Bài Tập Trắc Nghiệm Chuyên Đề: Thông tin được nêu trực tiếp (Tiếng Anh Lớp 10, 11, 12)

Foot racing is a popular activity in the United States. It is seen not only as a competitive sport but also as a way to exercise, to enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people, and to donate money to a good cause. Though serious runners may spend months training to compete, other runners and walkers might not train at all. Those not competing to win might run in an effort to beat their own time or simply to enjoy the fun and exercise. People of all ages, from those of less than one year (who may be pushed in strollers) to those in their eighties, enter into this sport. The races are held on city streets, on college campuses, through parks, and in suburban areas, and they are commonly 5 to 10 kilometers in length.

The largest foot race in the world is the 12-kilometer Bay to Breakers race that is held in San Francisco every spring. This race begins on the east side of the city near San Francisco Bay and ends on the west side at the Pacific Ocean. There may be 80,000 or more people running in this race through the streets and hills of San Francisco. In the front are the serious runners who compete to win and who might finish in as little as 34 minutes. Behind them are the thousands 20 who take several hours to finish. In the back of the race are those who dress in costumes and come just for fun. One year there was a group of men who dressed like Elvis Presley, and another group consisted of firefighters who were tied together in a long line and who were carrying a fire hose. There was even a bridal party, in which the bride was dressed in a long white gown and the groom wore a tuxedo. The bride and groom threw flowers to bystanders, and they were actually married at some point along the route.

Very few people in the modern world obtain their food supply by hunting and gathering in the natural environment surrounding their homes. This method of harvesting from nature's provision is the oldest known subsistence strategy and has been practised for at least the last two million years. It was, indeed, the only way to obtain food until rudimentary farming and the domestication of wild animals were introduced about 10,000 years ago.

Because hunter-gatherers have fared poorly in comparison with their agricultural cousins, their numbers have dwindled, and they have been forced to live in marginal environments, such as deserts and arctic wastelands. In higher latitudes, the shorter growing seasons have restricted the availability of plant life. Such conditions have caused a greater dependence on hunting, and on fishing along the coasts and waterways. The abundance of vegetation in the lower latitudes of the tropics, on the other hand, has provided a greater opportunity for gathering a variety of plants. In short, the environmental differences have restricted the diet and have limited possibilities for the development of subsistence societies.

Contemporary hunter-gatherers may help us understand our prehistoric ancestors. We know from the observation of modern hunter-gatherers in both Africa and Alaska that a society based on hunting and gathering must be very mobile. While the entire community camps in a central location, a smaller party harvests the food within a reasonable distance from the camp. When the food in the area has become exhausted, the community moves on to exploit another site. We also notice seasonal migration patterns evolving for most hunter-gatherers, along with a strict division of labor between the sexes. These patterns of behavior may be similar to those practised by mankind during the Paleolithic Period.

Body language is a vital form of communication. In fact, it is believed that the various forms of body language contribute about 70 percent to our comprehension. It is important to note, however, that body language varies in different cultures. Take for example, eye movement. In the USA a child is expected to look directly at a parent or teacher who is scolding him/her. In other cultures the opposite is true. Looking directly at a teacher or parent in such a situation is considered a sign of disrespect.
Another form of body language that is used differently, depending on the culture, is distance. In North America people don't generally stand as close to each other as in South America. Two North Americans who don't know each other well will keep a distance of four feet between them, whereas South Americans in the same situation will stand two to three feet apart. North Americans will stand closer than two feet apart only if they are having a confidential conversation or if there is intimacy between them.
Gestures are often used to communicate. We point a finger, raise an eyebrow, wave an arm – or move any other part of the body – to show what we want to say. However, this does not mean that people all over the world use the same gestures to express the same meanings. Very often we find that the same gestures can communicate different meanings, depending on the country. An example of a gesture that could be misinterpreted is sticking out the tongue. In many cultures it is a sign of making a mistake, but in some places it communicates ridicule.
The dangers of misunderstanding one another are great. Obviously, it is not enough to learn the language of another culture. You must also learn its non-verbal signals if you want to communicate successfully. (Adapted from "Reading Academic English" by Judy Rapoport, Ronit Broder and Sarah Feingold)

New surveys suggest that the technological tools we use to make our lives easier are killing our leisure time. We are working longer hours, taking fewer and shorter vacations (and when we do go away, we take our cell phones, PDAs, and laptops along). And, we are more stressed than ever as increased use of e-mail, voice mail, cell phones, and the Internet is destroying any idea of privacy and leisure.
Since the Industrial Revolution, people have assumed that new labor-saving devices would free them from the burdens of the workplace and give them more time to grow intellectually, creatively, and socially - exploring the arts, keeping up with current events, spending more time with friends and family, and even just 'goofing off'. But here we are at the start of the 21st century, enjoying one of the greatest technological boom times in human history, and nothing could be further from the truth. The very tools that were supposed to liberate us have bound us to our work and study in ways that were inconceivable just a few years ago. It would seem that technology almost never does what we expect.
In 'the old days', the lines between work and leisure time were markedly clearer. People left their offices at a predictable time, were often completely disconnected from and out of touch with their jobs as they traveled to and from work, and were off-duty once they were home. That is no longer true. In today's highly competitive job market, employers demand increased productivity, expecting workers to put in longer hours and to keep in touch almost constantly via fax, cell phones, e-mail, or other communications devices. As a result, employees feel the need to check in on what is going on at the office, even on days off. They feel pressured to work after hours just to catch up on everything they have to do. Workers work harder and longer, change their work tasks more frequently, and have more and more reasons to worry about job security.
Bosses, colleagues, family members, lovers, and friends expect instant responses to voice mail and e-mail messages. Even college students have become bound to their desks by an environment in which faculty, friends, and other members of the college community increasingly do their work online. Studies of time spent on instant messaging services would probably show staggering use.
This is not what technology was supposed to be doing for us. New technologies, from genetic research to the Internet, offer all sorts of benefits and opportunities. But, when new tools make life more difficult and stressful rather than easier and more meaningful - and we are, as a society, barely conscious of it - then something has gone seriously awry, both with our expectations for technology and our understanding of how it should benefit us.

Since the 19th century, companies have looked for better and cleaner ways of creating electricity. One UK company has created a special type of floor made of square tiles. Under each square, there is a system that can create electricity very cheaply when someone steps on it!
The design of the floor works very well when it is used in very busy areas. And the reason is that a lot of energy is created simply because of the large numbers of people walking across the floor.
The floor can have other uses too; one of them is to record how many people visit a shopping centre. This kind of information is very useful for shop owners because very often they want to know at which times of days they have the highest numbers of customers. So the next time you visit a big shopping centre, have a careful look at the floor that you are walking across!
(Adapted from Preliminary for Schools Trainer)

Since the 19th century, companies have looked for better and cleaner ways of creating electricity. One UK company has created a special type of floor made of square tiles. Under each square, there is a system that can create electricity very cheaply when someone steps on it!

The design of the floor works very well when it is used in very busy areas. And the reason is that a lot of energy is created simply because of the large numbers of people walking across the floor.

The floor can have other uses too; one of them is to record how many people visit a shopping centre. This kind of information is very useful for shop owners because very often they want to know at which times of days they have the highest numbers of customers. So the next time you visit shopping centre, have a careful look at the floor that you are walking across!

(Adapted from Preliminary for Schools Trainer)

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered new ways of learning. All around the world, educational institutions are looking toward online learning platforms to continue with the process of educating students.
Online learning offers teachers an efficient way to deliver lessons to students. Online learning has a number of tools such as videos, PDFs, podcasts, and teachers can use all these tools as part of their lesson plans. By extending the lesson plan beyond traditional textbooks to include online resources, teachers are able to become more efficient educators.
Online education allows students to attend classes from any location of their choice. It also allows schools to reach out to a more extensive network of students, instead of being restricted by geographical boundaries. Additionally, online lectures can be recorded, archived, and shared for future reference. This allows students to access the learning material at a time of their comfort.
Another advantage of online learning is reduced financial costs. Online education is far more affordable as compared to physical learning. This is because online learning eliminates the cost points of student transportation, student meals, and most importantly, real estate. Additionally, all the course or study materials are available online, thus creating a paperless learning environment which is more affordable, while also being beneficial to the environment.
Every student has a different learning journey and a different learning style. Some students are visual learners, while some students prefer to learn through audio. Similarly, some students thrive in the classroom, and others are solo learners who get distracted by large groups. The online learning system, with its range of options and resources, can be personalized in many ways. It is the best way to create a perfect learning environment suited to the needs of each student.
(https://fedena.com/blog/2020/10/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-learning.html)

Have you ever noticed that your mood changes with the weather? There's a scientific reason for this. The amount of sunlight you get can affect your brain. Sunlight helps the brain produce a chemical called serotonin, which makes you feel happy and calm. On dark or rainy days, your body makes less serotonin, so you might feel tired, sad, or less energetic.

The weather also affects our circadian rhythms, the internal body clock that controls sleep patterns. Less daylight can disrupt these rhythms, leading to poor sleep and mental health. In addition, sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for brain health. When there is little sunlight, like in winter, people may not get enough of this vitamin, and this can worsen symptoms of depression. On dark days, your body produces more melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. Higher melatonin levels can make you feel drowsy and less motivated, reducing your desire to be active or social.

Some people are especially affected by seasonal changes. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during particular times of the year, usually in winter. Symptoms include low mood, exhaustion, sleep problems, and loss of appetite. On the other hand, very hot weather can also have a negative effect, increasing stress and triggering manic episodes in people with certain mental health conditions.

To manage these effects, experts recommend regular physical activity, even during bad weather. Outdoor time and movement can help boost energy and improve your mood. Being aware of how weather affects mental health can help you take positive steps to feel better throughout the year.

(Adapted from The Independent)

Have you ever noticed that your mood changes with the weather? There's a scientific reason for this. The amount of sunlight you get can affect your brain. Sunlight helps the brain produce a chemical called serotonin, which makes you feel happy and calm. On dark or rainy days, your body makes less serotonin, so you might feel tired, sad, or less energetic.

The weather also affects our circadian rhythms, the internal body clock that controls sleep patterns. Less daylight can disrupt these rhythms, leading to poor sleep and mental health. In addition, sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for brain health. When there is little sunlight, like in winter, people may not get enough of this vitamin, and this can worsen symptoms of depression. On dark days, your body produces more melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. Higher melatonin levels can make you feel drowsy and less motivated, reducing your desire to be active or social.

Some people are especially affected by seasonal changes. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during particular times of the year, usually in winter. Symptoms include low mood, exhaustion, sleep problems, and loss of appetite. On the other hand, very hot weather can also have a negative effect, increasing stress and triggering manic episodes in people with certain mental health conditions.

To manage these effects, experts recommend regular physical activity, even during bad weather. Outdoor time and movement can help boost energy and improve your mood. Being aware of how weather affects mental health can help you take positive steps to feel better throughout the year.

(Adapted from The Independent)

It is an undeniable fact that a woman's place was once in the home. In the past, women were merely required to fulfill the role of mother and housewife. Today, this situation has changed tremendously. If a woman possesses the attributes and qualities of her male counterpart, she will definitely be given equal opportunities in the career world without much bias. Therefore, women began to make the scene and, eventually, there was a steady flow of women leaving their homes. A certain vacuum or emptiness was thus created in the households. No more could the husbands turn to their wives after a hard day's work. Society marveled at the ability of women, but it also suffered at the realization of the important role that women play in their homes. Should women be allowed to work after marriage then? The answer is undoubtedly positive although this issue is highly debatable in terms of the nature of the professions involved. If a woman pursues her career but is at the same time able to care for her home and children, one simply cannot find any reason why she should not be allowed to do so.

A woman's influence is greatly needed in the home, on the children. What a child needs most is his mother's care because how the child is molded depends greatly on her. It is a real pity that women who leave their homes solely in search of a career seldom give a thought to this. The children, being helpless and dependent creatures, may have nobody to turn to at home, except servants or relatives. With the mother's back only after a hard day's toil, the children surely do not get much attention.

Whether a woman should continue to work after marriage would depend on the nature of her profession. It is a waste of resources if women, after seeking higher education, immediately abandon their careers after matrimony. A woman's effort can also contribute to the well- being and development of society. In the Malaysian context, a teacher is only required to work a five-day week with term holidays every now and then. Moreover, she is in school for only half of the day. The other half of the day can be devoted to her home. A teacher, besides educating the society, can fulfill the role of both mother and housewife. There are many other careers like those of nurses, clerks and typists where women can fulfill the double role.

Nevertheless, there are many professions which would not be advisable for women to indulge in after marriage. A public relations officer spends almost three-quarters of her time in her career. She has heavy tasks to shoulder which might require her to entertain others till odd hours at night. Women who venture into the business world should think twice before plunging into it. It would be beyond their means to fulfill two demanding roles at the same time.

As it is, a woman's most important responsibility still lies in her home. Without her around in the house, one just cannot bear to think of the consequences. Unless and until she can fulfill the basic role of a housewife and mother, she should not make a career her sole responsibility.

The hours we spend scrolling through our smartphones appear to be changing the shape of our skulls. This may be the reason why some people — especially the younger crowd — are developing a weird, bony spike just above their necks. This spike, known as an external occipital protuberance, appears at the lower end of the skull, and is sometimes so large, you can feel it by pressing your fingers on the base of your skull.
A study published in the Journal of Anatomy found that the spike was becoming more frequent — especially among 18 to 30-year-olds. David Shahar, the Australian health scientists who conducted the research, believes the development was triggered by prolonged use of smartphones or tablets. As people tilt their head forward to look at the screen, they put pressure on where the neck muscles meet the skull, so the body then develops more bone layers to be able to withstand it, said Shahar.
In the study, Shahar and a colleague looked at the radiographs of 218 young patients, aged 18 to 30, to determine how many had these spikes. In all, 41% of the group had an enlarged spike and 10% had an especially large spike measuring at least 0.7 inches (20 mm), the doctors found. In general, enlarged spikes were more common in males than in females. The largest spike belonged to a man, sticking out at 1.4 inches (35.7 mm).
Shahar believes that the spikes will continue to grow in size as people keep hunching over their handheld devices, but adds that they should not be very harmful and rarely cause serious medical issues. “But if you are experiencing discomfort, maybe you should try improving your posture,” he said.
(Adapted from breakingnewsenglish.com)

Lifelong learning is an essential part of personal and professional growth. People who continue learning throughout their lives can adapt to changes, improve skills, and stay competitive. However, despite the many benefits, lifelong learning presents several challenges that can make it difficult for individuals to keep learning consistently.

One major challenge is time management. Many people have busy schedules due to work, family, and other commitments, leaving little time for learning. Balancing these responsibilities with study hours can be overwhelming, and some may struggle to dedicate enough time to keep up with their learning goals. Finding a consistent schedule can be difficult, especially if learning is not directly related to their main job.

Another difficulty is staying motivated. Without a structured program or deadlines, many lifelong learners may lose interest or momentum over time. The lack of immediate rewards or feedback, as seen in traditional education, makes it hard for some to continue learning. Additionally, adult learners might face self-doubt or fear of failure, especially if they are learning something completely new.

A further challenge is access to resources. Lifelong learners may find it hard to get affordable, high-quality learning materials or programs. While online resources are more available than before, the wide variety of options can be confusing and expensive. Some learners may also lack the technical skills or equipment needed to take full advantage of digital resources.

Despite these challenges, lifelong learning remains valuable. Individuals who overcome these barriers can achieve personal fulfilment and professional success. Developing strategies to manage time, stay motivated, and find suitable resources is essential to making lifelong learning possible.

Walk into any high school today, and the atmosphere often feels heavy with an unspoken burden. Teenage anxiety has evolved from occasional pre-exam jitters into a pervasive, chronic psychological crisis, affecting millions of adolescents worldwide. Recent epidemiological studies reveal that the prevalence of severe anxiety among youth has skyrocketed, turning what was once considered a rare clinical anomaly into a defining, yet troubling, characteristic of this modern generation.
This alarming trend is driven by a convergence of intense modern pressures. Academically, students are navigating a hyper-competitive environment where the pursuit of perfection is relentlessly demanded by institutions and society alike. Furthermore, this educational burden is exacerbated by the pervasive influence of the digital landscape. Social media platforms subject teenagers to round-the-clock peer evaluation, algorithmic beauty standards, and the intense fear of missing out. Consequently, adolescents are trapped in a relentless loop of comparison that leaves their developing brains in a constant state of hyperarousal.
The ramifications of this prolonged distress are profound and multifaceted. Left unaddressed, chronic anxiety severely impairs cognitive function, leading to academic burnout and a complete loss of motivation. Physically, it manifests as severe insomnia and chronic fatigue, further weakening the adolescent's ability to cope. Faced with such overwhelming sensations, many teenagers resort to complete social withdrawal. It serves as a temporary shield against judgment, but ultimately deprives them of the vital interpersonal connections needed for healthy emotional growth.
Reversing this crisis requires a comprehensive, proactive approach rather than merely reacting to symptoms. [I] Schools must critically evaluate their high-stakes testing cultures and integrate emotional regulation training into the standard curriculum. [II] Parents, meanwhile, need to foster environments of unconditional support, prioritizing their children's mental well-being over academic accolades. [III] Acknowledging a teenager's struggle is crucial, but completely shielding them from every minor setback can inadvertently hinder their emotional maturity. [IV] Ultimately, equipping youth with robust coping mechanisms is the most effective way to foster genuine psychological resilience.

The use of Chatbot A.I in language teaching has revolutionized the way we approach language learning. These intelligent software programs offer a range of benefits that make language education more engaging, effective, and accessible.

One of the most significant benefits of Chatbot A.I in language teaching is the personalization it offers. Chatbots are capable of adapting to each student's learning style, pace, and ability, delivering lessons that are tailored specifically to their needs. This ensures that students receive instruction that is most relevant to them, leading to improved engagement and motivation.

Another advantage of Chatbot A.I is that it provides students with immediate feedback. Unlike a traditional classroom setting where students have to wait for a teacher to correct their mistakes, Chatbots can provide instant feedback on pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, helping them to identify and address their weaknesses in real-time.

The availability of Chatbot A.I technology 24/7 also makes language learning more accessible. Students can practice their language skills at any time, from anywhere, without having to worry about scheduling conflicts with a teacher. This flexibility means that language learning can become a more integral part of students' daily lives, helping to embed the new language more deeply in their minds.

Finally, Chatbot A.I provides an enjoyable and engaging experience for language learners. With its use of gamification techniques and interactive dialogues, Chatbots make language learning feel like a fun and engaging activity, rather than a chore.

[Sự sẵn có của công nghệ Chatbot A.I 24/7 cũng giúp việc học ngôn ngữ trở nên dễ tiếp cận hơn. Học sinh có thể thực hành các kỹ năng ngôn ngữ của mình bất cứ lúc nào, ở bất cứ đâu mà không phải lo lắng về việc xung đột lịch trình với giáo viên. Tính linh hoạt này có nghĩa là việc học ngôn ngữ có thể trở thành một phần không thể thiếu trong cuộc sống hàng ngày của học sinh, giúp ngôn ngữ mới ăn sâu hơn vào tâm trí các em.]

[Cuối cùng, Chatbot A.I mang đến trải nghiệm thú vị và hấp dẫn cho người học ngôn ngữ. Với việc sử dụng các kỹ thuật trò chơi hóa và đối thoại tương tác, Chatbot khiến việc học ngôn ngữ trở thành một hoạt động thú vị và hấp dẫn hơn là một việc vặt.]

In our busy, stress-filled modern times, how do people meet their life partner? In Britain, over 50% of single adults think that online dating provides the answer. Internet dating sites have become the most popular way to meet people. But is the Internet the ideal way to find their true love? The dating agencies think so. They are using science in an attempt to match people more closely with suitable partners. In the past, dating agencies just used a simple personality profile, and a hobbies and interests questionnaire to put people together. Now, however, more and more of them are using psychometric tests. These detailed psychological questionnaires were developed by scientists at the beginning of the twentieth century to recruit good spies for the First World War. Later they were used in business to find the right people for the right jobs. And now online dating agencies are using the same techniques. If you logged on to a dating agency today, you might have to answer over 200 questions about yourself and the kind of person you would like to meet. It would take a very long time.

But does it work? Yes, says Dr Tan Fellowes, a senior research scientist at one of the most popular agencies. It allows us to match people far more closely with compatible partners, so that there is a greater chance of success. So how does it work in real life? Here are two people's stories. Cathy is an attractive fitness instructor. "I was working long hours and wasn't meeting man that I was interested in, so I joined a dating agency," says Cathy. "I was matched with several men and one of them was David. When I first met him I wasn't impressed. But as we started talking, I discovered that we had a huge amount in common. I liked his attitude to life and the way he talked, and I realized that I really liked him. So, as a fitness instructor, I told him he had to get in shape!" Seven months later, Cathy and David got married. "And now I think he is the most gorgeous man in the world!" she says. Simon's experience was different. "I wanted a serious relationship and a friend suggested online dating. I had some very pleasant dates with some nice women and had a good time. All of them shared my interested film and travel, some were compatible, but there just wasn't that sparked of attraction. It was strange."

Dr Sarah Kenton agrees. She is the author of How to meet your Soulmate. She says, "Psychometric od testing is useful, but can't take account of attraction for someone because they have something you haven't got." As the old saying goes, "Opposites attract." So, perhaps science can help you find your perfect partner, but sometimes it's just down to chemistry.

(Adapted from Solutions by Paul Davies)

David Beckham is an English footballer who has played for Manchester United and Real Madrid, as well as representing his country 100 times. He moved to the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007 to increase the profile of football in America. He married Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and has become a worldwide celebrity, an advertising brand and a fashion icon.
Beckham was born in London in 1975. His parents were fanatical Manchester United supporters. His talent was obvious from an early age and he signed with Manchester United on his fourteenth birthday. He helped the youth team win several trophies and made his first team debut in 1995. He helped his team achieve considerable success in his eleven seasons with them.
Beckham has been runner-up twice as world football's best player. He won many trophies with Manchester United, including the Champions League, and won a league title with Real Madrid. He also captained his club and country. He was famously sent off in a match against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup. In 2003, Beckham received an honor for services to football from Britain's Queen.
Beckham has many interests off the soccer pitch and is rarely out of the headlines, especially concerning his marriage and children. He has established football academies in Los Angeles and London. In 2006 he was named a judge for the British Book Awards. He lives near Tom Cruise and the two are best buddies. Beckham is also a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.

David Beckham is an English footballer who has played for Manchester United and Real Madrid, as well as representing his country 100 times. He moved to the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007 to increase the profile of football in America. He married Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and has become a worldwide celebrity, an advertising brand and a fashion icon.
Beckham was born in London in 1975. His parents were fanatical Manchester United supporters. His talent was obvious from an early age and he signed with Manchester United on his fourteenth birthday. He helped the youth team win several trophies and made his first team debut in 1995. He helped his team achieve considerable success in his eleven seasons with them.
Beckham has been runner-up twice as world football's best player. He won many trophies with Manchester United, including the Champions League, and won a league title with Real Madrid. He also captained his club and country. He was famously sent off in a match against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup. In 2003, Beckham received an honor for services to football from Britain's Queen.
Beckham has many interests off the soccer pitch and is rarely out of the headlines, especially concerning his marriage and children. He has established football academies in Los Angeles and London. In 2006 he was named a judge for the British Book Awards. He lives near Tom Cruise and the two are best buddies. Beckham is also a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.

When it comes to education options for school-leavers, there are several paths to consider. One common option is pursuing higher education at a university or college. This path typically involves obtaining a bachelor's degree in a chosen field of study, which can provide a solid foundation for various career opportunities. Universities and colleges offer a wide range of academic programs, allowing school-leavers to explore their interests and specialize in areas that align with their career aspirations.

Another option for school-leavers is vocational education and training (VET) programs. VET emphasizes providing practical skills and knowledge that directly apply to specific industries or trades. These programs offer hands-on training, preparing individuals for careers in fields such as healthcare, information technology, construction, hospitality, and automotive industries. VET programs often include apprenticeships or internships, allowing students to gain valuable work experience while studying.

For those who prefer a more experiential approach, apprenticeships can be a valuable education option. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing school-leavers to earn while they learn. They provide a unique opportunity to gain practical skills and industry-specific knowledge directly from professionals in the field. Apprenticeships are available in a variety of industries, such as construction, culinary arts, electrical work, and healthcare.

Ultimately, the choice of education option for school-leavers depends on individual interests, goals, and learning preferences. Whether it's pursuing higher education at a university, enrolling in a vocational program, or embarking on an apprenticeship, each path offers distinct advantages and can lead to rewarding career paths. It's important for school-leavers to explore and evaluate these options carefully to make an informed decision that aligns with their aspirations and sets them on a path to success.

(Adapted from Education Week)

The sculptural legacy that the new United States inherited from its colonial predecessors was far from a rich one, and in fact, in 1776 sculpture as an art form was still in the hand of artisans and craftspeople. Stone carvers engraved their motifs of skulls and crossbones and other religious icons of death into the gray slabs that we still see standing today in old burial grounds. Some skilled craftspeople made intricately carved wooden ornamentations for furniture or architectural decorations, while others carved wooden shop signs and ships' figureheads. Although they often achieved expression and formal excellence in their generally primitive style, they remained artisans skilled in the craft of carving and constituted a group distinct from what we normally think of as "sculptors" in today's use of the word.

On the rare occasion when a fine piece of sculpture was desired, Americans turned to foreign sculptors, as in the 1770's when the cities of New York and Charleston, South Carolina, commissioned the Englishman Joseph Wilton to make marble statues of William Pitt. Wilton also made a lead equestrian image of King George III that was created in New York in 1770 and torn down by zealous patriots six years later. A few marble memorials with carved busts, urns, or other decorations were produced in England and brought to the colonies to be set in the walls of churches - as in King's Chapel in Boston. But sculpture as a high art, practiced by artists who knew both the artistic theory of their RenaissanceBaroque-Rococo predecessors and the various technical procedures of modeling, casting, and carving rich three-dimensional forms, was not known among Americans in 1776. Indeed, for many years thereafter, the United States had two groups from which to choose - either the local craftspeople or the imported talent of European sculptors.

The eighteenth century was not one in which powered sculptural conceptions were developed. Add to this the timidity with which unschooled artisans originally trained as stonemasons, carpenters, or cabinetmakers - attacked the medium from which they sculpture made in the United States in the late eighteenth century.

As technology rapidly advances and global challenges evolve, the landscape of future careers is undergoing significant transformation. Today’s students must prepare for jobs that may not yet exist, requiring a blend of adaptability, creativity, and continuous learning. The traditional notion of a linear career path is becoming obsolete, replaced by the concept of a career portfolio where individuals may pursue multiple professions throughout their lives.

Emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology are expected to drive job creation in the coming decades. These sectors demand a strong foundation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines, coupled with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. However, the importance of soft skills cannot be overstated. Emotional intelligence, communication, and cultural competence will be crucial in an increasingly interconnected global workforce.

The gig economy and remote work are reshaping traditional employment models. Many future professionals may find themselves working as independent contractors or freelancers, managing multiple projects simultaneously. This shift necessitates entrepreneurial skills, self-motivation, and the ability to navigate diverse work environments.

Lifelong learning will be paramount in staying relevant in the job market. As automation and AI continue to evolve, routine tasks are likely to be automated, emphasizing the need for uniquely human skills such as creativity, empathy, and complex problem-solving. Professionals must be prepared to upskill and reskill throughout their careers to adapt to changing industry demands.

While the future job market may seem uncertain, it also presents unprecedented opportunities for innovation and personal growth. By cultivating a growth mindset, embracing technological literacy, and developing a diverse skill set, today's students can position themselves for success in the dynamic career landscape of tomorrow.

(https://www.brookings.edu/articles/technology-and-the-future…)