6/2 Talk about the academic system in Korea.

Children start elementary school when they turn 7 years old in Korea.

* turn 7 years old: 만 7세가 되다

ex> My daughter turned 7 years old as of today.

They attend six years of elementary school.

ex> I attend the church my family goes to.

They learn most of the subjects from their homeroom teacher. Next comes three years of middle school and three years of high school. Middle school is mandatory, high school is not. Students start to learn each subject from different teachers from middle school. There are specialized schools students can apply to, such as foreign language schools, science schools, or art schools.

High school students choose from either the humanities track or the science track in their second year.

* choose from either: ~또는 …중에 선택하다

ex> You can choose from either coffee or tea.

That has an impact on their course work and their college majors.

* have an impact on: ~에 영향을 미치다

ex> The experience had a significant impact on my life.

The academic year starts in March and there are two semesters each year.

* academic year: 학사 연도

ex> When does the academic year start in your country?

@ My head is spinning.  머리가 어지러워.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I had to attend the ceremony.

2. You can choose from either a salad or a soup.

3. You advice had an impact on my decision.

4. A new academic year started this week.

@ Related Topics>> Korean School System (2012.2.27)