A late surge in university applications is putting extra pressure on sixth-formers to achieve top grades in their exams. F

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问题      A late surge in university applications is putting extra pressure on sixth-formers to achieve top grades in their exams.
     Figures out today show almost an 8 per cent increase-about 42,000-in applications for full-time study at university, the biggest in eight years, with many of the applications received in December and January. The recession and rising unemployment have been blamed for the increase.
     The high number of applications will mean that pupils who are offered places on popular courses, or at prestigious universities, who do not attain their predicted grades will have less room for tactic.
     Adults hoping to retrain are also fuelling the boom: the number of applications from candidates aged over 24 rose by 12.6 per cent. This is despite a withdrawal of funding for people wanting to retrain in a different sphere, by studying an equivalent or lower qualification than one they already held.
     Universities and higher education groups welcomed the increase in applications but criticised the Government for restricting places and funding.
     Wes Streeting, president of the National Union of Students, said: "It is hugely encouraging to see a record-breaking number of applications to Britain’s universities, but we remain concerned about the number of places available as a result of the cap on numbers imposed by the Government. While Some had speculated that demand would fall, applicants of all ages are clearly making the correct assessment that it is better to invest now in their education and training."
      "We understand the pressures on public finances, but the Government must also make the right long-term decisions. It is surely better to bear the cost of additional university places now than to shoulder the burden of long-term unemployment later."  
     Diana Warwick, chief executive of Universities UK, which represents vice-chancellors, said: "Applicants are making informed choices and thinking carefully about the value of higher education."  
     "With the increase in mature applicants, it is encouraging that people are looking to upskill during a difficult time for the jobs market."
     "We call on government to ensure that this growth is matched with continued financial support," she added.  
Due to the surge in university applications, the six-formers have to face______than previous years.

选项

答案more pressure/fiercer competition

解析 由首段首句可知,由于申请大学的人数暴增,高中毕业生面临的升学压力变大了,原文用extra pressure,由于题干中用比较级结构than previous years,故填入more pressure。本题填fiercer competition也对。  
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