Work together to explain the Japanese education system to someone who knows nothing about it, comparing it to other countries. You can also use comparing and contrasting language to explain words which you don’t know how to translate into English. Don’t use a dictionary or ask for translations.
Look under the fold below to continue your discussion when you need to and/ or your teacher says that you can.
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If you haven’t already, explain these systems in Japan, comparing them to each other and the system in other countries if that would be helpful
- nursery school/ kindergarten
- compulsory education
- state schools/ public schools/ private schools
- single sex education/ co-ed education
- primary school/ elementary school
- junior high school/ high school
- university/ junior college/ technical college
- university/ graduate school
- elite universities/ mid-ranking universities
- cram school/ private tutors
- test prep
- different kinds of entrance tests
- school leaving certificate
- retaking tests
- question types on tests (multiple choice, gapfilling, essays, etc)
- homework/ assignments
- BA/ BSc/ bachelor’s degree/ first degree/ four year degree/ university degree/ undergraduate degree
- postgraduate degree/ master’s degree/ master’s/ MA/ MSc/ MPhil/ MBA/ PhD/ doctorate/ post-doc
- physical punishment/ corporal punishment (e.g. caning)
- dorm/ student halls
- grants/ scholarships
- fees/ living expenses
- lecturers/ professors
- use of technology (interactive whiteboards, etc)
- the academic year/ the calendar year
- freshers/ freshmen/ first year students
- seniors/ final year student
- foreign students
- graduate jobs
Are there any differences in British and American words to talk about education?
Without looking above, do this worksheet: http://www.usingenglish.com/files/pdf/brainstorming-education-vocabulary.pdf
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PDF version for easy saving and printing: Education in your country comparing and contrasting practice
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