Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.
Lifelong learning is defined as the process of continuous learning to keep our knowledge and skills updated. However, there are some obstacles to adult learning that can interrupt the process. [I] First, ageing is a natural process and will start in early adulthood and middle age. [II] Older people will probably experience some of the effects of ageing such as worsening vision and hearing, and poor memory. [III] Ageing is believed to affect the capacity for participating in learning activities. [IV] Moreover, as it had been a long time since they had studied, older adults require more time to recall their existing knowledge and skills and gain new ones.
The second challenge to lifelong learners, especially older adults, is that each of them has their particular life situation including work or family responsibilities. Many people are in full-time employment, and, in addition, they may be in charge of childcare so they may find it hard to make time for classes or assignments. Those who live with extended family often take on more responsibilities and sometimes become overloaded. Some people may also face financial difficulties in their lives, so earning a living must be their priority. Although they may want to continue learning, they will be more concerned about how to make ends meet.
Finally, the decisive factor affecting people’s lifelong learning is the motivation and purposes of learning. Older adults will be willing to continue their studies if they need to update their knowledge and skills. Moreover, when they study with other people, they will feel like they belong to a community of learners sharing the same interests and will have a strong motivation to learn. Motivation is also the key factor that helps people overcome many difficulties and continue learning throughout their lives.
(Adapted from English Workbook 12 – Global Success)
