LESSON
READING
Identify facts and opinions
7
GET READY
Henry is reading an online article about the value of a college education.
Guess: What percent of jobs require a two- or four-year college degree?
75%
40%
20%
READ
Listen and read the article. Was your guess correct?
Education Brings Many
Advantages
Dr. Diego E. Gonzalez,
Director of the National
Center on Education and the
Workforce
I believe that a college
education is a good idea for many reasons. With
a degree, you’ll earn more money. According to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a worker with a
bachelor’s degree can make 40% more money than
a worker with only a high school diploma. You’ll also
have an easier time finding a job. The National
Governors’ Association predicts that by 2014, 75%
of jobs will require a two- or four-year degree.
However, an education brings much more than
just financial rewards. It’s a chance for
self-improvement. In earning a degree, you’ll
gain knowledge and skills. You’ll learn to think
critically. And you’ll develop strong work habits
and self-confidence.
Finally, in earning a degree, you’ll develop a
network of friends within your career field.
These are people that you can turn to when
you need help.
A college degree will give you clear advantages in
life. Give yourself this opportunity.
College Isn’t Always a Good
Investment
Susan F. Jacobsen, author of
“Rip Off U: Why College
Doesn’t Pay”
A college degree is not
right for everyone. College
is expensive. According to the College Board,
the average cost of a public, four-year college is
$20,100 per year. The cost of a public, two-year
college is $12,398. For most students, this means
taking out loans, which must be repaid after
graduation. Often the jobs that you can get with
these degrees don’t pay enough to justify the
investment.
Two to four years is a big investment in time.
For many careers, this time could be better spent
working. Instead of sitting in a classroom, you
could be earning money and gaining job skills
and experience.
Many people have been highly successful without
earning a degree. Look at Apple CEO Steve Jobs
and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. Both men
are college dropouts.
Talent and hard work are the real keys to success.
Find your own path!
Is College Worth It?
We asked two experts whether a two- or four-year college degree is still worth
the investment. Here are their arguments:
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UNIT 10
