A warning – local variations

Education

Keywords.

A warning – local variations

This list of vocabulary comes from the British educational system. Different countries and cultures frequently use their own terminology. For instance, in American English it is quite possible to describe university as “college” or “school”. These words mean something quite different in British English

Graduate

Notes

· it can replace the word “student”

· note the different prepositions “of a university” and “from university” and “in a subject”

· graduate is quite formal so in speaking you could use “I left university” instead

· a fresher is a first year student, Americans use “freshman”

Level of degrees

Notes

· if you study a humanities subject, you get a BA for your first degree and an MA for your master’s

· if you study science, you get a BSc for your first degree and an MSc for your master’s

Types of qualifications

Notes and common mistakes

· you can only receive a degree for a full course at university; do not use “diploma” and “certificate” to mean degree

· to confuse you, the piece of paper you receive when you graduate is a certificate

Types of education

notes

· if you receive a degree from a university, you are in higher education

· if you receive a diploma or certificate, you are in further education

Types of course

Institutions

notes

Be particularly careful with “college” and “school” which do not mean the same as “university” in British English

 

Forms of learning

notes and common mistakes

· a lecturer gives or delivers a lecture and is sometimes used as a rank of university teacher

· a tutor is in charge of a seminar or tutorial

· we don’t use “class” or “lesson” in university education (although Americans do use “class”)

Finance

notes

· a scholarship is won for academic merit

· typically a grant is awarded either for a particular project or to allow a student to follow a course

Types of writing

 

 

 

Studying and lecture words

Notes

· you review your notes, but revise for an exam

· you concentrate in a lecture but on a subject

Some informal “university” verbs – useful in speaking

 

Graduate

To complete a first university degree successfully
I graduated from the University of Salford in 2009.

My graduation ceremony was in 2009.

Curriculum
The group of subjects studied in a school, college, etc.

Schools must ensure they have an excellent curriculum.

Qualification
An official record showing that you have finished a training course or have the necessary skills, etc

Good qualifications are really important if you want to get a well-paid job.

I am qualified to teach English.

Coursework
Regular work done by students as part of a course, but assessed independently of formal exams.

The coursework on my degree was really difficult.

Co-educational
When male and female students are taught together in the same school or college rather than separately

Co-educational schools prepare students for their future better than single-sex schools.

Cheat
To behave in a dishonest way in order to get what you want

He did really well in his exams but he cheated. He copied from a friend.

Cheating on exams is not recommended.

Literacy
The ability to read and write.

Literacy rates have declined considerably in Western countries over the last decade.

However, most children are literate.

Illiterate
Unable to read and write

Many children in the poorest countries are illiterate.

Primary (elementary) Education
First years of formal education from around age 5 to 11.

A good primary education is crucial for a child's development.

Secondary Education
Education during the time as a teenager.

I loved it at my secondary school as I had so many friends.

Higher (tertiary) Education
Non-compulsory education after finishing school, such as university, as well as vocational education and training at colleges.

60% of children now go into higher education after they finish school.
Concentrate
To direct your attention or your efforts towards a particular activity, subject or problem
It is difficult to concentrate on my work if there is a lot of noise.

I keep losing concentration due to the noise.

Definitions

• to attend classes: to go to classes
• bachelors degree: an undergraduate course which usually lasts 3-4 years
• boarding school: a school where pupils live during term time
• distance learning: a way of studying where tuition is carried out over the Internet or by post
• face-to-face classes: as opposed to distance learning the traditional way of studying in a classroom with colleagues and a teacher
• to fall behind with your studies: to progress less quickly than others
• to give feedback: to offer guidance on a student’s work
• a graduation ceremony: an event where a successful student receives his or her academic degree
• higher education: education, usually in a college or university, that is followed after high school or secondary school
• an intensive course: a course that offers lots of training in order to reach a goal in as short a time as possible
• to keep up with your studies: to not fall behind
• to learn something by heart: to memorize it
• a mature student: a student who is older than average and who has usually returned to education after a period at work
• masters degree: a period of study which often follows the completion of a bachelors degree or is undertaken by someone regarded as capable of a higher-level academic course
• to meet a deadline: to finish a job or task in the time allowed or agreed
• to play truant: to stay away from classes without permission
• private language school: an independent school run as a business concern
• public schools: exclusive independent schools in the UK
• a single-sex school: a school where only boys or girls attend (as opposed to a mixed-sex school)
• to sit an exam: to take an exam
• state school: a school paid for by public funds and available to the general public
• subject specialist: a teacher who has a great deal of knowledge about the subject they teach.
• to take a year out: to spend a year working or travelling before starting university
• tuition fees: the money paid for a course of study
• to work your way through university: to have a paid job whilst studying to support yourself financially
• curriculum -the full range of subjects offered be school or group of school
• syllabus (syllabi) -the content of elements taught in a specific subject
• formal examinations – exams where answer set written or spoken questions without assistance
• continuous assessment – giving students marks for course work or projects, rather than formal exams
• motivate- stimulate, instigate
• assessment- evaluation, appraisal
• academic achievement (performance)-
• further education- education after leaving school at the minimum age
• higher education =tertiary
• group work
• teacher-led lessons
• autonomous learning - through independent study and research
• study skills
• to synthesise sources- use a variety of sources and combine them
• rote-learning- by repetition and memorizing items
• to supplement- to add extra content or material
• to assimilate knowledge- absorb and understand, comprehend
• make a speech- give talks
• guided learning- under supervision of a teacher
• data-gathering- collecting information, usually in numerical form
• distance learning – be the Internet
• self-study- using a course without teacher involvement
• to sift information-
• to marshal facts- to organize facts in support of idea
• to discriminate between sources- decide whether one source is better or more reliable
• an integral part of the syllabus = essential
• work/ sudy under supervision – under direction of
• apply knowledge
• KNOWLEDGE-INTELLIGENCE
• TEACHER=EDUCATOR=ASSISTANT=SUPERVISOR=LECTURER
• To give advice-advise
• To give feedback on
• Coordinate studies
• Misleading sources=unreliable

Types of schools

• Boarding school – where the students live, eat and sleep during the school term
• Private school – where parents have to pay for their child to enrol
• Public school [US English] – a school which is free and paid for by the government
• Public school [UK English] – an exclusive, expensive school, run independently
• Co-education – where male and female students study together (also referred to informally as a co-ed school)
• Single-sex school – where only male or only female students attend

Types of education

• Primary education
• Secondary education
• Tertiary education (also referred to as Higher education) – this is the first level of schooling that is not compuslory (you don’t have to go). This includes universities and colleges

Types of certification

• A certificate – issued for a short course
• A diploma – issued for a course that is shorter than a degree
• A degree – issued by a university at the end of longer course of study
• A masters (degree) – issued by a university when the students has completed further study beyond a degree (often in a more specialised field than a degree)
• A doctorate – this is the highest level of study issued by a university

Types of learning

• Distance learning – this is done away from the school, where the student studies by themselves and rarely attends classes in a school building (lessons are sent by post or online)
• Online learning – this is generally 100% online, where you will not physically meet a teacher or attend classes in a school building
• Intensive courses – fast paced courses which give a lot of information quickly and in a short time
• Rote learning – a teaching style used in some countries / subjects where students simply repeat what they are told until they have memorised it.
• Lecture – often for larger groups of people, the focus is on hearing the teacher speak and making notes
• Tutorial – smaller groups of students, where students can ask questions (often following a lecture)

 

The cost of education

• tuition fees – the money paid for education
• a grant – money given by the government to support a student while studying
• a student loan – money which a student can borrow to while they are studying, but which has to be repaid
• a scholarship – money (often given by the institution themselves) to support a student while studying

Vocabulary: education

Adult illiteracy

Adult illiteracy is a major concern for any development.

Adult education:

Adult education is the practice of teaching and educating adults.It has become common in many countries. It takes on many forms, ranging from formal class-based learning to self-directed learning.There are more than 800 million adults that cannot read or write.
Adult education usually takes place in the evening.

Formal education:

Formal education results from a program of instruction in an educational institution leading to a qualification / certification.

Informal education:

Informal education occurs in daily work, leisure or family.

Non-formal education:

Non-formal education results from a program but it is not usually evaluated and doesn't lead to certification.

Basic Education:

Basic education refers to the whole range of educational activities taking place in various settings (formal, non formal and informal), that aim to meet basic learning needs. According to the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED), basic education comprises primary education (first stage of basic education) and lower secondary education (second stage). In countries (developing countries in particular), Basic Education often includes also pre-primary education and/or adult literacy programs.Universal basic education is regarded as a priority for developing countries
" Every citizen should acquire at least a basic education to be able to read and write."

Primary Education:

Primary (or elementary) education consists of the first years of formal, structured education. In general, primary education consists of six or seven years of schooling starting at the age of 5 or 6, although this varies between, and sometimes within, countries.

Secondary Education:

Secondary education is the stage of education following primary education. Except in countries where only primary or basic education is compulsory, secondary education includes the final stage of compulsory education and in many countries it is entirely compulsory. The next stage of education is usually college or university.

Higher education:

Higher education, also called tertiary, third stage, or post secondary education, is the non-compulsory educational level that follows the completion of a school providing a secondary education, such as a high school, secondary school. Tertiary education is normally taken to include undergraduate and postgraduate education, as well as vocational education and training. Colleges and universities are the main institutions that provide tertiary education. Collectively, these are sometimes known as tertiary institutions. Tertiary education generally results in the receipt of certificates, diplomas, or academic degrees.

Learning Strategies

Learning strategies

Learning strategies or study skills determine the approach for achieving the learning objectives. The strategies are usually tied to your needs and interests to enhance learning and are based on many types of learning styles.

Here are some strategies that can help you be successful in your studies.

Set small, achievable goals

Start with small steps to reach higher targets.

1. For example, try to learn 5 new English vocabulary items every day.

2. Set a 30 minutes study session every day.

3. Learn the lyrics of an English song every now and then.

4. Read a short English text every day.

Setting small targets is much better than setting huge goals that you cannot achieve. Remember that "small drops of water make the mighty ocean"

Plan your studies

Planning your studies gives meaning to your work. If you know all the steps necessary to achieve a goal and these steps are written down on a piece of paper, it will be easy for you, then, to see the whole picture.

Be motivated

The secret to success is that you should be motivated to learn. Try to avoid boredom by having fun in what you do. Try to find a positive aspect to studying English.

1. Read about what you are interested in (hobbies, fields of interest...)

2. Watch your favourite films in English

3. Listen to your favourite English songs and learn the lyrics.

4. Write your diary in English.

5. Read about your favorite stars in...

Remember, we learn better and fast things we really want to learn.

Manage your time

In order to manage your time successfully, having an awareness of what your goals are will assist you in prioritizing your activities. Time management provides you with the opportunity to create a schedule that works for you, not for others. This personal touch gives you the flexibility to include the things that are most important to you.

Set a reward for yourself

Set a reward for yourself that you can look forward to. For example, when you reach a goal, give yourself a reward:

1. Watch a movie.

2. have a delicious snack.

3. Meet your friends.

4. Go to the café.

Vocabulary: education

Adult illiteracy

Adult illiteracy is a major concern for any development.

Adult education:

Adult education is the practice of teaching and educating adults.It has become common in many countries. It takes on many forms, ranging from formal class-based learning to self-directed learning.There are more than 800 million adults that cannot read or write.
Adult education usually takes place in the evening.

Formal education:

Formal education results from a program of instruction in an educational institution leading to a qualification / certification.

Informal education:

Informal education occurs in daily work, leisure or family.

Non-formal education:

Non-formal education results from a program but it is not usually evaluated and doesn't lead to certification.

Basic Education:

Basic education refers to the whole range of educational activities taking place in various settings (formal, non formal and informal), that aim to meet basic learning needs. According to the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED), basic education comprises primary education (first stage of basic education) and lower secondary education (second stage). In countries (developing countries in particular), Basic Education often includes also pre-primary education and/or adult literacy programs.Universal basic education is regarded as a priority for developing countries
" Every citizen should acquire at least a basic education to be able to read and write."

Primary Education:

Primary (or elementary) education consists of the first years of formal, structured education. In general, primary education consists of six or seven years of schooling starting at the age of 5 or 6, although this varies between, and sometimes within, countries.

Secondary Education:

Secondary education is the stage of education following primary education. Except in countries where only primary or basic education is compulsory, secondary education includes the final stage of compulsory education and in many countries it is entirely compulsory. The next stage of education is usually college or university.

Higher education:

Higher education, also called tertiary, third stage, or post secondary education, is the non-compulsory educational level that follows the completion of a school providing a secondary education, such as a high school, secondary school. Tertiary education is normally taken to include undergraduate and postgraduate education, as well as vocational education and training. Colleges and universities are the main institutions that provide tertiary education. Collectively, these are sometimes known as tertiary institutions. Tertiary education generally results in the receipt of certificates, diplomas, or academic degrees.

v Benefits of education

Education gives people knowledge and skills

People with qualification are more likely to find work

They can earn a higher salary

They can contribute positively to society

Schools aim to teach young people moral values such as tolerance and sharing

Schools prepare children to be members of a society

v Benefits of Studying Abroad

Foreign institutions may offer better courses

Many students want to attend a prestigious university

The best universities employ teachers who are experts in their fields

Qualifications gained abroad can open the door to better job opportunities

Living abroad can broaden students’ horizons

Overseas students are exposed to different cultures and customs.

They become more independent

They are responsible for cooking, cleaning and paying bills

They will learn a foreign language

Drawback of studying abroad

Living and studying abroad can be difficult

Students have problems with paperwork such as visa applications

The language barrier can be a problem

Students have to find accommodation and pay bills

Studying in a foreign language is challenging

Living alone in an unfamiliar culture can cause homesickness

v Technology in Education: Advantages

Technology is a powerful tool to engage students

Technology can make lessons much more interesting

Students can do research using online resources

Students can study at their own place

Adults can take distance learning courses

Students can study whenever and wherever they want

Students also learn skills which are useful for their future jobs

For example, they learn to write reports using a word processor

Disadvantages of Streaming

Grouping by ability may have a negative impact on students

Children do not want to be seen as less intelligent than others

Streaming could damage students’ self esteem

They may lose motivation

Students from wealthier families tend to be better prepared

Children from poorer families may receive less support from parents

Mixed ability classes encourage everyone to achieve their potential.

 

 

ESSAYS

Buy study resources

Buy all the resources available for your grade. This will help you tremendously do your homework rightly. The resources may include a good dictionary, an encyclopedia, educational softwares...

Developing dialogue

If you feel anxious of the new school year, it is very important to talk to your parents about your fears. They will surely find a way to help you get over your fears and gain confidence. They will certainly show you that they believe in your abilities, and will be willing to help you with your first pieces of homework if need be. It is also essential that you develop self confidence and believe in your own potential.

Beat stress

If you are overly anxious about performance, work through your negative beliefs, especially the beliefs about the implications of school failure. Challenge your negative thoughts that your worth as a person or future prospects hinge entirely on your grades. Good performance will be achieved only when you beat your fears and discover your own personal worth.

Set goals

Enjoy setting goals for yourself, so you can transcend your weaknesses and reach your full potential. Your study goals must be realistic and achievable. For example, start with small steps to reach higher targets.

Motivation

Achieving some goals will certainly motivate you to reach more challenging targets. Another motivating factor would be to understand that you work primarily for yourself and your future career. Apart from the external rewards that your parents may promise you, you must understand that studying well is your chance for self development.

Education

Education encompasses both the teaching and learning of knowledge, proper conduct, and technical competency. It thus focuses on the cultivation of skills, trades or professions, as well as mental, moral & aesthetic development.

Formal education consists of systematic instruction, teaching and training by professional teachers. This consists of the application of pedagogy and the development of curricula.

The right to education is a fundamental human right. Since 1952, Article 2 of the first Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights obliges all signatory parties to guarantee the right to education. At world level, the United Nations' International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966 guarantees this right under its Article 13.

Educational systems are established to provide education and training, often for children and the young. A curriculum defines what students should know, understand and be able to do as the result of education. A teaching profession delivers teaching which enables learning, and a system of policies, regulations, examinations, structures and funding enables teachers to teach to the best of their abilities. Sometimes educational systems can be used to promote doctrines or ideals as well as knowledge, which is known as social engineering. This can lead to political abuse of the system, particularly in totalitarian states and government.

Primary (or elementary) education consists of the first years of formal, structured education. In general, primary education consists of six or seven years of schooling starting at the age of 5 or 6, although this varies between, and sometimes within, countries. Globally, around 70% of primary-age children are enrolled in primary education, and this proportion is rising.

In most contemporary educational systems of the world, secondary education consists of the second years of formal education that occur during adolescence.It is characterized by transition from the typically compulsory, comprehensive primary education for minors, to the optional, selective tertiary, "post-secondary", or "higher" education (e.g., university, vocational school) for adults.

Higher education, also called tertiary, third stage, or post secondary education, is the non-compulsory educational level that follows the completion of a school providing a secondary education, such as a high school or secondary school. Tertiary education is normally taken to include undergraduate and postgraduate education, as well as vocational education and training. Colleges and universities are the main institutions that provide tertiary education. Collectively, these are sometimes known as tertiary institutions. Tertiary education generally results in the receipt of certificates, diplomas, or academic degrees.

 

EDUCATION ESSAY

Education is an essential tool for everyone to get success in life and earn respect and recognition. Education plays great role in everyone’s life as it brings positive effects on the human life. It provides ability to think in both aspects positive and negative to get surety about and handle the situation. It is the most easy way to enhance our knowledge and expand skills to have clear view over the world. It creates interest within us to enhance our way of life and thus country growth and development. We can learn by watching TV, reading books, discussion and by other various means.

Proper education identifies our career goals and teaches us to live in more civilized manner. We cannot imagine our life without education as without it we cannot develop a healthy surrounding and generate an advance community. Everything in life is based on the knowledge and skill of the people which ultimately comes from education. The bright future of the individual, society, community and country depends on the education system getting followed. Increasing the demand of more technological advancement in life enhances the scope of quality education.

It assists scientists in research works, invention of equipments, devices, machines and other technologies required for the modern life. People are getting highly aware about the scope and importance of education in their life and thus trying to get benefited. However, people living in backwards areas of the country are still not able to get proper education because of the lack of some basic requirement of the life. They are still fighting with their daily routines need. We need to bring education awareness equally in every area for better growth and development throughout the country.

EDUCATION ESSAY

Education is very necessary for the betterment of everyone’s life and thus we all should know the importance of education in our life. It enables us and prepares us in every aspect of life. The education system is still weak in the undeveloped regions of the country instead of lots of the educational awareness programmes run by the government. People living in such areas are very poor and spend their whole day in arranging only some basic needs. However, it needs a broad effort by everyone to make the possibility of proper education system in every corner of the country.

It needs active participation by everyone to enhance the level of education system in the country. The authority of schools and colleges should set up some chief objectives of the education in order to stimulate the interest and curiosity of their students. The fee structure should also be discussed to a broad level as because of the high fees structure most of the students become unable to precede their education which brings disparity in every aspect of life among people. Education is the first and foremost right of the human beings so everyone should get equality in education.

We must make a balance in the facilities for education for all to bring equality among people as well as equal individual development all through the country. Education enables everyone in the society to interpret with the things around them in very positive way. It helps to maintain a balance between our body, mind and spirit as well as promotes further required advancement in the education technology. It promotes the active participation of individual living in the society for the growth and development of their countries. It enables everyone to grow both socially and economically by developing the common culture and values in the society.

3) University education should be free to everyone, regardless of income.To what extent do you agree or disagree?

All education (primary, secondary and further education) should be free to all people and paid and managed by the government. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer.

Model Answer 1:

Education is an important part of everyone's life and it plays a very important role in the growth of an individual. Making education free for everyone and managing all by the government will be a very big step towards the rapid growth of a society. All parents want to make their children educated by sending them to school, colleges but sometimes due to the lack of resources, they have to deprive their children even from the basic education. By making education free of all will ensure that nobody will miss education just because they can’t afford to pay.

A government's step of making the education free will set an example in our society. It will show that if you have a strong will and determination to study and prosper, not having any money or resource will not stop you from making a paradigm shift.

Education with no fees will identify all those talents which can be at top given education and guidance but get lost because their parents can’t afford to pay for schools. Everyone will stand equal chance to succeed. It will increase the literacy rate of that country and will improve the growth of that country as well. It was seen in the past that countries having higher literacy rates have been more successful. By making education free, a majority of people will be educated, making overall a positive environment in our society. There will be fewer crimes in society. Educating people will be making them more responsible.

Governments should put more emphasis on education by making it free. Just like food and shelter education should also be a basic right and free for everyone.

[ by - Ridhima ]

Model Answer 2:

The opinion that every citizen should have the right to study at school or university for free is very controversial one. Those, who disagree, refer to enormous expenditures of government in case of establishing such laws. Although, I hold the viewpoint that not charging people for education could become very beneficial for a country and its economy.

First, young people from poor families could be very smart. Looking back to history and biographies of distinguished people, raised in poverty can illustrate this best. Making schooling available only for fortunate is not fair. Moreover, the state well-being could also be affected, because there would be a lack of talented specialists, whose skills was not discovered and developed by proper training.

Another advantage of making education free of charge is the happiness of the nation. An individual's inability to collect the amount of money he needs to pay school or university fee cause stress and anxiety in the middle-class society, which can even keep them from having children. Nowadays we can see that the lowest birthrate is in countries where prices of enrollment to highest education institutions are very high. This clearly indicates the fact that citizens of rich countries do not feel able to provide their future offspring proper education.

Finally, nothing seems to be more beneficial to a country's economy than an educated and intelligent nation. Free courses and study programs can prepare excellent specialists, who would work to bring profit themselves and hence their country. That would surely compensate most expenses of state budget caused by education of no charge.

To sum up, even though making all schools free can be very expensive for a state's economy, advantages are invaluable. After several years such improvements would bring fruits of happy, intelligent nation confident about its future.

 

 

4)

Тема эссе Writing Task 2 (была на официальных экзаменах IELTS в марте 2017 года):

Many people believe that more money should be allocated to teaching science than any other subject in order for a country to progress. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples.

План эссе:

Introduction – перефразируем тему и покажем структуру эссе

Essay body 1 – Аргументы в защиту научных дисциплин:
Topic sentence: Teaching science is considered a top priority for some people
Examples:
(1) научный прогресс напрямую влияет на развитие страны, поэтому акцент на науках крайне важен в системе образования.
(2) научные дисциплины очень востребованы среди учеников и студентов, потому что, как показывает практика, специалисты в этой сфере имеют высокие доходы и широкие возможности трудоустройства во всем мире.

Essay body 2 – Аргументы в защиту других дисциплин:
Topic sentence: Teaching other academic subjects should not be neglected
Examples:
(1) «другие» дисциплины (логично, что имеются в виду гуманитарные) также важны, потому что развитие и сохранение культуры и истории является необходимым для другой нации, и финансирование преподавания таких предметов также должно быть в достаточном объеме.
(2) «другие» дисциплины развивают образное мышление, способность рассуждать, развивают художественные таланты. не все ученики и студенты находят себя в науке, а избирают профессии в гуманитарной сфере — хотят стать художниками, писателями или музыкантами.

Conclusion – я бы согласился с тем, что нужно финансировать преподавание научных дисциплин в большем объеме, т.к. мы живем в эру динамичного технического прогресса, но и другие дисциплины не стоит забывать, потому что они также важны для ненаучных сфер жизни.

 

Готовое эссе:

The idea of funding allocation for education is considered among top priorities in education systems nowadays. There is an opinion that teaching sciences should receive more funding than teaching other academic disciplines in order to ensure the sustainable development of the country. In this essay, I will attempt to elaborate on both sides of this issue and outline my opinion.

To start with, it is common practice in many countries to support teaching science due to several important reasons. Among them is the fact that education is seen as a stepping stone for continuous technological progress in the country and, thus, training future technical professionals becomes the major task for any education system. Another notable factor is that scientific knowledge is generally in high demand with young people as it is viewed a precursor of wide employment opportunities and substantial salaries in the future.

Nonetheless, the opponents of this view assert that teaching other academic subjects should not be neglected, and it requires significant financial support, too. Thus, subjects, such as humanities or arts, play a vital role in the society because having specialists to preserve history and culture is crucial for any nation. On the other hand, studying such disciplines develops critical thinking, communication skills, or artistic talents that are needed for students who are unlikely to link their careers with science, but would rather choose to be musicians, writers or painters.

To summarize the above reasons, I would say that spending on teaching science should be a major educational budget item as we live in the era of rapid technological breakthroughs and incessant challenges posed by science. However, other academic subjects also require constant financial support because non-scientific spheres of life also need specialists.

10 sentences
286 words

5) Тема эссе:

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Пример эссе:

Заключение: сделаем summary и еще раз подчеркнем свою позицию.

In conclusion, I find it appropriate for a child to start learning a foreign language at a secondary school since it is believed that children are more efficient learners because they possess more solid native language foundation than they do when they transition from kindergarten to school.

293 words

 

6) Everyone should stay in school until the age of eighteen. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is often said that if you want to succeed in life, you need a proper education. While there may be arguments for making school compulsory until the age of 18, I disagree that this should apply to everyone.

Perhaps the strongest reason for not leaving school early is that it prepares you for your working career. If you leave school early with only a basic education, you are unlikely to be able to find any skilled work. Indeed, the education you receive between the ages of 16 and 18 is crucial for anyone who does not want a lifetime of unskilled work in a factory.

Another compelling reason for remaining in school until 18 is that school provides moral and social education too. This is particularly important for people between 16 and 18 who have many temptations and benefit from the organised framework that school provides. Young people who stay in school until the age of 18 tend to be more responsible and help build a stronger society.

There are, however, equally strong arguments against making school compulsory until the age of 18. One such argument is that not everyone is academic and that some people benefit more from vocational training. For instance, someone who wants to become a car mechanic may find better training and more satisfaction in an apprentice scheme. Another related argument is that, in today’s world, young people are maturing ever more quickly and are able to make their own life decisions by the age of 16.

To my mind, everyone should be encouraged to stay in school until 18 both for social and career reasons. However, I believe it would be a mistake to make this compulsory bearing in mind that different people have different needs and abilities and the possibilities of other forms of vocational training.

 

Here you can find common IELTS essay questions for "Education" topic.

#1

Some students work while studying. This often results in lacking time for education and constantly feeling under pressure.

What do you think are the causes of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

#2

Children are generally more successful in foreign language studies than adults. Thus, it is better to learn languages in childhood.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

#3

Online education is becoming more and more popular. Some people claim that e-learning has so many benefits that it will replace face-to-face education soon. Others say that traditional education is irreplaceable.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

#4

In contemporary society, everyone should have equal opportunities in education. Therefore, universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

#5

Everyone deserves to be educated. It's unfair that intelligent people are not admitted to private universities because of their financial background. University education should be free for everyone.

Do you agree or disagree?

Provide relevant examples if necessary.

 

#6

Some people argue that girls and boys should be educated separately, while others think that it is more advantageous for children to study at the same school.

What is your opinion?

#7

Nowadays university education is considered very important for people's future. However, there are a lot of successful people who didn't get higher education.

Do you think that higher education is necessary to succeed in life?

Justify your opinion with relevant examples.

#8

Students should focus on learning in the classroom rather than show their status by wearing fashionable clothes. Therefore, all students have to wear school uniforms.

Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

 

Model Answer

Over recent years, more and more people have been attending university and arguments have persisted as to whether students should pay for this privilege not. Although there are convincing arguments on both sides, I strongly believe that it should be free.

One argument put forward in favour of charging students is that education is becoming more expensive to fund as universities grow in size. Consequently, making students pay may maintain standards and ensure the quality of the teaching. In addition, it is argued that most students benefit from university in terms of higher paid jobs, so it is fair that they pay for at least some of the cost, especially given that the majority of students attending university are from the middle classes. Last but not least, in many countries, there is a shortage of people to do manual jobs such as plumbing and carpentry, so making university more expensive may encourage people to take up these jobs.

However, there are a number of arguments in favour of making university education free for all. Firstly, it will encourage more people to attend and this will benefit society. This is because it will lead to a more productive and educated workforce. Research has generally shown that those countries that have a better educated population via university have higher levels of innovation and productivity. In addition, there is the issue of equality of opportunity. If all students are required to pay, those on a low income may be dissuaded from attending, thus making it unfair. The reason for this is that they will likely not be able to secure financial support from their family so they will be concerned about the debts they will incur in the future.

In conclusion, I am of opinion that all education should remain equally available to all regardless of income. This is not only fair, but will also ensure that countries can prosper and develop into the future with a well-educated workforce.

326 Words

 

 

Education

Keywords.

A warning – local variations

This list of vocabulary comes from the British educational system. Different countries and cultures frequently use their own terminology. For instance, in American English it is quite possible to describe university as “college” or “school”. These words mean something quite different in British English

Graduate

Notes

· it can replace the word “student”

· note the different prepositions “of a university” and “from university” and “in a subject”

· graduate is quite formal so in speaking you could use “I left university” instead

· a fresher is a first year student, Americans use “freshman”

Level of degrees

Notes

· if you study a humanities subject, you get a BA for your first degree and an MA for your master’s

· if you study science, you get a BSc for your first degree and an MSc for your master’s

Types of qualifications

Notes and common mistakes

· you can only receive a degree for a full course at university; do not use “diploma” and “certificate” to mean degree

· to confuse you, the piece of paper you receive when you graduate is a certificate

Types of education

notes

· if you receive a degree from a university, you are in higher education

· if you receive a diploma or certificate, you are in further education

Types of course

Institutions

notes

Be particularly careful with “college” and “school” which do not mean the same as “university” in British English

 

Forms of learning

notes and common mistakes

· a lecturer gives or delivers a lecture and is sometimes used as a rank of university teacher

· a tutor is in charge of a seminar or tutorial

· we don’t use “class” or “lesson” in university education (although Americans do use “class”)

Finance

notes

· a scholarship is won for academic merit

· typically a grant is awarded either for a particular project or to allow a student to follow a course

Types of writing

 

 

 

Studying and lecture words

Notes

· you review your notes, but revise for an exam

· you concentrate in a lecture but on a subject