As a society we might want to rethink the time and money spent on education, so that these resources can benefit a greater

B3. Reading comprehension. Questions 1 to 5 are based on the following passage.

As a society we might want to rethink the time and money spent on education, so that these resources can benefit a greater percentage of the population. Ideally, both high schools and colleges can prepare individuals for the ever-changing roles that are likely to be expected of them.

High school degrees offer far less in the way of preparation for work than they might, or than many other nations currently offer, creating a growing skills gap in our economy. We encourage students to go on college whether they are prepared or not, or have a clear sense of purpose or interest, and now have the highest college dropout rate in the world.

We might look to other countries for models of how high schools can offer better training, as well as the development of a work ethic(勤奋工作的美德) and the intellectual skills needed for continued learning and development. I recommend Harvard's 2011 "Pathways to Prosperity" report for more attention to the "forgotten half" (those who do not go on to college) and ideas about how to address this issue.

Simultaneously, the liberal arts become more important than ever. In a knowledge economy where professional roles change rapidly and many college students are preparing for positions that may not even exist yet, the skill set needed is one that prepares them for change and continued learning.

Learning to express ideas well in both writing and speech, knowing how to find information, and knowing how to do research are all solid background skills for a wide variety of roles, and such training is more important than any particular major in a liberal arts college. We need to continue to value broad preparation in thinking skills that will serve for a lifetime.

Students also need to learn to work independently and to make responsible decisions. The lengthening path to adulthood appears exacerbated(恶化) by parental involvement in the college years. Given the rising investment in college education, parental concern is not surprising, but learning where and when to intervene (干涉)will help students take more ownership of the outcomes of these increasingly costly educations.

1. What kind of education does the author think is ideal?____

A) It benefits the great majority of the general population.

B) It prepares students to meet the future needs of society.

C) It encourages students to learn throughout their lives.

D) It ensures that students' expectations are successfully fulfilled.

2. What does the author say is the problem with present high school education?____

A) Ignoring the needs of those who don't go to college.

B) Teaching skills to be used right after graduation only.

C) Giving little attention to those having difficulty learning.

D) Creating the highest dropout rate in the developed world.

3. What characterizes a knowledge economy according to the passage?____

A) People have to receive higher education to qualify for a professional position.

B) Students majoring in liberal arts usually have difficulty securing a job.

C) New positions are constantly created that require people to keep learning.

D) Colleges find it hard to teach students how to cope with the changing economy.

4. What does the author think a liberal arts college should focus on?____

A) Solid background knowledge in a particular field.

B) Practical skills urgently needed in current society.

C) Basic skills needed for change and lifelong learning.

D) Useful thinking skills for advanced academic research.

5. What suggestion does the author offer to parents?____

A) Rethinking the value of higher education.

B) Investing wisely in their children's education.

C) Helping their children to bring their talent into full play.

D) Avoiding too much intervention in their children's education.