Texas State Board of Education Requires Biblical Texts in Public Schools
德州教育局要求公立學校教授聖經文本
Introduction
The Texas State Board of Education has approved a new statewide reading list that requires public school students to study specific parts of the Bible.
德州教育局已批准一份新的全州閱讀清單，要求公立學校學生學習聖經中的特定部分。
Main Body
This policy follows a 2023 law that requires at least one literary work per grade level. The Republican-led board has now decided that biblical passages, such as the Book of Jonah, Psalms, and Genesis, must be taught. While teachers can still choose other books to use in class, these biblical texts must be prioritized. The program will be introduced gradually, starting with elementary schools in the 2030–2031 school year.
這項政策遵循 2023 年的一項法律，要求每個年級至少閱讀一部文學作品。由共和黨領導的委員會現已決定，必須教授聖經片段，例如《約拿書》、《詩篇》和《創世記》。雖然教師仍可選擇其他書籍在課堂使用，但必須優先考慮這些聖經文本。該計畫將逐步推出，從 2030-2031 學年的小學開始。
There are strong disagreements about this decision. Supporters emphasize that studying Judeo-Christian texts is necessary to understand Western literature and the history of the United States. However, critics argue that this rule violates the constitutional separation between church and state. Furthermore, some opponents claim the curriculum lacks diversity, as it focuses on works by white male authors while more than 50% of students are Hispanic or Black.
對於這項決定存在強烈分歧。支持者強調，學習猶太-基督教文本對於理解西方文學和美國歷史至關重要。然而，批評者認為這項規定違反了憲法中政教分離的原則。此外，部分反對者聲稱該課程缺乏多樣性，因為其重點在於白人男性作者的作品，而實際上超過 50% 的學生是西班牙裔或黑人。
This move is part of a larger trend of bringing religion into Texas public institutions, such as the previous requirement to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. This shift reflects a wider national political debate, including Donald Trump's goals to increase the presence of prayer and religious groups in federal and educational settings.
此舉是將宗教引入德州公立機構之更大趨勢的一部分，例如先前要求在教室內展示「十誡」。這一轉變反映了更廣泛的美國全國性政治辯論，包括川普旨在增加祈禱和宗教團體在聯邦及教育環境中的存在感。
Conclusion
Texas is expected to be the first U.S. state to make biblical scripture a mandatory part of the school curriculum, with full implementation by 2030.
德州預計將成為美國第一個將聖經經文列為學校課程強制部分的州，並於 2030 年全面實施。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The 'Power-Up' Shift: Moving from Basic to Precise
At the A2 level, you usually say things are good, bad, or different. To reach B2, you need Nuanced Connectors and Specific Verbs. Let's look at how this text moves beyond basic English.
🛠 The 'Bridge' Vocabulary
Instead of using "but" or "and," the text uses these high-level signals to organize complex ideas:
- "Furthermore" (A2: Also) Use this when you are adding a stronger point to your argument.
- "However" (A2: But) This creates a sophisticated pause before introducing a contradiction.
- "Reflects" (A2: Shows) Use this when one thing is a mirror or a result of a larger trend.
🧠 Logic Mapping: Contrast & Cause
B2 speakers don't just list facts; they show the relationship between them. Look at this structure from the article:
"Supporters emphasize... However, critics argue..."
The Pattern: [Group A] + [Strong Verb] [Contrast Word] [Group B] + [Strong Verb]
Try swapping the verbs to change the tone:
- Emphasize (to give importance)
- Argue (to give a reasoned opinion)
- Claim (to say something is true, even if there is no proof yet)
📈 Precision Check: 'Mandatory' vs. 'Required'
In the text, we see both require and mandatory.
- Require (Verb): The act of needing something. ("The law requires books.")
- Mandatory (Adjective): The status of the thing. ("The reading list is mandatory.")
B2 Tip: Using adjectives like mandatory, essential, or obligatory instead of just saying "you must do it" instantly elevates your speaking level.