Normally a student must attend a certain number of courses in order to graduate, and each

course which he attends gives him a credit which he may count towards a degree. In many American universities the total work for a degree consists of thirty-six courses each lasting for one semester. A typical course consists of three classes per week for fifteen weeks; while attending a university a student would probably attend four or five courses each semester. Normally a student would expect to take four years attending two semesters each year. It is possible to spread the period of work for a degree over a longer period of time. It is also possible for a student to move between one university and another during his degree courses, though this is not in fact done as a regular practice.

For every course that he follows a student is given a grade, which is recorded, and the record is available for the student to show to perspective employers. All this imposes a constant pressure and strain of work, but in spite of this some students still find time for great activity in student affairs. Elections to positions in student organizations arouse much enthusiasm. The effective work of maintaining discipline is usually performed by students who advise the academic authorities. Any student who is thought to have broken the rules, for example, by cheating has to appear before a student court. With enormous numbers of students, the operation of the system does involve a certain amount of activity. A student who has held one of these positions of authority is much respected and it will be of benefit to him later in his career.

1. Normally a student would at least attend _______ classes each week.

A. 36

B. 12

C. 20

D. 15

2. According to the first paragraph an American student is allowed _______.

A. to live in a different university

B. to take a particular course in a different university

C. to live at home and drive to classes

D. to get two degrees from two different universities

3. American universities students are usually under pressure of work because _________

A. their academic performance will affect their future career

B. they are heavily involved in student affairs

C. they have to observe university disciplines

D. they want to run for positions of authority

4. Some students are enthusiastic for positions in student organizations probably because _____

A. they have the constant pressure and strain of their study

B. they will then be able to stay longer in the university.

C. such positions help them get better jobs

D. such positions are usually well-paid

5. The student organizations seem to be effective in ______.

A. dealing with the academic affairs of the university

B. ensuring that the students observe university regulations

C. evaluating students’ performance by bringing them before a court.

D. keeping up the students’ enthusiasm for social activities