Introductory phrases for essays in Russian. Introductory phrases for writing an essay

Introductory phrases and filler words exist in any language. Such phrases help start a conversation, connect parts of a conversation, parts of a sentence, thoughts and ideas with each other. Introductory phrases and words in English help to give speech an emotional and semantic coloring, making speech more expressive and rich. Such expressions can convey the speaker's attitude towards the statement. Examples of using introductory words and phrases in English

Knowing the introductory phrases and plug-in constructions in English will be very useful for those who are learning this language because it will help the beginner improve his language skills. Today we will look at the most common and frequently occurring introductory phrases in the English language, the so-called cliches, and their use in speech.

What are these English introductory phrases?

Introductory phrases are called introductory phrases because the sentence begins with them, and they do not play any grammatical or semantic role in the sentence. Such expressions enhance the emotionality and expressiveness of the statement, but if they are discarded, the meaning of the sentence will not change in any way.

Here are the main cliches with examples that will help you diversify your English speech:

Moreover,...- Moreover…
Tom is absent today, moreover, he is ill. - Tom is absent today, moreover, he is ill.
Most of all...- Most…
Most of all I like ice-cream. — Most of all I love ice cream.
It is important to know that...- It is important to know that...
It is important to know that this question needs an urge decision. “It is important to know that this issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible.”
It is important to remember that...- It is important to remember that...
It is important to remember that we have no time to be late, nobody will wait for us. “It’s important to remember that we don’t have time to be late because no one will wait for us.”
In conclusion...- In conclusion..., As a conclusion...
In conclusion I’d like to say that you’ve done a great work. — In conclusion, I would like to say that you have done an excellent job.
After all...- In the end…
I am sick and tired of this conversation, and after all, it’s late, it’s time to go home. “I’m tired of this conversation, and in the end, it’s late, it’s time to go home.”
In any case, … / Anyway, … / Either way, …- In any case..., Still...
In any case, we should prevent him. Anyway he must know about the problem. “In any case, we should warn him.” Still, he should know about the problem.
Actually...- Actually...
Actually Tom didn’t know about the problem, so he isn’t guilty. - Actually, Tom didn’t know about the problem, it’s not his fault.
Fortunately...- Fortunately…
Tom is late. Fortunately, we didn’t manage to begin the conference. - Tom was late. Fortunately, we haven't started the conference yet.
Unfortunately...- Unfortunately…
Unfortunately, I didn’t finish my homework. — Unfortunately, I didn’t finish my homework.
Firstly...- First of all, first of all...
Let's begin. Firstly, I want to ask you some questions. - Let's start. First I would like to ask you a few questions.
Instead of…- Instead of…
Instead of watching TV now, you’d wash up. — Instead of watching TV now, you should wash the dishes.
In the first place,…- At the first place…
In the first place we must finish our work for today. - First of all, we must finish our work for today.
From time to time...- Occasionally…
Do you often see Alex? Yes, from time to time he visits me. — Do you see Alex often? Yes, he visits me from time to time.
Аs a result of…- As a result of the fact that...
As a result of what is done, we have a great job. “As a result of what has been done, we have done a good job.”
Indeed...- In fact, in reality...
Indeed, I need you. - Actually, I need you. Also in the proverb A friend in need is a friend indeed. — A friend is known in need (Literally: a friend in need is truly a friend).
In order to…- So that, in order to...
In order to manage everything, you should plan your day. — To manage everything, you must plan your day.
In other words...- In other words…
She doesn't want to finish her task, in other words, she is lazy. “She doesn’t want to finish her work, in other words, she’s lazy.”

Popular introductory clichés in English speech

Even more English introductory clichés

Of course, in the English language there are a lot of expressions that do not play any grammatical role in a sentence, but lexically enrich and decorate speech:

It seems that...- It seems that…
It is cloudy and windy outside. It seems to me that it will rain. — It’s cloudy and windy outside. It seems to me that it will rain.
In short...- Briefly speaking…
I am not sure he understood the problem. In short, he didn’t understand anything. “I'm not sure he understood what the problem was.” In short, he didn't understand anything.
Besides...- Besides…
I am very tired; besides, I think that I’ve caught a cold. “I’m very tired, and besides, I think I’ve caught a cold.”
In addition,...- In addition, besides...
We have a lot of work. In addition we must finish it till Sunday. - We have a lot of work. Besides. we have to finish it before Sunday.
By the way...- By the way, by the way...
By the way, did you pay for the internet? — By the way, did you pay for the Internet?
However...- Nevertheless, still...
I’ve finished my article; however, I have some details. — I finished my article, however, there are still some details left.
Frankly speaking, …- Honestly…
Frankly speaking, I don’t believe him. “Honestly, I don’t believe him.”
In my opinion,…- In my opinion, in my opinion...
In my opinion, Alex is a very sincere man. — In my opinion, Alex is a very sincere person.
Аt first, … / First, …- First, first...
Can I take your car? At first, I must speak with my parents. -Can I borrow your car? First I have to talk to my parents.
First of all,…- First of all…
I want to be a doctor. But first of all, I must finish the school. - I want to be a doctor. But first of all I have to finish school.
Let us/Let"s/Let me…- Allow me, let's...
Let me see your documents. - Let me look at your documents.
On the one hand, …, on the other hand, …- On the one hand on the other hand…
On the one hand this question is very important, but on the other hand it can wait. - On the one hand this question is very important, on the other hand it can wait.
Also...- Also…
I’ve bought some dresses for my daughter; also I’ve bought a skirt for me. — I bought several dresses for my daughter, and I also bought a skirt for myself.
Nevertheless...- Still, nevertheless, despite...
Nevertheless, Ann is late, we’ll begin without her. — Even though Anna is late, we will start without her.
I would rather...- I would prefer…
I would rather finish this exercise. — I would prefer to finish this exercise.
I would like to...- I would like…
I would like ice-cream with fruits. — I would like an ice cream sundae.
I think, … / I believe, … / I guess, …/I consider…- I think, I think, I guess...
I consider that our planet needs protection. — I think that our planet needs protection.
Maybe...- May be…
Tom didn't come to our party. Maybe he is ill. Tom didn’t come to our party. Maybe he got sick.
Probably…- Maybe…
Probably Kate will win the contest. — Katya will probably win this competition.
It's possible that...- It’s possible that...
I can't connect the internet. It’s possible that our computer is broken. — I can’t access the Internet, perhaps our computer is broken.

So, these were the main introductory phrases and plug-in constructions in the English language. We hope that these simple clichés and expressions will help you connect sentences as you speak.

1. Many people think... but others do not agree.
Many people think (that) ..., but others disagree.
2. Let us consider what the advantages and disadvantages of… are.
Let's look at what the advantages and disadvantages are... .
3. Let’s consider some pros and cons of it.
Let's look at some of the pros and cons (of this).

4. Let us start by considering pros and cons of it.
Let's start by looking at the pros and cons (of it).

The following phrases can be used when you want to consider the pros and cons. Don't forget to use linking words.
1. To begin with, … .
Let's begin with that... .
2. Firstly, ... / Secondly, ... / Finally, ... .
Firstly, ... / Secondly, ... / Finally, ... .
3. One argument in support of ... .
One of the arguments in support... .
4. The first thing that needs to be said is ... .
The first thing to say is that... . (First of all, it should be said that ....)
5. It is true that ... / clear that ... / noticeable that ... .
It is true that... / It is clear that... / It is noteworthy that...
6. Another good thing about… is that….
Another positive point...is (that)....
7. The second reason for... .
The second reason... .
8. It is undeniable that...
It cannot be denied that... .
9. For the great majority of people... .
For the vast majority of people... .
10. A number of key issues arise from the statement. For instance, ... .
This statement raises a number of key issues. For example, ... .
11. One of the most striking features of this problem is... .
One of the most striking aspects of this problem... .
12. First of all, let us try to understand... .
First of all, let's try to understand... .
13. The public in general tends to believe that ... .
The public as a whole tends to believe that... .
14. What is more, … . Moreover, ... .
15. Besides, … because it is … .
Besides... because... .
16. Doubtless, ... .
Undoubtedly...
17. One cannot deny that... .
It cannot be denied that... .
18. It is (very) clear from these observations that ... .
From these observations it is (absolutely) clear that... .
19. On the other hand, we can observe that ... .
On the other hand, we can observe that... .
20. The other side of the coin is, however, that ... .
However, on the other hand...
21. Another way of looking at this question is to ... .
To look at this problem from the other side, you need... .
22. One should, nevertheless, consider the problem from another angle.
However, we should look at this problem from a different perspective.
24. One should, however, not forget that ... .
However, we should not forget that...
25. If on the one hand it can be said that ... the same is not true for ... .
And if, on the one hand, we can say that..., the same cannot be said about....
26. On the other hand, … .
On the other side, ... .
27. Although….Although….
28. Besides...
Besides, ... .
29. Moreover, … Moreover, … .
30. Furthermore, one should not forget that ... .
In addition, we should not forget that... .
31. In addition to... .
Except (that) ... .
32. Nevertheless, one should accept that ... .
However, it must be recognized that... .
33.However, we also agree that... .
However, we also agree that... .

You can support your idea with the opinion of (some abstract) experts:
1. Experts... Experts...
2...believe that...
think that … .
3.... say that … ....
they say that … .
4....suggest that... ...
assume that...
5.... are convinced that … . ...
are convinced that...
6....pointed out that…. ...
note that...
7....emphasize that…. ...
emphasize that...
8.According to some experts...
According to some experts,...
9. Perhaps we should also point out the fact that ... .
Perhaps we should also note the fact that... .
10. It would be unfair not to mention that fact that ....
It would be unfair not to mention the fact that... .
11. One must admit that... .
We must admit that... .
12. We cannot ignore the fact that ... .
We cannot ignore the fact that... .
13. One cannot possibly accept the fact that ... .
It's hard to come to terms with the fact that... .
14. From these facts, one may conclude that ... .
From these facts, we can conclude that... .
15. Which seems to confirm the idea that ... .
Which seems to confirm the idea that...
16. Thus, ... / Therefore,...
Thus... / Therefore... .
17. The most common argument against this is that ... .
The most common argument against this is that

At the end of the essay you conclude:
1. In conclusion, I can say that although … , … .
In conclusion, I can say that although... , ... .
2. To draw the conclusion, one can say that….
To sum it up, we can say that... .
3. So it’s up to everyone to decide whether … or not.
So everyone must decide for themselves...whether...or not.
4. The arguments we have presented ... suggest that ... / prove that ... / would indicate that ... .
The arguments we have presented... presuppose that... / prove that... / indicate that... .
5. From these arguments one must ... / could... / might ... conclude that ...
Based on these arguments, it is necessary... / it is possible... / it would be possible... to come to the conclusion that... .

The goal of learning written English may be different for everyone: someone needs to take international exams where they need to pass the written part, someone needs to write letters for work, and someone wants to blog in English. The introductory phrases for writing an essay in English, which we will consider today, will also be needed in order to beautifully express your opinion orally.

Before we begin, I want to give a small recommendation that may seem obvious, but many people neglect it: before writing an essay or letter, make a plan. Many students consider this optional, but a clear outline will help indicate what issues you want to address in the essay. For example, if you are writing an essay for an exam, the task itself can be quite lengthy, and it is very easy to miss one of the questions posed, simply because you are immersed in your own thoughts and forget about it. A plan also helps reduce thinking time and get you started writing faster. For me, the most difficult thing about writing an essay is starting to write it. The given topic may be so alien to me that I have a question: what exactly can I write here? Or, on the contrary, there may be so many different thoughts on a given question that I’m at a loss as to where it’s best to start, and how to put all this mess in my head into a beautiful, structured text, and fit into the given word limit. In this case, the plan helps me a lot. Having spent 5 minutes writing it, I already know where to start and how to continue.

The phrases that we have given below will help you start your thought correctly and win a few correctly written words if you are writing an essay specifically for the exam.

What can you write in the first paragraph of an essay in English:

When starting to write an essay, it is important to voice the statement of the problem, and it is also worth noting what position you take on this issue. There is no need to fully disclose your opinion in the first paragraph, just express it in general terms. For example, you need to express your opinion about which vacation is better: passive or active. Then you can start your essay something like this:

Most people think that the best way to spend their vacation is to lie on the beach and do nothing, but in my opinion, the more active you are - the more energy you will have.

Most people think that the best way to spend a vacation is to lie on the beach and do nothing, but I personally believe that the more active you are, the more energy you will have.
In this paragraph you are only expressing your opinion in general terms. Why you think this way - you will write in the next paragraph.

Now let's move on to phrases that can be used in the first paragraph of the essay:

Most people think/suppose/reckon/consider that... - Many people think that...

If you are writing an essay for an exam, it is better to replace the word think with synonyms to demonstrate good vocabulary.

Many people believe (any other synonym can be used instead of believe) ...., but others don’t agree. — Many people think... but others do not agree with this opinion.
It is generally agreed today that...
Today, with increased frequency - today more and more often...

Let's say you need to write an essay in which you need to compare live communication with communication on social networks. Then you can start it like this:

Today, with increased frequency, people prefer to tell the news, using their phones, instead of doing it face-to-face.
Today, more and more, people prefer to share news using their phones instead of doing it face to face.

Consider the following cliché phrases in English:

For the great majority of people... - for the majority of people...
We live in a world in which... - we live in a world in which
They / people often say that ... - people often say that ....

Don't forget that we can replace the word people with they. We can also use them when talking about a person whose gender we do not know. That is, instead of writing ‘she or he’, you can simply write ‘they’.

At the end of the first paragraph, after you have written the introduction, you can summarize your arguments:

Let us consider what the advantages and disadvantages of ... are - let us consider what the advantages and disadvantages are ...
Let's consider some pros and cons of it. - Let's look at some pros and cons.
Let us start by considering some facts. — Let's start by looking at some facts.
I suppose we should start by looking at some facts - I suppose we should start by looking at the facts

Here are the arguments for and against:

First of all, it is worth mentioning/highlighting the fact that... - First of all, it is worth noting/emphasizing the fact that...
To begin with, ... - Let's start with that ...
Firstly, ... / Secondly, ... / Finally, ... - Firstly, ... / Secondly, ... / Finally, ... .
On the one hand…., but on the other hand…. on the one hand..., but on the other hand...

Don’t forget that if you write ‘firstly’, then you should also write ‘secondly’ so that the structure of the essay is logical. The same goes for ‘on the one hand’.

One argument in support of - one argument in support
The first thing that needs to be said is - the first thing that needs to be said is...
First and foremost I want to highlight that... - first of all, I want to emphasize that...
It is true that... the truth is that
It is clear that - it is clear that...
It is undeniable that.. - it cannot be denied that...
It is a well-known fact that...
A number of crucial issues arise from the statement. For example / for instance, ... - This statement raises many key issues. Eg,….
One of the most striking features of this problem is - One of the most striking aspects of this problem...
Another good thing about… is that…. - the second positive aspect regarding…. - this is what…
What is more,… . - moreover…
Besides, besides this...
What I meant to say is that... - I meant that...
Although... - although...
In spite of... - despite...
In spite of widespread belief that…., in my opinion…. — contrary to popular belief that…., I believe….
Furthermore, one should not forget that .. - moreover, we should not forget that...
In addition / moreover - in addition
Thus, - in this way
Nevertheless, one should accept that - However, it should be admitted that ...
Perhaps we should also point out the fact that ... - Perhaps we should also point out the fact that ... .
It would be unfair not to mention that fact that... - It would be unfair not to mention the fact that...
We cannot ignore the fact that…. - we cannot ignore the fact that...

You can confirm your opinion by asking the reader to imagine a certain situation; this can be done using the phrase:

Let us concede that - let’s say that...
We are not warranted in believing.. - we have no reason to believe...
The most common argument against this is that... - the most common argument against this is that...

Synonyms for think

We already wrote above that it is better to replace the word ‘think’ with synonyms to make the speech look richer.

I believe... - it should be remembered that believe can mean not only “to believe”, but also to think, to believe, to be convinced. This word means your confidence in a particular issue.

You can enhance the effect by saying:

I strongly believe... - I am firmly convinced
I suppose... - to believe, to admit...
In my opinion / On my mind - in my opinion...
I’m of opinion that... - I believe that...
it can believe that - it can be assumed that
I ween - I think, I believe, I hope..
As I can judge... - as far as I can judge...

We refer to the opinion of experts

Many teachers advise, whenever possible, to support your arguments with the opinions of experts.

We can’t be dismissive of experts’ opinion... - we cannot neglect the opinion of experts...
Experts in this field have a theory - experts in this field believe that (experts in this field have a theory)
Specialists in this area are convinced that... - specialists in this area are convinced that...
Experts emphasize that... - experts emphasize that...
From these facts, one may conclude that - based on these facts, one can conclude...
Which seems to confirm the idea that .. - which seems to confirm the idea that...

We draw conclusions:

In the last paragraph it is worth summing up the above and emphasizing your point of view. To do this, you can use the following linking words:

To sum up what has been said - let’s summarize what was said;

Or you can simply write:

To sum up, to summarise - let’s sum it up in this way
In conclusion, I want to say that although...
To draw the conclusion, one can say that - To summarize, we can say that
The arguments we have presented prove that - the arguments presented prove that...
So it’s up to everyone to decide whether ... or not - everyone must decide for themselves ... whether or not.

These introductory phrases for writing essays in English will help you write high-quality, coherent text, as well as express your opinion beautifully. Learn at least some of them - it definitely won’t be superfluous :).

The phrases that we have given below will help you start your thought correctly and win a few correctly written words if you are writing an essay specifically for the exam.

What can you write in the first paragraph of an essay in English:

Most people think that the best way to spend their vacation is to lie on the beach and do nothing, but in my opinion, the more active you are - the more energy you will have.

Now let's move on to phrases that can be used in the first paragraph of the essay:

Most people think/suppose/reckon/consider that... - Many people think that...

If you are writing an essay for an exam, it is better to replace the word think with synonyms to demonstrate good vocabulary.

Many people believe (any other synonym can be used instead of believe) ...., but others don’t agree. — Many people think... but others do not agree with this opinion.
It is generally agreed today that...
Today, with increased frequency - today more and more often...

Let's say you need to write an essay in which you need to compare live communication with communication on social networks. Then you can start it like this:

Today, with increased frequency, people prefer to tell the news, using their phones, instead of doing it face-to-face.
Today, more and more, people prefer to share news using their phones instead of doing it face to face.

Consider the following cliché phrases in English:

For the great majority of people... - for the majority of people...
We live in a world in which... - we live in a world in which
They / people often say that ... - people often say that ....

At the end of the first paragraph, after you have written the introduction, you can summarize your arguments:

Let us consider what the advantages and disadvantages of ... are - let us consider what the advantages and disadvantages are ...
Let's consider some pros and cons of it. - Let's look at some pros and cons.
Let us start by considering some facts. — Let's start by looking at some facts.
I suppose we should start by looking at some facts - I suppose we should start by looking at the facts

Here are the arguments for and against:

First of all, it is worth mentioning/highlighting the fact that... - First of all, it is worth noting/emphasizing the fact that...
To begin with, ... - Let's start with that ...
Firstly, ... / Secondly, ... / Finally, ... - Firstly, ... / Secondly, ... / Finally, ... .
On the one hand…., but on the other hand…. on the one hand..., but on the other hand...

Don’t forget that if you write ‘firstly’, then you should also write ‘secondly’ so that the structure of the essay is logical. The same goes for ‘on the one hand’.

One argument in support of - one argument in support
The first thing that needs to be said is - the first thing that needs to be said is...
First and foremost I want to highlight that... - first of all, I want to emphasize that...
It is true that... the truth is that
It is clear that - it is clear that...
It is undeniable that.. - it cannot be denied that...
It is a well-known fact that...
A number of crucial issues arise from the statement. For example / for instance, ... - This statement raises many key issues. Eg,….
One of the most striking features of this problem is - One of the most striking aspects of this problem...
Another good thing about… is that…. - the second positive aspect regarding…. - this is what…
What is more,… . - moreover…
Besides, besides this...
What I meant to say is that... - I meant that...
Although... - although...
In spite of... - despite...
In spite of widespread belief that…., in my opinion…. — contrary to popular belief that…., I believe….
Furthermore, one should not forget that .. - moreover, we should not forget that...
In addition / moreover - in addition
Thus, - in this way
Nevertheless, one should accept that - However, it should be admitted that ...
Perhaps we should also point out the fact that ... - Perhaps we should also point out the fact that ... .
It would be unfair not to mention that fact that... - It would be unfair not to mention the fact that...
We cannot ignore the fact that…. - we cannot ignore the fact that...

You can confirm your opinion by asking the reader to imagine a certain situation; this can be done using the phrase:

Let us concede that - let’s say that...
We are not warranted in believing.. - we have no reason to believe...
The most common argument against this is that... - the most common argument against this is that...

Synonyms for think

We already wrote above that it is better to replace the word ‘think’ with synonyms to make the speech look richer.

I believe... - it should be remembered that believe can mean not only “to believe”, but also to think, to believe, to be convinced. This word means your confidence in a particular issue.

You can enhance the effect by saying:

I strongly believe... - I am firmly convinced
I suppose... - to believe, to admit...
In my opinion / On my mind - in my opinion...
I’m of opinion that... - I believe that...
it can believe that - it can be assumed that
I ween - I think, I believe, I hope..
As I can judge... - as far as I can judge...

We refer to the opinion of experts

Many teachers advise, whenever possible, to support your arguments with the opinions of experts.

We can’t be dismissive of experts’ opinion... - we cannot neglect the opinion of experts...
Experts in this field have a theory - experts in this field believe that (experts in this field have a theory)
Specialists in this area are convinced that... - specialists in this area are convinced that...
Experts emphasize that... - experts emphasize that...
From these facts, one may conclude that - based on these facts, one can conclude...
Which seems to confirm the idea that .. - which seems to confirm the idea that...

We draw conclusions:

In the last paragraph it is worth summing up the above and emphasizing your point of view. To do this, you can use the following linking words:

To sum up what has been said - let’s summarize what was said;

Or you can simply write:

To sum up, to summarise - let’s sum it up in this way
In conclusion, I want to say that although...
To draw the conclusion, one can say that - To summarize, we can say that
The arguments we have presented prove that - the arguments presented prove that...
So it’s up to everyone to decide whether ... or not - everyone must decide for themselves ... whether or not.

Introductory phrases for essays.

Beginning of the essay(actually - essays on a given topic) - statement of the problem. In the first paragraph, you need to rephrase the topic, supplement it, showing that you have comprehended it.
Many people think... but others do not agree.	Many people think (that) ..., but others disagree.
Let us consider what the advantages and disadvantages of… are.	Let's look at what the advantages and disadvantages are... .
Let's consider some pros and cons of it.	Let's look at some of the pros and cons (of this).
Let us start by considering the facts.	Let's start by looking at the facts.
Let us start by considering pros and cons of it.	Let's start by looking at the pros and cons (of it).
It is generally agreed today that…	Today it is generally accepted that...

Sample essay with arguments for and against


1. Introduction: start with a general presentation of the topic (In today’s world... it is important) and a sentence expressing its dual nature (It can be regarded as... but not without its problems).	1. Introduction: The problem / issue / phenomenon of… is / has always been…, People always say / have always thought / agreed / said / believed…, It is a controversial / burning / hot question…, There is no agreement…
2. MainPart: present the arguments for (In its favor) and then the arguments against (However, critics are quick to point out). As shown in the sample, you can present the pros and cons in separate paragraphs. Try to present them symmetrically (for example, social, educational and psychological aspects of the problem). Remember that this type of essay requires a balanced argument.	2. Main part: Typical unions and union phrases: on the one hand… on the other hand; Firstly, To begin with, Secondly, Finally; In addition, Besides, Moreover, What is more, Furthermore; However, Despite this, In spite of this; In fact, As a matter of fact; As a result, Consequence Otherexpressions: One major advantage is…, As advocates of…claim / argue, As critics point out / claim…, There are a number of disadvantages / weaknesses / drawbacks / downsides
3. Conclusion: clearly summarize what was said (All in all) and again write a sentence reflecting the contradictory nature of the topic, but at the same time expressing the hope of finding a compromise (One can hope... minimizing the danger and talking full advantage of benefits).	3. Conclusion: All in all, To sum up, In conclusion, In summary, In general; it seems important to add/point out/remind that…, the issue / debate is far from...

EXERCISE:

In western countriesafter secondary school , students very often do not continue immediately with their studies, but they take a one year break, called a ‘gap year’, when they travel or do voluntary work.Write an argumentative essay presenting arguments for and against the gap year.

(Introduction to the topic) In today’s world of fierce competition, it is important for young people to get well-prepared for the challenges of the future. Thus the institution of gap year can be regarded as a step in the right direction though it is also not without its problems.

(Arguments for) In its favor, the gap year seems to be useful psychologically as it helps young people understand their needs and interest better before they actually commit themselves to any particular career path. Besides the gap year has educational advantages because it offers a lot of opportunities to learn about the world and one’s own place in it. For all these reasons, the gap year can be regarded as a positive social institution.

(Arguments against) However, as critics are quick to point out, the gap year can in fact t be harmful as it interrupts with the rhythm of learning and often makes it difficult for students to return to their studies. Apart from that, unfortunately not every young person can afford to travel around the world and many of them end up sitting around at home, which can be very demotivating.

(Summing up) All in all, the gap year may arouse mixed feelings, but still thousands of people every year take a year off. One can only hope they will use it fruitfully, minimizing the dangers and taking full advantage of its benefits.