Higher education: discussing pros and cons
1
Think about these questions before reading. Share your ideas with a partner.
- When you were a teenager, what was the most popular or common path after finishing high school in your country?
- Some people say a university degree is essential for a good career. What do you think and why?
- What is more important when choosing a career: a high salary or a job you are passionate about? Explain your choice.
2
University or Work?
Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.
3
Answer these questions in your own words. Support your answers with evidence from the article.
01According to the dialogue, what are Marco's financial concerns about going to university?
Sample answerMarco is concerned about having to take out a big loan to go to university and is worried about the debt he would have.
02What alternative to university or getting a job right away does Emma suggest?
Sample answerEmma suggests that Marco could look into apprenticeships, where he could learn skills and earn money at the same time.
03What is Marco's main concern about getting a job instead of going to university?
Sample answerHe is worried that he might get a foot in the door but then end up stuck in a job that he doesn't enjoy.
04How does Emma show she is a supportive friend at the end of the conversation?
Sample answerShe tells him that the most important thing is to find a path that excites him, and she promises to support him whatever he decides.
4
Key vocabulary for making decisions
Vocabulary
These expressions will help you discuss your options and future plans more naturally.
Examples
Weigh the pros and cons — to think carefully about the advantages and disadvantages of a situation before making a decision.
Usage note: This is a common and useful phrase for any kind of decision-making, from choosing a university to buying a new phone.
Take out a loan — to borrow money from a bank or financial institution, which you must pay back later.
Usage note: We often use this phrase with 'student loan'. For example, 'Many students have to take out a loan to pay for tuition fees.'
Get a foot in the door — to get your first opportunity to work in a particular company or industry.
Usage note: This is an informal idiom. It's often used when talking about internships or entry-level jobs that could lead to a better position later.
End up (doing something) — to finally be in a particular situation or place, especially one you didn't plan.
Usage note: This phrasal verb is great for talking about how career paths can change. For example, 'He studied law but ended up becoming a chef.'
In the long run — over a long period of time in the future.
Usage note: Use this phrase to talk about the future results of a decision. For example, 'Studying abroad is expensive, but it's a good investment in the long run.'
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University and career vocabulary
Learn some key words for talking about education and jobs after school.
Match each word on the left with its definition on the right.
Drag or click to match
Definitions
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Grammar: First conditional
Grammar
We use the first conditional to talk about a real possibility in the future. It's perfect for discussing the potential results of your decisions about university or a career. The structure helps us link an action to its likely outcome.
Examples
If I study engineering, I will have good job opportunities.
The 'if' clause uses the present simple for the condition, and the main clause uses 'will' + infinitive for the result.
You'll get into a lot of debt if you choose an expensive university.
The clauses can be reversed, but we don't use a comma when the 'if' clause comes second.
If she doesn't get a scholarship, she might have to get a part-time job.
We can use other modal verbs like 'might', 'could', or 'may' instead of 'will' if the result is possible but less certain.
Key points
- Structure: If + present simple, ... will/might/could + infinitive.
- Use it for real and likely situations in the future, not imaginary ones.
- Common mistake: Never use 'will' in the 'if' part of the sentence.
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Find the mistake
Read the sentences below. Each one has a mistake. Can you find it and fix it?
Each sentence contains one error. Find and correct it.
01If she will get good grades, she will be able to study medicine.
Corrected version
If she will get gets good grades, she will be able to study medicine.
02Going to university is a big financial invest for many families.
Corrected version
Going to university is a big financial invest investment for many families.
03A job in the city is often more better paid than one in the countryside.
Corrected version
A job in the city is often more better paid than one in the countryside.
04Many students need to take on a loan to pay for their tuition fees.
Corrected version
Many students need to take on out a loan to pay for their tuition fees.
05The number of graduates look for a job is increasing every year.
Corrected version
The number of graduates look looking for a job is increasing every year.
06She wants to get a foot in door of the tech industry with an internship.
Corrected version
She wants to get a foot in the door of the tech industry with an internship.
07Studying abroad can be a great experience, but it's often expensiver.
Corrected version
Studying abroad can be a great experience, but it's often expensiver. more expensive.
08If you don't choose your degree carefully, you might end up with a lot of debt on the long run.
Corrected version
If you don't choose your degree carefully, you might end up with a lot of debt on in the long run.
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Useful phrases: giving advice about future plans
Vocabulary
You are talking to a friend who is trying to decide what to do after high school. Use these phrases to give your opinion and offer advice in a supportive way.
Examples
Have you thought about...? — use this to gently introduce a new idea or option.
Register: informal/neutral. This is a great way to suggest an alternative without sounding too direct or pushy. For example: 'Have you thought about taking a gap year?'
If I were you, I'd probably... — use this to give direct, personal advice.
Register: informal. This phrase is very common for giving friendly advice. It clearly states what you would do in their situation. For example: 'If I were you, I'd probably choose the course with better job opportunities.'
It's worth considering... — use this to highlight an important factor they should think about.
Register: neutral. This is a more objective way to introduce a practical point. For example: 'It's worth considering the cost of living in that city.'
On the other hand,... — use this to present a contrasting point or a disadvantage.
Register: neutral. This phrase is perfect for showing you are looking at both the pros and cons of a situation. For example: 'That university has a great reputation. On the other hand, it's very expensive.'
The most important thing is to... — use this to emphasize what you believe is the main priority.
Register: informal/neutral. Use this to bring the conversation back to the most critical point, which is often the friend's own happiness or interests. For example: 'The most important thing is to choose a subject you enjoy.'
Whatever you decide, I'll support you. — use this to offer reassurance and end the conversation positively.
Register: informal. This is a very kind and supportive phrase to show that your friendship matters more than their decision. It helps reduce the pressure they might be feeling.
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Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.
Word bank
01Many students have to take out a student to pay for their tuition fees.
02Before you decide, you need to the pros and cons of each university.
03If you don't enjoy your studies, you might up dropping out of the course.
04Choosing a university is a big step in your future path.
05It's a lot of hard work, but in the run, it will be worth it.
10
Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.
- In your country, is it common for students to take out a loan for university? What are the pros and cons of this system?
- Some people believe it's better to start working right after high school to get a foot in the door rather than go to university. Do you agree? What are the benefits of each path in the long run?
- Imagine a young person is passionate about art but knows that artists often don't earn much money. What advice would you give them? Should they follow their passion, or choose a more practical career so they don't end up with financial problems?