EDUCATION-topic for conversation

 EDUCATION 1. How old were you when you started school? What kind of school did you attend?Do you have any memories of that time? 

2. What kind of changes would you make to your country education system? 

3. Do you think studying a second language should be compulsory or optional in schools? 

4. Are you for or against wearing a uniform at school? What are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing one? 

5. Have you ever needed a tutor to help you keep up with your studies? 

6. Are your teachers committed to integrating technology in their lessons? 

7. What are some of the most common problems in schools? Please, rate them - absenteeism - lack of parent involvement - alcohol/drug abuse - physical conflicts - student apathy - disrespect for teachers - bullying Can you add any others? 

8.Say whether you agree or disagree with the following, giving reasons - The best teachers should be sent to the worst schools -  Teachers should also be evaluated every 10 years - Exams are a waste of time and should be abolished

 B1/B2 Vocabulary for Talking About Education Issues

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 1. Types of Education

• Primary school / Secondary school

• Higher education (e.g., university, college)

• Compulsory education

• Vocational training

• Distance learning / Online learning

• Home-schooling

• Lifelong learning

Example:
"Distance learning has become more common since the pandemic."

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 2. Subjects & Curriculum

• Core subjects (e.g., Maths, Science, English)

• Optional / Elective subjects

• Curriculum

• Syllabus

• Academic performance

• Assessment / Evaluation

• Grades / Marks

Example:
"The national curriculum needs to include more life skills."

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3. Exams and Testing

• Standardised testing

• Entrance exams

• Pass / fail / retake

• Cheating / plagiarism

• Exam stress / pressure

• Results / scores / ranking

Example:
"Many students suffer from exam stress due to pressure to succeed."

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4. People in Education

• Teacher / Educator / Lecturer / Tutor

• Student / Pupil / Classmate / Peer

• Head teacher / Principal

• Teaching assistant

• School counsellor

• Mentor / Coach

Example:
"A good mentor can have a big impact on a student’s motivation."

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 5. School Issues

• Bullying

• Lack of funding

• Overcrowded classrooms

• Inequality in education

• School dropout / dropout rate

• Discipline problems

• Access to education

Example:
"In many countries, rural students still struggle with access to education."

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6. Educational Policy & Reform

• Education system

• Public vs private education

• Education reform

• Free education

• Tuition fees / Student loans

• Inclusive education

• Equal opportunities

Example:
"Many people believe that education should be free for everyone."

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 7. Modern Challenges

• Digital divide

• Technology in the classroom

• Lack of motivation

• Mental health

• Screen time

• Attention span

Example:
"Too much screen time can affect students’ attention span."

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Useful Phrases to Express Opinions on Education Issues

• "In my opinion, the education system needs..."

• "One major issue is..."

• "A possible solution could be..."

• "It is unfair that some students have access to better resources."

• "Many students drop out due to financial problems."

• "There should be more focus on practical skills."