Children have different feelings about school.
1) What do you think of when you talk about school? Write three things you like and don’t like about school.
2) Listen to three children speaking about school. Do they speak about the things you have written about school? (listening for specific information)
Mary, Mike, and William are sharing their opinions about school.
1) What do the children like about school? What don’t they like about school?
Mary: Our school is not the best, but I like it. I’m good at a lot of subjects. My parents are happy that I get A’s and B’s. I think that school is very important because we must learn to get a good job. As for me, I like discovering new things. I’ve got three favourite subjects. They are Science, ICT, and History. Most of my teachers are nice, some are strict but fair. Everything is good at my school. But I think there should be more field trips and outings to go on.
Mike: I don’t like school very much. I have some problems with Maths. I’m always nervous when we have a test. Besides I hate homework. I think that everything is boring at school and school is a waste of time. I can get information from books, TV, and my computer! But I can’t do without my friends. I’m glad that I mix with them every day at school.
Alex: I live in the country and I go to the little village school. We are all together — boys and girls of all ages. We are one big happy family because we all get on! The teachers are very good and they make learning interesting and fun. Besides, there are lots of after-school activities for children with different interests. I play in the school band. It’s very interesting! I am glad that I go to my little village school.
2) Are the following statements true or false? Prove it from the texts.
• Mary likes going to school because she likes discovering new things.
• Mary likes school because they have really friendly teachers.
• Mary is glad that they don’t go on field trips and outings at her school.
• Mike doesn’t like school because he is not good at Maths.
• Mike is bored at school and prefers reading books and watching TV.
• Mike thinks that the best thing about school is that he can meet his friends there.
• Alex worries that there are bullies and fights at his school.
• Alex likes his school because he can take part in different activities at school.
3) What’s your opinion about the things that Mary, Mike, and Alex speak about?
— Mary says that everything is good at school. I think there are many good things about school, but I don’t like some things: much homework, many tests…
— Mike thinks that everything is boring at school. I don’t agree. School is interesting and fun.