Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. in sync (idiom) – to be moving or working at the same time
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. in sync (idiom) – to be moving or working at the same time
Example: Reading
the latest women’s magazines keeps women in sync with the latest
fashion.
2. institution (n.) – an organization
established to pursue a particular cause
Example:
Educational institutions provide
people with skills they need to get good jobs.
3. commence (v.) – to begin or to start
Example: The
party commenced as soon as the dance music was played.
4. boast (v.) – to have a position or
possession that someone can be proud of
Example: The
city boasts of its beautiful architecture.
5. mull over (idiom) – to think deeply about
something
Example: Most
high school students mull over what course to take in the university.
Article
Read the text below.
In order to compete better with international schools, the University
of Tokyo—popularly called Todai—plans
to shift the start of its school year to autumn, in sync with Western
educational institutions.
If Japan’s most prestigious school pushes through with the proposal,
its entrance exams will still be held in spring as usual. But instead of
starting classes in April, the university will commence classes
in September.
The change in school year will create a six-month gap between students’
acceptance into the university and the actual start of classes. Todai’s
proposal, however, recommends that this time should be used by the students to gain
international and volunteer experience.
Others fear that the shift in school year may have serious effects
on high school education and the hiring of fresh graduates by employers. Under
the new schedule, Todai students will be graduating later than other
universities, and may have more trouble finding work.
But a Todai panel that has studied the proposal said the shift must
be done as quickly as possible to keep up with international competition. The
2011-2012 Times Higher Education World University Rankings was dominated by
US and British schools such as M.I.T., Harvard, Stanford and Oxford. Although
Todai can boast about being the top school in Japan, it rests on the
30th spot in world rankings.
Todai believes attracting more foreign students and teachers could
raise its rank. Todai hopes that this can be done by matching schedules with foreign
institutions.
On the other hand, other major educational institutions in Japan such as
Kyushu University, Kyoto University and Waseda University have been mulling
over adopting autumn entrance. Keio University's head, Atsushi Seike,
says that Japan's universities should make decisions on the major change as a
community.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
● Do you think universities should
begin their school year in autumn? Please explain your answer.
● Should universities in Japan have
one policy concerning the start of classes? Why or why not?
Discussion B
● Is World University Ranking
important? Please explain your answer.
● How do you think education in your
country can be globally competitive?
