英语听力精选进阶版 6330（在线收听）

Is China the world's cleverest country?

China achieved 'remarkable' results in the Pisa international education tests, which measure pupils' key skills: reading, numeracy and science.

The results indicate that China's education system is not only above average, it's overtaking the performance of many Western countries. But why do Chinese students get top marks?

Andreas Schleicher, who is responsible for the Pisa tests, says Chinese students show incredible resilience to become high-flyers, regardless of their background. "North Americans tell you typically it's all luck. In Europe, it's all about social heritage: 'My father was a plumber so I'm going to be a plumber.' In China, more than nine out of 10 children tell you: 'It depends on the effort I invest and I can succeed if I study hard.'"

Mr Schleicher adds it's a philosophical difference – we should expect the whole cohort to pass with flying colours, rather than just expecting the cream of the crop to succeed.

On a visit to a poor province in China, he noticed that schools were often the most impressive buildings. He says in the West, it's more likely to be a shopping centre.

So should other countries put their thinking caps on if they don't want their education system to flunk? When it comes to education, China might be able to teach the world a lesson.

Quiz 小测验

1. Which skills are measured in the Pisa tests?

Key skills such are reading, numeracy and science are tested.

2. Is this statement true, false or not given? Only Chinese students from rich backgrounds try to do well at school.

False. Chinese students are determined to succeed "regardless of their background".

3. In which part of the world does students' academic success depend on the profession of their parents?

In Europe. Students tend to do the same jobs as their parents because "it's all about social heritage".

4. Which expression in the article refers to the best students within a group?

The cream of the crop.

5. What's the difference between school buildings in China and in the West?

In China, schools are often the most noticeable buildings, whereas in Western countries the most impressive buildings are usually shopping centres.

Glossary 词汇表

cleverest 最聪明的

key skills 关键技能

above average 高于平均水平

performance 成绩

top marks 高分

high-flyers 成功人士

social heritage 社会遗产

invest 投入

cohort 有共同点的一群人

pass with flying colours 高分通过

the cream of the crop 顶尖人才

put their thinking caps on 进入思考状态

flunk 失败（常指考试不及格）

teach (someone) a lesson 给（某人）一个教训