may think that it is   better to continue in a particular job, or to do something completely different   from a university course. But overall, I think this is less likely today, when   academic qualifications are essential for getting a reasonable career.

　　My view is that young people should be encouraged to broaden their   horizons. That is the best way for them to get a clear perspective of what they   are hoping to do with their lives and why. Students with such a perspective are   usually the most effective and motivated ones and taking a year off may be the   best way to gain this.