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Ready for C1 p 86. How Education Is Changing in the Modern World. Speaking Interaction
Alex:
Hi Maya, did you see that article about how education needs to change in the 21st century?
Maya:
Yes, I did! It really got me thinking. Honestly, I completely agree with the point about critical thinking. Learning by heart just isn’t enough anymore.
Alex:
Absolutely. It’s shocking how many schools still rely on rote learning. I mean, when was the last time knowing a list of dates really helped in real life?
Maya:
Exactly! It’s far more useful to teach students how to evaluate information and think independently. Especially with all the fake news and misinformation online.
Alex:
Totally. And speaking of that, I also think digital literacy should be a core part of the curriculum. It's quite surprising that it isn’t already in most schools.
Maya:
Isn’t it just? You’d think it would be standard by now. But I suppose some schools still lack the funding. Still, we can’t afford to ignore technology in education any longer.
Alex:
True. On the other hand, I do wonder if we’re relying too heavily on technology. I mean, don’t you think there’s still something valuable about face-to-face learning?
Maya:
That’s a fair point. Online learning has its benefits, but it can’t replace the human interaction you get in a classroom. There needs to be a balance.
Alex:
Exactly. And what’s your take on the idea of lifelong learning?
Maya:
I’m totally in favour of it. In fact, I’d say it’s essential. With everything changing so quickly, we really have to keep picking up new skills throughout our lives.
Alex:
I couldn’t agree more. Honestly, the idea that you stop learning when you graduate just doesn’t hold water anymore.
Maya:
Yeah, and it takes a lot of pressure off young people if they realise they don’t have to have everything sorted out by 18 or 21.
Alex:
That’s so true. It’s actually quite reassuring.
Maya:
Definitely. And it also encourages people to take ownership of their own development, which I think is really empowering.
Alex:
Totally agree. So, overall, do you reckon the education system is heading in the right direction?
Maya:
Well, there’s progress in some areas, but I think there’s still a long way to go. What do you think?
Alex:
Yeah, I’d say the same. Some schools are moving forward, but others are stuck in the past. Hopefully, more systems will start to adapt soon.
Maya:
Fingers crossed. If we want to prepare students for the future, the education system has to evolve, no doubt about it.
Ready for C1 p 86. The Evolving Role of Education in the 21st Century. Essay
Education plays a vital role in both personal growth and society as a whole. However, as the world continues to evolve rapidly, education systems must adapt to meet new demands. In this essay, I will explore how education should promote critical thinking, encourage lifelong learning, and embrace technological advances to remain relevant in the 21st century.
Traditionally, schools focused on memorising facts and repeating information. Although this approach had some benefits, it is no longer suitable in today’s fast-changing world. Students now need to develop the ability to think independently, solve real-life problems, and assess information from different sources. Rather than simply taking in knowledge, learners must be taught how to question and apply it. If schools fail to nurture these skills, young people may struggle to succeed in modern society.
Another key development is the growing importance of lifelong learning. These days, people rarely stay in the same job for life, and new skills are needed more often than ever. For this reason, education should encourage students to become independent learners who are keen to continue learning outside of school. Furthermore, employers now seek workers who are adaptable, open-minded, and committed to personal growth. Therefore, education must go beyond academic knowledge and foster curiosity and a love of learning.
In addition, modern education should take full advantage of digital tools. Thanks to technological progress, learning is more accessible and engaging than ever before. For example, online learning platforms, interactive software, and virtual classrooms allow students to learn at their own pace, from almost anywhere. Not only does this improve access, but it also caters to a range of learning styles. That said, it is essential that both teachers and students receive proper training in order to use these tools effectively and responsibly.
To conclude, the education system must continue to move with the times to prepare students for life in a constantly changing world. By focusing on critical thinking, supporting lifelong learning, and making the most of digital technology, we can equip young people not only for exams but also for the future. Ultimately, a modern education system should empower the next generation to thrive
Ready for C1 p 159. Rats Live Among Us. Mediation. Word Formation
Your local area has recently been affected by a sharp increase in rat activity. While researching the issue, you came across an infographic presenting key facts and insights about urban rat populations. You decide to write a blog post expanding on the information provided.
Infographic:
Living Side by Side with Rats
Rats have long settled near humans
City growth fuels rat rise
Cities offer food and warmth — Rats are drawn to the same rich foods humans enjoy.
Explosive reproduction — one pair can produce up to 15,000 offspring in a year.
Hard to control — Resistance to poison hinders efforts.
Sample answer:
Rats share our streets
For thousands of years, rats have chosen to live (0) ALONGSIDE humans. These opportunistic (1)____________(SURVIVE) have established their own colonies wherever people have camped, built villages or founded towns. And now that more and more people are shifting to cities, rat numbers have risen (2)______________ (ACCORD).
City life suits rats for a number of reasons. A key factor is the (3)______________(ACCESS) of fast food. Rats share human taste (4)______________(PREFER) for fat and sugar, so whenever city dwellers (5)______________(PROPER) dispose of food scraps such as an unwanted pizza slice or melting ice cream, rats will make the most of this free meal. Another factor is that cities generate considerable heat. Although the average life (6)___________(EXPECT) of a rat is only around twelve months, during that time, there can be up to 15,000 (7)______________(DESCEND) stemming from a single pair when ample food and warmth create ideal breeding conditions.
With rats becoming increasingly (8)_____________(RESIST) to poisons, many cities are struggling to combat rodent population explosions. So far, no-one has come up with a viable solution.
KEY
1. survivors
2. accordingly
3. accessibility
4. preferences
5. improperly
6. expectancy
7. descendants
8. resistant
Ready for C1 p 151. Participle Clauses. Different Subjects
When we have participle clauses with a different subject, the correct structures are:
SUBJ + -ing...., Different SUBJ + verb
Her bicycle having been damaged by vandals, Helen had to walk.
With + SUBJ + -ing...., Different SUBJ + verb
With both my parents working all day, I have to cook my own lunch
These sentences are NOT correct:
X Having been damaged by vandals, Helen had to walk rather than go on her bicycle.
X Having her bicycle been damaged by vandals, Helen had to walk.
Ready for C1 p 151. Participle Clauses. Complete
Complete the story with a suitable present or past participle form of the verbs in brackets (plus a form of have if necessary).
A Gift from the Past
I live in a big old house, (1) ________________ (build) over 200 years ago. (2) ________________ (live) there for decades, I thought we knew it inside out. However, (3) ________________ (eat) dinner one day, I heard the unmistakable sound of a pigeon (4) ________________ (coo) inside the living room wall. Not (5) ________________ (want) to allow the poor creature to suffer, I ripped the wallpaper off the wall, behind which I found an old fireplace, (6) ________________ (brick up) decades earlier, by the look of it. Not (7) ________________ (have) any heavy tools in the house, I used a kitchen mallet and a broom handle to knock the bricks out, eventually (8) ________________ (reveal) the soot-covered pigeon inside. (9) ________________ (fall) a considerable distance from the rooftop chimney pot, the pigeon was in a sorry state, but was otherwise uninjured – and delighted to be free. (10) ________________ (remove) the pigeon from the fireplace, I noticed a parcel (11) ________________ (wrap) in brown paper, with a note (12) ________________ (write) in old-fashioned handwriting: ‘A present for the future owners of this house, from the family (13) ________________ (live) here in 1874.’
KEY
1. built
2. Having lived (Also possible: Having been living)
3. eating (Also possible: Having eaten)
4. cooing
5. wanting
6. bricked up
7. having
8. revealing
9. Having fallen
10. Removing / Having removed
11. wrapped
12. written
13. living
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