disadvantages of gap year essay

The Gap Year Essay: Pros and Cons

Looking for a gap year essay example? This argumentative essay describes all the pros and cons of taking a gap year before college.

Introduction

• Pros of taking a gap year
• Cons of taking a gap year

There is an ongoing debate on whether high school graduates should take a year off (a gap year) before joining college. A gap year is a break from formal education and controlled environment that is otherwise monotonous and exhausting. Gap year is common in European countries and also in Australia and it is quickly catching up in America. It is an idea that even the most prestigious colleges and universities are getting fond of and thus encourage high school leavers to try it out.

Gap Year Pros

After completing high school, students tend to suffer from ‘information overload’ and exhaustion (Naomi, 2008). A year off may be helpful to such a person who has had an academic burnout and can use some time out to ‘recharge his or her academic battery’. The gap year will present the student with a chance to refresh his system and get a renewed energy which he will use to face the next phase of education.

Another reason as to why taking a year off is important is the fact that the person is able to build on some self confidence and their maturity level. Even top level universities are encouraging school leavers to take a year off since they reckon that those who do so, bring good values to the institution since they have had a taste of ‘outside life’ and will have a serious perspective towards life.

It is believed that those who take a gap year will be more focused and ready to face the more taxing institution of higher education. It is usually encouraged that students taking the gap year do so in a manner that will help them add some experience in a working environment while earning some money. They may also look for an internship which will help them have a feel of an organization and how it operates thus the student will make their curriculum vitae more appealing (William, 2000).

A gap year also offers chance for the high school leaver to do a thorough university search where he will look for the right institution that offers the course that he wants to engage himself in. The year off presents the school leaver with a chance to find the academic forte that he is most comfortable with. While enjoying a gap year, the school leaver will decide on what he or she wants to major in and this in turn will help them become more focused when joining university.

A school leaver may also spend his gap year travelling around hence broadening his horizon. By travelling abroad, the school leaver may discover new talents, gain new skills, learn new languages and visit various historical sites and this will help him have a diverse and broader perspective of life and thus make him more serious and focused when he gets to university.

Travelling abroad will also help the school leaver mingle with people of different races and cultures, a factor that helps them understand and appreciate diversity. This turns out to be very helpful to the high school leaver since he will encounter a multiracial and multicultural environment in the university and can therefore easily adapt, settle and start learning (Shellenbarger, 2010)).

A high school leaver who takes a gap year has a better chance of handling the peer pressure in the university. Because the high school leaver who was previously under the careful watch of his parents, will now be left on his own and thus the leaver who enjoyed his gap year travelling or being on an attachment will have built his self confidence and hence will tend to fight off peer pressure unlike the school leaver who joins university immediately where he will be hit by the reality of ‘first true freedom’ (World Inhabit, 2007).

Gap Year Cons

Besides the fact that taking a gap year will help to refresh the school leaver’s system, the gap year may also turn out to be disastrous towards the student and his career. This usually happens when the high school leaver fails to plan properly his schedule for the year off. Mostly, the high school leavers will waste a whole year and may not gain any helpful experience.

A mismanaged gap year may turn out to be too expensive to the high school leaver and, hence, deplete resources leaving him with insufficient funds to join university. Taking a gap year may result in a higher university budget as tuition fees tend to increase annually. William (2000) notes that “engaging in a gap year may result in the student missing a slot in the university especially in courses that are competitive”.

Also taking a year off may at times make the student lose momentum on studying and this may cause him a drop out of college or take a longer time to complete his course than expected. A gap year may lead to the high school leaver being demoralized by trailing his fellow classmates during the whole year (Sanjou, 2008).

A person who takes a gap year may fail to develop good skills and habits that may affect and help in his career and consequently fail to fit in the taxing university environment. A high school leaver who takes a gap year may enjoy real freedom having a time of his life and may find it very difficult to come in terms with reality that may end up by failing to join the university (Eunson, 2008).

Taking a year off may consequently lead to a delay in the beginning of a person’s career which means that the person will start earning at a later stage in life than he was supposed to. Also there are companies which plan trips for the school leavers thus reducing their level of self responsibility and thus don’t help build self confidence since they plan everything for the school leavers who should instead be doing things on their own to help build their confidence (College Confidential, 2010).

A high school graduate should consider the options he or she has when choosing whether or not to take up a gap year. The individual through numerous consultations with his parents, school counselors and sponsors should weigh between the pros and cons of taking up a gap year or not.

Ultimately, the decision lies in the high school leaver’s hands. This means that should the school leaver decide that he needs a break from academic pressure, he should ensure that he spends his gap year productively in a manner that will help boost his career path. A year off that is well spent by the school leaver can help boost a person’s confidence and maturity level. He will have a broader perspective of life and hence will give the university the seriousness it deserves once he gets enrolled.

Many universities in Europe and currently in the United States have come to appreciate the importance of taking a year off. Reports made by a number of university deans show that most people who take a gap year before joining university usually have a higher degree of seriousness, maturity and understanding than those who join university immediately after high school.

College Confidential. (2010). Pros and Cons of Gap Year . Web.

Eunson, B. (2008). Communicating in the 21st century 2nd edition . New York: John Wiley.

Naomi, G. (2008). The college gap year. Advantages and disadvantages of taking a gap year. CA: Sage.

Sanjou .G. (2008). Taking a year off is advantageous . New York: John Wiley.

Shellenbarger, S. ( 2010). Delaying College to Fill in the Gaps . Wall Street Journal.

William, F. (2000). Time out or Burn Out for the Next generation. New York, NY: McGraw Hill/Irwin.

World Inhabit. (2007). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking a Gap Year. Web.

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Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Gap Year Essay: Pros and Cons." October 28, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/gap-year/.

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6 Potential Cons of Taking a Gap Year (And Why They're Okay)

by Jessica Rosa January 24, 2024

A gap year can be an amazing experience. Extended travel is a great way to see the world and learn more about yourself. Taking an entire year gives you time to think and figure out more about what you want in life. And you’ll have incredible adventures throughout the year!

So why are gap years so controversial?

Gap years are awesome!

You might’ve heard a bit about why gap years are bad, but there are many misconceptions and fears about taking a gap year. Most concerns about taking a gap year are valid in one way or another. It’s definitely important to consider all concerns, and benefits, of a gap year before committing to an entire year abroad. The cons of a gap year are real and valid, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take one. The pros are just as real, and beneficial to boot! 

Knowing the pros doesn’t just make the cons vanish from your mind, and we get that! Here are some of the most common potential cons of taking a gap year, and why they’re okay.

Why gap years are bad (er, can be)

1. the con: gap years can be expensive..

From flights to housing to program fees and food, there are a lot of budget considerations to take into account during a gap year. It can add up quick! Depending on the type of gap year travel you choose, you could be looking at some sizeable costs. And while you’re reveling in your newfound freedom from high school, it’s not like you’re made of cash! The costs of a gap year can be a little intimidating. We get it.

Saving up for a gap year can be hard.

Why it’s okay: It’s worth the cost! (And there are tons of ways to cut costs).

Gap years are sometimes expensive, but the gap year benefits make it totally and completely worth it. If you have to spend money on something expensive, it might as well be on an amazing experience that will help define and shape you for years to come . You aren’t wasting money on the latest fad or iPhone; you are investing in yourself and your future.

Plus, there are tons of ways to cut costs and fundraise . Starting from scratch with funds is hard, but not impossible. And there are gap year options for programs that are cheaper to begin with! With a little luck and a lot of research, you’ll be able to keep gap year costs low, no problemo!

2. The Con: You might be totally on your own.

Being away from home for the first time is something every person has to go through eventually. But most eighteen-year-olds go through this at college, surrounded by familiar culture and food, with their family just a phone call away. Having this experience during a gap year can be a bit different.

Traveling alone might be hard at first and that’s okay!

You’ll likely be in a totally different country, which means unfamiliar culture and no comfort foods. Depending on where you go, you might not even be able to call your family and friends. You’re not just homesick, you’re also totally on your own . That’s a valid concern and something that can be scary for anyone.

Why it’s okay: You’ll learn a ton about yourself.

Being on your own means you’ll be forced to rely on yourself. Your independence and self confidence will skyrocket when you are 100% responsible for yourself. And being in new situations will help you learn a ton about yourself. By the end of your gap year, you’ll know how you are in a crisis or the best way for you to relax after a long day. 

Being on your own might be a little scary, but it’s not a totally bad thing. Feeling nervous means that you’re aware of the possible emotional complications that come with being on your own. And that means you’ll be even more prepared to face and deal with them. You got this.

3. The Con: You might lose momentum.

Because gap years are tons of fun ;)

A really common fear among gap-year takers, and their friends and families, is that one year off will turn into another and another. It’s easy to get caught up in this fear and worry that you’ll never make anything of yourself if you dare to take a year off from school. When thinking of all the reasons why gap years are bad, this might come up, and that’s okay!

Why it’s okay: The statistics don’t back this up.

While this is a common fear, it’s just not backed up by statistics. Gap Year Association statistics show that “ 90 percent of students who took a gap year returned to college within a year .” Another source, Joe O'Shea's book, Gap Year: How Delaying College Changes People in Ways the World Needs says that "economic researchers found that high school students who deferred their admission to college to take a Gap Year went to college (after their gap year) at the same rate as those who accepted an offer and intended to go straight there.” 

So while it’s good to be aware of this con, cut yourself a little bit of slack. The stats aren’t there and if you want to go back to college, you will! :)

4. The Con: It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind.

Choosing to take a gap year of travel means you’ll probably be starting college a year later than your peers. You might see your friends posting pictures of their new dorm rooms or tweeting about their first college classes. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind when people you know are moving forward with college. 

It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind, but you aren’t!

And once you do start college, you’ll be a year older. You’ll also graduate a year later than everyone else. It’s possible that your career might begin a bit later as a result. Taking a year off will logically delay everything else by a year, and it’s easy to feel like this puts you at a disadvantage.

Why it’s okay: You’re recharging while boosting your resume!

Thinking of a gap year as “delaying college” sounds negative, but it doesn’t have to be. Many people need the time off from school. After twelve years of schooling, it’s normal and even healthy to delay college and take some time away from your academic career to rest up and recharge.

And, while a gap year will delay your college experience by a year, it will also boost your college performance and future career. Claire Crawford and Jonathan Cribb, of the Institute for Fiscal Studies through the Centre for Analysis of Youth Transitions, did a study on gap years . They found that, in the United Kingdom and in the United States, students who took a gap year were more likely to graduate with a higher GPA than observationally identical individuals who went straight to college. 

Taking a gap year actually prepares you for college.

Depending on how you spend your gap year, it can also boost your resume! Employers want to know that you’re well-rounded and know how to balance your life. Taking a year to volunteer with children in Africa is more impressive than finishing college just a year earlier. Gap year benefits can do amazing things for your resume, so delaying school by a year is worth it!

5. The Con: It’s hard to keep in touch with friends.

Graduating high school already means potentially moving away from friends. And going on a gap year means you’ll be even further away from your friends. It’s hard enough to keep in touch when you’re at different colleges, much less different countries! This con might sound silly out loud, but these are the people you’ve spent hours laughing and bonding with for years prior, and the possibility of losing your connection with them can be a really scary.  

Why it’s okay: The friendships that really matter will last. And you’ll make a ton of new friends!

This con is valid because of the deep connection you’ve developed with your friends, but the truly genuine friendships will last through the years. Through busy schedules, college, and even gap years, the friendships that really matter will last. Plus, with today’s technology, you can keep sharing jokes and moments from a thousand miles apart.

You’ll meet tons of awesome people during your gap year.

Whichever path you choose for your gap year travel is bound to bring people with similar interests into your life. Whether its bonding with other volunteers or bumping into a fellow traveler at a themed restaurant, you’ll meet tons of new friends while traveling abroad for your gap year. So, while some friendships from back home might fade, you’ll be out making new connections and friendships abroad! 

6. The Con: Gap years require a ton of extra planning.

When thinking about the cons of taking a gap year, this one definitely comes to mind. Taking a gap year is a huge decision with endless possibilities. You could volunteer abroad or try an internship somewhere! You could backpack around on your own or take a pre-planned group trip. You could take just a few months or take the entire year. There are so many ways to personalize your “gap year” experience, and all of them require planning.

You’ll have to decide where you want to volunteer and for how long. You’ll get to plan your entire backpacking route. While it’s exciting to plan, it can also be really overwhelming. A gap year is supposed to be an escape from normal life, right? So why can’t it be an escape from planning and making tons of decisions too?

The Reality? Planning means you’re making your own decisions. 

The world is your oyster!

You’ve spent the last 18 years of your life trying to make your own decisions and plans. But, as a teenager, you don’t always have the freedom or ability to do exactly what you want to do. Planning a gap year gives you the chance to do just that.

Have you always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower? You can plan your gap year around that, without having to account for anybody else’s wishes. Is spending the night in a hammock in the rainforest a secret dream of yours? There’s programs to help make that happen. Want to spend your gap year in New Zealand learning how to be a fire dancer? Legitimately nobody is stopping you. ( Just be safe please :) )

So go crazy! Use your imagination, follow your dreams, and apply any other cliche advice you’ve always heard. Planning can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve got resources up the wazoo to help you on your way. Your gap year options are endless and the sky is literally the limit. (Space program gap years aren’t a thing quite yet :(

[ View ALL Gap Year Programs ]

Trust us when we say: a gap year will be your most amazing travel experience yet.

Adventure is out there, waiting for you!

Taking a gap year is a big deal, and it’s important to consider the pros and cons of taking a gap year before you commit to an entire year abroad. The cons are definitely valid, but so are the pros!

There are lots of awesome advice articles about gap years, but, when it comes down to it, you know what’s best for you personally. Regardless of the opinions of your friends and family, despite the potential obstacles, if you think a gap year is right for you, then just go! Get out of your head and don’t overthink it. You are an (brand new) adult with a good head on your shoulders, and a gap year has the potential to be the most amazing adventure of your life so far. It’ll shape your education, career, and personal development for the rest of your life. You know the pros and cons of taking a gap year, and you got this. 

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking a Gap Year | Band 8 Essay Sample

Essay topic

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 .

Band 8 essay sample

In many countries, youngsters are often encouraged to take an year off, to work or travel across the world, before embarking on their formal university education. This recent trend, also known as “gap – year”, has numerous merits and a few demerits, which will be discussed in this essay.

To begin with, the biggest advantage of taking sabbatical to explore the world is that it gives them an opportunity to discover their career interest. Such trips are not only fun , but also  gives  them  a chance  to  socialise , engage in volunteering, and understand global issues  and global culture . This helps them to discover their real passion which is the foundation stone for a fulfilling career. For instance, data from Harvard University, 2010, pointed out that drop-out rate from university courses is around 10 percent less in those children who chose the course after taking a “gap year” in comparison to those who headed straight to university after the high school.

In addition to this, working for a year before starting university reduces the financial burden of higher education to an extent. As the advanced studies are costly in most countries, working for a year helps them in saving money so they have to borrow less money and are under less financial debt, when they start higher studies.

In contrast to above viewpoints, the most significant disadvantage of such a break is that it can be a distraction from further studies. Some students find such breaks so relaxing and enjoyable that they decide to shun further studies permanently.

Although the incidences of such cases are few, the effects can be disastrous for their further career. For instance, a 2010 report from Florida University revealed that 1 in 100 students, who take “Gap-year” never go for advanced studies and struggle throughout their life to make the ends meet because of being unskilled.

To conclude, the break of a year taken before pursuing university studies helps students to discover their career interest and also allows them to consolidate financially. However, for a minority of high school graduates it can lead to an end of  an academic career .

(357 words)

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Pros and Cons of Gap Year

Question: I recently have been thinking about taking a gap year between high school and college. What are some advantages and disadvantages of doing this?

A gap year is a welcome break for many students but can also be frustrating to others. It may indeed be a way to recharge your battery or to explore activities near home or afar that you never had time to experience before. However, students with lofty gap-year plans have been known to end up zoned out in front of "Full House" reruns or steamed up behind a fry-o-lator at the local Mickey D's. Thus, before deciding on a year off before college, it's important to assess your reasons for the change and to make sure you spend your time in an engaging way that meets these aims.

For instance, if your main objective is to get a breather from classrooms, tests, and homework assignments, a gap year can be a great way to do that. Whether you're working full time, pursuing an extracurricular interest (e.g., training for a triathlon or interning at the local TV station), or taking part in an organized travel, study, or volunteer program, it's important to have focus. We advise you to come up with a plan--at least a preliminary one--before you commit to the year off. One complaint we often hear from dissatisfied "gappers" is that, once their friends headed off to college in the fall and they didn't have any fulfilling activities on the docket, they regretted their decision.

If you have no clue about what to do, consider one of the organizations, like those below, that provide gap-year solutions. Some charge a fee for this advice--and the programs they recommend can be costly, too--so keep that in mind as you proceed. (We aren't endorsing any of these outfits. We've not heard bad things about any--only good--but it's still a "buyer-beware" situation):

www.interimprograms.com

www.timeoutassociates.com

www.dynamy.org/

You can actually earn money by volunteering for Americorps (or for its affiliated program City Year). See http://www.americorps.org/ and http://www.cityyear.org/

The biggest plus of a gap year is that many students who take time off before college find that the break from academics enables them to return to the classroom the following fall with renewed vigor and focus (and even maturity :-) ). Some parents (maybe yours?) and even some students, too, worry that a detour from college may lead to a long-term derailment, but this is rarely the case. Most gappers who take a year off of the academic treadmill are eager to climb back on when the time comes.

While often it makes sense to apply to college while still in high school (where you'll have access to guidance counselors and their services, teachers for recommendations, etc.), and then defer admission once admitted, some students find that after a year away, their priorities change, and they're interested in a different institution and/or major field. So one thing you'll need to consider as you proceed is a timeline ... will you make your college plans before your year off or during it?

Some students, too, view a gap year as a way to get into a "better" college than those that would have admitted them straight from high school. Typically, this is NOT an effective strategy. Most colleges base their decisions primarily on academic factors, so--if your year away does not include taking classes--then don't expect it to offer a back-door route to a top-choice college. However, there ARE stories out there about applicants whose gap-year efforts were sufficiently impressive that they led to acceptances at colleges that had already said "no" once before or that probably would have previously been somewhat out of range.

If you ARE hoping that your gap year will lead to better college options, be sure to choose your activities especially carefully so that admission folks regard your time away from school as worthwhile or even unique. For instance, if your applications already point to a particular passion (silk-screening or ceramics, playing the sitar, volunteering in a shelter for battered women or AIDS babies, etc.) then perhaps you can take that interest and involvement to the next level. That is, you can pursue it full time or in an atypical way or locale.

Getting a job--even a menial one--to help defray college costs would also be construed as "worthwhile" by admission officials. Many left-leaning elite-college admission staffers have some degree of prejudice against silver-spoon kids who spend a summer--or a year--studying, traveling, or "volunteering," only after Mom and Dad have written out a hefty check to pave the way. Thus, if you defer for a year, and then explain to colleges that your parents expect you to pay a portion of your own college expenses so you needed to earn significant cash before matriculating, then this could work in your favor when it comes to impressing admission committees.

Finally, keep in mind that, if you don't have any gap-year plans that truly excite you, then you might want to postpone your break until you've had a year or two of college under your belt. Some students feel they most need a hiatus at the end of high school, while others find that they get more bang for their buck only after they've had a taste of college life first.

Sally Rubenstone

Sally Rubenstone knows the competitive and often convoluted college admission process inside out: From the first time the topic of college comes up at the dinner table until the last duffel bag is unloaded on a dorm room floor. She is the co-author of Panicked Parents' Guide to College Admissions; The Transfer Student's Guide to Changing Colleges and The International Student's Guide to Going to College in America. Sally has appeared on NBC's Today program and has been quoted in countless publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Weekend, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, People and Seventeen. Sally has viewed the admissions world from many angles: As a Smith College admission counselor for 15 years, an independent college counselor serving students from a wide range of backgrounds and the author of College Confidential's "Ask the Dean" column. She also taught language arts, social studies, study skills and test preparation in 10 schools, including American international schools in London, Paris, Geneva, Athens and Tel Aviv. As senior advisor to College Confidential since 2002, Sally has helped hundreds of students and parents navigate the college admissions maze. In 2008, she co-founded College Karma, a private college consulting firm, with her College Confidential colleague Dave Berry, and she continues to serve as a College Confidential advisor. Sally and her husband, Chris Petrides, became first-time parents in 1997 at the ripe-old age of 45. So Sally was nearly an official senior citizen when her son Jack began the college selection process, and when she was finally able to practice what she had preached for more than three decades.

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• Gap Year: Advantages/Disadvantages

IELTS WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words about the following topic:

In many countries, there is a growing trend of encouraging young individuals to take a gap year, either for work or travel, after completing high school and before starting their university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this choice for young people.

Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

• Paraphrase the topic description: Encouraging young individuals to take a gap year after high school is a growing trend in many countries.
• State the main opinion or idea: This choice presents both advantages and disadvantages for young people.
• Support the main opinion: Gap year offers opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
• Provide an example from personal experience: Engaging in work or travel experiences can broaden worldview and develop practical skills.
• Support the main opinion: Gap year may pose challenges in terms of academic readiness and motivation.
• Provide an example from personal experience: Some students might struggle to resume studies after a year off, potentially leading to loss of focus and momentum.
• Summarize the body paragraphs: Taking a gap year has both positive and negative implications for young individuals.
• Restate the main opinion: Making an informed choice based on individual goals and circumstances is crucial in deciding whether a gap year is suitable.

The growing trend of advocating for young individuals to take a gap year after completing high school before starting university studies has become more prominent in various countries. From my personal perspective, I believe that this choice can offer both advantages and disadvantages to young people.

On one hand, taking a gap year can provide young individuals with valuable opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. By engaging in work or travel experiences, they can gain practical skills, independence, and a broader worldview. For instance, during my gap year, I volunteered in a foreign country, which not only allowed me to contribute to a meaningful cause but also exposed me to diverse cultures and perspectives.

On the other hand, there might be drawbacks to taking a gap year, particularly in terms of academic readiness and motivation. Some young people might find it challenging to resume their studies after a year of hiatus, potentially leading to a loss of momentum and focus. Additionally, financial constraints could limit the possibilities for those who wish to travel or pursue certain gap year opportunities.

In conclusion, the decision to take a gap year after high school can have both positive and negative implications for young people. It provides a chance for personal development and enriching experiences but could also pose challenges in terms of academic continuity and financial considerations. Ultimately, making an informed choice based on individual goals and circumstances is crucial in determining whether a gap year is the right path to embark upon.

The increasing trend of encouraging young individuals to take a gap year after completing high school and before starting university has sparked debates worldwide. This essay will explore the advantages and disadvantages of this choice for young people, based on personal experiences and knowledge.

Taking a gap year can be a valuable opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Youngsters can use this time to travel, volunteer, or work, gaining real-world experiences that can shape their character and broaden their horizons. For instance, during my own gap year, I volunteered in a rural community, which not only exposed me to different cultures but also instilled a sense of empathy and social responsibility.

Moreover, a gap year can help young people gain clarity about their future goals and career aspirations. Many students feel pressured to choose a university major without truly understanding their interests and passions. By taking a gap year, they have the chance to explore various fields, make informed decisions, and enter university with a clearer sense of purpose.

On the other hand, a gap year may present certain drawbacks. Some individuals might find it challenging to resume their academic pursuits after a year-long break, as they may lose the momentum and study habits developed during high school. Additionally, financial constraints can be a concern, as not everyone can afford to travel or volunteer without a steady income.

Furthermore, there is a risk that some young people might fall into the trap of procrastination during their gap year, losing focus on their educational goals altogether. Without proper planning and guidance, the gap year might not yield the desired outcomes, and students could find themselves adrift without a clear path.

In conclusion, a gap year can be both advantageous and disadvantageous for young individuals. It provides opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and gaining valuable experiences, which can positively impact their future. However, the risk of losing academic momentum and financial constraints should not be overlooked. Ultimately, the decision to take a gap year should be well-considered and aligned with individual aspirations and circumstances.

The increasing trend of promoting gap years for young individuals after high school but before university studies is prevalent in many countries. In my view, this choice has both merits and drawbacks for young people.

On one hand, taking a gap year can provide valuable opportunities for personal and academic growth. By engaging in work or travel experiences, young individuals can gain practical skills, enhance their independence, and broaden their horizons. For example, during my gap year, I worked as an intern in a nonprofit organization, which not only helped me develop professional skills but also allowed me to explore my interests before committing to a university major.

On the other hand, there are potential downsides to taking a gap year. Some young people might struggle to re-adapt to an academic environment after a year off, leading to a loss of motivation and academic momentum. Additionally, financial constraints may limit the options for those who wish to pursue travel or certain gap year programs.

In conclusion, the decision to take a gap year after high school can have both positive and negative consequences for young people. While it can offer enriching experiences and personal growth, it also carries the risk of academic challenges and financial limitations. Ultimately, making an informed choice based on individual goals and circumstances is crucial in determining whether a gap year is the right path to take.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: an advantage-disadvantage essay on taking a gap year before starting university education; with plans and model answer

This IELTS Writing Task 2 post offers the insights of writing a great answer to an advantage-disadvantage essay . This task 2 question asks the candidates to provide their personal opinions on taking a gap year before starting university education. In this post, you will find a plan that can help you to write this answer effectively along with a mind-map or brainstorming ideas .  You will also find a great 7.5-band model answer written by two candidates who took my IELTS Writing Correction Service . I am hopeful that these answers can help you construct your own answers for other opinion topics.

Let’s have a look at the question first.

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.

What kind of essay structure should you follow?

In most IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, a 4-paragraph structure is followed. For this specific problem-solution essay, we should also follow a 4-paragraph essay structure.

Paragraph 1: Introduction (Introduce the topic with some background information and your thesis on the topic in 40/60 words)

Paragraph 2: (Explain the advantages – with examples in around 120-130 words)

Paragraph 3: (Explain the disadvantages – with examples in around 120-130 words)

Paragraph 4: (Conclude the essay with a personal opinion on what decision can be made about taking gap year – 40/50 words)

How to plan for your answer to a descriptive topic:

When you start writing your task 2 answers, what strategies do you follow? Do you have a plan that you arrange beforehand and apply it accordingly?

It is always a very good idea to plan before you write something; even it takes 5/7 minutes of your time. A good plan reduces your pressure of real-time thinking and writing together. It also improves your power of thinking and arranging ideas. So, utilize the opportunity of thinking beforehand and take some necessary notes that can help you to present your thoughts in an organized way.

For this kind of opinion topic, we need to analyze the question and try to understand what the task requirements are. Let’s look at this question again and find out what they want us to write:

As you can see, there are two points on this topic and we should answer the question effectively by explaining the advantages and disadvantages . We should also remember to write a minimum of 250 words to illustrate our ideas, thoughts, suggestions etc.

So, here is a plan that I’ve made to establish my ideas, thoughts, and suggestions. You can do the same by doing some brainstorming and taking some notes. You need not be accurate to do this, just put down your thoughts and do some regular practice.

Now, let’s have a look at the plan:

Description of the pros and cons of taking a gap year before starting university education:.

Advantages of taking gap year:

• Expand horizons by traveling new places; learn about new customs and cultures
• Learn about the value of hard-work; change of perspective about being lavish

Disadvantages of taking gap year:

• Feel homesick; miss family and friends
• Earning money makes disillusionment about studies; risking job career.

Now, here is a model answer prepared by an IELTS candidate who scored 7.5 in IELTS Writing. In my opinion, the answer is quite organized and you can easily get a band score of 7.5 or more if you write your answers like this one.

Model answer:

Many people in various nations of the world advocate taking a year gap with the purpose of working or traveling before embarking on one’s third-level education. While this offers a number of benefits, there are also some pitfalls which are worth considering.

Traveling or working before starting university education includes two primary advantages. At the initial point, young learners will be able to expand their horizons through visiting different places. When students set out for their overseas journey, they will be eventually open to the elements of different cultures and customs. This will provide them with a deeper perceptive of the world as a result. Besides, students who decide to work for 12 months ahead of their university classes will be taught to realize the value of earning money due to the fact that they will appreciate the struggle involved here. As a consequence, they will be able to control their desire to spend money lavishly and may become more selective in spending the hard-earned money in a more productive way.

On the flip side, some drawbacks of taking a gap year must not be ignored. Primarily, traveling is a well-documented reason of homesickness and many students, who have not been apart from their loved ones before, may pine for these people and if the case gets more serious, they may even turn out to be troubled and depressed. Moreover, students earning a handsome amount of money may suffer from disillusionment to return to their studies because they may take pleasure in becoming financially independent and growing some sort of self-identity. Hence, they may jeopardize their future career as in recent times it is vital for every person to graduate with a good degree in order to compete in the job market or business world.

To conclude, gaining invaluable experience and learning to become more independent in relation to money are the prime benefits of taking a gap year. Nonetheless, young learners may also feel homesick and wind up discontinuing their studies. In my opinion, weighing the advantages against the drawbacks carefully before coming to a decision is crucial or students may go for an extremely risky adventure.

(340 words)

Here are some other model IELTS Task 2 questions and answers:

Click here for two model answers to an Opinion essay on the use of fossil fuels and its threats

Click here for a model answer to Cambridge 14 Test 4 Writing Task 2

Click here for a model answer to agree-disagree topic: elderly or young people as company leaders

Click here for a model answer to advantage-disadvantage topic: online shopping

Click here for a model answer to opinion essay: urbanization in countryside/ problem of housing

Click here for a model answer to opinion essay: qualities of a good supervisor/boss

Click here for a model answer to opinion essay: on the use of fossil fuels

Click here for a model answer to descriptive essay: adopting a local culture by people all over the world

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This IELTS Writing Task 2 post offers some sample answers to an agree-disagree topic. This agree-disagree topic asks the candidates to provide arguments as to whether new science related to criminal forensics should be used to look at old cases or not. In this post, you will find three great model answers which may help […]

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The Disadvantages of a Gap Year Before College

The Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year

You’re about to graduate from high school, and you're considering the next step. After 13 years of school, taking a break is an enticing option. Before you decide to stop going to school, consider the disadvantages of taking a gap year. In addition to losing momentum, you may find a year away from school to be an expensive break.

Examine your options and discuss your future interests with family or a trusted mentor before making a firm decision. You may even want to write down the advantages and disadvantages of a gap year to get the full picture.

Don’t Lose Your Academic Edge

You may be experiencing burnout from test taking and paper writing, but absence from academic work may cause you to lose some of what you’ve learned. Going directly to college is a continuation of your academic learning. You’ve developed study habits and know how to hit the books. If you take a break, you’ll need a refresher on study skills and time-management skills.

Disadvantages of Gap Year Travel

Traveling the world is an enticing alternative to sitting in a classroom, but it isn’t free of charge. Traveling abroad can be very expensive, and some of the formalized programs cost as much if not more than a year of college tuition. You can defray the expense by working as an au pair or by serving in the Peace Corps, but you’ll have to be ready to commit a lot of time and energy to the application process.

It Can Be Tough to Go Back

One of the disadvantages of a student gap year is that it will be tough to go back to school. If you start earning money and experiencing a life free of school responsibilities, it can be difficult to regain the discipline needed to be a student. If you’re interested in traveling, consider going to college and pursuing a semester abroad. You’ll be able to continue your studies and see the world at the same time.

Saving Money Can Be a Catch 22

You may be weighing the financial advantages and disadvantages of a gap year. Living on your own can be expensive, and you may find that it’s difficult to save money for college. If you’re able to live with family for free, it’s possible to save enough money to put a dent in your first year of college tuition costs. Participating in a formal gap year program could eat away at the savings that could otherwise be dedicated to your college tuition.

You’ll Be Behind Other Students

One of the disadvantages of a student gap year is that you’ll be behind other students when you return to school. This is particularly concerning if you’re interested in going to college with friends or you’re pursuing an academic program that requires postgraduate education.

For example, becoming a physician may require eight years of education following your undergraduate degree. A gap year eats up another year of time that could be dedicated to an academic program.

Planning Can Be a Challenge

One of the disadvantages of a gap year is that you’ll need to be well organized and plan to get the most out of your break from school. As you finish up high school, you’ll have final exams, graduation parties and other end-of-year responsibilities that will consume your time.

If you want to make the most out of a gap year, you’ll need to start planning early on during your senior year. Traveling abroad, admission to a gap year program or finding a job in another country takes a great deal of time and effort.

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Dr. Kelly Meier earned her doctorate from Minnesota State Mankato in Educational Leadership. She is the author and co-author of 12 books and serves as a consultant in K-12 and higher education. Dr. Meier is is a regular contributor for The Equity Network and has worked in education for more than 30 years.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking a Gap Year Essay Sample

In the final year of high school, students must decide what to do after graduating, whether they want to continue their studies or take a gap year before going to university. Nowadays, it is quite common for many high school graduates to take a year off. A gap year is usually twelve months or more between secondary school and university, spent traveling or working. Although there are positives of taking a gap year such as widening horizons and enjoying greater independence, there is also a drawback, namely detachment from studies.

The main advantage of getting a job before college is expanding horizons. Firstly, being employed before attending university is an excellent opportunity for graduates who do not know what major to study at university to discover what their interests and goals are. Secondly, employed people have a regular income. High school graduates who try to build a career before entering university are independent of their parents.

On the other hand, working before college also has a disadvantage, which is getting detached from studies. For many young people, it could be hard to go off to college and learn again after taking a gap year, because they get used to a regular income and lose learning ability. Besides, some people do not want to return to school after a gap year or they drop out of college after the first semester, because of their idea that obtaining a university degree is a waste of time.

To sum up, taking a break from entering school provides graduates with increased independence. However, there is a chance of not finishing college due to a gap year. In conclusion, deciding whether to go to university right after graduating from high school or taking a year off and being in occupation is important and every high school senior should think about this. In my opinion, working before college is a smart idea if people are not sure what to study. I believe that people who take a gap year should try to study university and obtain an academic degree, even if they have a well-paid job because I think a number of these people will need a university degree in the future.

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In Many Countries Students Take a Year Gap Essay

In many countries students take year gap essay.

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. You should write at least 250 words.

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Gap Year Advantages Disadvantages IELTS Essay

In recent days, it is quite common for young adults having a break time after graduating from secondary school. It is not the case of rich people choosing travelling as a destination while poor young adults prefer to work in spite of entering university for a period of time. I personally believe that there will be a number of positives and drawbacks in both cases.

The reasons for this issue may involve the recognition of restricting knowledge and experiences in entering university studies, comparison with deciding to work or take a journey which will give a broader view of life. The young adult will be better on the resources of the personal life because for both cases are able to develop them as the independent people. Students deciding work or explore the beauty of world definitely gain some practical experiences and recognise the meaning of life rather than spending much time with some papers or plenty of assignments.

On the other hand, the disadvantages of both cases perhaps make people not interested again in continuing their study. They may end their study because of enjoying their daily life. Moreover, they may face some problems in adapting academic environment after spending a lot of time in work field or adventures. Therefore they probably think that it is better to pursue a career in particular jobs or do something different which can make this life full of colours in spite of studying in university. However, it will be less of people deciding break because to obtain a better future academic qualification as a primary of requirements.

In conclusion, having off time for young adults after graduating secondary school is not a wrong decision. They may argue that spending time for gaining greater experiences is one way to enjoy this life before coming to the environment which has many differences from the previous study.

In Many Countries Students Take Year Gap IELTS Essay

Nowadays, it has become a trend to take a year off before going to university or college for travelling or work, however, this trend has a number of benefits and drawbacks which I shall discuss in upcoming paragraphs.

Relaxation is, first of all, one of the leading benefits of travelling which is utterly important for students. The competition level in education is truly stiff, which is why, they have a lot of burden on their Shoulders and in order to kill this and perform better in further education, travelling is simply the best remedy. Secondly, by working after higher school, they can get practical experience about their education. It can be seen that nowadays to get a job in MNCs, student not only has to carry the appropriate level of education but also practical experience of that particular field. ieltsxpress

On the other hand, the major disadvantage of taking a short break amid study is, it derails students. It has been seen several times that once young ones put their efforts into their work, after some time they feel enable to concentrate on education. Besides this, due to gaping one year to travel or work, these students attend universities later than their current peers. The gap in ages might be a difficulty for them to fit in and to make new friends. For example, I was once the older in my class, and it was very hard for me to talk to my classmates because of differences in viewpoints.

Overall, taking one year off for work or travelling has both positives and negatives, on the positive side; it can provide relaxation and practical experience which can be beneficial in education while, on the negative side, it can divert students and keep them away from their friends. IELTS XPRE SS

Gap Year IELTS Essay

The contemporary era is an era of modernization, students have more choices about how they can improve their skills in higher education. Therefore, different types of learners have a tendency to spend time at an interval of time so that they can make a living or travel something. I would argue that the benefits of taking a gap year may outweigh the drawbacks.

To begin with, we should think about travel and work during this period, which really makes us enrich ourselves with absorbing knowledge. To be more specific, if we visit many places and come into contact with different traits, we will have the opportunity to access a variety of cultural conditions, which we can perceive as an accelerating trend in our cognitive range. Furthermore, break not only helps us to open our mind but also helps us to outline our future schedule. For instance, whenever we stop and think about our shortcomings, we are being better prepared for our future careers. IELTXpress.com

However, taking a break from formal schooling has its drawbacks. Simply put, according to a recent study by BBC News, we would tend to relax when we settling down after 12th grade. So, we get so easily haunted that we might just give up on the road to success because of the tempting entertainment. On the other hand, I still believe that the merits of a different period will outperform the demerits.

To sum up, taking an opportunity after the previous class gives us more opportunities to thrive rather than squander our resources. However, only when we effectively use the break between two types of learning can we benefit from it. ielt s xpre s s

IELTS Essay on Gap Year

Some people are in favour of students taking a gap year before university, while others believe such a break in education is disruptive. I believe that while there are arguments in favour of both views, that students benefit more from continuing their education straight from secondary to tertiary level.

On one side of the argument, a gap year provides opportunities for work experience, personal development and a period of relaxation away from the stresses of full-time education. High-school students are subjected to enormous pressure to achieve high grades, particularly in Asia, meaning that leisure time is practically non-existent and young people have little chance to indulge in hobbies or recreational activities After-school classes, summer schools and exam preparation courses also prevent many high-school students from engaging in sports which can develop teamwork and leadership skills, or from travel which allows them to gain cultural awareness and to develop as individuals. A gap year would provide just such opportunities.

Furthermore, work experience either in paid employment or in a voluntary capacity would give students practical skills, a sound work ethic and an appreciation of the value of money they have earned themselves. Such experiences help students to become more rounded individuals, enhance their CVs when they apply for scholarships or work after graduation and provide employers with valuable insight into an individual’s aptitude, personality and ambitions.

On the other side of the argument, many students returning from a break in academic study find it very difficult to adjust to university life, give up their ideas of a higher education altogether, or waste their gap year in worthless activities. Starting a university course after a year’s break is difficult. Gap-year students are a year behind their high-school friends and have forgotten many of the lessons learned in school, or indeed, how to study at all. Many also miss the income from unskilled gap-year jobs and decide that they would rather have money now than wait for a better salary later, prompting some to abandon their scholarly ambitions altogether. In the Philippines, for example, some students are enticed into non-skilled jobs with attractive salaries, forgetting that what they can earn after graduation will, in the long run, provide far better financial security. There are also many high school students who start a gap-year with good intentions, but fail to find work or a worthwhile activity and end up wasting their time – something they find hard to explain to future employers. ielt s xpress

In conclusion, while some students may profit from taking a gap year, I am convinced that for the majority of students a year’s break is detrimental to both their educational progress and their final careers.

Advantages Disadvantages of Gap Year IELTS Essay

Taking a gap year off between high school and the university has become a popular choice for many students. There are a number of common ways they utilise this time; such as travelling abroad, volunteering or working. I personally believe that this kind of experience should be recommended to students more actively since they can offer youngsters several benefits.

Spending time outside of school indicates that students can encounter opportunities to interact with people who they are not used to communicating with. Foreigners they meet while travelling overseas or colleagues from volunteering and work enable them to develop exceptional social skills to talk to others with cultural, racial or age differences. Such experiences can subsequently motivate them to be a more confident and outgoing person, which is believed to help them establish a solid social network.

Another distinctive advantage that a gap year break can give to students is a time to try out different types of practical work. Many teenagers graduate from high school without having clear occupational plans. However, participating in work experience programs or working part-time before starting university can broaden their perspectives on career choices. An exemplary case can be illustrated by looking at my sister, who spent six months teaching English in Cambodia during her gap year. While she was looking after the disadvantaged local kids, she developed a desire to work for international charity organisations and she enrolled in an international studies degree.

In conclusion, I am convinced that the society should encourage more high school graduates because the process of establishing social skills and trials on different jobs can provide them with invaluable life experiences. IELT S XPRESS

Also Check: Online Shopping is Significantly Increasing IELTS Essay

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10 Pros And Cons Of Taking A Gap Year

Whether it’s to take a break from studies, spend some time volunteering, gain real-world work experience or travel the world before diving into the throws of university life – taking a gap year for whatever reason has the potential to be tremendously beneficial to your personal growth and to better prepare you for life at university.

Alas, there are pros and cons to consider with everything, and gap years are certainly no exception. To shine some light on the matter, we’re detailing some of the most important positives and negatives that come with  taking a gap year , to help you make a more informed decision on whether taking time away from your studies is the right choice for you.

After weighing up these pros and cons, in the light of Covid 19 you might decide a gap year in the UK may be the answer to your plans. Read on to discover useful gap year ideas and direct resources you can use to inspire your year’s adventure in the UK or further afield and seek further advice.

PRO : It gives you time to pursue other passions.

Taking a year-long break from your studies gives you the chance to reflect on what you really love to do. You could spend your time pursuing hobbies and interests that are often neglected in favour of studying – as a result, you might even discover that you want to go down a totally different path.

CON : You risk losing your academic momentum.

The best case scenario for taking a year-long break from your studies is returning to them feeling refreshed and motivated. The worst-case scenario is that you lose academic momentum completely. The last thing you want is for your transition back into your studies to be a difficult one – so you really should consider whether taking such a long break is something that will work for you personally.

PRO : It gives you the opportunity to work and get money behind you.

University life is an undeniably expensive one, there’s no denying it. Therefore, there’s certainly no shame in spending your  gap year working  to gather funds that can help with your living costs whilst at university. It can help you to feel much more confident about going off to live independently for the very first time, taking a huge financial pressure off your shoulders.

CON : You risk wasting a lot of valuable time.

When you decide to take a year out, it’s hugely important to have a clear plan mapped out. Otherwise, you could end up wasting a lot of valuable time. The last thing you want is to look back on the year and realise the most productive thing you’ve done in a day is binge-watch an entire series on Netflix – it’s never, ever going to look good on your CV.

PRO : It could look impressive on your CV.

Of course, if you do follow a concrete plan and spend your year out the right way, it could look pretty snazzy on your CV and hugely impress future employers. If you spend it working, gaining experience, or even  volunteering , it can provide you with valuable new skills that any employer would be impressed by. Similarly, if you spend it travelling, it could give you a wealth of cultural awareness and a profound ability to live and work independently.

CON : It can be very expensive.

If you’re planning to travel during your gap year, depending on your destination and the duration of your trip, the likelihood is that costs will quickly mount up. Without the proper planning and organisation, a gap year abroad has the potential to take a huge financial toll on you. If you’re in any way concerned about funds, you need to ask yourself whether it will be a wise investment for you.

PRO : It can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Sadly, once you become a fully-fledged working adult, holidays are much harder to come by. Taking a gap year gives you the opportunity to make the most of your time away from the realities of life. Especially if you spend it travelling – getting the chance to travel so extensively for such a long period of time will be much harder to come by in the future.

CON : You will be a year behind.

For many people, this can be a particularly tough negative. You’ll need to consider the fact that many of your close friends will already be well settled into university life by the time you get there. As well, taking a year out can add an extended period of time to an already potentially lengthy educational process, which could result in you missing out on an early start in your career.

PRO : The life experience can make you better prepared for university.

Truth be told, a gap year has the potential to teach you much more valuable life lessons than sitting in a classroom ever could. This is especially the case if you decide to spend your year travelling, where you will undoubtedly gain the abilities to live and work independently, which will in turn better prepare you for independent study and living whilst at university.

CON : It’s a risk.

Like most things in life, taking a gap year is a risk for many reasons. You could risk all of the above cons and so much more, but ultimately, it’s down to you. Whatever you choose, keep in mind that taking a gap year and particularly spending time travelling abroad will be life-changing.

A gap year in the UK – ideas and resources

There’s more to the United Kingdom than local pubs, shopping centres and bad weather!

Did you know there are 250 iconic landmarks full of rich history, 166,000 charities in need of support and so many more ventures you can incorporate into your gap year in the UK?

When planning your gap year, there are two ways you can go about it: Organise it yourself or look for companies that will organise it for you.

With a wide range of gap year and volunteering schemes available, it’s important to check the legitimacy of each agency to ensure they are financially viable, are an established organisation and are reputable.

Organisations offering UK Gap years:

• Volunteering England
• Volunteer Scotland
• Volunteering Wales
• Volunteer Now – Northern Ireland
• Youth social action volunteering – #iwill
• International Citizen Service (ICS)

What is available?

Take time to research the range of gap year ideas, and volunteer and gap year schemes available. If you are going with an agency, ensure they are legitimate, financially viable and a reputable organisation. Consider others’ experiences, and research reviews, articles and forums to gain further insight.

Or you might want to organise a Gap Year yourself. It will take a bit more planning and organisation, so make sure to carry out all the fundamental research into the costs as well as safety advice, what insurance cover you will need to consider and additional checks.

Gap Year Ideas: Need some inspiration?

• Volunteering – A great way to help and inspire the wider community. You can volunteer with a charity or community group, help out your local area or assist with the elderly.
• Travel – Planning your travels around the UK is a sure way to enjoy your gap year. Don’t let the rainy weather stop you from travelling to this beautiful country! Taking a Gap year in the UK could lead you from the Scilly Isles to the Cotswolds. Train fares don’t have to burn a hole in your pockets. Consider a yearly railcard and get 1/3 off your rail travel, special offers and rewards from partners.
• Paid employment – Earning money will help you fund your gap year ventures. Consider agency work, a paid corporate internship or summer placement.
• Work experience – if you want to gain experience in a particular field, work experience may be for you. Although sometimes unpaid, work experience can be a great stepping stone into your career.
• Part-time courses – Why not try a course in something you never considered before? TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is a popular course native English-speaking people can embark on where they teach English to people who do not speak it as their first language (Psst! We have a 10% off unique discount code for all accredited courses: 47202F4A )
• Maybe a new language, trying a new sport or even something practical like cookery, mechanics or beauty.

Gap Year Advice

What do you want to achieve from a gap year.

Be sure to set some goals before you embark on your Gap Year. Whether that’s gaining new experiences, travelling across different regions, picking up new skills or simply considering your future ventures. Balance your time between adventure and productivity to ensure you’ll be on the right path.

How much money will you need?

You’ll need to fund your year’s expenses either through external financial help or paid work. Set yourself a budget and separate your finances by setting up a digital bank account to see exactly what you are saving and what your outgoings are. Budget sheets are also a great tool to consider your outgoings against your income. Costs will vary depending on accommodation, region and travel so planning at this stage is key!

Find additional funding

Filter, find and apply for scholarships, grants or bursaries 
via the Funding Hub on Blackbullion.

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Task 2: Gap Year

by katisss (USA)

More general question about the paragraph order in a Pro contra essay: The opinion you agree with is first or second paragraph? And inside the paragraph - start with more important and go to less important sub-points? 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. Here is the corrected version (corrections highlighted in bold) Some people recommend students to travel the world for a year before starting university. Others argue a “gap year” is a waste of time and money. I will look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of spending a gap year traveling after school. Many people think that a gap year can help a young person to gain some life and work experience prior to starting university, as well as develop as a person. For a young person , traveling provides an opportunity to broaden their horizon s and learn about different countries and cultures. Spending some time in a country while working also makes for a less superficial encounter than only being there as a tourist. Besides, travelers can gain work experience and potentially improve their foreign language skills. This experience can be an important advantage in a more international oriented economy. Additionally, a “gap year” can aid a person in becoming more independent and grown up, as it will require some organization skills and the ability to manage their finance s . It can also be argued that right after school is a good time in life to see the world as most young people do not have any family and professional obligations yet. However, there are valid concerns whether the time and money for a gap year are well spen t . Probably the most serious problem about a gap year is its impact on future academic performance ; young people taking a gap year may fall behind their peers or lose the motivation to study altogether. Moreover, school leavers are generally likely to end up with unskilled jobs abroad that barely cover their expenses , especially if they do not have advanced knowledge of the foreign language used in a country. Therefore, the work experience gained may not be very relevant to a person's career later and the work might not offer a lot of opportunity to practice a foreign language. From a more practical point of view it is also worth considering that not everyone feels comfortable living in a camper van, tent or hostel for months. In conclusion, I think time is a valuable resource at any age. There are a number of good alternatives to taking a gap year immediately after school: studying abroad, interning or working in a foreign country once you have completed studying . These alternatives later in a person’s career might be a more focused approach that offers better work opportun ities , and ultimately, may prove a better experience than a gap year. ==================== Further Comments: A very good essay, and as you can see very few errors. You fully answer the question and it is well-organized as well. Good vocabulary and complex grammar structures. It would not get the top score because it would need nearly no errors for this, but it would get a very high score. don’t = should be ‘do not’ as you don’t normally abbreviate in academic writing Your other questions: The opinion you agree with is first or second paragraph? And inside the paragraph start with more important and that goes to less important subpoints? I don’t think these things would be likely to affect your score as long as you wrote a well organized, supported and grammatically correct essay; however, yes, you would start with more important points (same as in task 1 – mention the most important things first), and then less important. Whether you wish to put the opposing opinion first or last does not matter too much. However, you are probably better to put it first if you do want to make a choice. This is because you want to persuade someone of your opinion, so it is better to present the other side, then finish with your arguments. That will make your arguments more persuasive. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks

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Some students take a year off between school and university – IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay

Updated On Dec 13, 2023

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IELTS Writing Prediction Questions for 2024

In IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays, you will be asked to write the benefits and drawbacks of the topic given. You have to be careful that you write the advantages and disadvantages of the topic given and not your opinion about the topic.

To help you to understand this type of essay better, given below is a sample essay along with a vocabulary section. Continue to practise other topics of advantages and disadvantages essays to help you during your preparation.

Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic (in February, 2015):

Some students take a year off between school and university, to work or to travel. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? OR

It is common practice for some students to take a gap year after graduating high school to work and/or travel. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Band 9.0 Model Essay:

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.

On the one hand, young students are very likely to encounter several difficulties when delaying their university study. One of these problems is the delay in academic progress caused by spending one year off school. It is understandably almost impossible for young people to enjoy their experiences in doing a job or travelling to a new place but still arrange a certain amount of time for revision. 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. Besides, the life outside 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, young high school graduates can suffer from unintended consequences.

On the other hand, I would argue that these disadvantages are outweighed by the positive effects. 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 an understanding of the job but also valuable practical lessons to help them become more mature. When it comes to applying for a position in a company, employers tend to favourably consider applicants who possess extensive experience in life and the occupation. Furthermore, in terms of recreation, having a year to relax can be advantageous as students can have a chance to relieve stress in study. With a comfortable and willing attitude, undergraduates can acquire knowledge more effectively in comparison with those who go to university right away.

In conclusion, despite some negative aspects, it seems to me that the benefits of a gap year are more significant for the reasons mentioned.

Useful Expressions

• Long-term (adj): continuing for a long time into the future ==>The long-term effect of education should not be neglected.
• To encounter sth (v): to experience something, especially something unpleasant ==>Young graduates commonly have to encounter great difficulty in seeking employment.
• Progress (n): movement to an improved or more developed state ==>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. ==>In some developing Asian countries such as Vietnam, 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 ==>High school students in Vietnam, 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 ==>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 ==>Society certainly benefits from the intellectual workforce who possess extensive knowledge in scientific areas.
• Occupation (n): a person’s job ==>On the other hand, manual occupations are of fundamental importance to society.
• Advantageous (adj): giving advantages or helping to make you more successful ==>The ability to speak foreign languages fluently can prove to be very advantageous for job seekers in the competitive job market.

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Nehasri Ravishenbagam

Kasturika Samanta

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11 comments.

Posted on May 8, 2022

It’s a trend that a number of students opt to take a “gap year” before stepping into university life. While there are still some drawbacks when they make this decision, I firmly believe that taking a year off is beneficial overall.

On the one hand, students may encounter some difficulties when having the year off. Firstly of all, It’s necessary for them to think before leap, otherwise, their time becomes worthless without an organized plan. Secondly, gap-year takers may face the challenge to familiar with the knowledge again when they back to school. Last but not least, students might also take a risk on safety issues. For instance, I had a friend who took a gap year and started traveling in Europe. Due to her carefulness, she got rubbery when wandering on the street. Unfortunately, when chasing the thief, she not only got severe injuries but also lost her wallet and passport in the meantime.

On the other hand, there are several merits to spending a year working or traveling before joining a university. The main benefit students can discover their “real enthusiasm” during the time. Taking myself as an example, I felt quite regretful that I didn’t have sufficient time to think about what I was truly eager to pursue as a career at university. In addition, another positive aspect is that young people could build their maturity and become more independent. The final advantage of taking a year off is they could learn different languages, perspectives, and lifestyles which could make them become more open-minded.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that the trend of taking a gap year is worthy, if they are able to deal with the difficulties and prepare themselves properly before they start.

Posted on May 9, 2022

Band Score – 5

Concentrate on the correct usage of articles and verb forms.

Put the side you are supporting in the beginning. Like, you are for the advantages, so place it first.

Some ideas lack expression. Learn error-free sentence formation.

Pay attention to spellings and word order in a sentence.

Use C2 level of words.

Posted on Nov 16, 2021

Nowadays, it has become more common to find students going to various places and getting involved in part-time jobs after completing their school education and before beginning higher studies. Even though such kind of independent working experience inculcates a sense of responsibility in these youngsters, it may also serve as a permanent distraction from studies. This essay will discuss both the merits as well as the demerits of this trend for young students. To begin with, attaining a sense of responsibility is quite significant for the students who have finished school, as the period between school and the beginning of college is one of immense change. These adolescents will soon be advancing towards adulthood where they will no longer want to stay dependent on their parents, therefore getting a little working experience might prove quite helpful before they reach that stage. In addition to that, most of the students do not realise the value of money while they are at school, and they may go on to have a tendency of over-indulging in unnecessary luxuries during their university studies, which in turn might create financial difficulties for those parents who are struggling even to finance their education. Consequently, this exposure not only makes teenagers more financially responsible but also helps them in preparing for the real world as they have to resolve on their own the problems they come across during this time. However, this development does not come without demerits, a permanent distance from education being one of them. The period of change from schooling to superior studies can be overwhelming for young students, they might be nervous about beginning this new and very different phase of life, hence it is possible that the immediate financial benefits and the independent lifestyle that come with part-time jobs serve as distractors for them, making them feel more at ease than the thought of putting efforts in consummating higher studies and they might get deviated from their original, real long-term professional goals. As a consequence, this trend might result in permanent destruction of these students’ educational lives and dream careers. To conclude, it can be stated that working before beginning college certainly offers some benefits for young people, but one cannot overlook the tremendous drawbacks that this trend poses.

Janice Thompson

Posted on Nov 18, 2021

Band score: 5

Concentrate on word order. “more financially responsible” is wrong Cohesion: Concentrate on linkers of addition. Learn collocations: Superior studies is not a synonym of higher studies The second para has a very long sentence which could have been broken down into smaller sentences.

Posted on Nov 2, 2021

In today’s modern world, many high school seniors consider deferring university enrollment after their graduation to spend one year off school. There are many controversies about this topic but I believe that the benefits of taking a gap year would prevail over the drawbacks in the long term.

On the one hand, a student who spends one year off school can encounter several difficulties. Delaying tertiary education for one year can make students be unable to attach themselves to their study, lose momentum and a habit of doing homework after fishing classes everyday. For example, if a student uses a year to work as a waiter, he or she will spend all the day at the restaurant upselling for the customers and have no time for improving his or her knowledge and even he or she can forget some important information which is taught at school because of no reviewing. Moreover, after spending one year off school, gap-year takers come back to pursue college, they may not only receive more pressure from their peers but also drain self-confidence.

On the other hand, I am convinced that the aforementioned disadvantages pale in comparison with the significant advantages of delaying their university study for one year. First of all, many students spend one year travelling to a different country and experiencing an alien culture for practising a new language regularly and improving this quickly because they can make a conversation with the locals anytime they want, others may devote their time to a charity for helping the disabled. It’s also a common choice to choose an entry-level job at many different vocations. For instance, many students have not had an idea for their study at the university because of the inadequate career guidance at school so they often defer university education for identifying the most suitable career path for them by experiencing whatever job they like. Regardless of choosing to have done something for this list, they can enrich life experience and hone practical skills that can be a need for their future job. Secondly, taking a gap year also helps them to relieve stress and enjoy a comfortable time during 12 years of studying. Also, a student can study and acquire knowledge more effectively. Last but not least, because of their socio-economic background, many gap-year takers often use their time to make money to cover higher education tuition.

In conclusion, while spending one year off school without certain drawbacks, I would contend that the given benefits make it become a worthwhile path.

Posted on Nov 3, 2021

Overall band: 6

Concentrate on sentence formation. Some long sentences lack clarity in grammar, especially tenses.

Posted on Oct 25, 2021

The modern technology has witnessed dramatic changes over the last few decades. Generally, it is becoming hard to cope up with the information bombarded everyday on an individual. Processing the information and day to day updates altogether have created a complicated and diverse curriculum which becomes quite intimidating, due to which we often see some students taking breaks in the educational journey to free there mind or learn skills to take a leap. While taking gaps in education can benefit when seen through a larger picture, while there will be drawbacks as well, but mostly the gaps can overall improve a person’s well being mentally and physically and enhance there connection with the real world.

Most of the scholars today, take a year off from there curriculum to gain the practical industrial knowledge. For instance, many students take up internships, part time jobs in companies so that they can be job ready. Adding intern experiences in the resume can easily boost there resume and show there knowledge on specific sets of skills. Furthermore, gaps can help students to disconnect from the virtual world and explore different places around the globe. One study suggests that travelling can improve brain activity by activating certain chemicals that boost the neurons growth in brain and make the brain healthy. Overall, taking off from semesters aids scholars both physically and mentally.

On the contrary, breaks are often seen as failures to some extent. Mostly, in some countries like India where I have seen employers treating breaks as failures and questioned the students degree. Moreover, in case of higher studies some universities do not intake newcomers with gaps in there undergraduate or bachelor’s. Secondly, it can break focus from the curriculum. As, from the personal experiences I have seen that if I take breaks for something even for a week I tend to forget about it as I lose connection from it. Mostly as humans, it is one natural thing that happens everytime. Hence, it can hamper the learning curve.

To sum up, breaks can help students to gain more industrial knowledge and relax there mind through means of travelling, either way they learn more about life and something new which can easily outweigh the disadvantages when seen from the long term perspective.

Overall band: 5.0

Grammar: You seem to confused with homophones ” their” and “there”. Please learn the difference. their = belonging to them there = not here they’re = they are

Also work on subject verb agreement and tenses.

Posted on Aug 17, 2021

It has been found that usually, a gap year is taken by some students after finishing their secondary education so they can work or travel. The students who take the gap to work would be able to choose the right course comfortably and confidently for further study, whereas those who choose to travel may discontinue their education. I believe that all students should have a chance to do whatever they want even though some of them would decide not to study more later. Firstly, those students who want to take a year off to do work of their choice will be self-confident while selecting the program to study further, because when students focus on something they want to, for the period of one year, they will eventually get to know the right field of their preference. For instance, I have never used the computer till my high school was over, even though I always wanted to. So I took a year off to work on computers. Consequently, I got interested in computer programming, which subsequently led me to choose an IT course in the university without any doubt. On the other hand, students who take a gap year to travel may lose interest in the study. As a consequence, they might choose to end their study. To illustrate, I had a friend who took the gap and started traveling. He continued his journey even after the one-year gap was over. Subsequently, he started working with his father. To conclude, in modern times many students take the gap year to work or travel. The gap can be beneficial for students who choose to work as well as it may become the reason for other students to leave the further study. Still, I think that students must have an opportunity to explore the field of their choice even if some students would want not to start study again.

Posted on Aug 20, 2021

Overall band : 7.0

Cohesion: Try not repeating the cohesive devices.

Badria Kambal

Posted on Jan 8, 2020

Badriakambal1111@gmail .com

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Gap Year — Should College Students Take a Gap Year?

Should College Students Take a Gap Year?

• Categories: Gap Year

About this sample

Words: 721 |

Published: Jan 30, 2024

Words: 721 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, background information on gap years, discussion of the pros of taking a gap year, examination of the cons of taking a gap year, analysis of the counterarguments, a. opportunity for personal growth, b. chance to gain practical skills and knowledge, c. enhanced academic performance, a. delay in starting college, b. financial implications, c. increased risk of academic pressure and expectations, a. refutation of the idea that taking a gap year is a waste of time, b. refutation of the belief that a gap year is only for privileged individuals, c. addressing concerns about academic performance and faltering focus, references:.

• American Gap Association. (n.d.). Gap Year Statistics. https://www.americangap.org/statistics
• Chen, G. (2017, May 16). Taking a Year Off Before College? Consider These Pros and Cons. U.S.News. https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-admissions-playbook/articles/2017-05-16/taking-a-year-off-before-college-consider-these-pros-and-cons
• Coley, R. J., & Lohmeyer, B. E. (2010). Are they all the same? A comparison of the characteristics of students taking a gap year and students immediately entering college. Educational Research and Evaluation, 16(4), 301-319. https://doi.org/10.1080/13803611.2010.510307

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A year between high school and college, commonly spent traveling, working, or volunteering, is commonly referred to as a gap year. Formerly a popular option for primarily European students, gap years are now increasing in popularity amongst students in the United States. But why?

For many students and parents, a gap year can sound intimidating at first. Some students worry that college admissions will frown upon their experiences or that they will fall out of sync with a peer group that’s grown comfortable over years of shared academic experiences. Parents might worry that a student will lose interest in college or fall behind academically. Indeed, gap years can be the source of anxiety and even conflict.

In reality, though, a gap year can be a valuable experience in many ways. In fact, some colleges such as Harvard as even encouraging students to defer for a year, providing resources about the benefits of taking a gap year before starting college. In this post, we’ll outline the eight pros of taking a gap year.

Gain Professional Experience

Some gap years include work experience, either through an actual job, an internship, or even a volunteer program. By immersing yourself in a career field, you’ll gain important professional experience including making connections in the field, understanding the daily undertakings of the profession, and building an understanding of the workplace culture. Many gap year students get a better idea of what careers they want to pursue themselves.

These types of professional experience will make you a more desirable job candidate and will set you apart from other students your age. The experience gained will strengthen your college application, too!

Build Life Skills

This is one of the most commonly regarded pros of a gap year. For many students, high school is a time of routine. There are set schedules for nearly everything and most of your commitments are well-defined. On a gap year, you will usually have far more freedom and far more responsibility.

This increase in both freedom and responsibility will force you to mature quickly. You might have to set and maintain a budget. You may need to create a schedule for household chores, self-care, and other commitments. You’ll need to go grocery shopping and do laundry.

Many parents of gap year students report that they can’t believe how much their students matured over the course of the year. Being on your own, especially in a new setting without the support network of friends or family nearby can force you to develop new skills quickly.

Broaden Your Perspective

Some gap year experiences take place in far away places. Whether these are out of the country or simply in a community that’s different from the one in which you were raised, living in these new environments often provides a new perspective on culture and values. Many times, gap year students gain knowledge about global issues and have a better understanding of other people’s struggles.

These kind of shifts in your thinking can influence who you are as a person, as a friend, as a student, and as an aspiring professional.

Make a Difference

Some gap years are designed around community service. Whether you’re working at your local food pantry or volunteering as an assistant at Doctors Without Borders, gap year volunteers are sure to leave with the knowledge that you’ve made someone else’s life a little easier.

Learn More About Yourself

For many students, high school is a time of conformity. After all, there are only so many extracurriculars or classes to choose from. You are essentially doing some variation of the same thing as most people around you, and like it or not, you probably spend a decent amount of time comparing yourself to others. This is completely normal for this time in your life.

After high school, removed from all your previous classmates, you finally have the chance to reinvent yourself. Taking on a challenge, tackling an adventure, or simply stepping outside your comfort zone independently can reveal a lot about who are you as an individual, outside of the  high school walls.

The extra year will provide you with more time to consider who you want to be, what you want to do, and where you want to do it. Many times, students jump right into college with a certain momentum on a specific trajectory. Stepping back for some time can allow you to evaluate if that’s what you really want.

Build a Stronger College Application

For students whose applications need improvement in a few key areas, gap years can be a time of focusing on this. For example, if you’re a top student whose SAT or ACT scores are in the pits, you can spend part of your gap year focusing on test prep or working with a tutor. If you feel you don’t have enough service work or community involvement, you can build these experiences during a gap year. You can also establish skills like leadership, dedication, and maturity.

Although strengthening your college application might not be the only reason behind a gap year, it’s still a great bonus.

Refresh Your Interest in Academia

High school can be rigorous. Between the challenging coursework, demanding extracurricular commitments, and a healthy social life, it’s easy to feel like you’re balancing the world on your shoulders. Some students leave high school at the verge of a breakdown and taking a gap year is just the ticket to changing course.

By stepping away from academia temporarily, you’ll allow your own true interests to blossom again. You’ll be able to return to school with a renewed energy.  

Finally, the fact is that college isn’t cheap. In fact, the CollegeBoard estimates that about 2/3 of students in college in 2016 were on some kind of financial aid. If you’re one of the majority for whom finances are a concern, a gap year can give you the financial padding that you need.

Getting a job and saving for college is a smart choice if you can make it work for you. Some students who go this route continue to live with their parents so that virtually all of their earnings can be saved. For others, this isn’t possibly, but even with a modest rent many students still manage to save enough for books or room and board.

Gap years are becoming increasingly popular with students in the United States for good reason. They provide many benefits besides those already linked with the activity itself. Many gap year students return with a depth of maturity and insight that is rare to find in a student straight out of high school.

Want access to expert college guidance — for free? When you create your free CollegeVine account, you will find out your real admissions chances, build a best-fit school list, learn how to improve your profile, and get your questions answered by experts and peers—all for free. Sign up for your CollegeVine account today to get a boost on your college journey.  

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• The Case for Marrying an Older Man

A woman’s life is all work and little rest. An age gap relationship can help.

In the summer, in the south of France, my husband and I like to play, rather badly, the lottery. We take long, scorching walks to the village — gratuitous beauty, gratuitous heat — kicking up dust and languid debates over how we’d spend such an influx. I purchase scratch-offs, jackpot tickets, scraping the former with euro coins in restaurants too fine for that. I never cash them in, nor do I check the winning numbers. For I already won something like the lotto, with its gifts and its curses, when he married me.

He is ten years older than I am. I chose him on purpose, not by chance. As far as life decisions go, on balance, I recommend it.

When I was 20 and a junior at Harvard College, a series of great ironies began to mock me. I could study all I wanted, prove myself as exceptional as I liked, and still my fiercest advantage remained so universal it deflated my other plans. My youth. The newness of my face and body. Compellingly effortless; cruelly fleeting. I shared it with the average, idle young woman shrugging down the street. The thought, when it descended on me, jolted my perspective, the way a falling leaf can make you look up: I could diligently craft an ideal existence, over years and years of sleepless nights and industry. Or I could just marry it early.

So naturally I began to lug a heavy suitcase of books each Saturday to the Harvard Business School to work on my Nabokov paper. In one cavernous, well-appointed room sat approximately 50 of the planet’s most suitable bachelors. I had high breasts, most of my eggs, plausible deniability when it came to purity, a flush ponytail, a pep in my step that had yet to run out. Apologies to Progress, but older men still desired those things.

I could not understand why my female classmates did not join me, given their intelligence. Each time I reconsidered the project, it struck me as more reasonable. Why ignore our youth when it amounted to a superpower? Why assume the burdens of womanhood, its too-quick-to-vanish upper hand, but not its brief benefits at least? Perhaps it came easier to avoid the topic wholesale than to accept that women really do have a tragically short window of power, and reason enough to take advantage of that fact while they can. As for me, I liked history, Victorian novels, knew of imminent female pitfalls from all the books I’d read: vampiric boyfriends; labor, at the office and in the hospital, expected simultaneously; a decline in status as we aged, like a looming eclipse. I’d have disliked being called calculating, but I had, like all women, a calculator in my head. I thought it silly to ignore its answers when they pointed to an unfairness for which we really ought to have been preparing.

I was competitive by nature, an English-literature student with all the corresponding major ambitions and minor prospects (Great American novel; email job). A little Bovarist , frantic for new places and ideas; to travel here, to travel there, to be in the room where things happened. I resented the callow boys in my class, who lusted after a particular, socially sanctioned type on campus: thin and sexless, emotionally detached and socially connected, the opposite of me. Restless one Saturday night, I slipped on a red dress and snuck into a graduate-school event, coiling an HDMI cord around my wrist as proof of some technical duty. I danced. I drank for free, until one of the organizers asked me to leave. I called and climbed into an Uber. Then I promptly climbed out of it. For there he was, emerging from the revolving doors. Brown eyes, curved lips, immaculate jacket. I went to him, asked him for a cigarette. A date, days later. A second one, where I discovered he was a person, potentially my favorite kind: funny, clear-eyed, brilliant, on intimate terms with the universe.

I used to love men like men love women — that is, not very well, and with a hunger driven only by my own inadequacies. Not him. In those early days, I spoke fondly of my family, stocked the fridge with his favorite pasta, folded his clothes more neatly than I ever have since. I wrote his mother a thank-you note for hosting me in his native France, something befitting a daughter-in-law. It worked; I meant it. After graduation and my fellowship at Oxford, I stayed in Europe for his career and married him at 23.

Of course I just fell in love. Romances have a setting; I had only intervened to place myself well. Mainly, I spotted the precise trouble of being a woman ahead of time, tried to surf it instead of letting it drown me on principle. I had grown bored of discussions of fair and unfair, equal or unequal , and preferred instead to consider a thing called ease.

The reception of a particular age-gap relationship depends on its obviousness. The greater and more visible the difference in years and status between a man and a woman, the more it strikes others as transactional. Transactional thinking in relationships is both as American as it gets and the least kosher subject in the American romantic lexicon. When a 50-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman walk down the street, the questions form themselves inside of you; they make you feel cynical and obscene: How good of a deal is that? Which party is getting the better one? Would I take it? He is older. Income rises with age, so we assume he has money, at least relative to her; at minimum, more connections and experience. She has supple skin. Energy. Sex. Maybe she gets a Birkin. Maybe he gets a baby long after his prime. The sight of their entwined hands throws a lucid light on the calculations each of us makes, in love, to varying degrees of denial. You could get married in the most romantic place in the world, like I did, and you would still have to sign a contract.

Twenty and 30 is not like 30 and 40; some freshness to my features back then, some clumsiness in my bearing, warped our decade, in the eyes of others, to an uncrossable gulf. Perhaps this explains the anger we felt directed at us at the start of our relationship. People seemed to take us very, very personally. I recall a hellish car ride with a friend of his who began to castigate me in the backseat, in tones so low that only I could hear him. He told me, You wanted a rich boyfriend. You chased and snuck into parties . He spared me the insult of gold digger, but he drew, with other words, the outline for it. Most offended were the single older women, my husband’s classmates. They discussed me in the bathroom at parties when I was in the stall. What does he see in her? What do they talk about? They were concerned about me. They wielded their concern like a bludgeon. They paraphrased without meaning to my favorite line from Nabokov’s Lolita : “You took advantage of my disadvantage,” suspecting me of some weakness he in turn mined. It did not disturb them, so much, to consider that all relationships were trades. The trouble was the trade I’d made struck them as a bad one.

The truth is you can fall in love with someone for all sorts of reasons, tiny transactions, pluses and minuses, whose sum is your affection for each other, your loyalty, your commitment. The way someone picks up your favorite croissant. Their habit of listening hard. What they do for you on your anniversary and your reciprocal gesture, wrapped thoughtfully. The serenity they inspire; your happiness, enlivening it. When someone says they feel unappreciated, what they really mean is you’re in debt to them.

When I think of same-age, same-stage relationships, what I tend to picture is a woman who is doing too much for too little.

I’m 27 now, and most women my age have “partners.” These days, girls become partners quite young. A partner is supposed to be a modern answer to the oppression of marriage, the terrible feeling of someone looming over you, head of a household to which you can only ever be the neck. Necks are vulnerable. The problem with a partner, however, is if you’re equal in all things, you compromise in all things. And men are too skilled at taking .

There is a boy out there who knows how to floss because my friend taught him. Now he kisses college girls with fresh breath. A boy married to my friend who doesn’t know how to pack his own suitcase. She “likes to do it for him.” A million boys who know how to touch a woman, who go to therapy because they were pushed, who learned fidelity, boundaries, decency, manners, to use a top sheet and act humanely beneath it, to call their mothers, match colors, bring flowers to a funeral and inhale, exhale in the face of rage, because some girl, some girl we know, some girl they probably don’t speak to and will never, ever credit, took the time to teach him. All while she was working, raising herself, clawing up the cliff-face of adulthood. Hauling him at her own expense.

I find a post on Reddit where five thousand men try to define “ a woman’s touch .” They describe raised flower beds, blankets, photographs of their loved ones, not hers, sprouting on the mantel overnight. Candles, coasters, side tables. Someone remembering to take lint out of the dryer. To give compliments. I wonder what these women are getting back. I imagine them like Cinderella’s mice, scurrying around, their sole proof of life their contributions to a more central character. On occasion I meet a nice couple, who grew up together. They know each other with a fraternalism tender and alien to me.  But I think of all my friends who failed at this, were failed at this, and I think, No, absolutely not, too risky . Riskier, sometimes, than an age gap.

My younger brother is in his early 20s, handsome, successful, but in many ways: an endearing disaster. By his age, I had long since wisened up. He leaves his clothes in the dryer, takes out a single shirt, steams it for three minutes. His towel on the floor, for someone else to retrieve. His lovely, same-age girlfriend is aching to fix these tendencies, among others. She is capable beyond words. Statistically, they will not end up together. He moved into his first place recently, and she, the girlfriend, supplied him with a long, detailed list of things he needed for his apartment: sheets, towels, hangers, a colander, which made me laugh. She picked out his couch. I will bet you anything she will fix his laundry habits, and if so, they will impress the next girl. If they break up, she will never see that couch again, and he will forget its story. I tell her when I visit because I like her, though I get in trouble for it: You shouldn’t do so much for him, not for someone who is not stuck with you, not for any boy, not even for my wonderful brother.

Too much work had left my husband, by 30, jaded and uninspired. He’d burned out — but I could reenchant things. I danced at restaurants when they played a song I liked. I turned grocery shopping into an adventure, pleased by what I provided. Ambitious, hungry, he needed someone smart enough to sustain his interest, but flexible enough in her habits to build them around his hours. I could. I do: read myself occupied, make myself free, materialize beside him when he calls for me. In exchange, I left a lucrative but deadening spreadsheet job to write full-time, without having to live like a writer. I learned to cook, a little, and decorate, somewhat poorly. Mostly I get to read, to walk central London and Miami and think in delicious circles, to work hard, when necessary, for free, and write stories for far less than minimum wage when I tally all the hours I take to write them.

At 20, I had felt daunted by the project of becoming my ideal self, couldn’t imagine doing it in tandem with someone, two raw lumps of clay trying to mold one another and only sullying things worse. I’d go on dates with boys my age and leave with the impression they were telling me not about themselves but some person who didn’t exist yet and on whom I was meant to bet regardless. My husband struck me instead as so finished, formed. Analyzable for compatibility. He bore the traces of other women who’d improved him, small but crucial basics like use a coaster ; listen, don’t give advice. Young egos mellow into patience and generosity.

My husband isn’t my partner. He’s my mentor, my lover, and, only in certain contexts, my friend. I’ll never forget it, how he showed me around our first place like he was introducing me to myself: This is the wine you’ll drink, where you’ll keep your clothes, we vacation here, this is the other language we’ll speak, you’ll learn it, and I did. Adulthood seemed a series of exhausting obligations. But his logistics ran so smoothly that he simply tacked mine on. I moved into his flat, onto his level, drag and drop, cleaner thrice a week, bills automatic. By opting out of partnership in my 20s, I granted myself a kind of compartmentalized, liberating selfishness none of my friends have managed. I am the work in progress, the party we worry about, a surprising dominance. When I searched for my first job, at 21, we combined our efforts, for my sake. He had wisdom to impart, contacts with whom he arranged coffees; we spent an afternoon, laughing, drawing up earnest lists of my pros and cons (highly sociable; sloppy math). Meanwhile, I took calls from a dear friend who had a boyfriend her age. Both savagely ambitious, hyperclose and entwined in each other’s projects. If each was a start-up , the other was the first hire, an intense dedication I found riveting. Yet every time she called me, I hung up with the distinct feeling that too much was happening at the same time: both learning to please a boss; to forge more adult relationships with their families; to pay bills and taxes and hang prints on the wall. Neither had any advice to give and certainly no stability. I pictured a three-legged race, two people tied together and hobbling toward every milestone.

I don’t fool myself. My marriage has its cons. There are only so many times one can say “thank you” — for splendid scenes, fine dinners — before the phrase starts to grate. I live in an apartment whose rent he pays and that shapes the freedom with which I can ever be angry with him. He doesn’t have to hold it over my head. It just floats there, complicating usual shorthands to explain dissatisfaction like, You aren’t being supportive lately . It’s a Frenchism to say, “Take a decision,” and from time to time I joke: from whom? Occasionally I find myself in some fabulous country at some fabulous party and I think what a long way I have traveled, like a lucky cloud, and it is frightening to think of oneself as vapor.

Mostly I worry that if he ever betrayed me and I had to move on, I would survive, but would find in my humor, preferences, the way I make coffee or the bed nothing that he did not teach, change, mold, recompose, stamp with his initials, the way Renaissance painters hid in their paintings their faces among a crowd. I wonder if when they looked at their paintings, they saw their own faces first. But this is the wrong question, if our aim is happiness. Like the other question on which I’m expected to dwell: Who is in charge, the man who drives or the woman who put him there so she could enjoy herself? I sit in the car, in the painting it would have taken me a corporate job and 20 years to paint alone, and my concern over who has the upper hand becomes as distant as the horizon, the one he and I made so wide for me.

To be a woman is to race against the clock, in several ways, until there is nothing left to be but run ragged.

We try to put it off, but it will hit us at some point: that we live in a world in which our power has a different shape from that of men, a different distribution of advantage, ours a funnel and theirs an expanding cone. A woman at 20 rarely has to earn her welcome; a boy at 20 will be turned away at the door. A woman at 30 may find a younger woman has taken her seat; a man at 30 will have invited her. I think back to the women in the bathroom, my husband’s classmates. What was my relationship if not an inconvertible sign of this unfairness? What was I doing, in marrying older, if not endorsing it? I had taken advantage of their disadvantage. I had preempted my own. After all, principled women are meant to defy unfairness, to show some integrity or denial, not plan around it, like I had. These were driven women, successful, beautiful, capable. I merely possessed the one thing they had already lost. In getting ahead of the problem, had I pushed them down? If I hadn’t, would it really have made any difference?

When we decided we wanted to be equal to men, we got on men’s time. We worked when they worked, retired when they retired, had to squeeze pregnancy, children, menopause somewhere impossibly in the margins. I have a friend, in her late 20s, who wears a mood ring; these days it is often red, flickering in the air like a siren when she explains her predicament to me. She has raised her fair share of same-age boyfriends. She has put her head down, worked laboriously alongside them, too. At last she is beginning to reap the dividends, earning the income to finally enjoy herself. But it is now, exactly at this precipice of freedom and pleasure, that a time problem comes closing in. If she would like to have children before 35, she must begin her next profession, motherhood, rather soon, compromising inevitably her original one. The same-age partner, equally unsettled in his career, will take only the minimum time off, she guesses, or else pay some cost which will come back to bite her. Everything unfailingly does. If she freezes her eggs to buy time, the decision and its logistics will burden her singly — and perhaps it will not work. Overlay the years a woman is supposed to establish herself in her career and her fertility window and it’s a perfect, miserable circle. By midlife women report feeling invisible, undervalued; it is a telling cliché, that after all this, some husbands leave for a younger girl. So when is her time, exactly? For leisure, ease, liberty? There is no brand of feminism which achieved female rest. If women’s problem in the ’50s was a paralyzing malaise, now it is that they are too active, too capable, never permitted a vacation they didn’t plan. It’s not that our efforts to have it all were fated for failure. They simply weren’t imaginative enough.

For me, my relationship, with its age gap, has alleviated this rush , permitted me to massage the clock, shift its hands to my benefit. Very soon, we will decide to have children, and I don’t panic over last gasps of fun, because I took so many big breaths of it early: on the holidays of someone who had worked a decade longer than I had, in beautiful places when I was young and beautiful, a symmetry I recommend. If such a thing as maternal energy exists, mine was never depleted. I spent the last nearly seven years supported more than I support and I am still not as old as my husband was when he met me. When I have a child, I will expect more help from him than I would if he were younger, for what does professional tenure earn you if not the right to set more limits on work demands — or, if not, to secure some child care, at the very least? When I return to work after maternal upheaval, he will aid me, as he’s always had, with his ability to put himself aside, as younger men are rarely able.

Above all, the great gift of my marriage is flexibility. A chance to live my life before I become responsible for someone else’s — a lover’s, or a child’s. A chance to write. A chance at a destiny that doesn’t adhere rigidly to the routines and timelines of men, but lends itself instead to roomy accommodation, to the very fluidity Betty Friedan dreamed of in 1963 in The Feminine Mystique , but we’ve largely forgotten: some career or style of life that “permits year-to-year variation — a full-time paid job in one community, part-time in another, exercise of the professional skill in serious volunteer work or a period of study during pregnancy or early motherhood when a full-time job is not feasible.” Some things are just not feasible in our current structures. Somewhere along the way we stopped admitting that, and all we did was make women feel like personal failures. I dream of new structures, a world in which women have entry-level jobs in their 30s; alternate avenues for promotion; corporate ladders with balconies on which they can stand still, have a smoke, take a break, make a baby, enjoy themselves, before they keep climbing. Perhaps men long for this in their own way. Actually I am sure of that.

Once, when we first fell in love, I put my head in his lap on a long car ride; I remember his hands on my face, the sun, the twisting turns of a mountain road, surprising and not surprising us like our romance, and his voice, telling me that it was his biggest regret that I was so young, he feared he would lose me. Last week, we looked back at old photos and agreed we’d given each other our respective best years. Sometimes real equality is not so obvious, sometimes it takes turns, sometimes it takes almost a decade to reveal itself.

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