Read the following passage and choose the correct answer to each of the questions.
Every summer, when the results of university entrance exam come out, many newspaper stories are published about students who are top-scorers across the country. Most portray students as hard- working, studious, smart and, generally, from low-income families. They are often considered heroes or heroines by their families, communes, villages and communities, And they symbolise the efforts made to lift them, and their relatives, out of poverty. The students are often too poor to attend any extra-classes, which make their achievements more illustrious and more newsworthy. While everyone should applaud the students for their admirable efforts, putting too much emphasis on success generates some difficult questions.
If other students look up to them as models, of course it's great. However, in a way, it contributes to society's attitude that getting into university is the only way to succeed. For those who fail, their lives are over. It should be noted that about 1.3 million high school students take part in the annual university entrance exams and only about 300,000 of them pass. What's about the hundreds of thousands who fail? Should we demand more stories about those who fail the exam but succeed in life or about those who quit university education at some level and do something else unconventional?
"I personally think that it's not about you scoring top in an entrance exam or get even into Harvard. It's about what you do for the rest of your life," said Tran Nguyen Le Van, 29. He is the founder of a website, vexere.com, that passengers can use to book bus tickets online and receive tickets via SMS. His business also arranges online tickets via mobile phones and email. Van dropped out of his MBA at the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona in the United States. His story has caught the attention of many newspapers and he believes more coverage should be given to the youngsters who can be role-models in the start-up community. Getting into university, even with honours, is just the beginning. We applaud them and their efforts and obviously that can give them motivation to do better in life. However, success requires more than just scores," Van said. Van once told a newspaper that his inspiration also came from among the world's most famous drop-outs, such as Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook or Bill Gates who also dropped out of Harvard University.
Alarming statistics about unemployment continues to plague us. As many as 162,000 people with some kind of degree cannot find work, according to Labour Ministry's statistics this month. An emphasis on getting into university does not inspire students who want to try alternative options. At the same time, the Ministry of Education and Training is still pondering on how to reform our exam system, which emphasises theories, but offers little to develop critical thinking or practice. Vu Thi Phuong Anh, former head of the Centre for Education Testing and Quality Assessment at Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City said the media should also monitor student successes after graduation. She agreed there were many success stories about young people, but added that it was imbalanced if students taking unconventional paths were not also encouraged. Vietnam is, more than ever, in desperate need of those who think outside the box. Time for us to recognise talent, no matter where it comes from or how.
Read the following passage and choose the correct answer to each of the questions.
Every summer, when the results of university entrance exam come out, many newspaper stories are published about students who are top-scorers across the country. Most portray students as hard- working, studious, smart and, generally, from low-income families. They are often considered heroes or heroines by their families, communes, villages and communities, And they symbolise the efforts made to lift them, and their relatives, out of poverty. The students are often too poor to attend any extra-classes, which make their achievements more illustrious and more newsworthy. While everyone should applaud the students for their admirable efforts, putting too much emphasis on success generates some difficult questions.
If other students look up to them as models, of course it's great. However, in a way, it contributes to society's attitude that getting into university is the only way to succeed. For those who fail, their lives are over. It should be noted that about 1.3 million high school students take part in the annual university entrance exams and only about 300,000 of them pass. What's about the hundreds of thousands who fail? Should we demand more stories about those who fail the exam but succeed in life or about those who quit university education at some level and do something else unconventional?
"I personally think that it's not about you scoring top in an entrance exam or get even into Harvard. It's about what you do for the rest of your life," said Tran Nguyen Le Van, 29. He is the founder of a website, vexere.com, that passengers can use to book bus tickets online and receive tickets via SMS. His business also arranges online tickets via mobile phones and email. Van dropped out of his MBA at the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona in the United States. His story has caught the attention of many newspapers and he believes more coverage should be given to the youngsters who can be role-models in the start-up community. Getting into university, even with honours, is just the beginning. We applaud them and their efforts and obviously that can give them motivation to do better in life. However, success requires more than just scores," Van said. Van once told a newspaper that his inspiration also came from among the world's most famous drop-outs, such as Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook or Bill Gates who also dropped out of Harvard University.
Alarming statistics about unemployment continues to plague us. As many as 162,000 people with some kind of degree cannot find work, according to Labour Ministry's statistics this month. An emphasis on getting into university does not inspire students who want to try alternative options. At the same time, the Ministry of Education and Training is still pondering on how to reform our exam system, which emphasises theories, but offers little to develop critical thinking or practice. Vu Thi Phuong Anh, former head of the Centre for Education Testing and Quality Assessment at Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City said the media should also monitor student successes after graduation. She agreed there were many success stories about young people, but added that it was imbalanced if students taking unconventional paths were not also encouraged. Vietnam is, more than ever, in desperate need of those who think outside the box. Time for us to recognise talent, no matter where it comes from or how.
Which of the following best describes the main idea of this passage?
Which of the following best describes the main idea of this passage?
Many students consider universities as their only way after school.
A good model of being successful in the real life out of school.
Not many students are successful after graduating from universities.
University is not the only way to success.
Đáp án: D
Tạm dịch
Mỗi mùa hè, khi kết quả kỳ thi tuyển sinh đại học được công bố, nhiều bài báo được xuất bản về những học sinh đạt điểm cao nhất trên cả nước. Hầu hết các bài viết mô tả họ là những học sinh chăm chỉ, hiếu học, thông minh và thường đến từ những gia đình có thu nhập thấp. Họ thường được gia đình, cộng đồng, làng xóm và xã hội xem như những người hùng. Họ trở thành biểu tượng cho nỗ lực thoát nghèo của bản thân và gia đình. Nhiều học sinh trong số này quá nghèo để tham gia bất kỳ lớp học thêm nào, điều này càng làm cho thành tích của họ trở nên ấn tượng và đáng được đưa tin hơn. Dù mọi người nên khen ngợi những học sinh này vì nỗ lực đáng ngưỡng mộ của họ, nhưng việc quá tập trung vào thành công cũng đặt ra một số câu hỏi khó.
Nếu những học sinh khác coi họ là hình mẫu, thì tất nhiên đó là điều tuyệt vời. Tuy nhiên, theo một cách nào đó, điều này cũng góp phần tạo nên quan niệm của xã hội rằng vào đại học là con đường duy nhất để thành công. Còn những người trượt đại học thì sao? Phải chăng cuộc sống của họ đã chấm dứt? Cần lưu ý rằng có khoảng 1,3 triệu học sinh trung học tham gia kỳ thi tuyển sinh đại học hàng năm, nhưng chỉ khoảng 300.000 em đỗ. Vậy hàng trăm nghìn học sinh trượt đại học thì sao? Liệu có nên có thêm những câu chuyện về những người không đỗ đại học nhưng vẫn thành công trong cuộc sống hay những người bỏ ngang đại học để theo đuổi con đường khác không?
"Tôi nghĩ rằng vấn đề không nằm ở việc bạn đạt điểm cao trong kỳ thi tuyển sinh hay thậm chí vào được Harvard. Quan trọng là bạn làm gì với phần đời còn lại của mình," Trần Nguyễn Lê Văn, 29 tuổi, chia sẻ. Anh là người sáng lập website vexere.com, nơi hành khách có thể đặt vé xe buýt trực tuyến và nhận vé qua tin nhắn SMS. Doanh nghiệp của anh cũng hỗ trợ đặt vé trực tuyến qua điện thoại di động và email. Văn đã bỏ dở chương trình MBA tại Trường Quản lý Toàn cầu Thunderbird ở Arizona, Mỹ. Câu chuyện của anh đã thu hút sự quan tâm của nhiều tờ báo, và anh tin rằng báo chí nên dành nhiều sự chú ý hơn cho những người trẻ có thể trở thành hình mẫu trong cộng đồng khởi nghiệp.
"Việc đỗ đại học, ngay cả với điểm số xuất sắc, cũng chỉ là bước khởi đầu. Chúng ta nên khen ngợi họ và nỗ lực của họ, và điều đó chắc chắn có thể tạo động lực để họ làm tốt hơn trong cuộc sống. Tuy nhiên, thành công đòi hỏi nhiều hơn chỉ là điểm số," Văn nói. Anh từng chia sẻ với một tờ báo rằng nguồn cảm hứng của mình cũng đến từ những người bỏ học nổi tiếng trên thế giới như Mark Zuckerberg của Facebook hay Bill Gates, người cũng đã bỏ học tại Đại học Harvard.
Những con số đáng báo động về tình trạng thất nghiệp vẫn là một vấn đề nan giải. Theo số liệu từ Bộ Lao động trong tháng này, có tới 162.000 người có bằng cấp nhưng không thể tìm được việc làm. Việc quá chú trọng vào chuyện đỗ đại học không tạo động lực cho những học sinh muốn thử những lựa chọn khác. Đồng thời, Bộ Giáo dục và Đào tạo vẫn đang tìm cách cải cách hệ thống thi cử, vốn chỉ tập trung vào lý thuyết mà ít giúp học sinh phát triển tư duy phản biện hay kỹ năng thực hành.
Vũ Thị Phương Anh, cựu giám đốc Trung tâm Khảo thí và Đánh giá Chất lượng Giáo dục tại Đại học Quốc gia TP.HCM, cho rằng truyền thông cũng nên theo dõi thành công của sinh viên sau khi tốt nghiệp. Bà đồng ý rằng có nhiều câu chuyện thành công về giới trẻ, nhưng nếu những người đi theo con đường khác không được công nhận thì sẽ là một sự mất cân bằng.
Hơn bao giờ hết, Việt Nam đang rất cần những con người có tư duy đột phá. Đã đến lúc chúng ta công nhận tài năng, bất kể họ đến từ đâu hay con đường họ chọn là gì.
Phương pháp chung:
- Đọc câu đề bài và các đáp án để gạch chân các từ khóa quan trọng.
- Đọc lướt qua các đoạn văn và dừng lại ở đoạn thông tin có chứa từ khóa.
- So sánh thông tin trong bài đọc với nội dung cần tìm dựa vào sự tương quan về nghĩa và ngữ pháp để chọn đáp thích hợp nhất.
Which of the following best describes the main idea of this passage?
(Câu nào sau đây mô tả tốt nhất ý chính của đoạn văn này?)
A. Many students consider universities as their only way after school.
(Nhiều sinh viên coi trường đại học là con đường duy nhất của họ sau khi ra trường.)
B. A good model of being successful in the real life out of school,
(Một mô hình tốt để thành công trong cuộc sống thực ngoài trường học,)
C. Not many students are successful after graduating from universities.
(Không nhiều sinh viên thành công sau khi tốt nghiệp đại học.)
D. University is not the only way to success.
(Đại học không phải là con đường duy nhất dẫn đến thành công.)
Thông tin: Time for us to recognise talent, no matter where it comes from or how.
(Đã đến lúc chúng ta phải công nhận tài năng, bất kể tài năng đó đến từ đâu hay bằng cách nào.)
Chọn D
What is NOT stated in the passage about the top-scorers in the entrance exam?
What is NOT stated in the passage about the top-scorers in the entrance exam?
The majority of them are poor but intelligent and eager to learn.
They are hoped to find the way to better their families' lives.
Their success is more glorious because they attend more classes than others.
The students are admired for the great efforts.
Đáp án: C
What is NOT stated in the passage about the top-scorers in the entrance exam?
(Điều gì KHÔNG được nêu trong đoạn văn về những người đạt điểm cao nhất trong kỳ thi tuyển sinh?)
A. The majority of them are poor but intelligent and eager to learn.
(Phần lớn trong số họ đều nghèo nhưng thông minh và ham học hỏi.)
Thông tin: Most portray students as hard-working, studious, smart and, generally, from low-income families.
(Hầu hết đều mô tả học sinh là những người chăm chỉ, ham học, thông minh và nhìn chung đều xuất thân từ những gia đình có thu nhập thấp.)
B. They are hoped to find the way to better their families' lives.
(Họ hy vọng sẽ tìm ra cách để cải thiện cuộc sống của gia đình mình.)
Thông tin: And they symbolise the efforts made to lift them, and their relatives, out of poverty.
(Và chúng tượng trưng cho những nỗ lực nhằm đưa họ và người thân của họ thoát khỏi cảnh nghèo đói.)
C. Their success is more glorious because they attend more classes than others. => không có thông tin đề cập
(Thành công của họ vinh quang hơn vì họ tham gia nhiều lớp học hơn những người khác.)
D. The students are admired for the great efforts.
(Các sinh viên được ngưỡng mộ vì những nỗ lực to lớn.)
Thông tin: While everyone should applaud the students for their admirable efforts...
(Trong khi mọi người nên khen ngợi các sinh viên vì những nỗ lực đáng ngưỡng mộ của họ...)
Chọn C
The word "unconventional" in paragraph 2 could best be replaced by _______.
The word "unconventional" in paragraph 2 could best be replaced by _______.
common
unusual
well-known
infamous
Đáp án: B
The word "unconventional" in paragraph 2 could best be replaced by _______.
(Từ " unconventional " trong đoạn 2 có thể được thay thế tốt nhất bằng _______.)
A. common
(phổ biến)
B. unusual
(bất thường)
C. well-known
(nổi tiếng)
D. infamous
(khét tiếng)
Thông tin: Should we demand more stories about those who fail the exam but succeed in life or about those who quit university education at some level and do something else unconventional?
(Chúng ta có nên yêu cầu nhiều câu chuyện hơn về những người trượt kỳ thi nhưng vẫn thành công trong cuộc sống hay về những người bỏ học đại học ở một mức độ nào đó và làm điều gì đó khác thường không?)
Chọn B
The author described Tran Nguyen Le Van in the third passage as ___________.
The author described Tran Nguyen Le Van in the third passage as ___________.
a good example to achieve success although he didn't finish his education
a businessman who gains money by selling mobile phones online
a founder whose website was inspired from social networks like Facebook
a top-scorer who books online tickets and confirms through messages
Đáp án: A
The author described Tran Nguyen Le Van in the third passage as ___________.
(Tác giả mô tả Trần Nguyên Lê Văn trong đoạn văn thứ ba là ___________.)
A. a good example to achieve success although he didn't finish his education.
(một tấm gương tốt để đạt được thành công mặc dù anh ấy không hoàn thành việc học của mình.)
B. a businessman who gains money by selling mobile phones online.
(một doanh nhân kiếm tiền bằng cách bán điện thoại di động trực tuyến.)
C. a founder whose website was inspired from social networks like Facebook.
(một người sáng lập có trang web được lấy cảm hứng từ các mạng xã hội như Facebook.)
D. a top-scorer who books online tickets and confirms through messages.
(một người đứng hàng đầu về đặt vé trực tuyến và xác nhận qua tin nhắn.)
Thông tin: Van dropped out of his MBA at the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona in the United States. His story has caught the attention of many newspapers and he believes more coverage should be given to the youngsters who can be role-models in the start-up community.
(Van đã bỏ học MBA tại Trường Quản lý Toàn cầu Thunderbird ở Arizona, Hoa Kỳ. Câu chuyện của anh đã thu hút sự chú ý của nhiều tờ báo và anh tin rằng cần đưa tin nhiều hơn về những người trẻ có thể trở thành hình mẫu trong cộng đồng khởi nghiệp.)
Chọn A
The word "them" in paragraph 3 refers to _________.
The word "them" in paragraph 3 refers to _________.
honours
role-models
the youngsters
newspapers
Đáp án: C
The word "them" in paragraph 3 refers to _________.
(Từ "them" trong đoạn 3 ám chỉ _________.)
A. honours
(danh dự)
B. role-models
(hình mẫu)
C. the youngsters
(những người trẻ)
D. newspapers
(báo chí)
Thông tin: His story has caught the attention of many newspapers and he believes more coverage should be given to the youngsters who can be role-models in the start-up community. Getting into university, even with honours, is just the beginning. We applaud them and their efforts and obviously that can give them motivation to do better in life.
(Câu chuyện của anh đã thu hút sự chú ý của nhiều tờ báo và anh tin rằng cần đưa tin nhiều hơn về những người trẻ có thể trở thành hình mẫu trong cộng đồng khởi nghiệp. Vào được trường đại học, ngay cả với bằng danh dự, cũng chỉ là bước khởi đầu. Chúng ta hoan nghênh họ và những nỗ lực của họ và rõ ràng điều đó có thể tạo động lực cho họ để làm tốt hơn trong cuộc sống.)
Chọn C
The word "plague" in paragraph 4 is opposite in meaning to _______.
The word "plague" in paragraph 4 is opposite in meaning to _______.
conflict
afflict
remind
reassure
Đáp án: D
The word "plague" in paragraph 4 is opposite in meaning to _______.
(Từ "plague" trong đoạn 4 trái nghĩa với _______.)
A. conflict
(xung đột)
B. afflict
(đau khổ)
C. remind
(nhắc nhở)
D. reassure
(trấn an)
Thông tin: Alarming statistics about unemployment continues to plague us.
(Số liệu thống kê đáng báo động về tình trạng thất nghiệp tiếp tục gây đau khổ cho chúng ta.)
Chọn D
What can be inferred from the passage?
What can be inferred from the passage?
It's high time for the young to change their ways of thinking about success.
High scores are the first step to attain achievements in the future.
Failing the entrance exam will not determine that these students are doing unconventional things.
The most concerned thing for each student is unemployment.
Đáp án: A
What can be inferred from the passage?
(Có thể suy ra điều gì từ đoạn văn?)
A. It's high time for the young to change their ways of thinking about success.
(Đã đến lúc giới trẻ phải thay đổi cách suy nghĩ về thành công.)
Thông tin: Vietnam is, more than ever, in desperate need of those who think outside the box. Time for us to recognise talent, no matter where it comes from or how.
(Việt Nam, hơn bao giờ hết, đang rất cần những người có tư duy đột phá. Đã đến lúc chúng ta phải công nhận tài năng, bất kể tài năng đó đến từ đâu hay như thế nào.)
B. High scores are the first step to attain achievements in the future. => sai
(Điểm cao là bước đầu tiên để đạt được thành tựu trong tương lai.)
Thông tin: However, success requires more than just scores.
(Tuy nhiên, thành công đòi hỏi nhiều hơn là chỉ điểm số.)
C. Failing the entrance exam will not determine that these students are doing unconventional things. => sai
(Việc trượt kỳ thi tuyển sinh sẽ không quyết định rằng những học sinh này sẽ làm những điều khác thường.)
Thông tin: Should we demand more stories about those who fail the exam but succeed in life or about those who quit university education at some level and do something else unconventional?
(Chúng ta có nên yêu cầu nhiều câu chuyện hơn về những người trượt kỳ thi nhưng thành công trong cuộc sống hay về những người bỏ học đại học ở một cấp độ nào đó và làm một điều gì đó khác thường khác không?)
D. The most concerned thing for each student is unemployment. => sai
(Điều mà mỗi học sinh quan tâm nhất là tình trạng thất nghiệp.)
Thông tin: An emphasis on getting into university does not inspire students who want to try alternative options.
(iệc nhấn mạnh vào việc vào đại học không truyền cảm hứng cho những học sinh muốn thử các lựa chọn thay thế.)
Chọn A
Các bài tập cùng chuyên đề
Planning our education
(Kế hoạch giáo dục của chúng ta)
1. Listen and read.
(Nghe và đọc.)
Ms Hoa: Good moming, class. There was an education fair last weekend. Did anyone go?
Nam: Yes, Mai and I did. The fair was great, and we got a lot of useful information.
Ms Hoa: I'm glad to hear that. Would you like to share some of it with the class?
Mai: Sure. After finishing school, we mainly have two education options. For example, we can get into university if we earn high grades or pass the university entrance exam.
Nam: That's true, but academic education isn’t everything. The other option is going to a vocational school where we can learn skills for particular jobs.
Ms Hoa: That sounds interesting. So what are your plans for the future?
Mai: I'm hoping to go to university. Having won several biology competitions, I want to study biology and become a scientist.
Ms Hoa: Great! It’s really important to follow your dream, Mai.
Mai: My mum still regrets not having gone to university. So I want to make her proud of me. How about you, Nam?
Nam: Well, I don’t think university is for me. I want to go to a vocational school because I want to become a car mechanic. My father owns a car repair shop. Having watched him work very hard for many years helped me make my decision.
Ms Hoa: That's very sensible, Nam! I hope you can help him grow his business.
2. Read the conversation again. Decide whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F).
(Đọc đoạn hội thoại một lần nữa. Quyết định xem những câu sau đây là đúng (T) hay sai (F).)
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T |
F |
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1. School-leavers only have the option of academic education. |
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2. Good grades at school can help students get into university. |
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3. Vocational schools are for those who want to develop job skills. |
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4. Nam wants to work at his father’s car repair shop after leaving school |
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3. Find phrases in the conversation that mean the following.
(Tìm các cụm từ trong đoạn hội thoại có nghĩa như sau.)
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1. an event at which students can talk to representatives of universities or vocational schools about their study options. |
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2. an exam that someone takes to be accepted into a school or university |
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3. Studying at school or university to gain knowledge and develop thinking skills. |
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4. a place that teaches skills needed for particular jobs. |
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4. Complete the sentences using phrases from 1.
(Hoàn thành các câu sử dụng các cụm từ từ 1.)
1. ___________ several biology competitions, Mai wants to study biology and become a scientist.
2. Mai’s mum still regrets not ___________ to university.
3. ___________ father work very hard for many years helped Nam make his decision.
2. Read the article. Match the highlighted words with their meanings.
(Đọc bài viết. Nối các từ được đánh dấu với ý nghĩa của chúng.)
THE EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY FOR SCHOOL-LEAVERS
This month, Teen Talk magazine has received many letters from secondary school students asking about the different options for school-leavers. We've talked to educational experts, and they think that young people should either continue their studies at a college or university or go to a vocational school.
A. ______________________
Higher education is really for people who want formal learning in order to get an academic degree. If you are good at certain subjects and need a degree related to those subjects, then university is the right choice for you. Besides studying, university students also have the opportunity to live independently, make new friends, and join different clubs. Many students still manage to work part-time during their university years. In addition, college or university students usually have an advantage over students from vocational schools when it comes to further studies after a degree. They will also have broader career options and an advantage in the job market.
B. ______________________
If you are not interested in traditional academic subjects and want to work in a specific trade, then vocational education is the right choice for you. You will gain the practical skills and knowledge necessary for a specific job. In addition, a vocational school may also offer you an apprenticeship. This type of training not only provides students with hands-on experience, but also gives them wages to cover their living costs. Most importantly, vocational training is usually much shorter than a college or university course. After getting their vocational qualifications, graduates can immediately start work and earn a salary.
There are a lot of educational opportunities for school-leavers today. You can choose from hundreds of vocational schools or higher education institutions to continue your educational journey.
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1. formal |
a. a job that requires special training and skills |
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2. manage |
b. a period of time working for and leaning from a skilled person |
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3. trade |
c. to succeed in doing something difficult |
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4. apprenticeship |
d. important organisations that have a particular purpose |
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5. institutions |
e. received in a school, college, or university, with lessons, exams, etc. |
3. Read the article again. Match the headings (1-3) with the paragraphs (A-B). There is ONE extra heading.
(Đọc lại bài viết. Nối các tiêu đề (1-3) với các đoạn văn (A-B). Có MỘT tiêu đề bị thừa.)
1. Getting vocational training (Học nghề)
2. Earning a salary while studying (Kiếm tiền khi đang học)
3. Going to college or university (Đi học cao đẳng hoặc đại học)
4. Read the article again and complete each gap with ONE word.
(Đọc bài viết một lần nữa và hoàn thành mỗi khoảng trống với MỘT từ.)
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College or university |
Vocational school |
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For students who want (1) _____________ Get a (2) _____________ related to an academic subject Join different clubs |
For students who want to work in a specific (3) _____________ Can offer an (4) ____________ Finish their (5) ___________ quickly and start earning a salary. |
1. Read the text and complete the table below with information from the text. Use no more than TWO words or a number in each gap.
(Đọc văn bản và hoàn thành bảng dưới đây với thông tin từ văn bản. Sử dụng không quá HAI từ hoặc một số trong mỗi khoảng trống.)
UK EDUCATION AFTER SECONDARY SCHOOL
In the UK, students can choose to end their formal education at 16, but in England they must stay in full-time education or do a training course until the age of 18.
Many 16-year-old students go on to study at different vocational colleges. Vocational education usually lasts up to three years. During this time, students learn job-specific skills. That is why vocational education is often referred to as career education or technical education. Many students still go on to higher education after receiving their vocational qualifications.
Alternatively, students can go toa sixth-form college or stay at their secondary school if it offers a sixth form for two more years. Students usually focus on three or four subjects that they are interested in or related to the degree they want to study at university. Exams are taken at the end of the two-year course, and the grades are used to apply for university courses. Not all students leaving sixth form go to university. Some prefer to get into a vocational course or find a job.
At university, students study for at least three years in order to get a bachelor’s degree. After the first degree, they can study for one to two years to get a master’s degree, and three to five years to get a doctorate.
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UK education after secondary school |
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Age at end of formal education |
- 16 in the UK - stay until the age of (1) ________ in full-time education or do training in England |
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Vocational education |
- lats up to three years - also called career education or (2) _________ - some students still go on to (3) _________ |
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Sixth form |
- lasts two years - students study subjects they are interested in or subjects related to higher education. - grades are used to apply for (4) _________ |
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University education |
students study to get a (5) ________, a master’s degree, or a doctorate |
1. Read the text and choose the best answers.
Lam’s educational journey
Lam completed secondary education when his parents were over 55. They were both farmers with a very low income. He had good grades, but he knew that it would be very difficult for his parents to (1) __________ his university costs. Lam talked to his teachers about his future plans and asked them for (2) __________. He also attended several education (3) ______________ for school-leavers and met representatives from different educational institutions. He realised that vocational training could help him (4) __________ a job faster because most vocational school courses are much shorter than those at traditional universities.
He also found out that the factory in the nearest town was in need of (5) __________. The factory also closely worked with a local vocational school that (6) __________ different training courses. So Lam decided to (7) __________ a one-year course in machinery mechanics. After finishing the course, Lam was immediately offered a(n) (8) __________ in the factory. He still thinks that vocational training was the right choice for him. Now he can even give his parents a portion of his salary as a way of showing respect and gratitude to them for raising him.
1. A. cover
B. buy
C. spend
D. get
2. A. permission
B. advice
C. help
D. payment
3. A. shops
B. institutions
C. fairs
D. markets
4. A. run
B. make
C. do
D. get
5. A. mechanics
B. managers
C. doctors
D. scientists
6. A. employs
B. provides
C. stays
D. pays
7. A. visit
B. apply
C. attend
D. go
8. A. degree
B. apprentice
C. salary
D. job
2. Read the text and complete each sentence on page 66 with no more than THREE words from the text.
(Đọc văn bản và hoàn thành mỗi câu ở trang 66 với không quá BA từ trong văn bản.)
From a school-leaver to an award-winning teacher
We spoke with Mai Ha, an award-winning teacher, who grew up in a poor mountainous area. It’s amazing what she’s achieved and how much she’s contributed to her community.
Hi Mai Ha! Tell us about your education.
My parents always supported my studies, and I left school with high grades. Several top universities offered me a place, but I wanted to become a teacher of English, so I chose the University of Languages and International Studies.
I joined the university English language club, practising my English with native speakers and taking part in cultural exchanges. I also worked as a teaching assistant, which helped me improve my teaching skills. So after graduation, I got several job offers in Ha Noi.
But you returned to your home town. Why?
I think my old school needed me more than some big school in the city. English gave me lots of opportunities, and I wanted other young people in my town to learn the language and connect to the world.
You’re also involved in other initiatives. Can you tell us about them?
I became a member of several international teaching communities, and learnt a lot from experts and other English teachers. So I introduced an online platform to students at my school. They use it to communicate in English with teenagers from around the world. Our school even teamed up with a school in Manchester, and students from both schools worked on several projects together.
You've just won the Teacher of the Year award. Congratulations! How do you feel about it?
Thank you! I’m very proud of winning the award, but I’m prouder of my students, who work very hard to achieve their goals and learn new things. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing my students start to believe in themselves.
(Từ một học sinh vừa rời ghế nhà trường đến một giáo viên đoạt giải thưởng
Trò chuyện với chúng tôi Mai Hà, một giáo viên từng đoạt nhiều giải thưởng, lớn lên ở một vùng nghèo miền núi. Thật đáng kinh ngạc với những gì cô ấy đã đạt được và cô ấy đã đóng góp bao nhiêu cho cộng đồng của mình.
Chào Mai Hà! Hãy cho chúng tôi biết về giáo dục của bạn.
Bố mẹ tôi luôn ủng hộ việc học của tôi, và tôi rời trường với điểm số cao. Một số trường đại học hàng đầu đã mời tôi vào học, nhưng tôi muốn trở thành một giáo viên dạy tiếng Anh, vì vậy tôi đã chọn Đại học Ngôn ngữ và Nghiên cứu Quốc tế.
Tôi tham gia câu lạc bộ tiếng Anh của trường đại học, luyện tập tiếng Anh với người bản ngữ và tham gia các hoạt động giao lưu văn hóa. Tôi cũng từng làm trợ giảng, điều này giúp tôi cải thiện kỹ năng giảng dạy của mình. Vì vậy, sau khi tốt nghiệp, tôi nhận được nhiều lời mời làm việc tại Hà Nội.
Nhưng bạn đã trở về thành phố quê hương của bạn. Tại sao?
Tôi nghĩ ngôi trường cũ của tôi cần tôi hơn một ngôi trường lớn nào đó trong thành phố. Tiếng Anh đã cho tôi rất nhiều cơ hội và tôi muốn những người trẻ tuổi khác trong thị trấn của tôi học ngôn ngữ này và kết nối với thế giới.
Bạn cũng tham gia vào các sáng kiến khác. Bạn có thể cho chúng tôi biết về họ?
Tôi đã trở thành thành viên của một số cộng đồng giảng dạy quốc tế và học hỏi được nhiều điều từ các chuyên gia và giáo viên tiếng Anh khác. Vì vậy, tôi đã giới thiệu một nền tảng trực tuyến cho học sinh ở trường của tôi. Họ sử dụng nó để giao tiếp bằng tiếng Anh với thanh thiếu niên từ khắp nơi trên thế giới. Trường của chúng tôi thậm chí còn hợp tác với một trường học ở Manchester, và học sinh của cả hai trường đã cùng nhau thực hiện một số dự án.
Bạn vừa giành được giải thưởng Giáo viên của năm. Chúc mừng! Bạn cảm thấy thế nào về nó?
Cảm ơn! Tôi rất tự hào vì đã giành được giải thưởng, nhưng tôi còn tự hào hơn về các học sinh của mình, những người đã làm việc rất chăm chỉ để đạt được mục tiêu và học hỏi những điều mới. Không có gì truyền cảm hứng hơn là nhìn thấy học sinh của tôi bắt đầu tin tưởng vào bản thân.)
1. After leaving school, Mai Ha went to university and trained to become a __________.
2. Mai Ha joined the English language club at her university. She also worked as a __________.
3. After graduation, she returned to her home town to teach English at her __________.
4. Mai Ha’s students use __________ to connect with teenagers from other countries and improve their English.
5. Mai Ha is very pleased when her hard-working students __________ and learn new things.
Read the text and choose the best answers. (7 pts)
(Đọc văn bản và chọn câu trả lời đúng nhất.)
Advantages of vocational training
A vocational school offers post-secondary training for a specific job, often in healthcare, technical, or other hands-on areas. Vocational schools are different from typical threeor four-year universities because their courses are less (29) _____________ and more practical. Their goal is to provide students with the skills they need to (30) ____________ in a specific trade.
Each vocational course is different since every job requires different skills. (31) _____________, a graphic designer will learn very different things from a fashion designer. Vocational training is very (32) _____________ for career development. Its advantage over other types of colleges is that its (33) _____________ is usually shorter. As training is highly focused and specific, some vocational courses can be completed in under a year or even in several months. In addition, vocational training is not only cheaper than university education, but graduates can also start earning a (34) _____________ in their chosen job or trade immediately.
In sum, vocational schools offer career-training opportunities so that people can be (35) _____________ in the job market and start doing what they love sooner.
29. A. academic
B. educational
C. informal
D. useful
30. A. work
B. study
C. leave
D. graduate
31. A. However
B. For example
C. As a result
D. Because
32. A. attractive
B. formal
C. interesting
D. important
33. A. duration
B. cost
C. experience
D. system
34. A. qualification
B. degree
C. salary
D. money
35. A. competitive
B. skilful
C. responsible
D. careful
Read the text and choose the best answers. (4 pts)
(Đọc văn bản và chọn câu trả lời đúng nhất.)
Making the leap from school to university
Getting into university is an important event for young people. While most students are excited about it, they should also be aware of the difference between university and school.
At school, most of your learning is done in the classroom. Teachers give you regular assignments and provide support and resources to help you complete them. Meanwhile, most of your learning at university involves self-studying and project work that you need to plan and complete by a certain date. It is your responsibility to review lecture notes, read textbooks, and do research to find information in the library or online.
Your relationships at school are often limited to schoolmates or classmates. You interact with them mostly in a school environment; therefore, your group of friends is small and very familiar. By contrast, at university, you not only have more contacts, but you also meet people from different backgrounds. Therefore, you need better social skills to deal with any conflict you may come into when interacting with other people.
As a secondary school student, you also live with your parents who provide you with the daily care and support you need. You don’t have to worry about things such as shopping or cooking for yourself. You have your parents take care of your physical and mental well-being. Once you go to university, you will probably move away from home and start to live independently. You need to improve your life skills so that you can manage your own life.
36. What is the text mainly about?
A. A comparison between school life and university life.
B. An explanation why university life is more interesting.
C. Advice on how to leap into university life.
D. A report on the difficulties of university life.
37. What does the word ‘them’ in paragraph 2 refer to?
A. classrooms
B. teachers
C. assignments
D. resources
38. The word ‘contacts’ in paragraph 3 mostly means _____________.
A. people you know
B. physical interactions you have
C. people you want to contact
D. social benefits you have
39. Which of the following is NOT true according to the text?
A. Students will know more people from different places at university.
B. At school, students rarely receive support from teachers to complete their homework.
C. At university, students need to be more responsible for their own learning.
D. Students need good life skills to live independently at university.
Read the passage mark letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct word for each of the blanks.
The General Certificate of Secondary Education or the GCSE examinations for short are the standard school-leaver qualifications taken by virtually all UK students in the May and June following their 16th birthday. If you come to a UK (23)_______ school before you (24)_______ the age of 16, you will study towards GCSE examinational up to 12 subjects. Some subjects are compulsory, including English and mathematics, and you can select (25)_____, such as music, drama, geography and history from a series of options. GCSEs provide a good all-round education (26)_______ you can build (27)______ at college and eventually at university.
Question: Some subjects are compulsory, including English and mathematics, and you can select (25)_____, such as music, drama, geography and history from a series of options.
Read the passage mark letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct word for each of the blanks.
The General Certificate of Secondary Education or the GCSE examinations for short are the standard school-leaver qualifications taken by virtually all UK students in the May and June following their 16th birthday. If you come to a UK (23)_______ school before you (24)_______ the age of 16, you will study towards GCSE examinational up to 12 subjects. Some subjects are compulsory, including English and mathematics, and you can select (25)_____, such as music, drama, geography and history from a series of options. GCSEs provide a good all-round education (26)_______ you can build (27)______ at college and eventually at university.
Question: GCSEs provide a good all-round education (26)_______ you can build
Read the passage mark letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct word for each of the blanks.
The General Certificate of Secondary Education or the GCSE examinations for short are the standard school-leaver qualifications taken by virtually all UK students in the May and June following their 16th birthday. If you come to a UK (23)_______ school before you (24)_______ the age of 16, you will study towards GCSE examinational up to 12 subjects. Some subjects are compulsory, including English and mathematics, and you can select (25)_____, such as music, drama, geography and history from a series of options. GCSEs provide a good all-round education (26)_______ you can build (27)______ at college and eventually at university.
Question: If you come to a UK (23)_______ school
Read the passage mark letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct word for each of the blanks.
The General Certificate of Secondary Education or the GCSE examinations for short are the standard school-leaver qualifications taken by virtually all UK students in the May and June following their 16th birthday. If you come to a UK (23)_______ school before you (24)_______ the age of 16, you will study towards GCSE examinational up to 12 subjects. Some subjects are compulsory, including English and mathematics, and you can select (25)_____, such as music, drama, geography and history from a series of options. GCSEs provide a good all-round education (26)_______ you can build (27)______ at college and eventually at university.
Question: before you (24)_______ the age of 16, you will study towards GCSE examinational up to 12 subjects.
Read the passage mark letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct word for each of the blanks.
The General Certificate of Secondary Education or the GCSE examinations for short are the standard school-leaver qualifications taken by virtually all UK students in the May and June following their 16th birthday. If you come to a UK (23)_______ school before you (24)_______ the age of 16, you will study towards GCSE examinational up to 12 subjects. Some subjects are compulsory, including English and mathematics, and you can select (25)_____, such as music, drama, geography and history from a series of options. GCSEs provide a good all-round education (26)_______ you can build (27)______ at college and eventually at university.
Question: you can build (27)______ at college and eventually at university.
