GAP YEAR

Gap years are more beneficial and accessible than ever, but they dont
plan themselves.
A gap year is becoming a more and more popular option. Some of
you may need a year out simply to earn some cash to help you through
higher education. They come in all shapes and sizes.
Its never too early to start planning one a good year takes
organisation, particularly if you want to go abroad and need to raise
some funding. There are websites and books to take you through all the
alternatives and enable you to contact various organisations.
THE MAIN ALTERNATIVES
Paid employment with the option of work here or jobs overseas.
You also have the option of going for as high a wage as possible in a
boring job to boost your savings or a paid work experience placement.
There are some good employers who pay gap year students a
decent wage and teach them useful skills. Many recruit through the
organisation Year in Industry.
VOLUNTARY WORK
Again, this can be in this country or overseas. Lots of
organisations need young, keen volunteers to work on all kinds of
community, environmental, social or care work projects. If you want to
go overseas, it is a good idea to go through a reputable organisation that
will arrange your accommodation, medical insurance and look after you
in any difficulty. You will be expected to raise a sum of money towards
the cost.
TRAVEL
This can be anything from the full backpacking year to brief trips.
Some people spend a whole year travelling, but it is becoming
increasingly common for people to do it in their twenties. A good gap
year can be a combination of all three. Its quite feasible to earn than
travel, then earn again.
You Can (abridged)

1. Say whether these statements are true or false. Quote from the text
to support all your answers.
a. Not many students take a year out between school and university.
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b. There are lots of things you can do in a gap year.
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c. You should plan a gap year in advance.

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d. Gap year students are never paid high wages.
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e. Volunteers may get involved in several kinds of projects.
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f.

Any organisation will make your travel arrangements, if you want

to travel abroad.

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2. Find words or phrases in the text which mean the following:
a. To manage to obtain _____________________________________________
b. Make possible
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c. In a foreign country _____________________________________________
d. To increase
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e. Enthusiastic
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f. Respected or trustworthy
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g. Take care
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h. More and more
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i. Possible, practicable _____________________________________________
3. What do the following words refer to?
a. They (l. 3)
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b. One (l. 5)
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c. You (l. 6)
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d. Who (l. 13)
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e. Them (l. 14)
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f. Many (l. 14)
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4. Answer these questions with complete answers.
a. What should you do before taking a gap year? Why?
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b. How can you get informed about gap years?

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c. What alternatives are suggested in the text?
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d. Which one would you prefer? Why?
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e. Do you think it is useful to take a gap year between school and
university? Account for your answer.
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f.

Are you going straight from school to university or are you taking a
gap year?

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g. Do you intend to study and work at the same time?
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