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.


It is quite common these days for young people in many countries to have a break from studying after graduating from high school. The trend is not restricted to rich students who have the money to travel, but is also evident among poorer students who choose to work and become economically independent for a period of time.

The reasons for this trend may involve the recognition that a young adult who passes directly from school to university is rather restricted in terms of general knowledge and experience of the world. By contrast, those who have spent some time earning a living or traveling to other places, have a broader view of life and better personal resources to draw on. They tend to be more independent, which is a very important factor in academic study and research, as well as giving them an advantage in terms of coping with the challenges of student life.

However, there are certainly dangers in taking time off at that important age. Young adults may end up never returning to their studies or finding it difficult to readapt to an academic environment. They may think that it is better to continue in a particular job, or to do something completely different from a university course. But overall, I think this is less likely today, when academic qualifications are essential for getting a reasonable career.

My view is that young people should be encouraged to broaden their horizons. That is the best way for them to get a clear perspective of what they are hoping to do with their lives and why. Students with such a perspective are usually the most effective and motivated ones and taking a year off may be the best way to gain this.

WHAT TO WEAR ON THE DAY OF IELTS SPEAKING TEST

SPEAKING TIP OF THE DAY: Monday 11, May 2009

Hi

Although a student is not going to be marked according to his dress code, the way he looks (I mean the way of dressing up) might have an indirect link with his performance and score! So try to make a lasting impression on the examiner by wrapping yourself in a formal way.

Never go for Speaking Test either in your vibrant party wear or favourite casual wear. No doubt, your friends say that you look cool in those:-) but IELTS speaking test is not the occasion to flaunt them. Avoid too colourful and flashy outfits. Just go for those socially accepted formal clothes in your country according to the climate prevailing there at the time of your test.

Happy test taking!!!

Jacob (http://jacobsielts.blogspot.com)

IELTS SPEAKING TIPS

IELTS Tip of the day: Sunday 10, May 2009

Hi Guys!

Many IELTS test takers mostly forget (sometimes unwilling) to make some notes of ideas when they are given a piece of paper and pencil by the examiner during the individual long-term (cue card) round. Of course, the examiner is not going to reduce your score for that, but remember the examiner may think that you are overconfident or you are going to give a crammed response! So, please make sure that you won't forget to write down a few notes of ideas during your IELTS test. And most importantly, these notes will help you to speak continuously and fluently as you are allowed to have glance at the notes while delivering your cue card answer. This will, ultimately, help you keep speaking without snapping in the middle!

Plus, unlike many of you may think, looking at the notes while speaking is not at all a bad impression. In other words, if you give a response without jotting down a few notes, you may run out of ideas or fumble for words after uttering a few words or sentences. This, in fact, is a bad impression. So the choice is yours :-)

All the best from Jacob.

www//:jacobsielts.blogspot.com

ielts speaking tips

Saturday May 09, 2009
Boost Your IELTS Score!!!!!!Hi guys!Welcome to my new blog on IELTS TIPS!!

IELTS TIP OF THE DAY: (09.05.2009)

If you do not understand a question during your IELTS speaking test, don't hesitate to ask the examiner to repeat the question. Many test takers (even trainers) think that requesting for a repetition creates a negative impression, but believe it or not, it's just a myth. Don't think you can fool the IELTS examiner by catching a word or two from the question and giving a wrong answer. Rather use a "pardon", "I beg you pardon", "sorry, can you repeat that question please?", or "Can you ask that question in a simple way?" etc. Sure, your examiner will be of help to you provided that your request sounds polite and natural.

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