Phrases related to the topic
below/above average intelligence | to be a number |
bacis skills | mixed-ability classes |
the three R’s | a socially divisive institution |
a selective school/education | extra curricular activities |
a school-leaver | a fee-paying institution |
to get a first | a graduate-level job |
child/learner-centred approach | a non-government school |
literacy and numeracy | liberal education |
to stuff with knowledge | tertiary education |
GCSE | to be (come) up to scratch |
perfect command of the language | to scrape through exam/school/college |
to make the school fit the child | to stretch a student |
a trainee teacher | to play to the student’s strengths |
to be up to the job | teacher turnover |
statewide testing | a high rate of employability |
to go on for higher education | employment prospects |
to sit for public/entrance examinations | to penalize students |
core subjects | to meet standards, requirements |
a school syllabus | to implement reforms, exams |
the right opening | job seekers |
corporal punishment | graduation exams |
vocation oriented courses | a parent/teacher meeting |
to load teachers down with paper work | to advance to a new grade |
to lower the passing score | comprehensive school/system/training |
promotion requirements | vocationally relevant subjects |
to catch up with the peers | on-campus/workplace training |
dropout prevention | disruptive behaviour/ pupil |
Educational Challenges
Speech Functions Bank
F – Formal
Inf – Informal
Asking for More Detailed Information
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | I wonder if you could explain about X in (rather) how you do more detail? |
Could I ask you a little more about X how you do … | |
I’m afraid I’m not quite clear about X how you do … | |
I’m interested in knowing more about X | |
How (exactly) do you do…? | |
Could you fill me in a bit on X how you do …..? | |
Can you put me in the picture about X? |
Make the following into questions or statements asking for more detailed information using the language in the box above.
E x a m p l e:
Could/ask/about boarding schools in your country?
Could I ask you a bit more about boarding schools in your country?
1. I/interested/knowing/the standards of education in this country.
2. I/afraid/not quite clear/applicants should present themselves while applying for a job.
3. Could/fill/in/your career up to now?
4. I wonder/you/explain/educational opportunities are being equalized.
5. Can/me/picture/the school’s entrance requirements and its fees?