Nursing, Engineering Are Top US College Suggestions

BUSINESS

1/25/2026

WARM-UP

Answer briefly. No overthinking.

1. Are you interested in studying at university?
2. Do you think choosing a major is difficult?
3. Do you prefer practical subjects or creative subjects?

VOCABULARY

ESSENTIAL (A1–B1)

major – to mostly study a particular subject at university
Example: I decided to major in literature.

liberal arts – subjects such as art, history, literature, etc.
Example: She studies liberal arts.

prioritize – to treat something as most important
Example: I prioritize my family over work.

potential – possibility or ability to grow
Example: He has great potential.

psychology – study of the mind and behavior
Example: She wants to study psychology.

score – points achieved on a test
Example: I got a high TOEIC score.

DEVELOPED (B2–C2)

earning potential – ability to make money
Example: Engineering has high earning potential.

career path – long-term job direction
Example: Teaching is my career path.

recommendation – advice or suggestion
Example: I followed my teacher’s recommendation.

survey – questions asked to many people
Example: A survey was conducted.

decision-making – choosing between options
Example: Decision-making is important.

READING

INTRODUCTION

This article explores which university majors Americans recommend and which subjects people personally find interesting.

ARTICLE (ALL LEVELS)

Choosing a major is an important decision. Many Americans suggest studying nursing, engineering, or computer science.

People also say students should prioritize interest over earning potential.

DEVELOPED ARTICLE (B1–C2)

Although nursing and engineering are strongly recommended, people are personally more interested in subjects like history and psychology. The least recommended major is liberal arts, but many still find it interesting.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

A1–A2

1. Is nursing a popular recommended major?
2. Should students prioritize interest?
3. Is liberal arts the least recommended major?

B1–B2

1. Which majors are most recommended?
2. Which subject is most interesting to people?
3. What do older people prioritize more?

C1–C2

1. Why do recommendations differ from personal interests?
2. How can surveys influence education choices?
3. Should earning potential matter?

SPEAKING

A1–A2 — FOUNDATION

Language Support:
“I want to…”
“I like…”
“I would choose…”

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

1. What would you major in?
2. Do you like psychology?
3. Would you study nursing?
4. Would you study engineering?
5. Do you like history?
6. Do you prefer science or art?
7. Is money important to you?
8. Do you follow your interests?
9. Are your parents supportive?
10. Do you know your career path?
11. Do you enjoy studying?
12. Are you good at exams?
13. Do you worry about your future?
14. Do you want a high score on tests?
15. Do you plan to study more?

B1–B2 — EXPANSION

Language Support:
“In my opinion…”
“I believe…”
“It depends…”

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

1. What factors affect choosing a major?
2. Should parents influence career choices?
3. Are creative majors undervalued?
4. Is job security important?
5. Should universities guide students?
6. Do surveys reflect reality?
7. Can interests change?
8. Is history useful today?
9. Are STEM fields overrated?
10. Should passion matter most?
11. Is a degree always necessary?
12. Can people change careers easily?
13. Do grades define success?
14. Is education equal everywhere?
15. Would you study abroad?

C1–C2 — DEPTH & REFLECTION

Language Support:
“From my perspective…”
“This suggests that…”
“One consequence is…”

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

1. How should societies balance passion and practicality?
2. Do economic trends shape education choices?
3. Should governments influence majors?
4. How do stereotypes affect majors?
5. Is higher education losing value?
6. Should universities focus on employability?
7. Can liberal arts remain relevant?
8. How does education shape identity?
9. Are students pressured too early?
10. Should career education start earlier?
11. How does technology affect majors?
12. Is specialization risky?
13. Should people follow happiness over stability?
14. How important is lifelong learning?
15. What defines a successful career?

person holding black academic hat
person holding black academic hat