Speaking: educational systems in comparison

Look at the statements about the educational system in the UK. Choosethe statements which are also true for your country. Using expressions from Language Skills 1 discuss the statements in pairs.

1) Education is compulsory until the age of 16.

2) Education in state schools is free until the age of 18.

3) Children start primary school at the age of four or five.

4) A small percentage of children (about seven per cent) go to private, fee-paying schools.

5) Most secondary schools are ‘comprehensive’ schools, that means that they take students of all abilities.

6) Children in primary and secondary schools take national tests to monitor their progress.

7) At the age of 16, students take important exams and then they can leave school.

8) Students who want to continue their studies can take advanced level exams two years later.

9) 30-40 per cent of young people go to college or university after school.

10) An undergraduate university course normally lasts three or four years, although for some subjects (e.g. medicine) it is much longer.

WRITING

You want to attend a course of English in an English-speaking country and you see this section in a college prospectus.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Every year, two scholarships are offered to candidates from overseas who can show how our one-year course would help their career. Scholarships cover fees, accommodation and food, but not transport or personal spending money. Apply in writing, explaining why you think you deserve a scholarship.