Dialogue 1

Emily: I love Mathematics!

Chris: Oh, really? I thought you preferred Chemistry... You keep talking about reaction this, formula that...

Emily: That changes, you know. Before Mathematics I had a crush on Physics...

Chris: Yeah, I never understood that. What’s so fascinating about optics or mechanics? I wonder though why you never cared about History…

Megan: Maybe because it’s boring. Memorising all those kings and battles makes me sleepy. 

Chris: History is not just battles! It’s also political and social change. It’s important!

Megan: Yeah, yeah. We know you love it. I admit it’s still better than Arts.

Emily: What’s wrong with Arts? Arts’s OK. I just prefer it when something’s going on.

Chris: What? Like in PE lessons?

Emily: Exactly!

Chris: Don’t tell me you enjoy dodgeball!

Megan: Well, no. Although running and volleyball are fun. OK, what about Geography then?

Emily: No, thank you. The only interesting thing in a Geography lesson is the bell at the end.

Chris: So, you’re not going to choose it as your major?

Emily: Definitely not. Neither Biology nor Geography.

Chris: And what’s wrong with Biology now? 

Emily: All those slimy creatures we have to learn about?

Megan: OK. So are you going to choose Mathematics after all?

Emily: I’m not quite sure yet.

Megan: Don’t worry, take your time.

Emily: Now I just need to have lunch, because I’m starving. Let’s go to the canteen.

Dialogue 2

Alice: I wonder why we have to study so many different subjects in secondary school. Sometimes it feels overwhelming with all the  classes and topics we have to cover.

Mathew: I guess each subject has its own importance. And you never know, studying different subjects might help us discover new interests or talents we didn't know we had.

Alice: True, but I’d prefer to choose only the subjects that we like the most. I mean, why should everyone  study advanced calculus if they're not planning  a career in math?

Mathew: I get what you're saying. It would be nice to have more freedom in choosing our subjects based on our interests. But at the same time,  school has to provide a general education.

Alice: You may be right. I suppose it helps us develop our knowledge in various subjects.

Mathew: Exactly! Take me, even though I don't plan on becoming a historian, learning about different historical events and understanding the impact they had on society gives me a better understanding of the world.

Alice: That's true. I've actually found a passion for literature and writing through my English classes, even though I thought it wasn't my thing.

Mathew: See? That's the beauty of a general education. It opens new doors!