Read the Reading Strategy. Then complete these tasks.
1 Look at question 1 in exercise 4. Read the second paragraph of the text.
2 Circle the correct option and identify the sentence of the paragraph which gives the answer.
3 Which words are used in the sentence instead of the words in the correct option?
A perfect companion
A: Hello there.
B: How are you?
A: I am doing very well. How are you?
B: Fine.
A: Glad to hear it. What's for today?
B: Nothin'.
A: Fair enough. What do you want to study?
B: I dunno.
A: You don't know what you want to study?! Lazy humans!
B: Say what I need to study.
A: You have not yet told me what you want to study.
This conversation is between a visually-impaired student, Nick, and his digital tutor named Ann Sullutor.
Ann Sullutor is the brainchild of a 22nd century scientist modelled on and named after the dedicated tutor of Helen Keller. You can have conversations with Ann Sullutor via a wristwatch or any piece of jewellery. The idea of the digital tutor was to help disabled children study in mainstream schools.
Early in the morning, Ann Sullutor wakes up from a full charge of energy, ready for a 20-hour non-stop working day. Nick is quite independent in familiar situations, but if he comes across something unexpected, he can turn to Ann Sullutor for help by using his voice to control the watch on this wrist. Similarly, if he is in an unfamiliar place, he can get directions from Ann through a tiny set of earphones. In an emergency, for example, if there is an obstacle or unexpected vehicle, Nick receives a tiny vibration as a warning. Ann sends reports to the child's parents on a regular basis or on demand.
Registered in the school system and equipped with an immense database, Ann can easily keep track of Nick's schedule and curriculum. During class, Ann gives off a warning beep when Nick is distracted, quicky converts the new material into braille or dictates what the teacher has just written on board. Ann is there to bridge the gap between Nick and his classmates. In Nick's individual sessions, Ann suggests lessons depending on his preference and ability. She can adapt the lesson to aid Nick's learning process, but she doesn't jump in immediately to offer him a hand. Nick has to work on his own for a while before Ann makes a few suggestions. She may even ask Nick to read some extra materials to get a grasp of the topic. Nick often complains about Ann's persistence and strictness. In his fury, Nick sometimes does wish to turn Ann off for a while, which can only be done by his parents.
Ann Sullutor is much more than a beautifully-designed gadget for a visually-impaired child. She can make a perfect companion to any child that needs a tutor or a friend to talk with.
Reading Strategy In a multiple-choice question, the correct option will match the meaning of the text but use different words. It is therefore important not to automatically assume that a multiple-choice option which contains words from the text is correct. |
Paragraph 1: Introduction
(Đoạn 1: Giới thiệu)
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.
(Một số người cho rằng lợi ích của các khóa học nghề lớn hơn lợi ích của những khóa học truyền thống hơn. Đó là câu hỏi chúng ta cần xem xét.)
Paragraph 2: Arguments for
(Đoạn 2: Luận cứ ủng hộ)
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.
(Chắc chắn là nơi làm việc đang trở nên cạnh tranh hơn. Một khóa học nghề có thể là con đường dẫn đến việc làm trực tiếp hơn so với các khóa học truyền thống. Cũng không thể phủ nhận rằng một số công việc (ví dụ như y tá, thợ làm tóc) chỉ dành cho những người có trình độ chuyên môn.)
Paragraph 3: Arguments against
(Đoạn 3: Luận cứ phản bác)
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?
(Mặt khác, chọn một khóa học nghề có nghĩa là quyết định bạn muốn làm công việc gì khi còn ngồi trên ghế nhà trường. Nhiều người cho rằng điều này là quá sớm. Làm thế nào một thiếu niên có thể biết công việc nào phù hợp với mình? Một vấn đề khác là các khóa học nghề chỉ tập trung vào những gì bạn cần học cho một công việc cụ thể. Không phải tốt hơn cho sinh viên khám phá những sở thích khác khi ở trường đại học sao?)
Paragraph 4: Conclusion (the writer's opinion)
(Kết luận (ý kiến của người viết))
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.
(Xét cho cùng, tôi không tin rằng học sinh nên chọn các khóa học nghề trừ khi họ chắc chắn mình muốn theo nghề gì. Sẽ khôn ngoan hơn nếu bạn chọn một khóa học mà bạn thực sự quan tâm.)