C. Now read this essay and complete the gaps with one of the words or expressions from Tasks A and B. You may need to change the form of some of the words. ‘You are never too old to learn’. Do you agree with this statement? Education is a long process that not only provides us with basic (1)__________________________ such as
(2)__________________________ and (3)__________________________ , but is also essential in shaping our
future lives. From the moment we enter (4)__________________________ as small children, and as we
progress through (5)__________________________ and (6)__________________________ education, we are
laying the foundations for the life ahead of us. We must (7)__________________________ ourselves to work
hard so that we can (8)__________________________ exams and gain the (9)__________________________
we will need to secure a good job. We must also (10)__________________________ valuable life skills so
that we can fit in and work with those around us. And of course (11)__________________________
education helps us to understand how we can stay fit and healthy.
For most people, this process ends when they are in their mid-to-late teens. For others, however, it is the
beginning of a lifetime of learning. After they finish school, many progress to
(12)__________________________ education where they will learn more useful skills such as computer
literacy or basic business management. Others will (13)__________________________ on a programme of
(14)__________________________ education at a university where, with hard work, they will have the
opportunity to (15)__________________________ after three or four years with a well-earned
(16)__________________________ . After that, they may work for a while before opting to study for a
(17)__________________________ degree - an MA, for example, or a PhD. Alternatively, they may choose
to attend an (18)__________________________ after work or, if they have a sympathetic employer, obtain
(19)__________________________ so that they can study during the week. And if they live a long way from
a college or university, they might follow a (20)__________________________ course using mail and the
Internet. In fact, it is largely due to the proliferation of computers that many people who have not been
near a school for many years, have started to study again and can proudly class themselves as
(21)__________________________ students.
We live in a fascinating and constantly changing world, and we must continually learn and acquire new
knowledge if we are to adapt and keep up with changing events. Our schooldays are just the beginning
of this process, and we should make the best of every (22) __________________________ to develop
ourselves, whether we are eighteen or eighty. You are, indeed, never too old to learn.