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TOPIC 2: EDUCATION
I. VOCABULARY
Vietnamese
Vocabulary Example Expansion
meaning
Achievement (n) thành tích, thành Her academic = accomplishment, attainment,
tựu achievements were fulfillment
recognized at the - academic achievement (np): thành tích
award ceremony. học tập
Academic nền tảng học thức a strong academic
background background opens
doors to higher
education, leading to
further specialization
and career
advancement
opportunities.
Academic hiệu suất học tập His academic
performance performance improved
significantly this
semester.
Academic workload Khối lượng học The academic workload
tập for university students
can be quite
challenging
Aptitude (n) năng khiếu The student showed a - have an aptitude for sth: có năng khiếu
natural aptitude for trong ...
mathematics. = have a knack/ gift/ talent for
- show/ demonstrate an aptitude for: thể
hiện năng khiếu trong...
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Assess (v) đánh giá The teacher will assess = evaluate, appraise, judge
our progress.
Cognitive ability (n) khả năng tri nhận - enhance/ improve students’ cognitive
ability: nâng cao/ cải thiện khả năng tri
nhận
Comprehension (n) sự hiểu biết Reading - comprehensible (a) = understandable:
comprehension is dễ hiểu
crucial. - comprehensive (a) = all-round: toàn
diện
Curriculum (n) chương trình The curriculum needs = syllabus
giảng dạy to be updated.
distance learning (n) học từ xa Distance learning has
become more popular
during the pandemic.
Educational policy Chính sách giáo Changes in educational
dục policy can significantly
impact teaching
methods.
extracurricular hoạt động ngoại Extracurricular
activity khóa activities are vital for
students' overall
development.
Extramural Studies Nghiên cứu ngoại Extramural studies = extracurricular studies
khóa allow students to gain - participate in extramural studies
additional knowledge
outside of their main
coursework.
Formal education giáo dục chính Formal education >< non-formal education: giáo dục không
quy provides structured chính quy
learning and
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recognized
qualifications.
Experience (v/n) trải nghiệm, kinh Vocational education (v) = undergo
nghiệm provides hands-on - gain/ get/ accumulate experience: lấy/
training and specific tích lũy kinh nghiệm
knowledge that - hands-on experience: kinh nghiệm thực
prepares students for tế
these careers. -
Homeschooling giáo dục tại nhà Homeschooling is
becoming more
popular.
Intellectual Phát triển trí tuệ Early childhood - foster intellectual development
Development education plays a
crucial role in
intellectual
development.
internship (n) thực tập = apprenticeship
learning môi trường học
environment (n) tập
Learning Outcome kết quả học tập Learning outcomes are
used to measure the
effectiveness of
education.
Lifelong learning Học tập suốt đời Lifelong learning is
essential in a rapidly
changing world.
opportunity (n) cơ hội In an increasingly - open up numerous professional
globalized world, opportunities: mở ra vô vàn cơ hội việc
knowing a second làm
language can open up - seize/ grasp/ grab an opportunity: nắm
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numerous professional bắt lấy cơ hội
opportunities. >< miss/ lose an opportunity
schema (n) kiến thức nền = knowledge background
scholarship (n) học bổng She won a scholarship = grant
to study at Harvard.
sedentary (a) ì ạch = inactive
- sedentary lifestyle: lối sống ì ạch, thụ
động
Standardized test Kiểm tra chuẩn Standardized tests are = norm-referenced test
hóa often used to measure - take a standardized test: làm bài kiểm
students' academic tra chuẩn hóa
progress.
Study abroad Du học Studying abroad offers
students a chance to
experience different
cultures.
vocational giáo dục nghề Vocational training >< tradtional academic subject
education nghiệp provides practical skills - vocational = career-oriented
for specific careers. - vocational training (n): đào tạo nghề
diligent (a) chăm chỉ, siêng = hard-working, industrious
năng
dorm (n) kí túc xá = dormitary, resident hall
knowledge (n) kiến thức - acquire/ accumulate/ gain/ cultivate
knowledge: trau dồi kiến thức
- have some knowledge of sth: có nhiều
kiến thức về việc gì
school (n) trường học - independent/ private school: trường tư
thục
>< state/ public school: trường công lập
- grammar school: trường chuyên
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- infant school / kindergarten: trường
mầm non
-> primary school: trường tiểu học
-> secondary school: trường cấp 2
-> high school: trường cấp 3
-> higher/ tertiary education: giáo dục
bậc đại học
specialized (a) + in có chuyên môn = major in
về ....
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II. Topic writing.
1. Vocational education
a. Introduction
- What is Vocational Education?
-> Vocational education is a form of education that is designed to provide learners with skills, knowledge,
and hands-on experience required for specific jobs or industries. It’s often more focused and job-oriented
than traditional academic education, which is broad and theoretical.
Examples: Programs in vocational schools may include fields like carpentry, automotive repair, nursing,
graphic design, and information technology (IT).
- Relevance in Today’s World:
-> With the rapidly changing job market, many industries require specialized skills that traditional academic
education may not provide. Vocational education addresses these needs by preparing students for
immediate employment in specific sectors.
b. Main ideas
Benefits Challenges
Quicker Path to Employment: Vocational Stigma: Vocational education is often seen as
programs typically last 1-2 years, much shorter than a "second choice" for students who are not
a 4-year university degree. This allows students to academically inclined or cannot afford
enter the workforce faster, reducing education costs university education. This perception can deter
and allowing for earlier earning potential. capable students from enrolling in vocational
Example: An automotive technician program may programs.
take 18 months, compared to an engineering degree Cultural Views: In many societies, university
that might take 4 years. education is regarded as the “gold standard”
for success, while vocational training is viewed
Hands-on Learning: These programs are as less prestigious. This creates a barrier to
structured to focus on practical skills needed for students who might benefit more from
specific roles. Students spend most of their time vocational training.
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learning through direct experience rather than
classroom lectures. Limited Advancement Opportunities: One
Example: In a nursing vocational course, students potential downside is that vocational education
would spend time in hospitals learning patient care is focused on specific trades, which might limit
directly, rather than just studying medical theory. career mobility. If a person wants to shift
careers later, they may need to undergo
Cost-effective: Vocational programs are usually additional training.
more affordable than traditional universities, both in Example: A certified HVAC technician may have
terms of tuition fees and the time spent in school. to go back to school for further training if they
This makes them accessible to a wider range of want to move into engineering or management
students, particularly those who might not afford roles.
long-term academic programs.
Example: A welding certificate may cost only a Underfunding: In many countries, vocational
fraction of what a university engineering degree schools receive less government funding than
would, while still providing a direct route into a universities, which can lead to outdated
lucrative career. equipment, underpaid instructors, and limited
access to the latest technology.
High Demand for Skilled Workers: Many Example: A lack of modern tools in a mechanics
industries like construction, healthcare, and course could leave students unprepared for the
technology are experiencing skills shortages. latest industry standards.
Vocational programs fill this gap by producing job-
ready graduates. Automation and Technological
Example: The demand for electricians, plumbers, Displacement: Certain vocational fields may
and healthcare assistants is growing, and vocational face challenges due to automation. For
education can help meet this need quickly. example, jobs in manufacturing or basic
administrative roles are increasingly being
Job Stability: Jobs that require vocational training replaced by machines or AI.
often offer long-term stability because these Example: Automotive assembly line jobs have
industries are essential to everyday life and less been reduced due to automation, requiring
prone to economic fluctuations. workers to learn new skills in robotics
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Example: Skilled trades such as electricians or maintenance or programming.
mechanics will always be needed regardless of shifts
in economic conditions.
Compare: Vocational education vs Tertiary Education
Aspect Vocational education Tertiary education
Focus of Vocational education is task-oriented and University education often provides a broad
Learning teaches specific skills that are directly and theoretical understanding of a subject.
applicable to the job market.
Time and Vocational courses are shorter and focused University programs are generally longer,
Flexibility solely on the skills needed for a job. lasting around 3-4 years, and cover a range
of subjects beyond the student's major
Target Vocational education targets individuals University education often targets those
Audience looking to enter the workforce quickly with seeking leadership roles, research
specific technical skills. positions, or specialized fields like medicine
and law
Earning Vocational careers can be just as lucrative, University degrees often lead to higher
Potential especially for tradespeople in high-demand starting salaries
areas.
c. Conclusion: Future of Vocation Education:
- As economies continue to evolve, vocational education must adapt by integrating new technologies and
responding to industry needs. With ongoing innovation, vocational education will remain vital for economic
development and individual career advancement.
- Destigmatization: Societies should focus on changing the perception of vocational education by
recognizing its value and potential for lifelong career success.
2. Traditional academic education vs Online learning
3. The role of teachers in the future.
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4. Private and Public school
5. Funding for education
6. Education systems: Flexibility vs Standardization
7. Specialized and General Education
8. The impacts of extracurricular activities
9. Learning a second language
- enhances cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving skills, memory, and multitasking.
- open up numerous professional opportunities
- promotes cultural awareness and empathy
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