Find phrases in the conversation that mean the following.

Listen to the conversation again and complete the notes below. Use no more than TWO words for each gap.

Look at the advertisement about a vocational school and its tour guide training courses. You want to ask for more information. Complete the enquiries.

1. Could you please tell me _______________?

2. I would like to know _______________.

3. I would appreciate it if you could tell me ____________.

When the school year was coming to an end, some of old students began discussing their future.

Peter decided to go to a vocational school and got secondary education at the same time. Mary didn't know what to do. She was afraid she would not be able to learn a trade and do all the tenth-from subjects at a secondary vocational school wasn't too difficult. His brother Jim was a student at one of vocational school and he had time even for sports and games.

1.When did the students begin discussing their future?

2. Why didn't Mary reach a cler decision ?

3. Write four of the subjects you've learnt in ninth-form.

Dịch:

Veronica: ... I’ve been choosing my school subjects for next year. I’ve decided to take a vocational GCSE* along with some traditional academic subjects.

Nhi: A vocational GCSE? What’s that?

Veronica: Well, GCSEs are secondary certifi cates of education which are studied by students aged between 14 to 16. In vocational subjects, students can study a work sector like applied business, design, health, or tourism.

Nhi: Isn’t it hard to study both academic and vocational subjects at the same time? And isn’t it too soon to be doing vocational training?

Veronica: Well, no… they off er an applied approach to learning so it’s not too diffi  cult or too soon. I think it adds variety.

Nhi: Oh, I see! What area are you interested in?

Veronica: Leisure and Tourism.

Nhi: So, what job opportunities are there in tourism?

Veronica: A lot. You can work as a housekeeper, receptionist, tour guide, lodging manager, chef, or event planner. You can also work in customer service…

Nhi: Sounds interesting! What if you change your mind later?

Veronica: No worries. I can still progress to further education to take A levels*. With A levels, I can go to college or university. What about you?

Nhi: My dad is encouraging me to choose biology, chemistry, and physics.

Veronica: Wow! To become a doctor?

Nhi: Yeah, we’ve discussed becoming a doctor, but I may also become a biologist.

Read the task and the essay. Do you agree with the writer's general opinion? Why? /Why not?

Students should be encouraged to choose vocational courses at university instead of more traditional courses. Discuss.

Some people maintain that the benefits of vocational courses are greater than those of more traditional ones. That is the question we need to consider. It is certainly true that the workplace is becoming more competitive. A vocational course may be a more direct route into employment compared to traditional courses. It is also undeniable that certain jobs (for example nurse, hairdresser) are only available to people with a vocational qualification. On the other hand, choosing a vocational course means deciding what job you want to do when you are still at school. Many people believe this is too early. How can a teenager know what job is right for him or her? Another problem is that vocational courses only focus on what you need to learn for a particular job. Is it not better for students to explore other interests while at university? On balance, I do not believe that students should choose vocational courses unless they are sure what career they want to follow. It is wiser to opt for a course that really interests you.

Choose the item (A, B, C or D) that best completes each of the following sentences.

   In 1988, for the first time in British history, a National Curriculum was introduced. The National Curriculum tells pupils which subjects they have to study, what they must learn and when they have to take assessment tests. [assessment: đánh giá]

   Between the ages of 14 and 16, pupils study for their GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams. Pupils must take English Language, Maths and Science for GCSE, as well as a half GCSE in a foreign language and Technology. In addition, they must also be taught Physical Education, Religious Education and Sex Education, although they do not take exams in these subjects.

   At the age of 16, pupils can leave school. If pupils stay on, they usually take A (Advanced) levels, AS (Advanced Supplementary) level or GNVQs (Greater National Vocational Qualifications). It is quite common to combine, for example, two A levels with one AS level, or one A level with one GNVQ.

   Pupils taking A levels study traditional subjects, such as French, Physics or History. To go to university, pupils usually need two or three A levels.

   AS levels are the same standard as A levels, but only half of the content: AS level German pupils take the A-level German language exam, but do not take the A-level German Literature exam.

   GNVQs are vocational qualifications. Pupils usually take on GNVQ in subjects such as Business, Leisure and Tourism, Manufacturing, and Art and Design. One GVNQ (at advanced level) is equal to two A levels.

Pupils normally study for their GCSE between the ages of_______.

A. 12 and 14

B. 14 and 16

C. 15 and 17

D. 16 and 18