Paul Harris talks about how he studied by distance learning before going to university – B1 English Reading Test

Paul Harris talks about how he studied by distance learning before going to university

I didn’t follow the normal route to university. Most of my teenage friends stayed on at school, passed their exams, chose their favourite university and continued their education. I couldn’t wait to get to work and left without any qualifications, feeling that having a salary was more important. I spent a few years doing different jobs but always wondered what might have happened if I had followed my friends’ example.

It was ten years later, in my late twenties, and after I discovered a love of history, that I finally decided I wanted to go to university. I thought about giving up my job and spending a year at college getting the exams I needed for university, but I couldn’t afford to do this. So I decided to study on a distance-learning course and keep my job. This was long before the internet and online learning. My course consisted of a parcel brought by the postman with all the books I needed for the year, a study plan and the contact details of my tutors. No telephone number, just an address of a business where I had to post my work.

I would spend a week or two studying the next unit, write an essay and post it to the tutor. I would then wait, usually for at least two weeks, for the tutor’s reply. It was always a very exciting moment when the postman arrived and I opened the envelope to see how well I had done. My tutor’s comments were always very helpful, though I often wished I could phone him for the chance to discuss some of the things he had written.

I passed the exams and did indeed go to university. And the distance-learning course taught me the importance of hard work and the need to focus. It wasn’t easy studying like this without the technology available today. I wasn’t able to ask the questions I had and get the quick response that communication tools now make possible. But I also think it was much easier to concentrate then. There was no mobile phone to turn to every five minutes or social media to follow. I’m glad I did it my way.

1   How did Paul feel about going to university when he left school?

      A   He wanted to be like his friends.

      B   He didn’t think he could get the qualifications he needed.

      C   He wanted to earn money.

      D   He regretted not going.

2   Paul chose a distance-learning course

      A   because he loved his job.

      B   so he could continue working.

      C   because he couldn’t find a history course at college.

      D   because it was too late to go to college.

3   What does Paul say about the course?

      A   He would have liked more contact with his tutor.

      B   He didn’t understand his tutor’s comments.

      C   His tutor’s handwriting was difficult to read.

      D   The post service was very poor.

4   Paul thinks that

      A   he would have done even better if the internet had existed.

      B   it was difficult to focus during his studies.

      C   online learning is more effective.

      D   the internet can make studying difficult.

5   What would be a good introduction to this article?

      A   Paul Harris warns against choosing distance learning after his negative experiences.

      B   Forget college: distance learning is the best way to get that university place, says Paul Harris.

      C   Paul Harris describes his experiences of studying at a distance without the use of modern technology.

      D   Distance learning should be avoided if you are not serious about your goal, writes Paul Harris.