Getting ahead in America

I Remember thesr words'

adult - full-grown

vocational - having to do with trades

tuition - money paid to a school in order to attend that school

advantage — benefit

regardless of - despite of

civil service - government work

eligible - qualified for smth-

II. Read and understand this text-

The United States has many opportunities for people who want to better themselves. There are many public schools you can attend. In these schools you can learn English, arithmetic, history and ste­nography. You can find classes in almost any subject you want to study. You may want to learn more about your trade. You may want to learn a new trade. You may want to go to college.

In many communities there are adult classes in public elementary and high schools, vocational schools and even colleges. You can al.tend many of these classes without having to pay any tuition. In some schools you may have to pay a small fee There are also many kinds of private schools for adults.

In addition to schools, many industries and unions conduct ''on-the-job" training programs. Ln these programs you hear about new ideas and learn new skills. Many large companies will send an em­ployee to school if he has an ability.

You will have an advantage if you know more than one lan­guage. There are good jobs for interpreters, stenographers and typ­ists who know English and another language.

The person who docs not have a. high school diploma may get one in several ways:

1. He can study high school subjects - English, American histo­ry, mathematics — at home and take special examinations. If he passes the examinations, he may be eligible to receive a diploma.

2. He can go tu an evening school that grants a high school diploma upon completion of required courses. In this case he doesn't have to take special examinations

In America, opportunity knocks at every door. Be sure when it knocks at your door you are ready

III. Answer these questions'

1. How can you use your ability to speak the languages?

2. What is meant by " on-thc-job" training programs? 3- Where can you study typing or stenography? 4. How can you get a high school diploma'^ Make certain that your children get; " n; u^h education as they can- They can gel 12 years of edur: '^' '" i; i. 'is) cost.

IV. Read the sen ten cr below..

They will help you understand Lhe underlined words:

\A/^ 1- In order to get a better job,, you must be trained.

2. A person who finished high school gets a diploma.

3. She has the ability to speak two languages.

4. An interpreter explains in English what somebody else says in an ot her 1 an gu age..

5. Vocational schools train people for work in trades.

6. Many jobs require an elementary school certificate.

H^«S^, i«^ < " —

7. Free colleges require no tuTUon " ec< A-K.a-

V. Read the sentences in exercise HI. Then match the word on the left with the proper meaning on the right:

Words Meanings

1. vocational 1. taught to do a job

2. diploma 2 paper saying that a person hss graduated 3- trained ^.3. money paid for schooling

4. tuition 4. a person who explains in one language something that was said in a different language

5. ability 5. having to do with trades

6. interpreter 6. knowledge or skill needed to do a job