Scottish Government Funds 2,000 University Students

January 23, 2013



Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. tertiary education (n. phrase) 
[tur-shee-er-ee, tur-shuh-ree] [ej-oo-key-shuhn]– university or college level of education
ExampleTertiary education prepares students for their careers.

2. attainable (adj.) [uh-tey-nuh-buhl]– easy to get or achieve, possible
Example:  Good education makes a well-paid career attainable.

3. deprived (adj.) [dih-prahyvd]– unfortunate or does not have access to basic needs
Example: Scholarship grants help deprived students get proper education.

4. tuition (n.) [too-ish-uhn, tyoo-]– a fee paid to get education from a school or other institutions
Example: Parents are worried because their children’s tuition in school increases every year.

5. workforce (n.) [work-fawrs, fohrs]– total number of working individuals in a specific area
Example: The country’s workforce is decreasing because of the lack of available jobs.


Article
Read the text below.

To make tertiary education more attainable for poor students, the Scottish government will provide £10million financial aid to colleges and universities.

The fund will provide 2,000 more university slots for students by 2013-2014. These slots include 700 for students in deprived areas, about 300 for students of Skills for Growth systems, and 1,000 for students moving from college to universities. 

The government allotted this fund after Johann Lamont criticized the free tuition policy. Lamont, head of Labor Party, said that this policy was impractical and did not improve the quality of education. Also, Lamont added that the free education policies did not increase the number of poor students attending universities.

However, Education Secretary Michael Russell stated that the government removed the fees so more poor students can study in universities. In addition, the government even offers financial support for all UK students. As a result, Scotland already has high number of students in universities, according to Russell.

Through these initiatives, the administration aims to ensure that education gives chances not only to students who can pay, but also to students who are determined to learn. Hopefully, this measure will result to a more skilled workforce that can help make the economy grow.



Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A
 

·         How important is tertiary education in getting a job?
·         Do you think free tuition affects the quality of education? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         How does your country’s government help people who cannot afford higher education?
·         What improvements can be done in your country’s education system?





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January 23, 2013