Communication

Work in groups. Imagine you are going to do a summer job. Tell your group about your job and why you like or dislike it.

Culture

Read the text about a year out and answer the questions that follow.

Tom has just finished his A levels and he has got a place at university, but he would really like a break from the academic world. Like many young people today he's thinking about taking a year out first, or as people often say, spending a year at ‘the university of life'.

There are lots of things for Tom to choose from. He could work in a bank or do community work. He might even do something adventurous, such as joining an expedition to a rainforest. The experience will broaden his horizons and teach him new skills. It may also give him the chance to earn some money, which will be very helpful when he eventually starts his studies.

Before Tom decides to take a gap year, he must make sure that the university will hold his place for him till the following year. Most are quite happy to do this, as they find that year-out students are more mature, confident, and independent. But each student should know that it is a year out, not a year off. His university will want to know what he is going to do. They will not be very pleased if he just wants to do nothing for a year.

1. What would Tom really like to do after securing a place at university?

2. What are the things that he can do in his gap year?

3. What are the benefits that the experience will give him during a gap year?

4. What must Tom check before he decides to take a year out?

5. What does ‘the university of life' mean?

Culture

Discuss the questions with a partner.

1. Do young people take a year out in Viet Nam?

2. Imagine you are allowed to take a year out after finishing school. What will you do in your gap year?