The Value of Education

Read the text and fill in the word which fits best. Use only one word. There is an example at the beginning (0).

The Crème de la Crème

In Britain, less 0) than 7 per cent of the school population attend a public school. The reason for this is 1)……………………….. it is a very expensive education. For those 2)……………………………. are not familiar 3)…………………………the term “public school”: it means private education, and parents have to pay large fees for their children to be educated there. One of the 4)…………………………… well-known public schools in England is Eton. Eton is said 5)…………………….. be the crème de la crème.

Founded in 1440, Eton, a school for boys 6)…………………….., has its own traditions, its own sports and 7)……………………………. its own newspaper. Over the years many famous people have attended this school, including 8)…………………………. Prince William and Prince Harry, heirs to the British throne. The fees at Eton, and most public schools, are about £4, 470 9)……………………… term, which, needless to 10)……………………………., most people just can’t afford.

Fathers who have attended public schools themselves still send 11)……………………. sons to boarding schools, preferably to the 12)………………………. They attended. Why? Well the old boys believe that in these schools their children 13)………………………….. make the right connections. They tend to get positions high up in the society; for instance, they 14)……………………….. become members of Parliament or government ministers. However, it still must be hard to leave mum and dad at 15)……………………… age of 8 in order to board at a public school. Don’t you agree?

1) Which of the following aims of education are most important? Work with a partner and rank them in order of importance. Give your reasons.

· to develop understanding of other people/cultures

· to learn social skills

· to prepare for life in the workplace

· to become aware of how the past has affected the present

· to develop critical thinking

2) Which of the following school subjects/activities help with achieving the above aims? Discuss in pairs.

· sociology

· history

· mathematics

· geography

· reading and writing

· computer studies

· languages

· music/art

LISTENING COMPREHENSION

1) Listen and decide whether the opinions are expressed by only one of the speakers, or whether the speakers agree. Write T (for Tina), D (for David) or B (for both) where they agree.

1. … Parents who teach their children at home can better influence what their children are exposed to.

2. … Cushioning children does not give them the best preparation for life.

3. … Schools cannot give students adequate help or attention.

4. … It is a misconception that attending school is necessary for socialisation.

5. … Home-schooled children have too much help in social situations.

6. … Research concerning home schooling is based on insufficient data.

2) How do you feel about parents educating their children at home? Think about the following:

· socialisation

· quality of education

· parent-child relationship

· financial aspect

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