Why take a gap year? 6 Minute English

Summary

In this episode of 6 Minute English, hosts Neil and Georgina discuss the concept of a 'gap year', a break taken by students between high school and university to travel or gain work experience. They explore the trend's increasing importance and its practical benefits like skill development and employability. The show also features student perspectives on gap years and concludes with a quiz on university subjects leading to the highest earnings post-graduation, revealing medicine and dentistry as the top earners.

Takeaways

• 🎓 A 'gap year' is a break between high school and university, often used for travel or work experience.
• 🌍 Many students take a gap year to explore the world or gain practical work experience.
• 💼 A gap year can be a time to acquire skills that make students more employable.
• 📚 Georgina took a gap year before university, which is a common choice among students.
• 🧐 The concept of a gap year was unfamiliar to Tom, highlighting different attitudes towards it.
• 💭 'In the back of my mind' means having an idea that is not frequently considered.
• 💼 'Productive' refers to activities that lead to a beneficial outcome.
• 🔮 'Predicted' is an estimation of future outcomes based on current data.
• 👽 'Alien concept' describes an idea that is strange or unfamiliar.
• 🛠️ 'Practical' means learning real skills that can be applied usefully.

Q & A

What is the term used to describe a break taken between high school and university?

The term used is 'gap year'.

Why did Georgina take a gap year before university?

Georgina took a gap year to travel or gain work experience.

What does the phrase 'in the back of my mind' mean in the context of the transcript?

It means having an idea stored deep in one's memory but not thinking about it frequently.

What is the main reason Meg decided to take a gap year?

Meg wanted to wait for her official exam results before applying to university, instead of relying on predicted grades.

What does the term 'productive' imply when discussing gap years?

It implies doing something that leads to a good or useful outcome, such as gaining experience or skills.

What was Tom's opinion on taking a gap year?

Tom was not aware of the concept of a gap year and found it strange and unfamiliar.

Why did Tom think a gap year would be too expensive?

Tom thought a gap year would be too expensive because he couldn't rely on financial support from his parents or family members.

What does Chris Rea suggest about the purpose of a gap year?

Chris Rea suggests that a gap year should be practical, focusing on gaining skills that make one more employable.

According to the Institute of Fiscal Studies, which university subject leads to the highest average earnings five years after graduation?

Medicine and dentistry lead to the highest average earnings five years after graduation.

What is the average earning for graduates of medicine and dentistry five years after graduation, as per the Institute of Fiscal Studies?

The average earning is £46,700.

What does the term 'practical' mean in the context of the discussion about gap years?

In the context of gap years, 'practical' means learning real skills that can be usefully applied and are valuable for future employment.