According to the latest survey by the Asian Development Bank, Asian parents are spending billions of dollars on private tutors (家庭教师) for their children and the practice is growing despite doubts about its effectiveness.
“Shadow education” is an expanding business not only in wealthy countries, but also in some of the region’s poorer nations as parents try to give their children the best start in life, the study saiD. Nearly nine out of 10 South Korean elementary pupils receive private tutoring, while the figure for primary school children in India’s West Bengal state stands at six out of 10.
The study estimated that the costs of private tutoring in South Korea were equivalent (相等的) to 80 percent of government spending on public education. Japan spent $ 12 billion on extra teaching in 2011, while the figure for Singapore stood at US $ 680 million in 2009.
Extra academic work aims to help slow learners and support high achievers. Many Asian parents view it as a constructive way for adolescents (青少年) to spend their spare time. However, it can also reduce the students’ time for sports and other activities important for their overall development as well as cause social tensions as richer families are able to pay for better-quality tutoring, the study said.
The study calls for a review of educational systems to make such extra teaching less attractive.
25. Why is “Shadow education” an expanding business?
A. Because parents want to spend their money.
B. Because children don’t want to go to school.
C. Because parents want their children to stay with teachers.
D. Because parents want to give their children the best start in life.
26. According to the article, what is the purpose of extra academic work?
A. To aid slow learners and support high achievers.
B. To prepare children for all kinds of academic contests.
C. To gain the most knowledge students can’t get in class.
D. To increase children’s hobbies and interests in many fields.
27. Which disadvantage of extra academic work is NOT mentioned?
A. Causing social tensions.
B. Spending more extra money.
C. Lacking the chance to communicate with others.
D. Reducing the students’ time for sports and other activities.
28. What is the text mainly about?
A. The government policy on educational systems.
B. How to provide the best education for children.
C. The importance for children’s overall development.
D. The reasons for the popularity of private tutors for children.