Write your own answer first40 minutes and at least 250 words, like the real test. Use the editor below, then compare with the Band 8 model essay.
This is a practice question for IELTS Writing Task 2.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task and write at least 250 words.
Write about the following topic#
Some students take a year off between finishing school and starting university, to work or travel. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
This is an advantages and disadvantages essay. For the structure and useful language, see our advantages and disadvantages essay guide.
Sample answer outline#
- Introduction: paraphrase the situation and say you will cover the benefits and drawbacks
- Body paragraph 1: the advantages (maturity, work experience, clearer career choices)
- Body paragraph 2: the disadvantages (cost, losing study habits, starting a career later)
- Conclusion: summarise both sides (an opinion is optional in this version, but a short one is fine)
Essay practice editor
Model answer (Band 8 style)
Write your own answer first, then compare structure and vocabulary. Task 2 · 277 words.
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In many countries, it has become increasingly common for young people to take a “gap year” between leaving school and beginning university, often to travel, volunteer or work. This practice has clear benefits, but it also carries certain risks.
The main advantage of a gap year is that it can help young people become more mature and independent. Travelling or working away from home forces them to manage money, solve problems and deal with unfamiliar situations, which are valuable skills at university and beyond. A year of work experience can also help students choose the right degree. Someone who spends twelve months working in a hospital, for example, will have a much clearer idea of whether a career in medicine really suits them. As a result, students who take a gap year are often more motivated when they finally begin their studies.
On the other hand, a gap year has several potential disadvantages. Firstly, it can be expensive, especially if it involves international travel, and not every family can afford it. This means the benefits may be available mainly to wealthier students. Secondly, after a year without formal study, some young people find it difficult to return to the discipline of reading, writing essays and preparing for exams. There is also a risk that a poorly planned year becomes a period of drifting rather than learning. Finally, taking a year off means entering the job market a year later than one’s peers.
In conclusion, a gap year can offer young people maturity, experience and a clearer sense of direction, but these benefits depend on careful planning, and the cost and loss of momentum should not be underestimated.
Task Response
This is the “discuss” version, so both sides are covered fully, and the conclusion gives a balanced summary with a conditional judgement.
Coherence and Cohesion
One paragraph per side; *Firstly… Secondly… Finally…* organise the disadvantages clearly.
Lexical Resource
*become more mature and independent*, *a period of drifting*, *loss of momentum*, *entering the job market*.
Grammatical Range
Complex sentences with relative clauses and a range of linkers (*As a result*, *On the other hand*, *This means…*).
Want your own writing scored? With Worddemy Pro, paste it into the app and get a band score with feedback on all four criteria.
Evaluation criteria#
- Task Achievement
- Coherence and Cohesion
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
For more practice, try Online Shopping and Children and Smartphones, or browse all Writing Task 2 topics.