Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 38.
What does it take to graduate from university with a First?
Mark McArdle, first–class degree holder from the University of Lancaster, tells how he did it.
Don’t spend too much time at the student lounge, do turn up for most lectures and tutorials and do submit all coursework – eventually. That, I was told by a PhD student during fresher’s week, was all I needed to do to get a 2:2. For a 2:1, I’d require a better attendance record and have to work harder, but not at the expense of being cut off from civilization. And for a First I would have to become some sort of social outcast, go to even lecture and tutorial (scribbling notes madly), spend every waking moment immersed in academic books, and be among the last to be thrown out of the university library at 10 pm closing time.
Well, I did not give up my life for study. I didn't attend every lecture and tutorial. I didn’t write down every word spoken in lectures. I didn’t get 80% or more in every essay, project, test or exam. I was usually behind with my reading and occasionally mystified by the syllabus. Sometimes I couldn't be bothered to go to university and stayed at home instead. But I always knew where I was what I had to do and what not to bother with. And I always worked hard on the things that counted: assignments and exams.
Getting a degree is about learning, but it isn’t just about learning biology, history, English or whatever. It’s about understanding what you need to succeed − what, in fact, the university wants from you and what you will get in return. You have to have a feel for the education market and really sell your inspirations. What does the lecturer want? What is the essay marker searching for? Some students try to offer something not wanted. Others want to give very little − they steal the thoughts of others and submit them as their own. But they all want to be rewarded. Exchange, but don’t steal, and you’ll get a degree.
I could guarantee every book on my reading list was out on long loan from the university library within five seconds of the list being issued. This was worrying at first, but I quickly learned that it was impossible to read all of the books on an average reading list anyway. I sought shortcuts. Collections of selected readings or journal articles were excellent sources that often saved me the bother of reading the original texts. References in books dragged me all over the place but with all the courses I had to do, there wasn't enough time to be dragged too far. I would flick through the book, read the introduction, note any summaries, look at diagrams, skim the index, and read any conclusions. I plucked out what was needed and made my escape.
I revised by discarding subject areas I could not face revising, reading, compiling notes, and then condensing them onto one or two sheets of A4 for each subject area. Leading up to the exam, I would concentrate on just the condensed notes and rely on my memory to drag out the detail behind them when the time came. I didn’t practice writing exam questions, although it was recommended. I prefer to be spontaneous and open–minded. I don't want pre–formed conclusions filling my mind.
And nor should you; there is no secret to getting a First – this is just an account of how I got my First. Be a happy student by striking the right balance between working and enjoying yourself. Take what you do seriously and do your best. And, no matter what you do don’t forget to appreciate every day of your university studies: it is one of the greatest periods of your life.
Glossary:
University degree classifications in the UK:
– First class
– Upper second (2:1)
– Lower second (2:2)
– Third class (3)
All of the following are mentioned about factors that help the writer to succeed at university EXCEPT _______.
A. an understanding of what was required
B. regular attendance at lectures
C. selective reading
D. well–organizing revision
Melissa, runner
I started running about a year ago. At first, I just ran 1 or 2 kilometers, but I now do about 10. My speed is improving too. I have joined a running club in the town center. I didn't know any of the members before, but now most of them are my mates. My dad was a keen runner when he was younger - he was really fit, but he stopped when he hurt his leg. Actually, I need to order some new running shoes - just a simple pair. I don't think the expensive ones make you run faster!
Sharon, skateboarder
I go skateboarding most evenings in the park. I suppose that's quite a lot, but the park is only a minute or two from our apartment, and I only stay there half an hour or so. Although I stay longer when my friends are there. Sometimes my cousin's there too. He's a beginner, and I'm teaching him a few moves. He's starting to get really good!
Latifa, rock climber
Two of my best friends suggested I should start rock climbing, so now the three of us do it together. The mother of one of them takes us once or twice a month, but I'd like to do it every week. When I started, I didn't know you need to get so much stuff - and it isn't exactly cheap! I really love it. I don't think I''ll ever get bored of climbing!
1. Which person has made new friends because of her hobby? [ Select ] ["A. Melissa", "B. Sharon", "C. Latifa"]
2. Which person does her hobby near her home? [ Select ] ["A. Melissa", "B. Sharon", "C. Latifa"]
3. Which person says she is getting better at her hobby? [ Select ] ["A. Melissa", "B. Sharon", "C. Latifa"]
4. Which person does her hobby with a family member? [ Select ] ["A. Melissa", "B. Sharon", "C. Latifa"]
5. Which person wants to do her hobby more often? [ Select ] ["A. Melissa", "B. Sharon", "C. Latifa"]
6. Which person needs to buy something for her hobby? [ Select ] ["A. Melissa", "B. Sharon", "C. Latifa"]
7. Which person says her hobby was more expensive than she thought? [ Select ] ["A. Melissa", "B. Sharon", "C. Latifa"]
. Which person has made new friends because of her hobby? [ Select ] ["A. Melissa", "B. Sharon", "C. Latifa"]
2. Which person does her hobby near her home? [ Select ] ["A. Melissa", "B. Sharon", "C. Latifa"]
3. Which person says she is getting better at her hobby? [ Select ] ["A. Melissa", "B. Sharon", "C. Latifa"]
4. Which person does her hobby with a family member? [ Select ] ["A. Melissa", "B. Sharon", "C. Latifa"]
5. Which person wants to do her hobby more often? [ Select ] ["A. Melissa", "B. Sharon", "C. Latifa"]
6. Which person needs to buy something for her hobby? [ Select ] ["A. Melissa", "B. Sharon", "C. Latifa"]
7. Which person says her hobby was more expensive than she thought? [ Select ] ["A. Melissa", "B. Sharon", "C. Latifa"]