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Suggested terms: VOA Special English Education Report
Click one for hint, twice for full word
go on to
Meaning: To continue to the next level or stage.
Example: Students may go on to a four-year university after community college.
major in
Meaning: To specialize academically in a particular subject.
Example: Students who major in science receive a Bachelor of Science degree.
take classes in
Meaning: To study subjects within a specific field.
Example: After two years, students take classes in their major area of study.
full-time study
Meaning: Studying with a full academic workload, usually during the day.
Example: A master’s degree generally requires two to three years of full-time study.
earn a degree
Meaning: To complete the required coursework to receive an academic qualification.
Example: Students can earn a doctorate after many years of study.
community college
IPA (UK): /kəˈmjuː.nə.ti ˌkɒl.ɪdʒ/
IPA (US): /kəˈmjuː.nə.t̬i ˌkɑː.lɪdʒ/
Meaning: A two‑year school offering associate degrees and lower‑cost education.
Meaning: A two‑year school offering associate degrees and lower‑cost education.
Example: Many students start at a community college to save money.
associate degree
IPA (UK): /əˈsəʊ.si.ət dɪˈɡriː/
IPA (US): /əˈsoʊ.si.ət dɪˈɡriː/
Meaning: A two‑year academic degree awarded by community colleges.
Meaning: A two‑year academic degree awarded by community colleges.
Example: Students earn an associate degree after completing two years of study.
bachelor’s degree
IPA (UK): /ˈbætʃ.əl.əz dɪˈɡriː/
IPA (US): /ˈbætʃ.əl.ɚz dɪˈɡriː/
Meaning: A four‑year undergraduate degree such as a BA or BS.
Meaning: A four‑year undergraduate degree such as a BA or BS.
Example: Many students transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
doctorate (PhD)
IPA (UK): /ˈdɒk.tər.ət/
IPA (US): /ˈdɑːk.tər.ət/
Meaning: The highest academic degree, requiring many years of research.
Meaning: The highest academic degree, requiring many years of research.
Example: A doctorate can take six years or more to complete.
major (noun)
IPA (UK): /ˈmeɪ.dʒər/
IPA (US): /ˈmeɪ.dʒɚ/
Meaning: A student’s main field of academic study.
Meaning: A student’s main field of academic study.
Example: Students choose a major after completing general subjects.
Other Listening Exercises
Colleges and Degrees
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