阅读理解
In Britain all children have to go to school between the ages of 5 and 16. In the US children must go
to school from the age of 6 to the ages between 14 and 16, depending on the state they live in.
Subjects
In England and Wales the subjects taught in schools are laid down by the NATIONAL
CURRICULUM, which was introduced in 1988 and sets out in detail the subjects that children should
study and the levels of achievement they should reach by the ages of 7,11,14,and 16, when they are
tested.
The National Curriculum does not apply in Scotland, where each school decides what subjects it
will teach.
In the US the subjects taught are decided hy national and local governments.
Whereas British schools usually have prayers and religious instructions, American schools are not
allowed to include prayers or to teach particular religious beliefs.
Examinations
At 16, students in England and Wales take GCSE examinations. These examinations are taken by
students of all levels of ability in any of a range of subjects, and may involve a final examination, an
ASSESSMENT of work done during the two-year course, or both of these things. At 18 some students
take A-LEVEL examinations, usually in not more than 3 subjects. It is necessary to have A-Ievels in
order to go to a university of POLY-TECHNIC.
In Scotland students take the SCE examinations. A year later, they can take examinations called
HIGHERS, after. which they can either go straight to a uruversity or spend a further year at school and
take theCertificate of Sixth Year Studies. In Scotland the university system is different from that in
England and Wales. Courses usually last four years rather than three, and students study a large number
of subjects as part of their degree.
1. According to the passage, children have to go to school between the ages of in both Britain and
the US.
A. 5-14
B. 6-14
C. 5-15
D. 6-17
2. In which parts of the world are the subjects taught only decided by the nation?
A. England and Wales.
B. England and Scotland.
C. US and Britain.
D. Wales and Scotland.
3. As for the A-LEVEL examination, it involves .
A. final examination
B. assessment of work
C. not more than 3 subjects
D. Both B and C
4. Which of the following is TRUE?
A. In the US, only local government can decide the subjects.
B. In Scotland, students can take either the SCE examinations or the Certificate of Sixth
Year Studies.
C. In England, Wales and Scotland, students need to study religion.
D. As for a 16-year-old student in England and Wales, he has to take both GCSE examinations
and final examination.
