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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Many people believe students would benefit from spending some time away from studying between secondary school (high school) and university.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the above statement?

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

You should write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer 1: [Agreement]
When it comes to taking a break from education and gaining some experience travelling or working before joining a college or university for higher education, people have varying opinions. While some support taking a year gap and utilising this time for travelling or working, others are in favour of uninterrupted academic life. This essay will agree that such a gap is highly beneficial for learners. 

To begin with the demerits of taking a gap year and why some people do not favour this approach - it can be a waste of valuable time as many students would squander it by doing nothing meaningful. There are numerous cases where students plan for indicative travelling, learning and gaining job experience between their secondary and university studies, but end up doing none of these. For instance, two of my cousins took a long vacation before starting their university education and wasted a large sum of money and got ill in a foreign land where they were supposed to work and gain experience. They later agreed that it was a terrible idea.

I, however, am in favour of taking such a break because it can be immensely advantageous for learners. Such a break from education can help them focus on their future plans and decide on a university course that is well thought out and involves passions and interests. This is genuinely helpful for them to enjoy their higher education and pursue a great career after finishing university. Moreover, travelling and job experience during this time not only help them gain practical experience but also prepare them for a meaningful future career. During their travel time, they get to experience different cultures and social conditions and learn to appreciate cultural diversities. It broadens their minds and often convinces them to pursue a career that is directly linked to social welfare. A few of my friends who travelled to different countries before starting university ended up having a more practical outlook towards the world and it was so inspiring for the rest of us. They often took lead in various academic and social issues.

To conclude, the idea of taking some time away before joining a university is a great approach from numerous perspectives. However, it should be well-planned and properly utilised for a better academic and professional career.

Sample Answer 2:
People have divided opinions about taking a break before starting university. Some consider that discontinuing studies for some duration is advantageous for students and they favour this approach. However, I do not agree with this outlook and prefer completing the entire process of education without any longer interruption. In this essay, we will analyse how the personal and professional lives of students are afflicted, if they decide to halt their studies for a year or so.

To begin with, many pupils opt for taking a gap between school and university qualifications. By doing so, many students can lose interest in joining back and enjoy continuing the activity undertaken by them in break time. These students can still get employed but the chances of getting a better career are reduced. Thus, it is apparent that taking a break from studies can affect their upcoming professional life. For instance, I personally know a few students from my hometown, who, despite being bright students, took a gap year before starting university and was misguided that a university education is not required for a great career. They decided to continue with their jobs instead of starting university. As a result, none of them has a good career now. It might be true that some billionaires never finished their university education, but they are not examples, but expectations.

Moreover, some students might still be able to continue their studies after coming back from break, but a great deal of time has already been wasted. Consequently, they will lag behind others who are already ahead of them in university. Some may find it difficult to concentrate on their studies because of the long gap. Therefore, the harms of halting education in between for some intervals are difficult to debunk.

After analysing the areas of professional and personal development of students opting for leave in studies, it is clear that this particular concept can constrain their growth. As has been proven, students should not prefer taking a year gap between school and university educations. 

[Written by - Aqueela Mansuri]

• IELTS Essay
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