Part 4: For questionr 81-85, choose the most appropriate heading
from
the lisl (A- G)
for
each part of the paragraphs (81-85) of the article, There are two ertra headings which
you do not need lo use. Write the correct letter (A-G) in the corresponding numbered
boxes provided. Theftrst one (0) has been done as an example.
LIST OF HEADINGS
A. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
B. A CALMING INFLUENCE
C. DIFFERENT FROM THE REST
D. FIELPING THE SLOWER STUDENTS
E. CREATING THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT
F. A GROWING SUCCESS
G. LOOKING ON THE POSITIVE SIDE
H. NOT WHAT YOU WOULD E)(PECT
THE LITTLE SCHOOL OF CALM
0.H
From the outside the Maharishi School in Lancashire looks extremely normal. Walk inside
and you find rows of desks and children in uniform,
just as you would do in many other
schools. After a short while, however, you become aware of the wonderfully calm
atmosphere and the extraordinary lack of noise in the building. Talk to the teachers and you
learn that the school has no major discipline problems, there is no bullying and children are
rarely absent. So what is the secret?
81.
Transcendental meditation and breathing exercises are an important part of the timetable at
the Matrarishi School. Pupils are taught how to relax mentally by closing their eyes and
silently repeating over and over again a'mantra', or Word of Wisdom, at certain times of the
day. Meditation is seen by some as an effective way of relieving stress, which teenagers
experience in the form of exam nerves, bullying and family break-ups. Its supporters also
say that it helps to overcome hyperactivity, anxiety and aggression.
Your answerc:
71. 72. 73. 74. 75.
76. 77. 78. 79. 80.
Page 7 of 10
82.
The school was started in 1986 by a group of parents who were dissatisfied with the state
education system. The number of pupils at the school has increased since then from 14 to
100, with ages ranging from four to 16. Academic achievements are impressive and for the
past five years pupils at the school have obtained the highest average GCSE exam marks for
the whole of Lancashire. It's not surprising then, that more and more parents are sending
their children to be taught there.
83._
Many people in the local community, however, are sti[[ unaware of the school's existence.
Others view the school with suspicion and associate it with mystic cults or the hrppy
movement of the sixties. 'Local
people don't really understand what goes on here,' explains
one teacher. 'They
just
see us as a little strange and prefer to keep their distance.'
84._
If there is a child who is creating a problem, the school has a very thorough method of
dealing with it. A four-page form has to be filled out by the teacher, but the first three pages
of the form contain nothing but the child's good points. In this way the problem does not
become the main focus of attention; parents and teachers are encouraged to consider the
child's successes and achievements before they look at the last page.
85._
But what do the children who study there think of the school's approach?'Meditation really
helps me with my work, says 15-year-old Ruth. 'It makes me relared and I don't get nervous
during exams. It's a shame it's such a small school, though. I can't sfudy music because there
aren't enough pupils, and when we read plays by Shakespeare we all have to read three or
four parts each. But I love it here, and I know I'll miss the peace and quiet when I have to
leave.'
