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Comparing education systems

Lessons 16–17 · 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
16

Education in Uzbekistan and the USA

Textbook: p. 28
GoalComparing education systems: types of school, ages and grades; the same as, different from, similar to.
New words
kindergarten · bolalar bog‘chasielementary school · boshlang‘ich maktabmiddle school · o‘rta bosqich maktabiprivate school · xususiy maktab
Explanation

Every country has stages of education. In the USA the school system is roughly: kindergarten (age 5), elementary school (grades 1–5), middle school (grades 6–8), high school (grades 9–12). Most children go to free public schools, and some go to private schools where parents pay. In the USA schools are run mainly by the states and local school districts, so subjects and spending vary a little from state to state. In Uzbekistan there is pre-school education, general secondary school, and after Grade 9 pupils can continue at school or move to vocational education. Comparison phrases: A is the same as B; A is different from B; A is not the same as B; A is similar to B; both ... and ... .

Worked examples
School starts at different ages: American children usually begin kindergarten at five, while many Uzbek children attend pre-school from the age of three. Both countries have free state schools.
Public schools in the USA are similar to state schools in Uzbekistan because both are free. Many American private schools, however, are run by religious groups, and parents pay fees.
Class activity

“Same or different?”: fill a table for two countries; pairs find four similarities and four differences.

Practice
1
Which grades does a US middle school include?
2
Complete: Public schools are different ___ private schools. (from / than)
3
Say the difference between a private school and a public school.
4
Why do subjects differ a little from state to state in the USA?