Practice 7

READING TEXT 2:
Speed reading

What is speed reading, and why do we need it?

A Speed reading is not just about reading fast. It is also about how much information you can remember when you have finished reading. The
World Championship Speed-Reading Competition says that its top competitors average between 1,000 and 2,000 words a minute. But they must
remember at least 50 percent of this in order to qualify for the competition.

B Nowadays, speed reading has become an essential skill in any environment where people have to master a large volume of information.
Professional workers need reading skills to help them get through many documents every day, while students under pressure to deal with
assignments may feel they have to read more and read faster all the time.

C Although there are various methods to increase reading speed, the trick is deciding what information you want first. For example, if you only
want a rough outline of an issue, then you can skim the material quickly and extract the key facts. However, if you need to understand every detail
in a document, then you must read it slowly enough to understand this.

D Even when you know how to ignore irrelevant detail, there are other improvements you can make to your reading style which will increase your
speed. For example, most people can read much faster if they read silently. Reading each word aloud takes time for the information to make a
complete circuit in your brain before being pronounced. Some researchers believe that as long as the first and last letters are in place, the brain can
still understand the arrangement of the other letters in the word because it logically puts each piece into place.

E Chunking is another important method. Most people learn to read either letter by letter or word by word. As you improve, this changes. You will
probably find that you are fixing your eyes on a block of words, then moving your eyes to the next block of words, and so on. You are reading blocks
of words at a time, not individual words one by one. You may also notice that you do not always go from one block to the next: sometimes you may
move back to a previous block if you are unsure about something.

F A skilled reader will read a lot of words in each block. He or she will only look at each block for an instant and will then move on. Only rarely will
the reader's eyes skip back to a previous block of words. This reduces the amount of work that the reader's eyes have to do. It also increases the
volume of information that can be taken in over a given period of time.

G On the other hand, a slow reader will spend a lot of time reading small blocks of words. He or she will skip back often, losing the flow and
structure of the text and muddling their overall understanding of the subject. This irregular eye movement quickly makes the reader tired. Poor
readers tend to dislike reading because they feel it is difficult to concentrate and comprehend written information.

H The best tip anyone can have to improve their reading speed is to practice. In order to do this effectively, a person must be engaged in the
material and want to know more. If you find yourself constantly having to re-read the same paragraph, you may want to switch to reading material
that grabs your attention. If you enjoy what you are reading, you will make quicker progress.

Question 1-6: The reading passage has seven paragraphs, A-H. Which paragraph contains the following formation?

Write the correct letter, A-H. You may use any letter more than once.

1. The type of people who need to read more quickly……… 4. why reading material should be interesting …………..
2. The fastest reading speeds …………….. 5. a definition of speed reading ………….
3. How a reader can become confused ………….. 6. what you should consider before you start reading …………

Questions 7-13 Complete the table below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer

Chunking

Type of reader Reading method Effect of method on reader

Skilled reader  Many…….(7) in a block.  Reader’s……(8)………do less work.
 Reader hardly ever goes back  More…(9)…….is processed

…………(10)……….  Small blocks  Readers easily gets………(12)……..

 Readers……(11) goes back  Find it hard to………(13)……..on passage.
Synonym practice
QUESTIONS READING TEXT

READING TEXT 2:
Lead-in: Are these words about work or studies? Put them in the correct column

MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Spend another ONE minute quickly reading the text and answer this question.
Does the text express a positive or negative view of globalization in education?

Quickly find which paragraph (A-F} you need to read to answer these questions.

1 Blended learning means 2 All of these are advantages of globalized education except:
A continuing to learn throughout your life. A Students in developing countries can get better jobs.
B studying online or via email. B Students can get a degree at a cheaper price.
C mixing traditional and modern methods. C Universities benefit from international students.
D learning in a classroom. D The elite get most of the opportunities.

GLOBALIZATION OF EDUCATION AND THE WORKPLACE

A Globalization has affected most aspects of our lives. One area which has changed is education. More and more people move to different
countries for their studies. At the same time, more people stay at home and study by distance learning. It is now easy to learn without attending a
college or university or attending less often. 'Blended learning' means studying partly in a traditional way in the classroom and partly online or via
email. These changes also mean that there is now more interest in 'lifelong learning', the idea that we go on learning throughout our working lives and
even into retirement. It is easy to attend 'webinars' or online seminars without being away from our offices. Many adults go back to college later in
life because it is so easy to get a qualification without giving up work or disrupting family life.
B Different countries have benefitted from the globalization of education in different ways. Many British, Australian and American
universities run their degree programmes in countries throughout Asia, and many students, parents and employers feel this is a valuable opportunity.
Students can get an internationally recognized degree at a much cheaper price than going abroad and so can improve their chances of getting a good
job. At the same time, those in the countries providing world-class degrees also benefit. They have greater access to ideas and knowledge from all
over the world and having international students enriches their universities.
C However, it is not good news for everyone in some developing countries. It is usually the elite - or the richest people in the large cities -
who have access to international education. Many people in rural areas have not even had a primary education. Also, those areas usually do not have
reliable internet connections and most people do not own a computer. It will take a bit more time for international opportunities to reach everyone in
developing countries
D One concern people have about globalization is that it can start to mean 'westernization'. In other words, local knowledge can be lost and
money seen as more important than culture. Education should treat every culture with respect; it should not be just learning about the West but
should include different ways of teaching and approaches from around the world. The aim is to enrich and share; the flow of ideas and information
should go from East to West as well as from West to East.
E Educational institutions have changed their focus due to globalization. There are so many benefits of having overseas students that
universities are competing for them, using strategies from the world of business. For example, they visit Education Fairs all over the world and spend
time and money creating publicity material and advertisements. There is also more emphasis on the student experience. There is more focus on
customer care, especially helping international students to settle in, improve their English and understand the academic culture of the host country.
F There are many advantages to the globalization of education and the workplace. More people get benefits that were only available to
those in the developed countries before. There is more understanding between different nations as people learn about each other's cultures. However,
it is important to make sure the benefits reach everyone and don't leave many citizens of the developing world behind.
If you see these words (1-7) in a question, what words might you expect to find in the text? Choose a word or phrase from the box below.

1 abroad 5 make better

2 benefits 6 useful
3 disturbing 7 workplaces
4 going to

IDENTIFYING THE MAIN IDEA

Which FOUR sentences represent the main ideas of the passage?

1. There are both advantages and disadvantages to the globalization of education.

2 Many people study after retirement.
3 It is important that globalisation should not be westernisation.
4 Universities have had to become more business-focused.
5 University fees rose dramatically in the UK in 2012.
6 Many poorer people in developing countries do not benefit from globalisation.
7 Most lecturers work part-time.
Where in the paragraph can the main ideas be found?

MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS: ANOTHER WAY TO DO THEM

Look at the options and find the one closest to your answer.
1 Who benefits from globalised education in developing countries?
A almost everyone in those countries
B mainly well-off people in big towns
C only those in developed countries
D only those who own a computer
3 How has the focus of educational institutions changed?
A They have become poor value for money.
B Staff are not committed to their students.
C They are focused on attracting students.
D They only want foreign students.

2 What is the meaning of 'westernisation'?

A learning only about the West
B learning local knowledge
C not learning about culture
D treating culture with respect

READING TEXT 3:

Read the passage quickly and choose the correct answer

1. What is the purpose of this passage?

A. To give instruction
B. To give an opinion
C: To give advice

2. Who wrote the passge?

A. a student
B. a psychologist
C. A teacher

Read the passage again. Match the key ideas (1-5) with the paragraphs (A-E)

1. Good language skills are important.

2. Study can sometimes be boring.
3. Good learners always have new questions
4. Good learners think about their studies in their free time.
5. Good leaners realize there is a link between new and old knowledge.

Read these questions about the passage and underline the key words. Then compare with a partner. Answer the question with NO MORE
THAN THREE WORDS
 Synonyms in text:

1. What do good learners never stop trying to do? ____________ 1. Para:_______Synomyms:______________________________________

2. How do good learners feel about their chances of finding the 2. Para:_______Synomyms:______________________________________
answer to a study problem?________________
3. Para:_______Synomyms:______________________________________
3. What makes doing boring tasks worthwhile?_______________
4. Para:_______Synomyms:______________________________________
4. What do good learners modify as they learn more?_________
5. Para:_______Synomyms:______________________________________
5. Who can good learners explain new knowledge to in an
appropriate way?______________

Who makes a good learner?

An experienced university teacher has put together a list of psychological characteristics that good learners have

A. Good learners are curious. They wonder about all sorts of learning. Finding out about something gives them an intense satisfaction. But
their curiosity is addictive, so they always want to find out more.
B Good learners work hard. A few things may come easily to learners, but most knowledge requires effort and good learners are willing to
put in the time. They talk with others, read more, study more and carry around what they do not understand, thinking about it before they go to sleep,
at the gym. on the bus. Good learners are persistent. When they fail, they carry on, confident that they will figure it out eventually. In the meantime,
they learn from their mistakes.
C Good learners recognize that learning is not always fun. But that does not change how much they love it. Understanding the topic, when
they finally get there, makes it all worth doing. But the journey to understanding is not generally all that exciting. Some learning tasks require boring
repetition; others a mind-numbing attention to detail; still others involve periods of intense mental focus.
D. Good learners make knowledge of their own. This is about making the new knowledge fit with what the learner already knows. Good
learners have to change and adapt their knowledge structures in order to make room for what they are learning. In the process, they build a bigger and
better knowledge structure. It is not enough to just take in the new knowledge. It has to make sense, to connect the meaningful ways with what the
learner already knows.
E. Good learners share what they have learned. Unless knowledge is passed on, it is lost. Good learners love sharing what they have
learned. They write about it and talk about it. Good learners can explain what they know in ways that make sense to others. They are not trapped by
specialized language. They can find examples that make what they know meaningful to other learners.

VOCABULARY

Studying
1.a. Match the words in the box with their meanings

Assignment course essay examination grade presentation project report research term

1. a piece of work that someone gives you to do___________________

2. a piece of planned work that is done over a period of time____________
3. an event at which someone explains an idea to a group of people_____________
4. a piece of writing that gives facts about a situation or event________________
5. a mark that your teacher or tutor gives you. ___________
6. a spoken or written test of knowledge. ___________
7. a piece of writing about a particular subject. _______________
8. a detailed study of a subject to find out new information. ____________
9. a set of lessons in a particular subject____________
10. One of the three part of a school, university, college year_________________

1.b. Choose the correct options in italics to complete the text.

Midlands College International Foundation Course.
Academic English Module

The Academic English module aims to prepare student for higher education at an English speaking university. There are four courses/assignments
over three terns, followed by two final examinations/grades of three hours each at the end of Term 3.
Term 1:

 Students write a research/report based on information collected from a questionnaire and interview.
 Students write a 1000-word essay/research on a given topic.

Term 2:
 Students give an academic essay/presentation on a subject of their choice.
Term 2 and Term 3:

 Students complete group report/project by carrying out examinations/ research into a given academic topic.
 Students will receive their final results and grades/assignments at the end of July.

Collocations

Choose the options in italics which can NOT be used with the nouns in bolds.

1. For your next piece of work, you need to write/do/carry out some research.
2. I am going to do/make/give a presentation on my home country.
3. How many exams do you have to take/have/do this year?
4. I need to get/do/have very good grades to do a medical degree.
5. In the exam, we have to write/do/carry out two essays before the end of the term.
6. Can you finish/complete/make your assignment by the end of the week?
7. It is difficult to produce/make/write the report without the necessary information.
8. you need to work together in order to complete/carry out/have this project.

Complete the collocations with the verbs in the box.

Ask do give have prepare take

1. _________revision 4. ___________questions
2. _________for a test 5. ___________notes
3. _________a discussion 6. ___________your opinion

Completes the sentences with collocation from Exercise 2 and 3.

1. I need to do research for my assignments.

2. Use phrase like I think and I believe to ____________
3. I am very nervous because I have to ____________in front of 50 people.
4. I find it difficult to__________when I listen to a lecture.
5. I can’t go out – I have to _________a maths _________.
6. After my presentation, I asked my audience if they would like to____________.

Skills

Match the skills (1-6) with the examples of activities (A-F).

1. Practical skills A. Creating reports.

2. Management skills. B. Using excels.
3. Computer/IT Skills C. Being a good listeners.
4. reading/writing skills. D. Typing.
5. people skills. E. Speaking French.
6. Language skills F. Being a good leader.

EXAM SKILL PRACTICE 1

EDUCATION AND WORKPLACE IN THE UK
A There has been a trend towards creating a closer connection between education/training and the workplace. This is because many employers felt
that school leavers were not prepared well enough and didn't have the skills they would need to do well at work. Having a dose relationship between
training and work is not new: apprenticeships were a common way of learning in the past. Young people learnt by working with an expert, but this
was most common in trades such as builders or electricians. The trend now is for a closer connection between education and the workplace at all
levels and in many different types of job.
B In 1944, the UK government created a new system of education. Education was divided into three parts. Children who passed an exam at 11 went
to grammar schools. Pupils who didn't do well in the exam went to 'secondary modern' schools or technical schools. At technical schools they studied
work-based subjects. In practice, however, only 0.5% of pupils went to technical schools, and this system divided students at a very young age into
academic and nonacademic. The system did not produce good results, and changed to a more equal system in the 1970s.
C In the 1980s the British government introduced NVQs or National Vocational Qualifications so that young people could get certificates to show
their practical skills. It helps employers understand what workers can do. In 1994, the government started a programme which aimed to provide
'quality training on a work-based (educational) route'. These 'modern apprenticeships' are available at three different levels.
D At the higher levels of education, too, there has been more emphasis on work-based learning, which links academic study closely to practical
experience. At degree level, companies have linked with universities to create specialised qualifications, such as the BA in Distribution run between
Middlesex University and Asda Supermarket. Such partnerships also exist at Masters and even doctorate level.
E The development of technology has helped work-based learning to develop. Blended learning means part of the course can be delivered online, so
people don't have to miss work to go to classes. Older or recently retired employees have been given the opportunity to develop new skills as tutors,
mentors and coaches for the work-based part of these courses. This kind of work-based training was common in fields such as nursing and teaching
but has now spread to careers which were traditionally not closely linked to education.
F There are some challenges involved in work-based learning. Some lecturers might find it difficult to teach students with a lot of work experience.
It may also be difficult to find teachers who can teach in different places and at different times. However, it is a positive trend as there are more ways
to learn and people can study at different stages of their lives.

1 Apprenticeships 3 Blended learning

A are a new way of learning. A mainly benefits older or retired people.

B were common in the past. B involves mainly face to face classes.
C only existed in the past. C is mainly for teaching and nursing.
D did not help people do well at work. D is convenient for working people.

2 The education system introduced in 1944 4 The challenges of work-based learning include

A only affected 0.5% of students. A practical issues like when classes are held.
B taught only technical subjects. B students who are not very experienced.
C 'Nas not a great success. C more types of learning are acceptable.
D was for academically gifted students. D older people can't use computers well.

Synonym practice
QUESTIONS READING TEXT

International survey of business courses

A recent international survey of business degrees shows that business and related subjects — such as accounting and economics — are among the
most popular courses at universities worldwide. Students say that they choose those courses because business has an impact on almost every aspect of
modern society. They also believe that a business degree makes it easy to find a job. Business graduates often earn a good salary although very few
of the students in the survey give that as their reason for studying business.

The term ‘business degrees’ includes a wide variety of courses; some are specialized, and others are more general; some are very academic, and
others focus on practical professional development. There are also different levels of degree. Most business students are undergraduates. However,
there are also large numbers of business students on post-graduate courses. Professional qualifications such as MBAs are only for people who already
have some business experience.

The study shows that all types of business degree look at both theory and practice. Of these two parts of a course, the theoretical aspect is less popular
with most students although all agree that it is an essential part of a good degree course. Students look at practice through case studies, problem-
solving tasks and project work. They also often have the chance during their course to spend a period of time — typically three months but it can be
up to one year — actually working in a company.

The survey also shows that the majority of students plan to go into a career in business. There are, of course, many different types of business career.
Only a relatively small percentage of students plan to set up their own business. Some aim to work in finance departments, others in advertising and
still more in sales. Human resources and business consultancy are also options which some graduates consider.

A few students who study business decide that it is not after all the career for them. However, their degree is still a very useful qualification, The
international survey also reports on interviews with a range of employers. These say they like the fact that business graduates are excellent team
workers and can present information well both in writing and in front of an audience. These are valuable skills in all workplaces. The survey
concludes that choosing to study business can be a very good decision.

Question 1-6: Answer the questions below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

1. What do most business students expect to get after graduating? ________________________________

2. What do students on an MBA course need? ______________________________

3. which aspect of a business degree do student prefer?_________________________________

4. How long do most business students usually spend on a work placement? ________________________

5. What type of business department do most students plan to work in? ___________________

6. Who thinks business graduates have good presentation skills?______________________

Synonym practice

QUESTIONS READING TEXT

Listening:

1. Listen to this conversation about studying and match the name of each person to the study 52 technique they prefer. (Track 1)
1 Martha........... 2 Carl............ 3 Enrique............ 4 Jenny............
A highlighting important details in photocopies of articles and text books
B making notes in the margin of articles and textbooks writing notes in an exercise book
C making notes in files on their PC
D using free software to make notes on articles and electronic book
2. Now you will hear a group of students talking about their revision techniques and write the 53 correct endings for each of the
sentences. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS. (track 2)
1 Lesley prepares for her end-of-year exams by making a ...........................................................
2 Chen says that he can remember historical facts more easily if he creates pictures ………………………
3 Indira prefers to study late at night because it is ...............................................
4 Mark likes to get up very early on the day of an exam to do some......................................
3. Look at the pictures that show students what to do when they go for an exam. Listen to the 54 recording and complete the
instructions. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer. Check that your answers are grammatically correct. (Track 3)
1 Leave your............................................................. your bag.
2 The keys for the lockers are ...............................................................
3 Show your identity card...............................................................
4 Look for your........................................... on a desk in the hall.
4. Look at these steps for preparing for an exam and put them in the order you would do them. There are several possible answers, but
some are more practical than others. Don’t check your answers yet.
A look at past exam papers B read all the books on the subject
C write practice exam questions D. remember key facts and arguments
E. discuss possible exam topics with tutors F. look at all your lecture notes for the course
5. Now listen to three students talking about how they prepare for an exam and complete the flow chart with the missing letters from
exercise 4. (track 5)

1. You will hear three students discussing exam techniques with their tutor. Complete the flow chart. Write no more than THREE words
(track 6)
 2. Now you will hear the next part of the recording. Complete the sentences. Write no more than THREE words for each answer. (track 7)
5 You should read the questions........................................................................ to find out what the topic is.
6 Sometimes a question is ........................................................................ than it looks.
7 It is a good idea to start by answering the questions you ........................................................
8 When all the questions are worth the same........................................................................ you should check that you spend the
right amount of time on them.
3. Listen to the last part of the recording and answer the questions. Write no more than THREE words or a number. (Track 8)
9 What should you write if you do not have time to give a complete answer to a question?..........................................................................
10 What did Barbara get in her last exam ?...........................................................................

Exam Practice

Task 1

Question 1-5 (track 9)

Questions 6-10 Choose the correct letter, A, B or C. (track 10)

6. The caller wants to do a writing help with

A his hobby. B his job. C his children's education.
7. What does the course pack include?
A multimedia items B a list of books to buy C lesson and assignment dates
8. How much does the course cost?
A £340 B £375 C £400
9. Alex's first assignment will be about his
 A family life. B school experiences. C expectations of the course.
10. What does the feedback include?
A a tutorial B an exercise C a discussion group

Task 2: (Track 11)

Questions 8-12 Choose the correct letter, A, B or C. (track 12)

8. How will the woman send the man's tickets?

A by email B by post C by text message
9. The author Sandra Harrington will
A tell people about her latest book. B read extracts from one of her earlier books. C explain where writers get their ideas from.
10.To go to one of the author talks, the man must
A reserve some tickets online before he goes. B buy tickets from the Book Fair office. C complete a form which the woman will send to
him.
11.How will the man get to the fair from the city centre?
A by car B on foot C by public transport
12.The woman says that the cafés and restaurants at the Book Fair are
A very good. B extremely expensive. C better than other places in the area.