Question

Difficulty: MediumEquality of Opportunity in Education

Consider a situation where a person from a family with no history of higher education applies to study a difficult course at a university. Under the Australian principle of 'equality of opportunity' in education, what factor should primarily determine this person's admission to the course?

  1. The applicant's individual ability, potential, and academic resultsAnswer
  2. B
    The applicant's family social status and previous wealth
  3. C
    A guarantee from the government that they will pass the course regardless of their effort

Answer

The applicant's admission should be determined by their individual ability, potential, and academic results.
The correct answer is correct because equality of opportunity in Australia means that a person's success in education depends on their own ability, potential, and the effort they put into their studies, regardless of their family's background or social standing.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the core Australian value being tested.
The value is 'equality of opportunity' within the 'fair go' framework.
This principle ensures that everyone has the same legal right to pursue their goals.
2
Apply the principle to the educational scenario provided.
Admission must be based on merit-based factors like ability and potential.
Equality of opportunity focuses on removing barriers like social class or family background.
3
Distinguish between opportunity and outcome.
The correct factor is the 'chance' to succeed through merit, not a 'guarantee' of the final result.
Australian values emphasize that while everyone gets a fair start, the result depends on individual effort.

Key Concept

Equality of opportunity ensures that access to education is based on merit and potential rather than social or economic background.

Hints

1
Think about what the phrase 'a fair go' means for someone starting a new career or course.
2
Does the Australian government guarantee that everyone gets the same grade, or just the same chance to try?
3
Focus on factors that the individual can control, such as their own hard work and academic performance.

Practice More

Review how the principle of 'equality of opportunity' also applies to employment and the workplace.
Estimated Time:45s
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