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Dear John, thank you for your letter, I am glad that you are doing so well at university!

I wish I could be as cheerful as you are, but I can’t. There is a real problem in my life. As you know I am finishing school this year and I am supposed to go on to university. That seems to be the problem! I am so tired of books, studies, and endless tests and exams! I want to take a year off so that I can have a rest. It is not all about having a rest: I haven’t made up my mind yet about what I want to do in life. I have been considering a few universities for some time, but haven’t chosen any. If I took a gap year, I would be able to meet new people, try different jobs, and even see the world. Taking a gap year may help me to understand myself better, without unnecessary haste. My parents don’t understand me at all. They want me to go to university next autumn and they won’t listen to my arguments. They say that a gap year would be a waste of time. They even think that I will forget the things I have learnt at school during my gap year. There is no arguing with the old folks, and I still depend on them financially.

I need your advice. Do you think taking a gap year is a good idea? What should I do? What would you do in my place?

I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon. Best wishes, XXX