Finland consistently ranks among the top countries in international education assessments despite students spending fewer hours in school than most developed nations. Finnish schools emphasize teacher autonomy, play-based learning through age 7, and minimal standardized testing. When other countries attempt to adopt Finnish methods, they often struggle because their educational cultures and teacher training systems differ fundamentally.
It can be inferred from the text that
educational practices may not transfer successfully without compatible systemic conditions
more classroom hours always produce better educational outcomes
standardized testing is essential for educational excellence
any country can easily replicate Finland's educational success
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. Other countries struggle to adopt Finnish methods due to different conditions.
- Context clues: Countries "struggle" because their "culture and teacher training systems differ fundamentally."
- Meaning: Success depends on the broader system, not just specific practices.
- Verify: The inability to simply copy methods shows context-dependence.
💡 Strategy: When attempts to copy success fail, infer that success depends on context-specific factors.
Choice B is incorrect because Finland succeeds with fewer hours. Choice C is incorrect because Finland uses "minimal standardized testing." Choice D is incorrect because others "struggle" to replicate success.