20090916 -- The School Debate (2)

The School Debate

Conversation B

Beth: Perhaps, but on the flip side, single-sex schools are able to break down gender stereotypes that may form when boys and gils go to school together.

Adam: Are you arguing that in single-sex education boys are more like to enroll in theather or music or arts courses and girls in math or science course?

Beth: That's exactly what I'm saying. In coed schools, boys are less likely to enroll in these courses for fear of looking feminine. Likewise, females avoid math and science because these courses are typically associated with males.

Adam: I see your point; however, in my mind there are still several problems with single-sex education.

Beth: Hear me out, Adam. Consider this: Single-sex education enhances students success because teachers can use techniques and learning style geared toward the gender of their students. After all, students have shown that girls and boys learn in very different ways.

Adam: Unfortunately, using gender-specific learning styles may not always be effective. In fact, in some cases it could even be harmful.

Beth: Well, single-sex education may not be perfect, but there are definitely people who benefit from it - like females, minorities and low-income students.

Adam: I think that the bottom line is that all students can thrive when the elements of good teaching are present. It doesn't matter whether it's in a single-sex or a coed setting.




flip side n. 另一面/反面/負面
=> the opposite side
eg: Unfortunately, the flip side of her usually kind and gentle personality is a quick temper.
eg: The flip side of social welfare is that people begin to rely on the government for their money.
eg: The flip side of industrializaion is more pollution.

gender n. 性別
eg: A person's gender should not determine his or her worth. All people should be treated equally.

likewise adv. 反之亦然/同樣地/照樣地
=> in addition, also
eg: For people to be healthy, it is important they eat nutritious food. Likewise, they should exercise regularly.
eg: We often complained about our parents when we were young. Likewise, our children will complain about us.
eg: I took the flu shot, and I suggest you to do likewise.

bottom line n. 結果/很重要的事
=> the most important part
eg: The buttom line is that smoking is bad for your health and can lead to medical problems.
eg: The bottom lie is if the company doesn't get this loan, they'll have to end their business.
eg: We might face many problems now, but the bottom line is to make the sales grow.

hear out　聽完

stereotype n. 陳規/刻板模式

feminine adj. 女性的/婦女的


//== Chat room ==//

female adj. 女性的(表示人類/動物/植物)
feminine adj. 女性特有的/女子般的(通常表示溫柔的、纖弱的)
womanly adj. 成年女人般的
womanlike adj. 女人般的(少用)

male adj. 男性的/雄性的
masculine adj. 陽剛的
manly adj. 具有男子氣概的
manlike adj. 具有人類特性的動物

//== Grammer on the go ==//

In coed schools, boys are less likely to enroll in these courses for fear of looking feminine.
=> In coed schools, boys are less likely to enroll in these courses in order to avoid looking feminine.

for fear of
=> in order to avoid, prevent from

eg: Johnny decided to go to the airport early for fear of getting stuck in traffic.
eg: Karen doesn't want to leave her office for fear of missing an important phone call.