Out Line

Gap Years in America

Specific Purpose:
Motivation
Enthusiasm
Better understanding of one’s self
Gain life experience, direction and maturity

Thesis Statement: If gap years where more widely accepted in America then young adults would be more sucessful and happy in their life choices as they would be more educated when picking a career and degree, as well as do better in school because they have passion. Students would learn confidence and adaptation and lastly they would learn helpful knowledge about themselves, knowing what is important in life far before most do.

I. Introduction

A. Attention-Getting Step:(stories from blog)

B. Tie to Audience:

What is a gap year?

Travel, work, take extra classes in the arts, service

(they would get it right the first time! took 6 years of switching majors)

C. Credibility Material:

American Gap Association 294% increase of interest since 2010

Show charts.


D. Thesis & Preview: (The preview includes your three platforms)

If gap years where more widely accepted in America then young adults would be more sucessful and happy in their life choices as they would be more educated when picking a career and degree as well as do better in school because they have passion

They would learn confidence and adaptation

Lastly they would learn helpful knowledge about themselves, knowing what is important in life far before most do.


(Transition into Body of Speech)


II. Body

A. Main Point #1 -- Need

(students are spending to much time and money on college)
You will realize your passions BEFORE you start college.

You will be able to better pick a degree.

You will be more passonate about that degree.


1.(Statement of Need for Action)

More programs supporting gap year in America need to be implemented

a.(Description of Problem)

Young adults are feeling burned out and starting college with out life experience and before they know what they want to do with their lives. Students need to be able to feel like they can choose and create their own lives and have the knowledge and life experience to do so.


b.(Signs, Symptoms, Effects of Problem)

Burn out comes from the high stress and competition in high school transitioning to college. In our society the norm is after hs you go straight to college but this has students starting college with out a desired major. The end result of this is frusteration and money spent on a degree that possibly wont serve them well.


c.(Example, Narrative, or Testimony)
When I first started college I was going into integrated studies and to be honest I dont even remember in what....because I didnt know who I was. I switched majors three times. I spent two extra years at college. I had a mid life crisis and quit...leaving my scholarship behind. I could have had all my school paid for.


b.(Facts/Statistics)

studies by the American Gap association have shown that 90% of studnets that take a gap year return to a university

Students are better able to pick a university based on their needs, and are graduating and even on time!

Students take ownership of their education and get more involved on campus.


3. (Who is Affected)

Of course, parents struggle with this idea. They raise their children to be confident and to make decisions on their own and have a rough time letting their children make the choice on their own explore themselves for fear they may never return. As mentioned before studies are showing that this is not the case.


(Transition into Main Point 2)


B. Main Point #2 (Present Solution that Satisfies Need)

1. (Description of Solution)
More and more associations and programs are being developed to help aid students in their persuits. More and more universities are allowing students to defer on behalf of a gap year (5% increase since last year)

The American Gap association for example, offers help on how to get grants, scholarship and tips for saving money to travel. Some programs are able to cover room and board, others are based on what the student can afford financially. Vary from being structured to loose.


a. (How Solution Satisfies Need)


This gives appropraite guidelines for students looking to have an adventure. Sometimes it can be scary to leave the country or travel, these organizations provide a plan.

b. (How Solution can be Implemented)

(1) Enrolll in school before leaving so you know you have something solid to come back too

(2) Plan out what you will be doing and where you will be traveling to (languages, enviroment, culture)

(i) Decide on a form of payment, grants, scholarships, work first.





. Main Point #3 (Visualize Results)

1. Students will return with a renewed sense of detication to their lives!

2. Instead of burn out and indecision. Spend that extra money you will use switching majors and travel!


(Transition into Conclusion)


III. Conclusion

A. Summary:

B. Tie Back to Attention-Getting Step:

C. Call for Action:

I will end by saying tell me what you learned today. Tell me what you loved...that you will never forget. and if you cant think of anything. well then that realization is my point and its time for you to go.