Part Two Reading Comprehension

Directions:

In this part there are three passages and one table, each followed by five questions or unfinished

statements. For each of them, there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. Choose the best one and mark

your answer on the ANSWER SHEET with a single line through the cent.

Questions 11-15 are based on the following passage:

In the past, degrees were very unusual in my family. I remember the day my uncle graduated. We had

a huge party, and for many years my mother called him "the genius" and listened to his opinion. Today in

comparison, five of my brothers and sisters have degrees, and two are studying for their masters'. However,

some people think that this increased access to education is devaluing degrees.

People have several arguments against the need for degrees. They say that having so many graduates

devalues a degree. People lose respect for the degree holder. It is also claimed that education has become a

rat race. Graduates have to compete for jobs even after years of studying. Another point is that studying for

such a long time leads to learners becoming inflexible. They know a lot about one narrow subject, but are

unable to apply their skills. Employers prefer more flexible and adaptable workers.

However, I feel strongly that this move to having more qualifications is a positive development. In the

past education was only for the rich; and powerful. Now it is available to everyone, and this will have many

advantages for the country and the inpidual. First of all, it is impossible to be overeducated. The more

people are educated, the better the world will be, because people will be able to discuss and exchange ideas.

A further point is that people with degrees have many more opportunities. They can take a wider variety of

jobs and do what they enjoy doing, instead of being forced to take a job they dislike. Finally, a highly

educated workforce is good for the economy of the country. It attracts foreign investment.

In conclusion, although there are undoubtedly some problems with increased levels of education, I feel

strongly that the country can only progress if all its people are educated to the maximum of their ability.

11. What can we learn about the author's family?

A. They used to disregard education.

B. They are overeducated now.

C. Few members were allowed to go to school in the past.

D. There are now more educated members than in the past.

12. The word "it" in the last sentence of Paragraph 3 refers to" _____________.

A. education B. workforce

C. economy D. country

13. The author believes that education ____________.

A. reduces the value of degrees B. makes people inflexible

C. brings more job opportunities D. increases job competition

14. What is the author's purpose of writing this passage?

A. To argue about a disputed issue. B. To explain a complicated idea.

C. To describe a social phenomenon. D. To demonstrate a research result.

15. Which of the following is probably the best title for the passage?

A. Degree No Longer Matters B. Education is Still Valuable

C. Graduation and Jobs D. Problems with Education