如果到明年9月份，我有1。5年没有工作，待在家里，是不是一定要用一篇addition essay or optional essay解释一把，我这段时间continue to progress professionally and socially，blah,blah.....? 请大虾指点一下。

you can do that as you've thought.

but you can also mask the gap through some ways.

I have the same problem.

I point out that during this period of time: I contribute to community services, read book and help my friend deal with her business. is that reasonable and convincing?

thanks