IELTS Writing Task 2 essay with model answer

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel abroad for a year between finishing high school and studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who do this.

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

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

The popularity of the Gap Year has grown all over the world. Many teenagers are keen to go backpacking abroad or get a job for a year before commencing their university studies. While some feel this is a unique opportunity to build a number of skills, others consider this a waste of time. I feel this is a valuable experience that all students should make the most of.

Firstly, they build on their organisational skills. Saving money, compiling a travel itenerary and managing unforeseen circumstances require forward thinking and planning. I am able to draw from my own experience to illustrate this. I planned a trip to the Maldives to perform charity work. This took months of fundraising. I managed ro raise thousand pounds and to t his date it is an achievement I am very proud of. It was my first journey abroad alone. I feel it helped me become a responsible adult.

Submit Task For Review ($15)

An obvious benefit of working for a year before enrolling at university is that it helps an individual to save money. University is an expensive investment and with tuition fees reaching an all time high, every penny counts! Studies show many students take student loan nowadays. By saving money before university, pupils are able to produce the debt that they will incur. For instance, an average undergraduate i n the UK leaves higher education with at least 20,000 of debt.

Despite the many benefits of a gap year, there are some disadvantages as well. Firstly, many young people may feel left behind if they do not start university with the remainder of their peers. When they do start university they will be older than many of the students in their cohort. I experienced this as an undergraduate but I drew on the positives: I was more responsible as a student and I wasn't the only older student.

As discussed above, there are many benefits to work and travelling before university. These benefits definitely outweigh and disadvantages. I believe you only live once, so it's best to make the most of every opportunity.

Total Words: 370

Task Achievement: 8.5

Coherence & Cohesion: 9

Lexical resources: 7

Grammar: 7

Overall Score: Band 8

For unlimited feedback with speaking and writing tasks sign up for IELTS Twenty20 Online Course today!

Study 20 minutes a day for 20 days and Ace the IELTS exam.