Warm-up
Answer a few quick questions before today’s lesson about work.
Listening
Listen carefully to the recording and answer each question. You can replay the audio up to two times.
Listening — Should I Take a Gap Year?
Read all the questions carefully before the recording begins. You will hear the recording twice.
Reading
Read the passage on the left, then work through the questions on the right.
Reading — The Career Case for Taking Time Out
Read the passage on the left, then answer the questions one by one.
The Career Case for Taking Time Out
Should you take a gap year before launching your career? It’s a question millions of young professionals face, and the answer isn’t straightforward. A gap year—typically a break of 6 to 12 months between finishing education and starting full-time work—has become increasingly popular among graduates in the UK, Australia, and Canada. But does stepping away from the job market actually benefit your long-term career prospects? The argument in favour is compelling. Research from the University of Cambridge found that 85% of gap year participants reported improved confidence and self-awareness upon returning to work. By taking time to travel, volunteer, or develop new skills, you’ll have gained experiences that distinguish you from peers who entered the workforce immediately. Furthermore, many employers now recognise gap years as evidence of maturity and independence. If you’ve spent six months volunteering in Southeast Asia or learning a language abroad, you’ll have concrete stories to tell during job interviews—stories that demonstrate adaptability and genuine motivation. However, there are real challenges to consider. The most obvious concern is financial: you’ll have foregone a year’s salary, which could amount to €20,000–€35,000 depending on your industry and location. Additionally, if you haven’t secured employment before your gap year ends, you may find it harder to re-enter the job market. Employers sometimes view employment gaps with suspicion, especially in competitive sectors like finance or tech. By the time you’ll have completed your gap year and job search, your peers will have gained valuable workplace experience and industry connections. The decision ultimately depends on your circumstances and career goals. If you’ve already secured a job offer to begin after your gap year, the financial risk diminishes considerably. Alternatively, if your chosen field values international experience or specific certifications, taking time to obtain them could prove invaluable. Ultimately, a well-planned gap year might propel you ahead—but an unstructured one could set you back.Use of English
Transform the root word in brackets to fit the sentence.
Taking a Gap Year: Career Impact and Long-Term Planning
Use of English — Word formation
Choose or type the correct word for each gap in the passage above.
Writing Task
B2 First — Writing Part 2
Enter your name if you would like your teacher to identify your work — this is optional. Click Start when you are ready. The timer will begin immediately.
Speaking
Speaking task. Read the instructions, then complete the task.
After the Lesson
Reflect on what you learned and how confident you feel now.
Teacher Guide
Practise with
- adaptabilitynoun
The ability to adjust and change according to new situations or circumstances.
- employmentnoun
the state of having a paid job or the work that someone does for payment
- favourablyadverb
In a way that shows approval or positive judgment; with a good opinion or positive response.
- improvedverb
Made better or enhanced in quality, performance, or condition.
- maturitynoun
the state of being fully grown or developed; acting in a responsible and sensible way
- momentumnoun
The force or speed that something gains when moving, making it difficult to stop.
- purposefuladjective
Done with a clear aim or intention; showing that you have a definite plan or reason for doing something.
- successnoun
achieving a goal or doing something well that you wanted to do
- unconvincedadjective
Not persuaded or convinced that something is true or a good idea.
- valuableadjective
Very useful or important.