Read the following passage and do the tasks that follow.

UNIVERSITY SIX MONTHS ON

A. It only seems like yesterday that I left home but it’s already been six months. How time flies! Since I came here, I have not only learned a lot about Britain’s culture, but also made a lot of friends from all over the world. Even more importantly, my experience here has inspired me a lot and positively changed some of my perspectives. My studies have been going really well and I love my new course. Fitting in has been a major issue because my culture, food and background are completely different from everyone else. Still, I love these differences because it means that I have so much to learn.

B. I really enjoy the intellectual atmosphere here as I can freely express my own views. I have

always been taught to accept all information taught in textbooks, and the teacher was always right, there was no room for arguments or disagreements. I just had to accept and memorise facts. However, at the university, lecturers have a role in the development of my own thoughts and ideas. In fact, arguing and debating with tutors is encouraged, to promote independent thinking. My professor always encourages us to challenge his views or traditional thinking in class – students in Britain are encouraged to think critically.

C. As a former journalist, I am amazed at the degree of independence and freedom that the media enjoys here in Britain. It is very easy to read or hear different points of view from the media. In such a relaxed atmosphere, I volunteered to be a student representative at the Students’ Union, participating actively in student union meetings and raising various issues concerning student rights. We successfully changed our school’s decision to cancel one of our modules. I also sent an e-mail to the Head of the Business School, suggesting a better way of running our course, and the Head has promised to reply. Now, I have learned not only to be more confident to talk about my views but also to be more open to consider different opinions.

D. Now I would also like to tell you about my busy social life outside my studies. I am now teaching children in the city, although I am not being paid for this work. With my help, not only are their language and writing skills improving but also their bonds to Japanese culture are strengthened. Also, I often help the elderly people of Bristol. I helped them arrange a party and invited a group of local primary school children to join.

The passage has five paragraphs A-D. Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below. Write the correct number i-viii in boxes 51-54 on your answer sheet.

Paragraph A