UNIT 1
Education & Learning
A In most countries, governments spend a lot of money
on education. But while most people agree about the
importance of education, there are many debates about
how it should be provided.
B So, why do people go through the education system? An
obvious answer is: ‘To get jobs.’ But vocational skills
can be learned in the workplace, so why have a separate
education system? There are many possible reasons. General
qualifications can help employers compare students and
spot the most talented, or they can help children develop
life skills, such as number skills (numeracy) or reading
and writing skills (literacy). Schools can also teach young
people about other cultures and the world around them, so
they can be responsible global citizens. They may want to
educate students about where they live, so they can be proud
of their country and their background. Learning is also
beneficial for the mind and many people find it enjoyable.
C Countries often have differing priorities when it comes to
what purpose education serves and this influences what is
taught. Compulsory subjects are the subjects a country’s
education authority considers its students must study until
they reach the mandatory school leaving age. These usually
include Maths, Science and a student’s native language.
In addition, students study a range of optional subjects,
which they are allowed to choose for themselves. Countries
also differ in the proportion of the curriculum dedicated
to less-academic subjects like Physical Education and Art.
Furthermore, schools in some countries provide a wide-
range of extra-curricular activities such as sport, drama
and music lessons, both at lunchtimes and after school.
D Education is seen as a right by the United Nations because
everyone should be given the opportunity to acquire
knowledge. More and more people are being educated,
Foundation IELTS Masterclass: Unit 1 Worksheet
yet across the world many adults remain illiterate. In
countries that are affected by war or poverty, for example,
attendance at secondary school may be very low. Also,
quality of teaching may differ between state schools and
private schools1 and these differences can impact on the
learning experiences of students. Other factors can also be
of influence; for example, parental and personal attitudes,
access to private tuition, and so on.
E Some countries allocate teachers to specific regions
to ensure that standards of teaching are high everywhere,
and not only in the cities and towns. Other countries ban
academic selection so that all schools have a balance
of academic and less academic students. They may also
put in place measures to support weaker students and to
challenge higher ability students. In recent years, ensuring
more equal access to university education has also become
a concern in many countries. In some countries university
tuition fees are state-funded, so that everyone has access
to further education. Other higher education institutions
are making their courses available for free online, so that
anyone with an internet connection can sign up for them.
For these institutions, it is an opportunity to build their
reputations and possibly attract people to their paying
courses.
F In addition, some people believe that quality of teaching
is not the only factor that affects whether students receive
a good education. They say that a focus on discipline,
wearing a uniform, regular testing, and rigid timetables
encourage higher standards of behaviour and good study
habits. People who disagree with this view think that school
environments don’t focus enough on individual needs2.
G Whether or not students continue with formal education
once they have reached the school leaving age set by
the government is influenced by its quality, cost, and
availability. The minimum school leaving age varies from
country to country. In countries where children have to
work or help at home it may be much lower than for other
countries. How many hours a day should be spent studying
also differs between countries. In some countries it may
be normal for students to do several hours of homework
after school, while elsewhere children may be encouraged
to develop personal interests unrelated to school. There are
no simple answers to these questions but they are certainly
worth discussing.
1 See Student’s Book page 10 for further discussion on the role of private
schooling.
2 See Student’s Book page 14 for further discussion on how we learn.
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Vocabulary IELTS training
1 Complete the second sentence so it has the same 3 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
meaning as the first. Use a word in bold from the
1 In paragraph B, the writer argues that general
text. qualifications
1 Not everyone can have an education. A help employers decide between candidates.
There is limited to education. B are more useful than vocational skills.
2 Some students are allowed to behave badly in school. C are only helpful for young people.
There are problems with in some schools. D are not as important as life skills.
3 In some schools you have to do physical education.
2 In paragraph C, the writer claims that
Physical education is in some schools.
A the same subjects are compulsory in all countries.
4 The government doesn’t pay for all schools.
B less time is devoted to Art than to Physical Education.
Not all schools are .
C Drama and Music are usually taught outside of school
5 In some countries, a large proportion of children go to
hours.
school.
D the reasons for educating people affect the curriculum.
In some countries, children’s school is high.
6 It is vital that all adults can read or write. 3 According to Paragraph D, in countries affected by
is essential for all adults. conflict
7 There are different opinions about whether Psychology A the quality of teaching is poor.
should be taught in school. B few students continue education beyond primary
Not everyone agrees about whether Psychology should school.
be part of the . C many people cannot read and write.
8 Some schools offer lessons to help train students for D the United Nations provide access to education.
work. 4 Some universities offer courses online for free. In
lessons are offered by some schools. paragraph E one reason given for this is
9 Inability to do basic mathematics can be a problem for A everyone has an internet connection now.
some people. B people can’t afford to pay for their courses.
For some people lack of can be a problem. C it acts as a form of advertising.
10 Children attend school from the age of five in Britain. D these universities are not well-known.
Children in Britain enter from the age of five.
5 The passage ends by saying that
2 Discuss the meaning of the following words A more time should be devoted to talking about
which are in bold in the text. education.
B we need to make it easier for children to continue
life skills ​
uniform ​right ​private schools ​ their education.
state schools ​tuition fees ​academic selection ​ C it is good for children to explore their own interests.
extra-curricular ​timetables ​leaving age ​testing
D all countries should have the same school leaving age.

Mini debates
5 Discuss three of the questions 1–10. Give reasons
to support your view.
1 What is the most appropriate age for people to leave the
education system?
2 Is academic selection a good idea?
3 Should Physical Education be compulsory?
4 Is learning enjoyable?
5 Should university education be state-funded?
7 Does university education equip people for the realities
of work?
8 Is studying for a degree online the same as going to
university?
9 Should teachers be paid according to their students’
results?
10 Is school the best environment in which to learn?

Foundation IELTS Masterclass: Unit 1 Worksheet Photocopiable  © Oxford University Press 2