Comparing two training courses
Compare two fictional course notices and understand why two learners make different choices.
Marta wants to learn how to use spreadsheets at work. She finds two course notices on a community noticeboard. The notices and prices in this example are invented for reading practice.
The first course, “Spreadsheets Step by Step”, meets at the learning centre on Tuesday evenings for four weeks. Each class lasts two hours. Computers are provided, and the total price is forty coins. Learners can ask the tutor questions during class, but there are no recordings.
The second course, “Spreadsheets at Home”, has six recorded lessons. Learners can watch them at any time during one month. It costs thirty coins, but learners need their own computer. Questions can be sent by email, and the tutor replies within two working days.
Marta works every Tuesday evening and already has a computer at home. She chooses the recorded course because she can study on her days off. Her colleague Tomas prefers the first course. He wants to use a computer at the centre and ask questions immediately. The cheaper course is not the best choice for everyone: their different circumstances lead to different decisions.
Words to take with you
- spreadsheet
- A computer document with rows and columns for information.I record the prices in a spreadsheet.
- provided
- Made available for someone to use.Paper is provided in the classroom.
- recorded
- Saved so it can be watched or heard later.I watched the recorded lesson.
- immediately
- Without waiting.She answered the question immediately.
- circumstance
- A fact or situation that affects a decision.His work circumstances changed this year.
Check your understanding
Choose an answer, then check each question.
Use your English
Choose the better course for your own situation and explain which two details matter most.
Say your answer aloud or write two or three sentences.