Traditional nineteenth-century education is usually associated with the image of a stern teacher standing in front of a blackboard in a one-room schoolhouse, teaching only the three R's of reading, writing, and arithmetic, and demanding rote (mechanical repetition) learning in an atmosphere of silence and restraint. Accurate or not, that image conflicts sharply with the modern reality. Today, the typical public school offers students a diversity of subject areas, a plethora of educational materials, and a variety of activities from creative dramatics to journalism. The modern school complex contains an array of educational facilities. Within the classroom setting, students are encouraged to speak up and engage in guided discussion. In fact, articulate speech and debate are desirable skills. Children are encouraged to interrelate on class projects that are independent of the teacher.

1. The topic of the text is _______________
A. the traditional nineteenth century education
B. the freedom of students to choose from a variety of subjects
C. the role of the teachers in education
D. the difference between traditional and modern education
E. the teaching of reading, writing, and arithmetic
2. Which of the following would best end the text?
A. There has been a change in the teacher's attitude in the past few years.
B. Traditional and modern education have different goals to achieve.
C. The development in education tends to make students independent.D. Unlike the traditional education, the modern one is less strict.
E. It is the task of modern education to make children creative.