The system of higher education had its origin in Europe in the Middle Ages, when the first universities were established. In modern times, the nature of higher education around the world, to some extent, has been determined by the models of influential countries such as France and Germany.

   Both France and Germany have systems of higher education that are basically administered by state agencies. Entrance requirements for students are also similar in both countries. In France, an examination called the baccalauréat is given at the end of secondary education. Higher education in France is free and open to all students who have passed this baccalauréat. Success in this examination allows students to continue their higher education for another three or four years until they have attained the first university degree called a licence in France.

   Basic differences, however, distinguish these two countries’ systems. French educational districts, called académies, are under the direction of a rector, an appointee of the national government who is also in charge of universities in each district. The uniformity in curriculum throughout the country leaves each university with little to distinguish itself. Hence, many students prefer to go to Paris, where there are better accommodations and more cultural amenities for them. Another difference is the existence in France of prestigious higher educational institutions known as grandes écoles, which provide advanced professional and technical training. Most of these schools are not affiliated with the universities, although they too recruit their students by giving competitive examinations to candidates. The grandes écoles provide rigorous training in all branches of applied science and technology, and their diplomas have a somewhat higher standing than the ordinary licence.

   In Germany, the regional universities have autonomy in determining their curriculum under the direction of rectors elected from within. Students in Germany change universities according to their interests and the strengths of each university. In fact, it is a custom for students to attend two, three, or even four different universities in the course of their undergraduate studies, and the majority of professors at a particular university may have taught in four or five others. This high degree of mobility means that schemes of study and examination are marked by a freedom and individuality unknown in France.

   France and Germany have greatly influenced higher education systems around the world. The French, either through colonial influence or the work of missionaries, introduced many aspects of their system in other countries. The German were the first to stress the importance of universities as research facilities, and they also created a sense of them as emblems of a national mind.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions

What does the passage mainly discuss?

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• According to the passage, one function of the memory unit is ...............

• The word “it” in paragraph 3 refers to ........

• Which of the following is NOT given as a name for the third type of cooperation?

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• According to the author, one mark of a civilized society is that if ..............

• The word “Nevertheless” in line 19 is closest meaning to _________ .

• What causes dodder to grow in a particular direction?

• The word “bounds” in line 5 is closest in meaning to ........

• The word "perceive" in bold in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to ..............

• How did Juliette Davidson benefit from the experience of her first job?

• This passage would probably be assigned reading in which of the following courses?

• Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

• Gestures __________.

• Which of the following is mentioned as the main cause of the destruction of Mantle’s body?

• The word “wink” in the second paragraph means most nearly the same as ............

• Which of the following threatens the countryside in Britain?

• The Mandans built their houses close together in order to _____.

• In the passage, the expression “children interrupt their education to go to school” mostly implies that ..........

• According to the text, future post graduates should start working as teachers _______

• Facebook ...............

• What does "this" in the third paragraph refer to .............