Nguyễn Bảo Long

In many countries, students take a year gap after finishing school and work or travel
during this period. Should students take a gap year before attending universities? What
are the advantages and disadvantages of it? Give reasons for your answer and include
any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Outline
 Agree
 Para 1: Disadvantages
- Long break  students may find it difficult to get back to their studying
- Peer pressure
 Para 2: Advantages
- The opportunity to experience a variety of lifestyles, cultures or even jobs
 facilitate personal growth
- In many cases, taking a gap year can make your résumé stands out
 Conclusion
Answer
Traditionally, high school seniors will often pursue their tertiary education after graduation.
However, these days, a third option – gap year, where students make time to travel or work
rather than enroll for college – is gaining traction. While there are doubts about whether
taking a year off before going to university is beneficial, I am deeply convinced that the
positive influences of this trend are more glaring.
It is understandable why some people subscribe to the idea that deferring university
enrollment causes more harm than good. The first major drawback is that after a year-long
break, gap-year takers may find it particularly difficult to adapt to an academic environment,
which can result in a loss of momentum for their education. Furthermore, peer pressure can
be a huge problem since gap-year alumni are a year behind their friends. If no effective
solutions are proposed, there will be a high chance of these students suffering from self-
doubt.
However, notwithstanding the aforementioned dismerits of delaying tertiary education for
one year, I am still of the opinion that taking a gap year can provide students with
considerable advantages. Firstly, gap year affords new graduates time to travel and work in
various places. By doing this, students may have the opportunities to be exposed to different
lifestyles, cultures or even jobs, which will enrich their life experience, hone practical skills
and hence facilitate personal growth. Secondly, in many cases, given that many companies
are more likely to be impressed by candidates who are independent and possess skills that
can’t be learned in classrooms, the decision of going to work for a year rather than attending
university can make their résumé stand out. As a result, this increases the chance of
employment for high school graduates.
In conclusion, while taking a year-long break after high school still has certain disadvantages,
I would contend that if managed efficiently, its long-term benefits would make it an
absolutely worthwhile path.