GAP YEARGap 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 ALTERNATIVESPaid 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 WORKAgain, 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.TRAVELThis 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.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________b. There are lots of things you can do in a gap year.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________c. You should plan a gap year in advance.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________d. Gap year students are never paid high wages.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________e. Volunteers may get involved in several kinds of projects.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________f. Any organisation will make your travel arrangements, if you want to travel abroad.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Find words or phrases in the text which mean the following:a. To manage to obtain_____________________________________________b. Make possible_____________________________________________c. In a foreign country_____________________________________________d. To increase_____________________________________________e. Enthusiastic _____________________________________________f. Respected or trustworthy_____________________________________________g. Take care_____________________________________________h. More and more_____________________________________________i. Possible, practicable_____________________________________________

3. What do the following words refer to?a. They (l. 3)_____________________________________________b. One (l. 5)_____________________________________________c. You (l. 6)_____________________________________________d. Who (l. 13)_____________________________________________e. Them (l. 14)_____________________________________________f. Many (l. 14)_____________________________________________

4. Answer these questions with complete answers.a. What should you do before taking a gap year? Why?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. How can you get informed about gap years?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________c. What alternatives are suggested in the text?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________d. Which one would you prefer? Why?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________e. Do you think it is useful to take a gap year between school and university? Account for your answer._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________f. Are you going straight from school to university or are you taking a gap year?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________g. Do you intend to study and work at the same time?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________