Options for school-leavers

1. Work in pairs. Which of the two options for school-leavers is more common in your town? Can you think of other options?

(Làm việc theo cặp. Lựa chọn nào trong hai lựa chọn dành cho học sinh nghỉ học phổ biến hơn ở thị trấn của bạn? Bạn có thể nghĩ ra các lựa chọn khác không?)

Answer:

The two most common options for school-leavers are to continue their education at university or to enter the workforce directly. Other options could include taking a gap year to travel or gain work experience, enrolling in vocational or trade schools, or pursuing apprenticeships or internships.

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 ina 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.

Answer:

1. formal: Received in a school, college, or university, with lessons, exams, etc.

2. manage: To succeed in doing something difficult

3. trade: A job that requires special training and skills

4. apprenticeship: A period of time working for and learning from a skilled person

5. institutions: Important organizations that have a particular purpose

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 phụ)

1. Getting vocational training

2. Earning a salary while studying

3. Going to college or university

Answer:

1. Getting vocational training: Paragraph B

2. Earning a salary while studying: Paragraph B

3. Going to college or university: Paragraph A

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)

Answer:

5. Work in pairs. Discuss the following questions.

(Làm việc theo cặp. Thảo luận các câu hỏi sau)

Which of the two options will be appropriate for you after leaving school? Why?

Answer:

Choosing between college or university and vocational school depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. If you are interested in pursuing an academic degree, have a passion for learning, and want to explore different subjects, then college or university is the right choice for you. You will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in a particular field, meet new people, and develop transferable skills like critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.

On the other hand, if you have a specific trade in mind, enjoy hands-on learning, and want to start working as soon as possible, then vocational school is the right choice for you. You will acquire the practical skills and knowledge needed for a particular job, receive an apprenticeship, and earn a salary while studying.

Ultimately, the choice between college or university and vocational school depends on your individual needs, interests, and goals. It's important to do your research, talk to educational experts, and consult with your parents, teachers, or career counselors to make an informed decision.