Malala Receives an Offer from Oxford University

Category: Education/Family

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. degree / dɪˈgri / (n) – a title given to someone who has completed a program of study
    Example:

    She earned a degree in economics.


  2. recipient / rɪˈsɪp i ənt / (n) – a person receiving something
    Example:

    The professor was a recipient of a special academic award.


  3. follow (one’s) example / ˈfɒl oʊ wʌnz ɪgˈzæm pəl / (idiom) – to imitate one’s actions
    Example:

    The student wants to follow her teacher’s example.


  4. non-profit / nɒnˈprɒf ɪt / (adj) – not created for the purpose of earning money
    Example:

    The advocate has set up a non-profit institution.


  5. strive for / straɪv fɔr / (phrasal) – to try to achieve something
    Example:

    Students should strive for good grades.


Article

Read the text below.

Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai [MAL-la-la yoo-saf-zaey] has received a conditional offer from the University of Oxford.


In her speech during an educational conference at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), Malala announced that Oxford has extended her an offer to study in the university after undergoing an interview last December. She further expressed her interest to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), a degree offered by the university’s Lady Margaret Hall (LMH). To be officially admitted to Oxford, Malala has to meet a number of conditions, which include getting three As in her Advanced Level (A-level) tests – a prerequisite for applicants.


Malala Yousafzai rose to fame in 2012 after surviving a fatal attack by the Islamic political movement Taliban. She became a target of the group because of her passion and determination to fight for women’s rights to education. News of her survival and advocacy gained her supporters from different parts of the world. At the age of 17, she became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize – a recognition given to individuals who have made a contribution to the international community.


The PPE degree at LMH is one of the top choices of politicians in the United Kingdom. Benazir Bhutto, the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan and Malala’s role model, took up the same program at the LMH. Malala intends to follow her example.


According to Malala, she will still continue her advocacy through the Malala Fund – a non-profit organization she launched in 2013 that aims to encourage women to strive for their right to education.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• How can Malala use her education to further advocate women’s rights to education?
• Why do you think Malala is passionate about fighting for women’s rights to education?

Discussion B

• What factors hinder people from getting an education?
• How can these factors be minimized?