Warm Up
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What was your least favorite subject?
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Reading
Most Japanese Parents Say Money is Key to Education
Sony Life Insurance in Japan asked 1,000 people for their opinions on education. They found that people thought money was important. 65% of Japanese parents said they "strongly" or "somewhat" agreed that children's academic ability depends on how much is spent on their education. 63% said they want to spend more money on their children's education than on preparing for retirement.
Almost 60% said they would like to spend money on English education for their children, at an average of 6,988 yen per month, or about $65. Only 44.2% want to spend more money on cram school than they do on sports and art activities, showing that academic ability was not the only thing the parents thought was important.
Parents of preschool children were asked how much they expected to spend on their children's education from the beginning of elementary school to the end of university. The average amount was 13.8 million yen, or about $130,000.
Reading Comprehension
How many people took Sony Life Insurance's survey?
What percentage of Japanese parents said they would like to spend money on English education for their children?
How much do parents spend on average for English education?
Discussion Questions
What are your thoughts on Sony Life Insurance's findings?
Do you believe that a child's academic ability depends on how much is spent on their education? Why? Why not?
If you had kids, what occupations would you encourage them to consider? Why?
What celebrities from your country do you look up to most? Why?
Would you rather be a public servant, doctor, nurse, or pharmacist? Why?
Who's the most successful person you know? Please describe them.
Is higher education expensive in your country? Please explain your answer.
If you were to start your education all over again, would you do anything differently? Please explain your answer.
What would you say is the most important thing you learned in school or university? Please explain your answer.
Nine tenths of education is encouragement. – Anatole France. What do you make of this statement?
