Today, we’ll review eight “school life” terms that you can use to discuss choices, opportunities, and long-term planning on campus.. I’ll give you short definitions and example sentences. Next, I’ll show you how these terms might be used in real campus speech through a comic strip.
- Well rounded: Having a good amount of variety or a good balance of different things
Example use: Try to write essays on as many different subjects as possible; professors like to see well-rounded writing.
- Broad range: A group of things that are varied and different from each other
Example use: This campus has international students from a broad range of countries, including Latin American, East Asian, and Middle Eastern countries.
- Take advantage of: Use the opportunities one is given OR unfairly use a person or thing for one’s own benefit
Example use: Take advantage of the education you are getting, so that no one can take advantage of you and make you accept a low-paying job.
- Versus: Opposing each other. In sports, this can be abbreviated as “vs.”
Example use: I really want to go to the Colorado Nebraska football game on campus, but I’m trying to decide between doing my homework versus going to the game.
- Core curriculum: The most important classes in a degree or major
Example use: The core curriculum of my world history degree includes a general writing course and some courses that focus on the two World Wars.
- Practical training/skills: Training or skills that help someone do something important or necessary
Example use: The Academic Skills Center on campus can give you practical training for school life. You’ll learn practical skills like note-taking and time management.
- Workforce: A group of people that work
Example use: I can’t wait to join the workforce after I graduate. I hope I get a job in the software workforce, because I’m majoring in computer science.
- Better off: In a better situation or making a better choice
Example use: After you graduate, you will be better off moving to a bigger city that has more jobs.
Now, read this comic about “Vermin U,” a special university for rats and cockroaches. Notice the way the characters use the words above.
[UPDATE]: If you want more TOEFL comics like these, check out our 50 page TOEFL Comics eBook!
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