Senior high school life is a challenging but rewarding journey that requires a lot of acknowledgement,     1    , and resilience(恢复力). Students face various     2     , such as academic pressure, peer pressure, identity issues, and emotional problems. They also have to deal with     3     from teachers, parents, and themselves. They have to follow the rules and regulations of the school, which may     4     some of their behaviors or preferences. They have to balance their studies, extracurricular activities, and social life.

However, senior high school life also offers many opportunities for     5     one’s skills, knowledge, and personality. Students can explore their interests and talents in different fields and subjects. They can participate in     6     competitions and events     7     for higher education or career paths. They can learn from their teachers, mentors, and peers who can provide guidance and support. They can also enjoy the friendship of their classmates and     8     by their friends who share their joys and sorrows.

Senior high school life is a     9     and memorable stage of one’s life that     10     in many books, movies, and songs so far. It is a time when students can discover themselves and the world around them. It is a time when diverse and     11     resources and opportunities can be     12     to enrich their learning and growth. It is a time when students can be     13     or confident,     14     or rigidly,     15     or moderately, depending on their choices and consequences. Senior high school life is a time when students can shape their future and destiny.

High School Life in the UK and US

High school life in the United Kingdom and the United States exhibits both similarities and differences. One key difference that is     1     noticeable is the structure of the educational systems in these two countries.

In the UK, high school is commonly referred to as “secondary school” for students aged 11-18, while in the US, high school typically consists of a four-year period. British students typically study a broad range of subjects in preparation for their     2     exams such as GCSEs and A-levels. Likewise, standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are often required for American college admissions. These exams play a crucial role in determining university admissions, and students are usually    3     by academic challenges.

Apart from academic challenges, the pandemic has significantly disrupted high school experiences in both countries. At that time, schools     4     to be traditional learning environments, with many students transitioning to online classes and virtual learning platforms. As a result, the usual in-person gatherings such as school    5     have been replaced by virtual ones conducted through video conferencing software.

Despite these differences and challenges, both the UK and the US emphasize the importance of     6     learning experiences. Group projects and sports teams provide opportunities for students to work together towards common goals. However, students in both countries start     7     that they are being unfairly graded and treated. For example, the New York State Education Department has been accused of     8     scores to artificially boost graduation rates. Additionally, peer pressure and social dynamics have led to bullying(欺凌) and even acts of     9     from those bullied.

By understanding and learning from each other’s educational practices, we can continue to improve the overall educational experience for students in both countries as well as other     10     of the communities served by these educational systems.

College Rankings Are Something, but Not Everything

I am always confused when reading statements like “Princeton University is the number one college in the United States.” Are those who attend Princeton inherently brighter than their     1    ? Is Princeton able to produce more geniuses upon graduation?

High-ranking colleges in global education leagues attract greater talent in staff and students, and     2     better facilities, therefore generating more profits. In the United States, however, this virtuous cycle can turn vicious when financially-challenged parents end up spending their life savings on their children’s education, while     3     individuals can simply buy their way in. Besides, these rankings face criticism for potentially influencing colleges to make minor adjustments in     4     to improve their position on the table.

I didn’t care about college rankings for years until I recently saw something different. This past October, Shanghai Ranking Consultancy     5     the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023, which assesses universities worldwide across 55 subjects in five disciplines. It is said to employ a more in-depth     6     to evaluate the performance of universities. And this makes it easier for prospective students to choose the best college for their specific subject. But how much weight should you give to these rankings?

In my opinion, college rankings can serve as a reference, offering a     7     into the reputation and strengths of institutions. However, they should not be the only determining factor for you. There are many aspects to a university education that can only be     8     when you are clear about your goals.

I once taught a three-month program to prepare university students for overseas exchange programs in England. But some of them displayed low     9    . It wasn’t merely due to a language barrier. These individuals seemed to lack communication skills, critical thinking and, more importantly, a     10     of purpose, which might help determine their future academic quality. After all, what lies in the heart of education is “U” .