阅读理解。
An increase in students applying to study economics at university is being attributed to (归因于) the
global economic crisis awakening a public thirst for knowledge about how the financial system works.
Applications for degree courses beginning this autumn were up by 15% this January, according to
UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. A spokesman for the Royal Economic Society
said applications to do economics at A-level were also up.
Professor John Beath, the president of the society and a leading lecture at St Andrews University,
said his first-year lectures-which are open to students from all departments-were drawing crowds of 400,
rather than the usual 250.
"There are a large number of students who are not economics majors, who would like to learn something
about it. One of the things I have done this year is to relate my teaching to contemporary events in a way
that one hasn't traditionally done." He added.
University applications rose 7% last year. But there were rises above average in several subjects. Nursing
saw a 15% jump, with people's renewed interest in caters in the public sector (部门), which are seen as
more secure in economic crisis.
A recent study showed almost two thirds of parents believed schools should do more to teach pupils
about financial matters, and almost half said their children had asked them what was going on, although a
minority of parents felt they did not understand it themselves well enough to explain.
Zack Hocking, the head of Child Trust Funds, said:"It's possible that one good thing to arise from the
downturn will be a generation that's financially wiser and better equipped to manage their money through
times of economic uncertainty."
1. Professor John Beath's lectures are _____.
A. given in a traditional way
B. connected with the present situation
C. open to both students and their parents
D. warmly received by economics
2. Incomes in the public sector are more attractive because of their _____.
A. greater stability
B. higher pay
C. fewer applications
D. better reputation
3. In the opinion of most parents _____.
A. eccentrics should be the focus of school teaching
B. more students should be admitted to universities
C. the teaching of financial matters should be strengthened
D. children should solve financial problems themselves
4. According to Hocking, the global economic crisis might make the youngsters _____.
A. wiser in money management
B. have access to better equipment
C. confide about their future careers
D. get jobs in Child Trust Funds
5. What's the main idea of the text?
A. Universities have received more applications.
B. Economics is attracting an increasing numbers of students.
C. college students benefit a lot from economic uncertainty.
D. parents are concerned with children's subject selection.
