Unit 2: Education: debates and issues

Question 1

the idea that everyone has the same chances

Answer 1

equality of opportunity

• True equality of opportunity is hard to achieve in education.

Question 2

students chosen based on ability or other criteria

Answer 2

selective

• Selective schools often admit students through entrance exams.

Question 3

open to all students without entrance exams

Answer 3

comprehensive

• Comprehensive schools accept students of all abilities.

Question 4

education received at school

Answer 4

schooling

• Good schooling can shape a child’s future.

Question 5

favoring a small, privileged group

Answer 5

elitism

• Elitism in education can create barriers for less privileged students.

Question 6

an essential or inherent part of something

Answer 6

inherent

• Some inequality seems inherent in the current system.

Question 7

rankings of schools or colleges based on performance

Answer 7

league tables

• League tables often influence parents’ school choices.

Question 8

to make something continue

Answer 8

perpetuate

• League tables may perpetuate inequality by favoring wealthy schools.

Question 9

a system with two separate levels, one better than the other

Answer 9

two-tier system

• The two-tier system divides schools into top and lower tiers.

Question 10

to consider or view in a certain way

Answer 10

perceive

• The public perceives private schools as offering better opportunities.

Question 11

wealthier

Answer 11

better-off

• Better-off families can afford private education for their children.

Question 12

receiving significant funding or support

Answer 12

well-endowed

• Well-endowed schools often provide better facilities and opportunities.

Question 13

to decrease or reduce

Answer 13

depress

• These policies may depress opportunities for poorer students.

Question 14

less wealthy

Answer 14

less well-off

• Scholarships aim to help less well-off students access higher education.

Question 15

to achieve an excellent standard

Answer 15

excel

• Her determination helped her excel in her studies.

Question 16

money awarded based on academic merit

Answer 16

scholarship

• She received a scholarship to study at a top university.

Question 17

financial aid based on need

Answer 17

bursary

• The university offers bursaries to support low-income students.

Question 18

higher education at universities or colleges

Answer 18

tertiary education

• Tertiary education is essential for many professional careers.

Question 19

money borrowed by students for education

Answer 19

student loan

• Many students rely on loans to pay for tuition fees.

Question 20

students studying for their first degree

Answer 20

undergraduate

• Undergraduates often live on campus during their studies.

Question 21

fees paid for teaching or courses

Answer 21

tuition fees

• Tuition fees can be a financial burden for many families.

Question 22

basic skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic

Answer 22

three Rs

• Some educators believe in returning to a focus on the three Rs.

Question 23

the ability to read

Answer 23

literacy

• Literacy is a fundamental skill for all students.

Question 24

the ability to perform basic math

Answer 24

numeracy

• Numeracy is essential for managing personal finances.

Question 25

changes to the syllabus or educational content

Answer 25

curriculum reform

• The government introduced curriculum reform to modernize teaching.

Question 26

education for all ages

Answer 26

lifelong education

• Lifelong education encourages continuous learning throughout life.

Question 27

education for children with disabilities or challenges

Answer 27

special needs education

• Special needs education requires additional resources.

Question 28

threatening or aggressive behavior at school

Answer 28

bullying

• The school has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying.

Question 29

official advice on how to do something

Answer 29

guidelines

• Teachers must follow government guidelines when preparing lessons.

Question 30

a thing that takes your attention away from something important

Answer 30

distraction

• Constant changes in policy are a distraction from teaching.