Vocabulary of subjects in Arts and humanities, Social sciences, Science & Technology
Social sciences:
Geography: The study of Earth's physical features, climate, and human populations.
E.g: These streets had a very particular geography.
Economics: The study of production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services.
E.g: They discussed social, economic and political issues.
Arts and Humanities:
Art: The study and practice of visual or performing arts, such as painting, sculpture, music, or theater.
E.g: Her performance displayed great art.
Music: The study of musical theory, composition, and performance.
E.g: I like any kind of pop or dance music.
Religion: The study of beliefs, practices, and moral values related to faith and spirituality.
E.g: Is there always a conflict between science and religion?
Ethics: The study of moral principles and values.
E.g: He began to question the ethics of his position.
Science & Technology:
Computer Programming: The process of writing instructions for computers to execute.
E.g: Serious job applicants should have advanced skills in computer programming and software design.
Information Technology (IT): The use and management of computer systems, networks, and data.
E.g: He was considering a career in information technology.
Web Design: The creation and maintenance of websites and web applications.
E.g: They tackle everything from web design to online marketing consultancy.
Software Engineering: The development and maintenance of software programs.
E.g: The company used software engineering to build better systems.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): The study and development of computer systems that can perform tasks requiring human intelligence.
E.g: Can artificial intelligence really create better art than a human artist?
collocations related to education & give examples
General knowledge: information on many different subjects that you collect gradually, from reading, television, etc., rather than detailed information on subjects that you have studied formally
E.g: English will take them all around the world, considerably expanding their experience and general knowledge.
Scholarship program:
E.g: In the past 10 years, many scholarship programs have been held to support students’ finances.
Independent learning:
E.g: Independent learning promotes students’ thinking and creativity.
Academic ability:
E.g: Parents have to develop their child’s academic ability as soon as possible.
Exercise 4/P27
1. There were fewer male candidates than female candidates who passed their English examinations.
2. The number of males who achieved a passing grade in mathematics was the same as that of females.
3. Men performed well in technology-related subjects, whereas women excelled in language-related subjects.
4. The number of passes in psychology was lower for male candidates than for female candidates.
5. There was a similar number of female students and male students who passed the economics exam.
Exercise 7/P29
Introduction: cram schools are big business, but they may not be a good thing
Body paragraph 1:
(solution in the question): Cram schools serve a need
(Points for): Many students who attend such schools do well in exams
Cram schools can support students' learning
(points against):
• Cram schools teach students to be 'test wise' rather than to learn
• Attending cram schools can be stressful
• Cram schools are unfair because they give advantage to students who can afford to pay
Body paragraph 2:
(Alternative solution): We should ensure schools are good enough for all students
(points against):
• There will always be businesses that exploit people's fears about not being good enough
(points for):
• Discouraging parents from sending their children to cram schools would improve pupils' well-being
• If students and teachers work hard in schools, there is no need for additional cramming
• In countries with exams that properly reflect the curriculum, there are few cram schools
Conclusion:
cram schools are a symptom of a faulty educational system
Task1 P30
In 2019, there was a significant gap in sociology, where around 80% of international students achieved second-class degrees or better, compared to only 50% of UK students. A similar trend was seen in law, with 75% of international students succeeding, while just 55% of UK students did. Conversely, in nursing, 70% of UK students earned high grades, whereas only 40% of international students did, marking the biggest difference. Smaller gaps were observed in electrical engineering and information technology, where both groups had success rates close to 65%.
Task 2 P31
Outline: Are “Pen and Paper” Examinations the Best Way to Assess Educational Achievement?
Introduction
• Thesis: Many believe exams are not the best method due to their focus on memorization, stress, and lack of practical application.
I. Limitations of Traditional Exams
A. Encourage Memorization Over Understanding
B. Cause High Stress and Anxiety
C. Fail to Assess Practical Skills
II. Alternative Assessment Methods
A. Project-Based Learning – Promotes creativity and real-world application.
B. Oral Presentations & Interviews – Tests deeper understanding and communication skills.
C. Continuous Assessment – Provides a more holistic view of student progress.
III. Counterarguments and Rebuttals
A. Exams Ensure Standardization → Alternative methods can also be standardized.
B. Exams Are Efficient for Large Groups → Technology allows diverse, scalable assessments.
Conclusion
• Emphasis on the need for diverse, inclusive assessment methods.
• Final thought: A balanced approach improves educational evaluation.