Education 美式教育

     On the first day of school, Johnny had a hard time getting out of bed. "Johnny, get up! You're going to be late for school!" warned his mother. "Aw, Mom, do I have to go to school?" Johnny complained. "Yes, son, summer is over, and the new school year is starting. You must go to school. And besides," reasoned Johnny's mother, "you're the teacher!"This old American joke does have a ring of truth to it. American teachers and students alike enjoy their summer vacation. But don't let the humor fool you: Education is a major part of American culture. Schools do more than just fill students' heads with knowledge. They pass on culture, traditions and values.

    American children start their education in elementary school. Most youngsters enter first grade at around six years of age. Children can prepare for this step by attending preschool and kindergarten from ages three to five. Young learners finish elementary school in fifth or sixth grade. From there, students go on to junior high school until eighth or ninth grade. Americans complete their required education in high school. They graduate and receive a diploma after twelfth grade.

    Beyond high school, Americans have many chances for further education. In contrast to other countries, the U.S. has no national college entrance exam. Instead, private companies give exams to students. Universities decide which tests students must take. In addition to test scores, university officials also consider applicants¹' high school grades and other activities. Universities give scholarships and financial aid to help many who cannot afford the high tuition costs. Students with less academic goals may enroll² in vocational schools or community colleges.

    The American style of education, compared to that of other countries, is quite informal. In fact, the casual class atmosphere often amazes international students. American teachers encourage students to think for themselves. Instead of grading students only on test scores, teachers evaluate papers, group projects and class participation³, as well. Students often have to think creatively to solve problems-not just memorize facts. Students also learn how to do research by using resource materials to find their own answers. In this way, classrooms illustrate⁴ the American emphasis on individual responsibility.

    Freedom of choice is another American value not absent from school life. In addition to their required courses, high school and college students may choose elective courses. These electives allow students to study subjects that interest them. The menu of choices might include typing, band and home economics, as well as special academic classes. Other activities occupy students' time after school hours. Most schools have sports teams, clubs and publications that give students valuable experience.

    The American system of education is far from perfect. Teachers in America fight to control cheating and plagiarism⁵. Drugs, violence, sex and peer pressure interfere⁶ with students' education. Test scores are declining. In light of these issues, American teachers have an important and challenging job. They must instill cultural and moral values, as well as knowledge, in young American citizens. Wake up, Johnny! You've got work to do!

1 applicants   

申请人，求职人( applicant的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• There were over 500 applicants for the job. 有500多人申请这份工作。
• He was impressed by the high calibre of applicants for the job. 求职人员出色的能力给他留下了深刻印象。

2 enroll   

v.招收；登记；入学；参军；成为会员（英)enrol

参考例句：

• I should like to enroll all my children in the swimming class.我愿意让我的孩子们都参加游泳班。
• They enroll him as a member of the club.他们吸收他为俱乐部会员。

3 participation   

n.参与，参加，分享

参考例句：

• Some of the magic tricks called for audience participation.有些魔术要求有观众的参与。
• The scheme aims to encourage increased participation in sporting activities.这个方案旨在鼓励大众更多地参与体育活动。

4 illustrate   

v.举例说明，阐明；图解，加插图

参考例句：

• The company's bank statements illustrate its success.这家公司的银行报表说明了它的成功。
• This diagram will illustrate what I mean.这个图表可说明我的意思。

5 plagiarism   

n.剽窃，抄袭

参考例句：

• Teachers in America fight to control cheating and plagiarism.美国老师们努力对付欺骗和剽窃的问题。
• Now he's in real trouble.He's accused of plagiarism.现在他是真遇到麻烦了。他被指控剽窃。

6 interfere   

v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰

参考例句：

• If we interfere, it may do more harm than good.如果我们干预的话，可能弊多利少。
• When others interfere in the affair,it always makes troubles. 别人一卷入这一事件，棘手的事情就来了。