In Australia each state has its own education system. Within each system there are certain similarities and certain differences. Similarities include the fact that each state has twelve years of schooling. At the completion of secondary school, students who wish to attend university must sit for an examination. This is known as the Higher School Certificate, or the matriculation examination. Those who do not matriculate (i.e. pass) may attend a College of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) or business college. At university students can study for degrees or diplomas. At TAFE or business college they can study for diplomas and certificates. In most states students study similar subjects, including mathematics, science, history, geography, computer science, art and economics. Different states, however, have different examination systems, different awards and different regulations.
The number of children who complete high school differs from state to state. In Tasmania only 37% of students stay at school to year 12, while in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) 82% complete year 12. In the largest state, New South Wales, the rate is 51%, compared with Queensland and South Australia (66%), Western Australia (59%) and Victoria (57%). The average for the whole of Australia is 58%. Between 20 and 80% of students in Australia come from overseas or have parents who were born overseas. Some children are immigrants, while others come to Australia especially to study. Many of these children find the Australian education system very different from their own country. Relationships with teachers are relatively informal. Students are encouraged to talk to each other in class to solve problems and
complete learning tasks. In addition, in many schools, uniforms are not compulsory and students are allowed to wear casual clothes.

3. In Australia students
A. study different subjects in different states.
B. are examined in the same way in most states.
C. are examined differently in different states.
D. get similar awards in most states.
4. In Australia, the average number of children who complete High School is almost equal to that in
A. Western Australia
B. Tasmania
C. New South Wales
D. the Australian Capital Territory
5. From this reading it is clear that
A. in Australia children are expected to wear uniforms.
B. children in Australia should not talk to their teachers because they are very strict.
C. children in Australia should always address their teachers by using their family names.
D. children in Australia can normally address their teachers by first names.