The second part of the Reading Task 1
Five people have shared their journey of having a gap year after high school. Read their reflections (A–E) and answer the questions. For each question (1–3), pick one of the texts (A–E). Choose one appropriate letter (A, B, C, D or E) next to the question (1–3).
Each text may be used more than once.
Five people have shared their journey of having a gap year after high school. Read their reflections (A–E) and answer the questions. For each question (1–3), pick one of the texts (A–E). Choose one appropriate letter (A, B, C, D or E) next to the question (1–3).
Each text may be used more than once.
A
Taking a gap year after secondary school requires thoughtful planning and consideration. While there is certainly a danger of not using the time effectively and losing the motivation to continue with your education, stepping away from academic studies can open up some valuable opportunities. When you’re no longer caught up in the usual rush of studying, you have the chance to explore what really excites you and potentially discover an entirely new direction for your life. My gap year experience proved to be transformative. It helped me recognize that certain activities I had previously seen as mere hobbies could actually become a future occupation. This completely changed the way I thought about going to university, and when I eventually began my studies, I found the experience significantly more rewarding. The secret is to spend your gap year doing things that match your long-term aspirations. Instead of just going through the motions and doing what was expected, I tried out different activities that appealed to me.
Dave
Dave
B
When I first thought about my gap year, I had this really ambitious idea of going on a big backpacking trip across Europe. I spent countless hours preparing and carefully mapping out my route. In my imagination, I would walk through historic cities with their cobblestone streets and marvel at picturesque landscapes. However, the reality was different. Instead of travelling across Europe, I found myself working in restaurants and shops. Day after day, I worked long shifts, getting experience in the service industry. Though my original wish did not come true, I was fortunate enough to visit Brazil and Jamaica – both trips were birthday gifts for turning eighteen. During that year of working in customer service, I made an important discovery: this was not the career path I wanted to follow. It hit me that my hesitation about university wasn’t because I disliked education, but rather because I was nervous about the challenges of college life. Looking back, gaining real-world experience before starting my degree was probably the best thing that could have happened.
Brian
Brian
C
While my classmates were receiving their college acceptance letters after high school, I found myself struggling with indecision. My challenging experiences in high school had left me worried that college would be even more difficult, complete with intimidating social situations and feelings of isolation. I was doing well academically, but none of my subjects sparked any real enthusiasm. By graduation, I had missed the application deadlines, and I finally gathered the courage to inform my parents that I wasn’t going to college after all. It was a tense period, but my parents eventually accepted my decision. My father made a deal with me: I could continue living at home without going to college, provided I had a full-time job. I wasn’t in a position to negotiate, so I agreed. I found a job in the mailroom of a large insurance company, and after nine months or so, I came to two important conclusions. Firstly, advancing in any business career would be nearly impossible without a degree. Secondly, my fears about college life were largely unfounded. Now that I’m here, I’ve discovered that fellow students actually show me respect, and the university environment is far more welcoming than I had imagined.
Carol
Carol
D
When I applied to universities, I made a big mistake – I only applied to the top ones and got rejected by every single one. I hadn’t prepared any backup options, so a gap year it was. At first, this felt like a huge setback, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. During that year, I spent time volunteering, got some real work experience, and dedicated myself to learning new things on my own. But the most important change wasn’t what I did – it was how I changed as a person. I became more driven, more humble, more open to new experiences. Looking back now, I can clearly see why things didn’t work out the first time around, and I understand how my attitude played a big part in it. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was about taking responsibility for our failures. Instead of pointing fingers or making excuses, I realized it was more important to understand what went wrong and work on improving myself. It’s perfectly fine to aim for the best, but I discovered there’s a crucial difference between being confident and being arrogant. If you’re considering taking a gap year, I’d strongly encourage it. Just remember to use this time to really look inside yourself and think about who you want to become.
Eric
Eric
E
During the year between high school and university, I discovered the value of spending time alone with my thoughts, reflecting on my true wants and needs. I devoted myself to reading literature of all kinds, which opened my mind to different perspectives and broadened my understanding of the world. Without the distraction of social media, I was able to develop my passion for writing, starting a personal blog where I poured out my thoughts and reflections on my life experiences. Although some people may find being alone overwhelming, I saw it as a chance to engage in activities that made my life richer. Art became my way to escape, and I would lose track of time while painting, expressing emotions that words could not capture. Throughout this period, I gained a clearer understanding of my values and what truly matters in life. While the journey of self-discovery was sometimes lonely, the personal growth and lessons I learned will continue to guide me forward.
Anna
Anna
1. Which student turned to a creative practice as a way to process their emotions and find personal comfort during their gap year? — Text
2. Who learned that exploring the world wasn’t the most vital part of their gap year after all? — Text
3. Who discovered the value of humility during their time off? — Text
Atsauce:
https://www.viaa.gov.lv. Centralizētais eksāmens angļu valodā (optimālais mācību satura apguves līmenis), 2025
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