Education options for
FAMILY LIFE
Uni
7 t school-leavers

Unit

LESSON 4

SPEAKING

Vocational training vs. academic study

LESSON 4

WARM-UP

Task 1: Brainstorming
CONTROLLED
PRACTICE

Task 2: Complete the conversation.

Task 3: Talk about the benefits of academic
study.

LESS CONTROLLED
PRACTICE

FURTHER
PRACTICE
CONSOLIDATION

SPEAKING

Task 4: Discuss what kind of students/learners
each option will be more suitable for.
• Wrap-up
• Homework

WARM-UP
TASK 1: BRAINSTORMING

Benefits of
vocational training

 cost less
…

Benefits of
academic study

 can earn more
…

WARM-UP








Benefits of
vocational training
cost less
provide shorter duration of
study
develop practical skills
can find jobs quickly
easier admission
requirements
flexible programmes and
start dates








Benefits of
academic study
can earn more
develop critical thinking skills
develop research skills
personal development
career preparation
social experiences

CONTROLLED
PRACTICE

2

Complete the conversation with the sentences in the box. Then practise it in pairs.

A. It's the cost. Vocational training is much cheaper
than university education.
B. I couldn't agree more. So, we've decided on the
three main benefits: more practical, shorter, and
cheaper.
C. Great! We're now ready to report to the class.
D. Now, let's think about one more benefit.

CONTROLLED
PRACTICE

2

Complete the conversation with the sentences in the box. Then practise it in pairs.

Nam: Let's decide on the three main benefits of vocational training. First, I
think it will help students develop practical skills.
Lan: I agree. Vocational courses are more practical than university courses.
Nam: What do you think is the second benefit?
Lan: I think it's the short duration of study. Degree programmes at university
usually go on for at least three years while vocational courses can last less than
two years.
D
Nam: ___________________
Lan: ___________________
A
Nam: ___________________
B
Lan: ___________________
C

LESS CONTROLLED
PRACTICE

3 Work in pairs. Talk about the benefits of academic study.

LESS CONTROLLED
PRACTICE
Suggested answer

A: Now, let's decide on the three main benefits of academic study. First, I think it will
help students develop critical thinking skills.
B: I agree. Students can also develop research skills.
A: That's right. These skills are very important for university students.
B: So, what do you think is the third benefit?
A: I think it's the opportunities for further studies. University students get more
opportunities to continue their studies after graduation.
B: I can't agree more. So, we've decided on the three main benefits: developing
critical thinking skills, developing research skills, and having more opportunities for
further studies.
A: Great! We're now ready to report to the class.

FURTHER
PRACTICE
Work in groups. Discuss what kind of students/learners each option

4

will be more suitable for. Give reasons for your decision.

FURTHER
PRACTICE
Work in groups. Discuss what kind of students/learners each option will be more

4

suitable for. Give reasons for your decision.

Suggested answer:
In our group, we discussed both options and agreed on the following.
Academic study is suitable for hard-working students who are highly
motivated and want to achieve their goals. Gifted students who have a
particular talent, such as a maths or music talent can also benefit from
university education.
Vocational training is more suitable for students who learn through
practical experience or by doing. It is also suitable for students who have
decided on a specific trade job, such as a restaurant cook, a mechanic, or
a hairstylist.

CONSOLIDATION

1 Wrap-up
What have you learnt today?
• How to end a conversation or discussion
• Talk about the benefits of vocational training and academic
study

CONSOLIDATION

2 Homework
• Do exercises in the workbook.
• Prepare for Lesson 5 - Unit 7.

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