English Recordings

Costa Rica was one of the first nations in Central and South America to offer free public education. On average, there are about twenty-eight students in a classroom. Students are required to wear uniforms from ages 6 to 15, and supply their own lunches and snacks. The school year in Costa Rica runs from February to December. Students have vacation for about two months, from December to February, and a few weeks off in July.
In addition to the regular subjects–Spanish, math, and science–all Costa Rican schools now teach students English and computer science.

The school year in China typically runs from the beginning of September to mid-July. Summer vacation is generally spent in summer classes or studying for entrance exams. The average school day runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a two-hour lunch break. Formal education in China lasts for nine years. China provides all students with uniforms.
There are about 21 students in each classroom. All Chinese students study from textbooks that emphasize China’s unity, past and present accomplishments, and its future. Students in China also have great access to computer technology, with a computer to student ratio of 1:2.

Brazil shares the same summer months as Australia. The school day in Brazil runs from 7 a.m. to noon, and students usually go home at noon to have lunch with their family. Most schools require students to wear a uniform.
Students study many subjects including Portuguese, which is the national language of Brazil.

Students in Australia attend school for 200 days a year, from January to December. Summer vacation for Australian students is from mid December to late January. Students have two weeks of vacation between each term. The school day is from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and lunch is eaten at school. The average class size is eighteen students and there are about six computers per classroom.

School should start at 7:00am, so it’s over earlier.

I don’t agree with you. I need more sleep.

I think school lunch should offer Pizza everyday!

I’m with you!

Do you think 45 minutes of English class is enough?

I don’t think so.

Starbucks has great coffee!

I think so, too.

I think video games are bad for students.

I agree, they are a waste of time!
Playing sports is much better.

Have you ever been to London?

Yes, of course!

Have you ever seen Lord Voldemort?

No, I haven’t.

Have you ever done magic at home?

Yes, I have.

Have you ever broken your wand?

Yes, I have.

Have you ever broken your arm?

Yes, I have.

School should start at 7:00am, so it’s over earlier.

I don’t agree with you. I need more sleep.

I think school lunch should offer Pizza everyday!

I’m with you!

Do you think 45 minutes of English class is enough?

I don’t think so.

Starbucks has great coffee!

I think so, too.

I think video games are bad for students.

I agree, they are a waste of time!
Playing sports is much better.

A．I can't believe we didn't even make it to the semi-finals.
B．We practiced everyday and did our best.
A．Oh, well, all that for nothing, right?

A．We made no profit on this project.
B．What? You were working so hard.
A．I know. All that for nothing.

A．Sorry, I'm running late.
B．Where are you? We're all waiting for you.
A．You go ahead and start without me.