A “Gap Year” is a period of time when a student takes a break before going to university. It is often spent travelling or working. It can give young people useful learning experiences and new skills.
Gap years are popular with European and Australian students， but remain less popular in America. However， in recent years， more and more American students are preparing for college by taking a gap year. The advantages of taking a gap year are as follows：
Learn about the World and Yourself
Although you don’t have to go abroad to experience gap years， most gap year students catch the chance to travel abroad. You are able to work out who you are and what you are for. The experiences of different cultures offer you interesting lessons. You can learn more about the world and get to know yourself better.
Face Challenges and Have Fun
A gap year is not only a time to take a vacation， but also a time to face challenges. Gap year students usually work， volunteer or take service projects. You have to learn how to get along in the real world. This process isn’t always easy， but it is an important part of growing up. Only in this way can you enjoy life and have fun.
Save Money and Improve Your College Admission Chances
There’s a common thought that gap years are only for rich students， but it’ s not true. Actually， taking a gap year can save your money. Gap year students often take a part-time job. Besides， at the end of a gap year， students are much more likely to know what to study in college. Clear learning goals ran keep the students working hard instead of wasting time and money playing.
Imagine an admission officer trying to admit (录取) only one between two students. Both of them are excellent and have high grades. However， one student has much practical experience or has volunteered in his vacation. Who do you think the admission officer will choose?
What does a “Gap Year” mean in the passage ?
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In which country are gap years more popular according to the passage ， America or Australia?
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How many advantages of taking a gap year are mentioned in the passage ?
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Besides having fun ， what do gap year students have to face ?
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What does the last sentences probably imply (暗含) ?
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