☰ Contents · English

State and private education; the debate

Lessons 20–21 · 2 lessons · L. Jurayev, M. Abdullayeva, H. Tuhtarova, S. Khan, L. Tsoy, K. Inogamova, L. Matskevich, R. Ziryanova. Fly High English 9 (English, Grade 9), revised and expanded 2nd edition. “Yangiyo‘l Poligraf Servis”, Tashkent, 2014
20

State versus private education

Textbook: p. 34
GoalDiscussing state and private schools: advantages and disadvantages, giving opinions, agreeing and disagreeing (So do I, Neither do I).
New words
advantage · afzallikdisadvantage · kamchilikstrict discipline · qat’iy intizomco-ed · o‘g‘il va qizlar birga (aralash)
Explanation

A state school is free; for a private school parents pay. Possible advantages of private schools: smaller classes, stricter discipline and more extra-curricular activities. Disadvantages: the cost, and not every child can attend. To give an opinion: I think / I believe / In my opinion ... . To agree: So do I. / I do too. (after a positive statement) and Neither do I. / Nor do I. (after a negative statement). To disagree: Sorry, I don’t agree. / I’m not sure about that. Important: So + auxiliary + subject: I like the idea. – So do I. I don’t like it. – Neither do I. The auxiliary must match the tense of the first sentence: I can swim. – So can I.

Worked examples
A: I think smaller classes are a big advantage. B: So do I. They help the teacher to know everyone. C: Sorry, I don’t agree. Good teaching matters more than class size.
A: I don’t want to pay high fees. B: Neither do I. A: I can’t afford them anyway. B: Nor can I.
Class activity

“Do you agree?”: the teacher gives an opinion (I love long holidays) and pupils answer fast with So do I or Sorry, I don’t agree.

Practice
1
Answer: I like team sports. – ___ I.
2
Answer: I don’t like noisy classrooms. – ___ do I.
3
Give one advantage and one disadvantage of private schools.
4
Why do we say “So can I” and not “So do I” after “I can swim”?