英国孩子很“娱乐” 上高中要考《哈利·波特》

《哈利·波特》系列在英国文坛的地位如日中天，近日，英国考试机构甚至将其列入了中学高级水平考试课程提纲。不过，专家们却担心《哈利·波特》会降低教育标准。

Harry Potter has finally invaded British schools, for students will now have to study the tales of the boy wizard alongside the works of William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.

“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” JK Rowling’s first novel in the series and the world’s 12th best-selling book of all time, is on the A-level* English language syllabus* of the AQA* board, which sets half the UK’s exams.

From next year, students will have to write an 800-word story inspired by the book as well as another 1,500-word essay comparing the author with another writer, British tabloid The Sun reported Monday.

Thousands of pupils taking the A-level English exam will be marked on their grasp of the plot, characters and Rowling’s use of language — recently called “gibberish”* by a High Court judge in London.

However, the move has provoked* a row in Britain, with experts claiming that it would “dumb down” school standards.

Alan Smithers of Center for Education Research has flayed* the decision, saying that English literature exams should cover works that have stood the test of time. “I don’t think ‘Harry Potter’ is appropriate. It may be enjoyable but I don’t think we are just trying to keep people occupied.”

Added Nick Seaton of the Campaign for Real Education: “Children should be encouraged to read the great works of literature. ‘Harry Potter’ may be what they want to read but that doesn’t mean it should be part of an A-level.” However, the AQA has defended its decision.

“‘Harry Potter’ is a genuine example of literature of our time. It deserves its place in this unit,” a spokesperson was quoted by The Sun as saying.

(SD-Agencies)

Help

A-level 英国高中课程

syllabus n. 课程提纲

AQA 英国资格评估与认证联合会(The Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)的简称

gibberish adj. 乱语的

provoke v. 激怒

flay v. 严厉批评

Questions

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