Lesson
GCSE Resits Harm Teenagers' Mental Health
Read this news story in English at three levels, easy, standard, and advanced (B1–C1) — with vocabulary and a comprehension quiz.
A study shows that mandatory resits for GCSEs in England negatively affect teenagers' mental wellbeing, leading to lower confidence and higher dropout rates.
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Standard — Natural English
52 words · ~1 min readEasy version (A2–B1)
A study found that forcing students to retake their GCSE exams in England hurts their mental health. Students who do not pass their English or math exams must retake them. This makes some students feel less confident and may cause them to drop out of school.Standard version (B1–B2)
Research from University College London indicates that compulsory resits for GCSEs in England harm students' mental wellbeing. The study compared students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, finding that only those in England showed lower wellbeing. The pressure of resitting exams can lead to decreased confidence and increased dropout rates among students.Advanced version (C1–C2)
A recent study conducted by researchers at University College London has revealed that mandatory resits for GCSEs in England significantly detriment the mental wellbeing of students. The research compared the mental health of students across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, concluding that only those in England, where resits are compulsory, exhibited notably lower levels of wellbeing. The study's author, Robbie Maris, emphasized that the pressure of repeated exam attempts can undermine students' self-confidence, potentially contributing to a rise in the number of young people disengaged from education, employment, or training, known as Neets.Lesson audio
Standard level
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Test your understanding
01What does the study find about compulsory GCSE resits?
02Which students showed lower wellbeing according to the study?
03What is a potential consequence of resitting exams mentioned in the article?
04When was the resits policy in England introduced?
Discussion
How can educational policies be improved to support students' mental health?
Vocabulary
compulsory word
required by law or rule
“In England, resitting GCSEs is compulsory for students who do not pass.”
wellbeing word
the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
“The study found that students' wellbeing was negatively affected by resits.”
resit word
to take an exam again after failing
“Many students are required to resit their GCSE exams.”
confidence word
belief in oneself and one's abilities
“Repeated exams can lower students' confidence.”
dropout word
a person who leaves school or college before finishing
“The study warns that resits may increase the number of school dropouts.”