Learning

I. Read/listen to the following interview about Martina’s education:

Interviewer: So, Martina, first of all, tell me something about your education.

Martina: Well, of course I went to primary school and secondary school. I really loved primary school. The teachers were fantastic and we all played a lot but at the same time we learnt a lot. When I went to secondary school it was completely different. My secondary school was very traditional. We had to wear a uniform, a blue skirt and jacket, and there were lots of rules. I didn't like it at all.

Int.: What were your favorite subjects at school?

M: Well, I always liked science, so I suppose my favorite subjects were Biology and Chemistry.

Int.: When you left school, what did you do?

M: I went to Manchester University to study Chemistry but I didn't enjoy it. Luckily I had a very nice lecturer called David and he helped me a lot. He suggested a different course, so after the end of the first year I started to study Information Technology. That was basically all about computers. And I enjoyed that a lot more.

I: Have you studied any courses since university?

M: Yes, well a couple of years ago I did a part-time course in new technologies. That was for work really. And I love languages so in the last few years I have studied Italian, German and I've just started a distance-learning course in Russian. It's difficult because you don't have normal classes. It's all on the Internet and it's hard to practise speaking. I don't really enjoy it but there are no places to study Russian in my town.

II. Answer these questions about learning English in your country:

1. When do children start learning English? 2. Is English the first or second foreign language? 3. Is it a compulsory or optional subject? 4. How many years do they learn English at school? 5. Which parts of the language are most important at school (grammar, reading, speaking…)? 6. Can people study English when they leave school? Where? 7. Why do people usually study English after they finish school?

III. Jackie Snow is talking about her Student’s life in London:

I came to London two months ago because I want to be a professional dancer, and the best schools of dance are here in London. I'm doing a course at the National Dance School, which is very hard work, but I'm really enjoying it. The course is expensive, but I work with a theatre group at the weekend. We teach dance to groups of children. I'm living with another girl in a flat in north London. It's small, but it's comfortable. My boyfriend, Tony, lives in the same street with his parents. They're very kind, and often cook meals for me.

I know my parents are worried about me living in London, but it isn't dangerous at all if you're careful. It's so exciting here, there's so much to do and see. It was difficult in the beginning, especially getting to know the Underground, and I didn't know many people, but it's fine now. I have a lot of good friends. I love my Mum and Dad very much, but I don't want to live at home for the rest of my life. I phone home every Sunday, and when I go to a museum or art gallery, I always send them a postcard. Mum reads them, but I don't know if Dad does. (Headway Intermediate, 2 b)