1)_____ the 20th century there was nothing that could help you achieve labor market success more than a good education. Even today, education is one of the strongest predictors of whether someone 2)_____ and how much he or she is paid. Yet, the rules have changed. High school 3)_____ in 1950 could get you a solid, middle-class job. But a diploma today is a minimum 4)_____ to get nearly any job – and, for most, it’s not enough to get you into the middle class. 5)_____ of education policy and of career and technical education in particular, 6)_____ incredible changes in technology and the workforce. And, while degree requirements have changed, education continues to be the cornerstone of 7)_____ preparation and success.

Career consultants always have a few tricks 8)_____ their sleeve for those looking for a job. Go on and get it right! Read recruitment sections in newspapers and on the Internet. A good 9)_____ job with the promise of long-term employment can be difficult to find, so 10)_____ take a temporary job, even if it is only for a few months. Every day in most local newspapers there are attractive advertisements for both full-time and part-time jobs, so don’t miss them! When you’ve decided to apply 11)_____ a job, send your application with a CV as soon as possible. Don’t forget to list all your qualifications (degrees and diplomas) and any previous 12)_____ you have with this kind of work. At the interview don’t be afraid to ask about working 13)_____ (e.g. hours or holidays) but wait for the interviewer to mention the question of starting salary. Money is a delicate issue and being greedy will not get you a job. Dress for success! Put on smart clothes and wear something bright to 14)_____ your confidence at the interview.

In Britain, education is 15)_____ between the ages of 5 and 16. Most children go to state schools, and only about 7% 16)_____ fee-paying private schools or public schools. They are famous for their excellence and challenging for unusually clever students, but also appreciative of less academically-gifted personalities. Young people there are expected to show respect for their teachers and obey school rules. Students who 17)_____ risk being excluded from school. They teach self-discipline, but creativity also. They are exciting, and at the same time, successful in conventional terms of percentage of examination passes and university entrances. Indeed, these schools 18)_____ students live, work, and play together do seem to have more success in realizing their objectives than any other educational institution of our times. 19)_____ all schools work a five-day week; the day starts at nine and finishes between three and four. The school year is divided into three terms. A typical 20)_____ includes Maths, History, Sciences, Languages, Art, Music, and Physical Education. A lot of schools offer a 21)______ after-school activities such as choir, drama, and trips to interesting places. The main exams are GCSEs (school-leaving exams at 16), and A-levels (university entrance exams at 18). University students graduate after completing their first degree, usually in three years. Many students then continue their studies for a Master’s degree, or a PhD.