Essay debating the pros and cons of taking a gap year before university.
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-09-06
Deciding whether students should take a gap year before university is a classic argumentative essay topic that requires a balanced and well-structured response. This guide will deconstruct the question, provide a model essay with examiner commentary, and show you precisely how to build an argument that earns a top grade.
This topic frequently appears on exams for the English subject in Norwegian upper secondary school, often phrased as a "for and against" or "discuss both views and give your opinion" task. An exam question might look like this: "Some people argue that taking a gap year after high school is beneficial for personal development, while others claim it disrupts a student's academic journey. Discuss both views and give your own opinion." This task tests several key skills: your ability to structure a cohesive argument, your command of formal English, your capacity to analyse a complex issue from multiple perspectives, and your skill in presenting a clear thesis and defending it with logical reasoning and evidence.
To master essays on topics like this, you need to understand the terminology. These concepts are the building blocks of a strong argumentative text.
| Concept | Definition | Example in This Context |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Statement | A single sentence, usually in the introduction, that presents your main argument or position. | "While a gap year presents potential risks such as academic delay, its benefits in fostering maturity, real-world skills, and a clearer sense of purpose make it a valuable investment in a student's long-term success." |
| Argument / Claim | A point you make to support your thesis. Each body paragraph should develop one main argument. | "One of the primary arguments in favour of a gap year is the opportunity for significant personal growth outside a formal academic setting." |
| Counter-argument | An argument that opposes your thesis. Acknowledging the counter-argument shows that you have considered the issue from all sides. | "Conversely, a significant drawback is the potential for students to lose academic momentum and find it difficult to return to a structured learning environment." |
| Rebuttal | Your response to the counter-argument, explaining why your own position is stronger. | "However, this risk can be mitigated through careful planning and a structured gap year programme, which ensures the student remains engaged and goal-oriented." |
Below is a well-structured essay on the topic. Read each paragraph and the examiner's comments to understand what makes the arguments effective and where they could be even stronger.
A growing number of students choose to take a gap year — a break between finishing high school and starting university — to travel, work, or gain experience. While some see this as a valuable opportunity for personal growth, others believe it can distract students from their academic goals and delay their education. Both perspectives have strong arguments, but I believe that taking a gap year can be extremely beneficial if it is used productively, as it helps students gain maturity, life experience, and a clearer sense of purpose before beginning higher education.
Examiner's comment: A strong start. The introduction effectively sets out the context of the debate and presents a clear thesis statement in the final sentence. The student clearly states their position while acknowledging the opposing view, which is a hallmark of a thoughtful argumentative essay.
One of the main advantages of taking a gap year is the opportunity for personal growth. After years of formal schooling, many students feel burned out or uncertain about their future career choices. A year away from academics gives them time to rest, reflect, and explore their interests. For example, traveling to another country can expose young people to new cultures, languages, and ways of thinking. Working or volunteering during a gap year also teaches independence, time management, and responsibility — qualities that are valuable at university and in adult life. These experiences help students return to education more motivated and focused.
Examiner's comment: This paragraph has a clear topic sentence ("opportunity for personal growth"). It effectively uses examples like travel and work to support the claim. The connection back to university life ("more motivated and focused") strengthens the argument. It could be elevated further by mentioning specific types of volunteering that align with academic fields.
A gap year allows students to gain practical experience that can strengthen their future studies and careers. Working part-time or interning in a chosen field provides insight into the realities of professional life. For instance, a student who dreams of becoming a doctor might volunteer at a hospital, learning about patient care and teamwork. This kind of exposure helps students confirm whether their chosen path suits them, reducing the risk of changing majors or dropping out later. Moreover, earning money during a gap year can help fund university tuition and living expenses, reducing financial stress in the long run.
Examiner's comment: Excellent. The example of the pre-med student is concrete and persuasive. The paragraph successfully links the gap year experience directly to both academic choices (reducing drop-out rates) and practical concerns (financial stress), demonstrating a multi-faceted understanding of the issue. The discussion on how this can relate to needing to manage money at school shows good thematic connection.
Traveling during a gap year can also enhance cultural understanding and global awareness. Experiencing life in different societies teaches young people tolerance, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Living away from home encourages self-reliance and builds confidence — qualities that are essential for success at university. Furthermore, meeting people from diverse backgrounds broadens students’ perspectives and helps them appreciate different values and lifestyles. These experiences not only enrich their personal growth but also prepare them to become more open-minded and empathetic citizens in an increasingly globalized world.
Examiner's comment: This paragraph expands well on the theme of travel introduced earlier. It effectively lists abstract benefits (tolerance, adaptability, self-reliance) and connects them to the broader goal of becoming a "global citizen." This is a strong point, clearly argued. This resonates with similar arguments made by educationalists who think that international exchange visits benefit teenagers profoundly.
Despite these benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to taking a gap year. Some students may find it difficult to return to academic life after a long break, losing study habits and motivation. Without structure, a gap year can easily turn into wasted time, especially if the student lacks a clear plan or goal. Financially, traveling or unpaid internships can be expensive, which may not be affordable for everyone. Additionally, while peers are completing their degrees, gap-year students may feel left behind or under pressure to catch up academically or professionally later.
Examiner's comment: This is a crucial paragraph that demonstrates fairness and depth. The student capably presents the main counter-arguments: loss of momentum, lack of structure, financial barriers, and social pressure. By dedicating a full paragraph to this, the essay gains credibility. The point about financial accessibility connects to the broader debate about whether university education should be free for everyone to begin with.
However, these disadvantages can be minimized with proper planning and purpose. A successful gap year requires setting clear objectives — such as learning a new skill, gaining work experience, or volunteering for a meaningful cause. Parents and educators can help guide students in designing structured and productive gap-year experiences. In many countries, universities now support this approach by allowing students to defer admission for a year, recognizing the value of personal and professional growth outside the classroom. When managed wisely, a gap year can enhance—not hinder—a student’s academic success.
Examiner's comment: A very strong rebuttal. The use of the discourse marker "However" signals a clear turn back to the main thesis. Instead of just dismissing the drawbacks, the student offers concrete solutions (planning, setting objectives, deferred admission). This shows sophisticated argumentative skill. …