B1 – Intermediate
Based on a recent OECD report, young Europeans are among those who have the highest educational attainment in the world.
Ireland, Luxembourg, and Lithuania are the top European countries with the most number of university degree holders. While Czech Republic, Hungary, and Italy were on the bottom.
The gap across the EU when it comes to access to higher education is evident per this report.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about young Europeans’ access to higher education.
https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/young-europeans-and-university-level-3
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to play a key role” mean, “Family background plays a key role.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
- What does “gap” mean? “Denmark shows the smallest gap: 70% of young adults with graduate parents have a degree.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
- What does “obtain” mean? “In every country, young people whose parents studied at university are much more likely to obtain a degree themselves.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your reaction to this, “Young Europeans have the highest university education.”?
- Do you agree or disagree that family background is an important factor for a young person to go to the uni? Explain why. Is this true in your country? Talk about it.
- “The OECD report highlights major contrasts across the EU in terms of higher education access.” Share your views.
- How accessible is higher education in your country? Why is this the case?
- What might be the reasons young people won’t go to the uni?
- Do you agree or disagree, “A degree is linked to better chances of employment, higher salaries, and improved health.”? Share your opinion.