Иностранный язык. Сфера сервиса (английский язык)

Assignments

Task 1. Choose the correct transcription.

1) kindA. [kind]B. [kaind]C. [ki?]

2) dirtyA. [dirti]B. [dжti]C. [d?:ti]

3) minuteA. ['mainit]B. ['minut?]C.[ 'minit]

4) escapeA. [is'keip]B. [es'keip]C. [eksk?p]

5) lectureA. [lektur?]B. [lekt??]C. [likt?]

Task 2. Choose the correct spelling.

1) [kud]A. couldB. kouldC. cold

2) [pei]A. pieB. payC. pai

3) [kwit]A. qietB. quiteC. quit

4) ['mi:t?]A. meterB. metterC. matter

5) [?ip]A. shipB. sheepC. cheap

Task 3. Which word sounds different?

1.a) isb) he'sc) it's

2.a) onb) goc) old

3.a) phoneb) coatc) brown

4.a) theyb) chairc) name

5.a) writerb) livec) sign

Two of these ed-endings sound like [d]. Which one does not?

a) livedb) persuadedc) needed

Task 4. Translate the words into Russian and write the words they are formed from.

Childless, unimportant, buyer, weakly, warmly, enjoyment, bookseller, improbable, historic, flyer.

Read and translate the text

The aim of the government in Britain is to increase the number of students who enter into higher education. The driving force for this has been mainly economic. It is assumed that the more people who study at degree level, the more likely the country are to succeed economically. The higher education sector provides a variety of courses up to degree and postgraduate degree level, and careers out research. All universities in England and Wales are state universities (this includes Oxford and Cambridge).

Types of English universities

First come the ancient universities of Oxford and Cambridge that date from the 12^th century and that until 1828 were virtually the only English universities. Oxford and Cambridge are composed of semi-independent colleges, each college having its own staff, know as `Fellows'. Most colleges have their own dining hall, library and chapel and contain enough accommodation for at least half of their students. The Fellows teach the students, either one-to-one or in very small groups (called `tutorials' in Oxford and `supervision' in Cambridge), the tutorial method brings the tutor into close and personal contact with the student.

Before 1970 all Oxford colleges were single-sex (mostly for men). Now, the majority admits both sexes. Among other older universities there should be mentioned four Scottish universities, such as St. Andrews (1411), Glasgow (1450), Aberdeen (1494), and Edinburgh (1583). The first of these, being the oldest one, resembles Oxbridge in many ways, while the other three follow the pattern of more modern universities in that the students live at home or find their own rooms in town. At all of them teaching is organized along the lines of the continental traditions - there is less specialization than at Oxford.

The second group of universities comprises various institutions of higher education, usually with technical study, that by 1900 had sprang up in new industrial towns and cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds. They got to be known as civic or `redbrick' universities. Their buildings were made of local material, often brick, in contrast to the stone of older universities, hence the name, `redbrick'. These universities catered mostly for local people. At first they prepared students for London University degree, but later they were given the right to award their own degrees, and so became universities themselves. In the mid-20^th century they started to accept students from all over the country.

The third group consists of new universities founded after the Second World War and later in the 1960s, which saw considerable expansion in new universities. These are purpose-built institutions located in the countryside but close to towns. Examples are East Anglia, Sussex and Warwick. From their beginning they attracted students from all over the country, and provided accommodation for most of their students in site (hence their name, `campus' universities). They tend to emphasize relatively `new' academic disciplines such as social science and make greater use than other universities of teaching in small groups, often known as `seminars'.

Among this group there are also universities often called `never civil' universities. These were originally technical colleges set up by local authorities in the first half of this century. Their upgrading to university status took place in two waves. The first wave occurred in the mid-1960s, when ten of them were promoted in this way. Another thirty became `polytechnics', in the early 1970s, which meant that along with their former courses they were allowed to teach degree courses (the degrees being awarded by a national body). In the early 1990s most of the polytechnics became universities. So there are now 80 universities and a further 19 colleges and institutions of higher education in the UK.

Entrance to British universities

Higher education in England and Wales is highly selective. Entrance to British universities is via a strict selection process is based on an interview. Applications for first degree courses are usually made through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS), in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. After the interview a potential student is offered a place on the basis of GCE A-level exam results. If the student does not get the grades specified in the offer, a place can not be taken up. Some universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, have an entrance exam before the interview stage. This kind of selection procedure means that not everyone in Britain with A-level qualifications will be offered the chance of a university education. Critics argue that this creates an elitist system with the academic minority in society whilst supporters of the system argue that this enables Britain to get high-quality graduates who have specialized skills.

The university system in Britain

The British University year is divided into three terms, roughly eight to ten weeks each. The terms are crowded with activity and the vacations between the terms - a month at Christmas, a month at Easter, and three or four months in summer - are mainly periods of intellectual digestion and private study.

The courses are also `full-time' which really means full-time: the students are not supposed to take a lob during term time. Unless their parents are rich, they receive a state grant of money, which covers most of their expenses including the cost of accommodation. Grants and loans are intended to create opportunities for equality in education. A grants system was set up to support students through university. Grants are paid by the LEA on the basis of parental income. In the late 80s (the Conservative) government decided to stop to increase these grants, which were previously linked to inflation. Instead, students were able to borrow money in the form of a low-interest loan, which then had to be paid back after their course had finished. Critics argue that students from less affluent families had to think twice before entering the course, and that this worsened the trend which saw a 33% drop in working-class student numbers in the 1980s.

Students studying for the first degree are called undergraduates. At the end of the third year of study undergraduates sit for their examinations and take the bachelor's degree. Those engaged in the study of arts such subjects as history, languages, economics or law take Bachelor of Arts (BA). Students studying pure or applied sciences such as medicine, dentistry, technology or agriculture get Bachelor of Science (BSc). When they have been awarded the degree, they are known as graduates. Most people get honors' degrees, awarded in different classes. These are: Class I (known as `a first'), Class II, I (or `an upper second'), Class II, II (or `a lower second'), Class III (`a third'). A student who is below one of these gets a pass degree (i.e. not an honors' degree).

Students who obtain their Bachelor degree can apply to take a further degree course, usually involving a mixture of exam courses and research. There are two different types of post-graduate courses - the Master's Degree (MA or MSc), which takes one or two years, and the higher degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which takes two or three years. Funding for post-graduate courses is very limited, and even students with first class degrees may be unable to get a grant. Consequently many post-graduates have heavy bank loans or are working to pay their way to a higher degree.

The university system also provides a national network of extra-mural or `Continuing Education' Departments which offer academic courses for adults who wish to study - often for the sheer pleasure of study - after they have left schools of higher education.

Variety of other British higher institutions

One development in education in which Britain can claim to lead the world is the Open University. It was founded in 1969 in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire and is so called because it is open to all - this university does not require any formal academic qualifications to study for a degree, and many people who do not have an opportunity to be `ordinary' students enroll. The university is non-residential and courses are mainly taught by special written course books and by programs on state radio and television. There are, however, short summer courses of about a week that the students have to attend and special part-time study centers where they can meet their tutors when they have problems.

There are also a variety of other British higher institutions, which offer higher education. Some, like the Royal College of Arts, the Cornfield Institute of Technology and various Business Schools, have university status, while others, such as agricultural, drama and arts colleges like the Royal Academy of Dramatics Arts (RADA) and the Royal college of Music provide comparable courses. All these institutions usually have a strong vocational aspect in their programs, which fills a specialized role in higher education.

Words and expressions

driving force - движущая сила

to assume - предполагать, допускать

enrolment - регистрация

to merge - сливаться, соединяться

oversea - зарубежный

virtually - фактически

semi-independent - полунезависимый

network - сеть, сообщество

chapel - часовня

to cater - угождать

to resemble - походить, иметь сходство

to admit - допускать, признавать

to comprise - включать, содержать

pattern - система, образец civil - гражданский

to cater - поставлять

to claim - претендовать, требовать emphasize - осoбое значение

upgrade - подъём

elitist - отборнейший

to enroll - регистрировать, записывать

via - через

sheer - абсолютный extra-mural - заочный

honors' degrees - почетные ступени

noticeable - заметный

to enable - давать возможность или право to modify - видоизменять

workforce - рабочая сила digestion - усвоение

grant - стипендия loan - ссуда

to fund - вкладывать, делать запас

affluent - приток

to worsen - ухудшаться

Task 5. Match the English and Russian equivalents.

higher education способности

entrance examучебный год

skillsучебные пособия

abilities творческая деятельность

academic yearнаука

creative activities приобретать знания по….

to acquire knowledge inнавыки, умения

study aidsвступительный экзамен

scienceвысшее образование

to assessоценивать, расценивать

Task 6. Give the English equivalents.

Ученый, предсказание, наблюдение, безработица, промышленный, модный, ценный, повторение, центральный, забывчивый, коллективный, соглашение, невозможный, исторический.

Task 7. Translate underlined words and phrases into English.

1. The aim of the government is увеличить the number of students who поступают в высшие учебные заведения.

2. The British University year делится into three terms, приблизительно eight to ten weeks each.

3. Существует two different types of post-graduate courses - the Master's Degree (MA or MSc), which занимает one or two years, and the higher degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which занимает two or three years.

4. There are short летние курсы of about a week that the students have to посещать and special part-time study centers where they can meet their tutors when возникают у них проблемы.

Task 8. Practiсe the following dialogues.

1. At an International Conference.

Mr Clark, a British scientist, is talking to Oleg Smirnov, his Russian counterpart, at an international conference during a break.

Clark: Your recent experiments have been a great success, Mr Smirnov Congratulations! Smirnov: Thank you very much. You've read my last article, then, haven't you?

C: Of course I have. I'm very interested in your research, and I hardly ever miss your publications. By the way, when are you going to give a talk on your work?

S: Some time next week at the Research Centre, but I can't tell you definitely yet.

C: Could you ring me up and let me know?

S: Certainly.

C: Thank you ever so.

2. A Television Interview.

Alexei Nikitin is a young film director who has just taken part in a film festival abroad. His film has won a prize, and he's going to give an interview on television. The interviewer's a TV reporter.

Interviewer: I'd like to congratulate you on your recent success.

Mr. Nikitin: Thank you very much.

I: Have you got any definite plans for the future?

N: Oh, yes. I'm going to make a television serial about pop singers. It's going to be a screen version of a novel which is a great success with the reading public just now.

I: Are you going to work with the same team?

N: Yes, it's going to be the same team, actually. We're all interested in making another film together.

I : And when are you starting work on the film?

N: We have actually started. We spent a month interviewing different singers, but that's only a beginning, of course. We've got to do a lot in the next few months.

I: Well, that was all very interesting. You've made great progress these last few years, and I wish you every success with your new film. Good luck!

N: Thanks.

3. At an Industrial Exhibition.

Boris Antonov is an engineer from a Moscow factory which is taking part in an industrial exhibition in Sokolniki Park. Mr Bennett, a businessman from Canada, is talking to Antonov, who's working at the exhibition as a guide.

Bennett: Have you seen our new model, Boris?

Antonov: Yes, and I must say it's a very up-to-date design. My congratulations!

B: Thanks I'm happy to hear that.

A: We're interested in buying some of these machines for our factories.

B: Are you? How many would you like to buy?

A: I can't give you a definite answer now, I think it may be quite a big order. Would you like to visit the factory and talk to the Director General?

B: I'd love to if you could arrange it soon, because I'm leaving Moscow next Saturday.

A: No problem, Mr Bennett.

B: Good. Thank you ever so much.

Task 9. Fill in the missing remarks.

l. A: May I speak to Mr Bell? B: ___

A: Could I leave a message for him? B:___

2. A: Is this 347-5166? B: ___

A: This is Buchnev from the Russian University. B: ___

3. А: ___

B: Sorry. The line is busy.

4. A: Sorry. Mr. Foot is on the line. Will you hold on, please?

B:___

5. A:___

B: I will call back later.

6. A: Sorry. Mr. Bradley is not available. Would you like to leave a message?

B:___ 7. A: Sorry. There is no reply at his number.

B:___

8. A: May I have extension 75, please?

B:___

A: Well, yes, if it doesn't take too long.

9. A: You've got the wrong number.

B:___ A: That is all right.

10. A:___

B: This is 520-4824. But there is no one by the name of Scott here.

GRAMMAR EXERCISES

Grammar Revision:

· Present Simple

· Present Continuous

Exercise 1. Put the verbs in brackets into the Present Simple Tense .

1. What time ___the banks___ (close) in Britain? 2. I have a car but I (not / use) it very often. 3. "Where ___your father ____(come from)?" "He (come from) Ireland." 4. "What___ you ___(do)?" "I ____ (be) a personnel manager". 5. He _____(not / approve) your behavior. 6. The swimming bath (open) at 9.00 and _____ (close) at 20.00 every day. 7. "I never ______(complain) of anything. Rita (not / complain) either." "Oh, but she (do)." 8. Who _____ (come) here most often? 9. Lots of people _____ (enter) this University every year. 10. He usually _____ (get up) early because he _____ (hate) being late to his office.

Exercise 2. Put the verbs in brackets into the Present Continuous Tense.

1. Look! It (rain). 2. He is on holiday. He (not / work) today. 3. You (make) a lot of noise. 4. "What ___you (do) at the moment? Can you help me with my project?" "Oh, I am busy just now. I (fix) my mixer. But if you can wait…." 5. What ___ you (talk) about? 6. What ___you (wait for)? 7. Why ___you (sit) here? 8. "What ___Tom (do)? Why ___he (not / practice)?" "He (have) some rest".

Exercise 3. Make the following sentences negative and put the questions to the underlined words.

1. The higher education sector provides a variety of courses up to degree and postgraduate degree level, and careers out research. 2. I am having a rest after the interview. 3. They receive a state grant of money, which covers most of their expenses including the cost of accommodation. 4. These universities require any formal academic qualifications to study for a degree. 5. Students are working at their reports now. 6. Many post-graduates have heavy bank loans or are working to pay their way to a higher degree.

Exercise 4. Use Present Simple or Present Progressive Tense.

1. It often rains/ is raining in this part of the world.

2. Take your umbrella. It rain / is raining..

3. I don't know Spanish, but I am learning / learn it now.

4. John is still working /still works in the garden.

5. Usually I am having / have coffee in the morning, but now I drink / am

drinking tea.

6. ` What is she doing / does she do?' -` She is a secretary at our college.'

7. We sometimes are going / go to the cinema.

8. `Are you doing / Do you do anything tomorrow afternoon?' - `I am playing / play tennis with my friend.'

9. `Can you phone a bit later, please? Jane is having /has a bath.

Exercise 5. Put the verbs in brackets into the Present Simple or Present Continuous Tense.

1. I often (leave) town over the weekend. 2. Miss Peters (use) the telephone now. 3. The children always (go) to bed early. 4. Mr. Johnson (prepare) dinner now. 5. Look! That boy (run) into the house. 6. Miss Melnick (understand) those words. 7. The students (finish) their papers now. 8. I (need) some money for my textbooks. 9. The guests (watch) that television program now. 10. We (review) the use of the tenses in English this week. 11. Yes, Marjorie (want) some cake and coffee. 12. I (go) to bed around eleven o'clock during the week. 13. We never (go) to the library in the evening. 14. Mr. Harris (teach) English from 2:00 to 5:00 p. m. 15. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart (fly) to California every winter. 16. Daniel Soto (work) thirty-eight hours a week. 17. I (hear) the sound of a motor outside! 18. Our English class always (start) at 8:30 p. m. 19. I (read) an interesting book about the Civil War. 20. Mr. Smith's secretary (sit) at another desk today. 21. The weather (get) very hot here in July and August. 22. My friend (study) his English lesson one hour every night. 23. Mr. Rockwell (pay) his bills at the end of every month.

Exercise 6. Put the verbs in brackets into the Present Simple or Present Continuous Tense.

1. I ___ (think) you ___(behave) rather foolishly. 2. He ___ (understand) the rule, but he still ___ (make) mistakes too often. 3. `___ you ___ (believe) his story?' `Oh, no. I never ___ (believe) him. He always ___ (tell) lies.' 4. Who ___ this house (belong) to? 5. `What ___ you ___ (look) at?' `I ___ (look) at the girl over there.' 6. ___ you ___ (believe) in Santa Claus? 7. Your letters (be) very welcome, but he (want) to know everything at first hand. 8. `Listen! ___you (hear) that noise?' `They are our neighbours. They ___ (shout) again.' 9. ___ your English ___(get) better? 10. You always ___ (have) some problems with your computer. Can I be of any help? 11. `Where is Mom?' `She ___ (cook) dinner in the kitchen.' `I ___ (think) I will go and give her a hand.' `Don't! She ___ (be) sulky today. She ___m(not / want) to see anyone.'

Exercise 7. Translate into English.

1. "Как Вы обычно добираетесь до университета?" - Я еду на троллейбусе, а затем в метро. - "А ваша сестра?" - Она не пользуется метро. Она ездит на работу на автобусе. 2. Тед покупает очень много книг и словарей. 3. Почему вы не хотите воспользоваться такой прекрасной возможностью? 4. "Кто сейчас сдает экзамены?" - Моя подруга. 5. Мы сидим у окна, ярко светит солнце, мимо нашего дома спешат люди. 6. Я не знаю, почему он всегда опаздывает. Наверное, он живет далеко от университета. 7. У тебя дрожат руки! 8. "Почему Боб так редко бывает на занятиях?" - Он часто болеет. 9. Кто знает перевод этого слова? 10. "Когда Вы приходите домой?" - Обычно в 7 часов, иногда - позже. - "Вы очень устаете?" - Иногда я чувствую себя очень усталой, но это быстро проходит. 11. У них сейчас занятие по английскому языку. 12. Мне никогда ничего не рассказывают. 13. Кто пытается Вас обмануть? (Б. Шоу) 14. "Элиза: О чем же тогда речь?" - Хиггинс: Я пытаюсь выразить, насколько я презираю коммерческий подход к жизни. (my contempt for commercialism) (Б. Шоу) 15. "Как часто Вы смотрите фильмы на английском языке?" - Примерно два раза в неделю. Мой брат предпочитает смотреть фильмы на русском, он еще не настолько хорошо знает английский. А я понимаю практически все, что говорят в фильмах. 16. Что означает это выражение? 17. Почему Вы никогда не приходите на занятия вовремя? 18. О, я замечательно провожу время! (Дж. Даррелл) 19. Земля крутится вокруг солнца. 20. Хиггинс: О чем же мы спорим? (Б. Шоу)

Exercise 8. Ask questions about the words underlined.

1. All universities in England and Wales are state universities.

2. There are also a variety of other British higher institutions which offer higher education.

3. The third group consists of new universities founded after the Second World War.

4. Some universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, have an entrance exam before the interview stage.

5. Higher education in England and Wales is highly selective.

6. At the end of the third year of study undergraduates sit for their examinations and take the bachelor's degree.

7. The Fellows teach the students either one-to-one or in very small groups.

Exercise 9. Translate into English.

3 час. 22 мин. 18 час. 15 мин.15 час. 38 мин.

17 час. 00 мин.4 час. 44 мин.1 час. 45 мин.

2 час. 15 мин.4 час. 08 мин.23 час. 30 мин.

5 час. 45 мин.16 час. 53 мин.4 час. 20 мин.

6 час. 00 мин.9 час. 35 мин.8 час. 55 мин.

11 час. 30 мин.7 час. 17 мин.19 час. 15 мин.

Exercise 10. Answer the following questions.

1. What time do you usually get up? (7 час. 10 мин. утра)

2. What time do you have breakfast? (7 час. 30 мин. утра)

3. What time do you usually go to the University? (8 час. 15 мин. утра)

4. What time do you go into the classroom if classes begin at a quarter past eight? (at nine o'clock, at half past eight, at a quarter to nine, at ten minutes past eight, at twenty minutes to nine)

5. What time do you usually get home? (6 час. 45 мин. вечера)

6. When do you begin doing your homework? (9 час. 15 мин. вечера)

7. What time do you go to bed? (11час. 50 мин. вечера)

Things to do

Task 1. Answer the following questions. You can find the answers in the text.

1. What accommodations do the most colleges have for their students?

2. What are the students studying for the first degree called?

3. What types of English universities can be broadly classified into?

Task 2. Translate and comment on the following.

- We all know that the British are very cultural people and many possess an outstanding mind.

Task 3. Give your arguments for and against the following saying.

- Nowadays the number of students who enter into higher education is increasing.

Task 4. Work in small groups. Role-play the situation: YOU WANT TO ENTER INTO HIGHER EDUCATION.

Discuss with your friends the following points.

· institutes of higher education

· the town where you will study

· your aims and ambitions

Remember to:

· discuss all the options

· take an active part in the conversation and be polite

· come up with ideas

· give reasons

· ask for your friend's opinion and agree or disagree with him\her

· come to an agreement

UNIT 4. HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE USA

Knowledge is power.

Live and learn.

To know everything is to know nothing.

Assignments

Task 1. Choose the correct transcription.

1) laneA. [lжn]B. [lein ]C. [lain]

2) gift A. [guft]B. [dзift]C. [gift]

3) seed A. [si:d]B. [sid]C. [sed]

4) eveA. [evi]B. [i:v]C. [ev]

5) tightA. [tait]B. [taight]C. [tig]

Task 2. Choose the correct spelling.

1) [drai]A. draB. deryC. dry

2) [hold] A. holedB. holdC. hould

3) [pu:l] A. poolB. pulC. pule

4) [feis] A. faceB. theisC. feis

5) [si:]A. sieB. seaC. su

Task 3. Which word sounds different?

1.a) morningb) divorcedc) home

2.a) mysteryb) writec) kill

3.a) wroteb) firstc) word

4.a) gentlemanb) goosec) geography

5.a) classesb) cinemac) ice

Two of these ed-endings sound like [d]. Which one does not?

a) informedb) persuadedc) loved

Task 4. Translate the words into Russian and write words they are formed from.

Uncomfortable, educational, snowy, indifferent, endlessly, noisy, movement, truthful, owner, explanation.

Read and translate the text

Finishing school is the beginning of an independent life for millions of school graduates. Many roads are open before them. But it is not an easy thing to choose a profession out of more than the 2000 existing in the world.

Out of the more than three million students who graduate from high school each year, about one million go on for "higher education". Simply by being admitted into one of the most respected universities in the United States, a high school graduate achieves a degree of success. A college at a leading university might receive applications from two percent of these high school graduates, and then accept only one out of every ten who apply.

Successful applicants at such colleges are usually chosen on the basis of:

a) high school records;

b) recommendations from high school teachers;

c) the impression they make during interviews at the university;

d) their scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT).

Categories of institution in the USA

The system of higher education in the United States is complex. It comprises four categories of institution:

1. The university, which may contain:

- several colleges for undergraduate students seeking a bachelor's four-year degree;

- one or more graduate schools for those continuing in specialized studies beyond the bachelor's degree to obtain a master's or a doctoral degree.

2. The four-year undergraduate institution - the college - most of which are not part of a university.

3. The technical training institution, at which high school graduates may take courses ranging from six months to four years in duration, and learn a wide variety of technical skills, from hair styling through business accounting to computer programming.

4. The two-year, or community college, from which students may enter many professions or may go to four-year colleges or universities.

Any of these institutions, in any category, might be either public or private, depending on the source of its funding. There is no clear or inevitable distinction in terms of quality of education offered between the institutions, which are publicly or privately funded. However, this is not to say that all institutions enjoy equal prestige, or that there are no material differences among them.

Involvement in learning

Many universities and colleges, both public and private, have gained reputations for offering particularly challenging courses, and for providing their students with a higher quality of education. The great majority are generally regarded as quite satisfactory. A few other institutions, conversely, provide only adequate education, and students attend classes, pass examinations and graduate as merely competent, but not outstanding, scholars and professionals. The factors determining whether an institution is one of the best, or one of lower prestige, are: quality of teaching faculty, quality of research facilities, amount of funding available for libraries, special programs, etc., and the competence and number of applicants for admission.

All of these factors reinforce one another. In the United States it is generally recognized that there are more and less desirable institutions in which to study and from which to graduate. The more desirable institutions are generally - but not always - more costly to attend, and having graduated from one of them may bring distinct advantages as an individual seeks employment opportunities and social mobility within the society. Competition to get into such a college prompts a million secondary school students to take the SATs every year.

But recently emphasis on admissions examinations has been widely criticized in the United States because the examinations tend to measure competence in mathematics and English. In defense of using the examinations as criteria for admissions, administrators at many universities say that SATs provide a fair way for deciding whom to admit when they have 10 or 12 applicants for every first-year student seat.

Can America's colleges and universities rest on their accomplishments? About 12 million students currently attend schools of higher education in America. They are students in a society that believe in the bond between education and democracy.

Still, many Americans are not satisfied with the condition of higher education in their country. Perhaps the most widespread complaint has to do with the college curriculum as a whole and with the wide range of electives in particular. In the middle of 1980s, the Association of American Colleges (AAC) issued a report that called for teaching a body of common knowledge to all college students. The National Institute of Education (NIE) issued a somewhat similar report, "Involvement in Learning". In its report, the NIE concluded that the college curriculum has become "excessively vocational and work-related". The report also warned that college education may no longer be developing in students "the shared values and knowledge" that traditionally bind Americans together. A serious charge: Is it true?

For the moment, to some degree, it probably is. Certainly, some students complete their degree work without a course in Western Civilization - not to mention other world cultures. Others leave college without having studied science or government. As one response, many colleges have begun reemphasizing a core curriculum that all students must master.

Changes in American higher education

Such problems are signs that American higher education is changing, as it has throughout its history. And, as in the past, this change may be leading in unexpected directions. The Puritans set up colleges to train ministers. But their students made their mark as the leaders of the world's first constitutional democracy. The land grant colleges were founded to teach agriculture and engineering to the builders of the American West. Today, many of these colleges are leading schools in the world of scientific research. Americans have always had a stake in "making the system work". They have especially critical reasons for doing so in the field of education. People in the United States today are faced with momentous questions: "What is America's proper role as the world's oldest constitutional democracy; its largest, economy; its first nuclear power?"

Americans cherish their right to express opinions on all such issues. But the people of the United States are also painfully aware of how complex such issues are. To take part in dealing with new problems, most Americans feel they need all the information they can get. Colleges and universities are the most important centers of such learning. And whatever improvements may be demanded, their future is almost guaranteed by the American thirst to advance and be well informed. In fact, the next charge in American education may be a trend for people to continue their education in college - for a lifetime.

Words and expressions

to accept - принимать

nuclear power - ядерная держава

curriculum - учебный план

amount - количество

democracy - демократия

employment - занятость

distinction - различие

scholar - ученый

duration - продолжительность

application - заявление

employment - занятость

scientific research - научное исследование

equal prestige - равный престиж

advantage - преимущество

master's degree - степень мастера

private - частный

opportunity - возможность

to contain - содержать, включать

similar - подобный

community - сообщество

social mobility - социальная мобильность

bachelor's degree - степень бакалавра

Association of American Colleges (AAC) - Ассоциация Американских Колледжей

National Institute of Education (NIE) - Национальный Институт Образования

Task 5. Match the English and Russian equivalents.

individual approach расписание

campus life склад ума

staff воспитание

library учебный план

curriculumиндивидуальный подход

diligentштат, состав

time tableстуденческая жизнь

upbringingбиблиотека

habit of mindстарательный, успешный

Task 6. Give the English equivalents.

Соленый, успешно, важно, съедобный, меняющийся, бездетный, узнаваемый, дождливый, сердито, некомфортный, рассказчик, слабость.

Task 7. Translate underlined words and phrases into English.

1. Many universities and colleges, как бесплатных, так и частных, have gained reputations for offering particularly challenging courses, and for обеспечение their students with a высоким качеством образования.

2. They are students in a обществе that believe в связь между education and democracy.

3. Many colleges have begun reemphasizing a основной учебный план that all students must справляться.

4. Окончание школы is the beginning of an независимой жизни for millions of school graduates.

Task 8. Practice the following dialogue.

1. Mr. Zotov the professor of the Russian University is speaking to his colleague from London.

Mr. Hopkins: Hopkins speaking. Good afternoon. Mr. Zotov: Good afternoon. Zotov is here. I'm so glad I got through at last. I tried to get you on the phone yesterday but you were out.

Mr. Hopkins: Yes, I was away from London and returned this morning. Mr. Zotov: I know you are a ballet admirer. I'd like to invite you to Covent Garden. I guess you know the Bolshoi ballet is now in London and tomorrow they are performing "Spartacus". Mr. Hopkins: Thank you very much. It's very kind of you. I'll gladly accept your invitation to see the fabulous Bolshoi ballet which commands the love and admiration of audiences all over the world. Mr. Zotov: Good. Incidentally the performance starts at 7.30 and runs three hours. Would you like me to call for you?

Mr. Hopkins: No, thank you. Don't bother. I'll get there on my own. Mr. Zotov: Then I will be waiting for you at 7.15 outside the theatre. Good - bye.

Mr. Hopkins: Thanks a lot. Good-bye.

Task 9. Make up the dialogues according to the following situations.

1. А Russian specialist is going to work in an international organization.

Mr. Smith, a representative of the organization, interviews him. Mr. Smith has looked through the candidate's papers carefully, but he's still got some questions to ask him. "So you've been a factory manager these last few years," he says. "How many people work under you?" His next questions are, "How do you like your work? " and "What can you say about it?" He also asks the candidate a few questions about his family, his hobbies and his interests. The specialist gives full and interesting answers to all the questions. They thank each other.

2. A representative of a Russian firm talks to a British businessman at an industrial exhibition.

The Russian specialist has just seen some new machines. Mr. Robinson's firm is exhibiting. He thinks the designers have done a good job and congratulates Mr. Robinson on the firm's success. Mr. Robinson can arrange for the Russian specialist to visit the factory which makes the machines and talk to the designers. The Russian specialist asks Mr. Harrison to arrange the visit for some time next week and let him know the exact date by phone.

3. An athlete who's recently won the first prize in an international match gives an interview to a TV man.

John Harris, the interviewer, congratulates Oleg Petrov, the athlete, on his success. Oleg thanks the interviewer. John Harris asks Oleg about his plans for the future. Oleg says he's a bit tired, and wants to have a rest, then he plans to begin preparing (training) for the international games. The interviewer says Oleg has made great progress in the last few years. He's still very young, and it's only a beginning, Oleg says he's going to work very hard. The interviewer wishes him every success in the games.

4. An actor who's won a prize at an international film festival gives a press interview.

A reporter says the actor's done very well and congratulates him on his success. "How many films have you played in?" another reporter asks. The actor' answers he's already played in several films, but this is his first big role." You have had to work very hard, haven't you?" is the next question. The actor says he had to work very hard, but it's all been very interesting. One of the newspaper men asks him about his plans for the future. The actor plans to play a test pilot in a television serial. He's very interested in this work. The reporters thank him and wish him good luck.

Task 10. In what situations would you say the following?

1. Yes, I'd be delighted to accept your invitation. 2. You'll have a chance to meet the rest of my colleagues. 3. Thanks awfully, but I'm afraid I've got a lunch appointment for this time. 4. Yes, that'd be splendid. I'd love to. 5. I'm terribly sorry. I'm booked up for Friday. 6. Good, see you on Sunday, then. 7. I've been waiting to meet you for a long time. 8. When exactly do you suggest I come? 9. It's nice meeting you. 10. I'm so pleased to have met you. 11. I'll get there on my own. 12. I'll call back later. 13. Could I leave a message? 14. I understand we should have invited you a few days ago. 15. Will you speak up, please. 16. Your invitation came at very short notice. 17. Sorry. I'm engaged. 18. That suits me perfectly. 19. It is a credit card call.

Task 11. Extend an invitation by phone.

1. to a reception. 2. to the theatre. 3. to an International Book Exhibition. 4. to a luncheon. 5. to your place. 6. to a cocktail party. 7. to your University.

GRAMMAR EXERCISES

Grammar Revision:

· Present Perfect

· Present Perfect Continuous

· Prepositions at/on/in (time)

Exercise 1. Put verbs in brackets into the Present Perfect Tense.

1. Where is your father? - I do not know. He just (go out). 2. She never (lose) her temper. 3. The news (spread) like fire. 4. She (be) here several times, but she never (buy) anything. 5. I (know) you for many years, but I never (hear) you speak like that before. What (happen)? 6. I (send) him a letter, but he (not / answer) me yet. 7. Where ___you (be)? - I (be) shopping. 8. ___Jack (move) into his new house yet? - I do not know. I (not / see) him lately. 9. ___you (finish) those letters yet? - I (do) the first letter already, and now I am doing the second, but I (not / start) the one to Mr. Brown yet.

Exercise 2.Put verbs in brackets into Present Perfect Continuous Tense

1. I (not / sleep) for twelve hours. 2. She (have) a toothache since morning. 3. They (play) football for 2 hours. 4. She (dance) since yesterday evening. 5. Where ___you (work) all this time? 6. She (tell) a lot of lies about me, I am sure. 7. She (not / work) in the library for the last five weeks.

Exercise 3. Make the following sentences negative and put questions to the underlined words.

1. Million students have graduated from high school this year. 2. The Association of American Colleges has issued a report. 3. They have set up colleges to train ministers. 4. Americans have always had a stake in "making the system work". 5. But they have been criticizing emphasis on admissions examinations in the United States for the last years.

Exercise 4. Use Present Perfect or Present Perfect Continuous Tense.

1. He knows Africa well because he has been travelling/ has travelled a lot there.

2. You have been writing/ have written this composition for two hours and can not complete it.

3. John is still repairing his car. He must be tired. He has repaired/ has been repairing it all day.

4. Alice promised to come, but she`s absent. Something has been happening/ has happened to her.

5. The children are drawing. They have been drawing/ have drawn

since they came home.

6. Have they been telling/ Have they told anything about their summer plans?

7. My aunt has always been having/ has always had the big house in the country.

Exercise 5. Put verbs in brackets into Present Perfect or Present Perfect Continuous Tense .

1. She ___ (walk) in the park since morning. It`s time to have dinner, but she ___ (not / come) yet. 2. He ___ (drive) to London for six hours. How many miles ___he ___ (cover) by now? 3. `How long ___ you ___ (learn) French?' `I ___ (learn) since I was ten, but can`t avoid mistakes.' `My parents know French. They ___ (talk) French to me since I don`t remember what time.'. 4. `Don`t tell me any more lies. I ___ (listen to) you too long?' 5. I hear Gerry`s footsteps. He ___ (come) back. I`m going away. I don`t want him to see I ___ (cry). 6. `Since when ___ you ___ (sit) here? How long ___you (wait)?' `I don`t know how long I ___ (wait). I ___ (sit) and ___ (look) at the people passing by since I came here.' 7. `Jack and Tony ___ (play) chess since they are here. Tony ___ (win) six times already, but Jack ___ (win) only twice yet.' `They ___ (not / quarrel)?' `Oh, no. They (not / quarrel).' 8. He ___ (solve) this puzzle at last. He ___ (solve) it since breakfast! 9. You ___ (drink) too much since the party began! 10. `Barry ___ (do) this room since morning and he ___ (not / finish) yet.' ` ___ you ___ (help) him?' `No, I ___ (cook) since he started to do this room. But I ___ (finish) already.'

Exercise 6. Put the verbs into Present Simple, Present Continuous, Present Perfect or Present Perfect Continuous Tense.

1. `Where is John?''He _ (play) football in the yard.' 2. I _ (not / like) the picture you __ (look) at now. 3. What ___ you (talk) about since I left? 4. ___ you ever (be) to Paris? 5. `Where _you (be)?' `I _ (be) shopping.' 6. He _ (stay) here for three months, and I think my father _ (entertain) him too long. 7. She usually __ (do) her homework at home, but now she _ (do) it at the library. 8. She __ just __ (come), she will speak to you in a minute. 9. Where _ you (sit) all this time? 10. `What are you looking for? __ you __ (lose) your glasses? Let me help you.' `Oh, thanks. I _ (find) them already.' 11. I __ (not / play) football. 12. What ___ you (wait for)? Why _you (sit) here? 13. We __ (know) her since she arrived to our city. 14. Phil __ (enjoy) sports, but he (not / enjoy) music at all.

Exercise 7. Translate into English.

1. Он пишет статью уже три часа. Он выпил уже три чашки кофе. Он уже давно не работал так усердно. 2. Они спорят с тех пор, как учитель вышел из класса. 3. "С какого времени ты пытаешься до него дозвониться?" - "С десяти часов". 4. Кто переставлял мои книги? 5. Он ждет этого письма целый месяц. 6. Надеюсь, ваши друзья хорошо за вами ухаживали. 7. Она сидит здесь уже несколько часов. С самого утра сидит на скамейке и ждет кого-то. 8. Эта семья живет здесь с весны. Они уже перессорились со всеми соседями. 9. Чем ты занимался, пока меня не было? 10. "Я только что говорила доктору Хэлидею и его племяннице, какая ты умница". (Дж. Б. Пристли) 11. "Я новичок в городе. Живу здесь только около трех месяцев… И я не пробыл тут еще и недели, как обратил на Вас внимание, мисс Конвей…. И с тех пор я наблюдал за Вами". (Дж. Б. Пристли) 12. "По правде сказать, вы единственный человек, о котором мы еще не говорили". (Дж. Б. Пристли) 13. "Дориан! Какая удача! Я ждал тебя в твоей библиотеке с девяти часов…. сегодня в полночь я уезжаю в Париж". (О. Уайльд) 14. "Ты слишком много пил, Роберт?" - "Да, я слишком много пил". (Дж. Б. Пристли)

Exercise 8. Ask questions about the words underlined.

1. One million students graduated from high school this year have gone on for "higher education".

2. Colleges and universities are the most important centers of learning.

3. Others have left college without having studied science or government.

4. Today many of these colleges are leading schools in the world of scientific research.

5. American higher education has been changing.

6. About 12 million students currently attended schools of higher education in America.

Exercise 9. Answer the questions. Use the following words and expression: 10(20) minutes, half an hour, an hour and a half, a quarter of an hour, 4(5) hours.

1. How long did it take you to do your homework yesterday?

2. How long does it take you to get home if you go by bus (trolley-bus, underground)?

3. How long does it take you to get to the Hermitage Museum from the centre of St. Petersburg if you go there by underground?

4. How long do you think it takes me to do all the exercises?

5. How long do you think it takes us to read this play by Oscar Wilde?

Exercise 10. Translate into English.

1. Давайте пойдем в столовую без десяти час. Там в это время не бывает народу. 2. Уроки заканчиваются в три, и уже без четверти четыре я уже дома. 3. Фильм заканчивается в половине седьмого, у нас есть время погулять. 4. Приходите сюда, пожалуйста, в двенадцать тридцать. Мы ждем вас. 5. Я пробыл в институте до половины девятого. Сейчас иду домой. 6. Сколько времени вы находитесь здесь? - Я здесь с двух часов. 7. Я планирую потратить три или четыре часа в день на повторение грамматики английского языка перед экзаменами.

Exercise 11. Complete these sentences with at, in or on and the most likely of these words and phrases.

the week before Christmas midnight lunch the 4th July

half an hour a moment

1. I was talking so much _____that my food went cold.

2. It shouldn't take long to repair your watch. Come back ____ and I'll have it ready for you.

3. I was very busy at work and I ended up buying all my presents _____.

4. It's a holiday in the USA ____.

5. She put her head on the pillow, closed her eyes and _____was fast asleep.

6. The children were still running around the streets ____ , when they should have been in the bed.

Exercise 12. Complete these sentences with in, at or on.

1.The price on electricity is going up ___October.

2. I've been invited to a wedding ___14 February.

3. Hurry up! We've got to go ___five minutes

4. I don't like travelling ___night.

5. I'm busy no, but I I'll be with you ___a moment.

6. Jenny's brother is an engineer but he is out of work ___the moment.

7. I hope the weather will be nice ___weekend.

8. We travelled overnight to Paris and arrived ___ 5 o'clock ___the morning.

9. ___Saturday night I went to bed ___11 o'clock.

10. The course begin ___7 January and ends sometime ___April.

11. My car is being repaired at the garage. It will be ready ___two hours.

12. The telephone and the doorbell rang ___same time.

Things to do

Task 1. Answer the following questions. You can find the answers in the text.

1. What are the factors determining an institution as one of the best or one of lower prestige?

2. Why are not many Americans satisfied with the condition of higher education in their country?

3. What categories of institution does the system of higher education in the United States comprise?

Task 2. Translate and comment on the following.

- Finishing school is the beginning of an independent life for millions of school graduates. Many roads are open before them. But it is not an easy thing to choose a profession out of more than the 2000 existing in the world.

Task 3. Give your arguments for and against the following saying.

- Nowadays a quality of education in any institute of higher education in the USA depends on the source of its funding.

Task 4. Speaking and Discussing.

1. Ask your partner about an event that has changed his/her life.

2. Write a short account of one of your life experience.

3. Prepare a talk on an incident (exciting experience, funny/sad story, etc.) that has occurred in your life. Say why you have chosen this particular story.

4. Project Work:

· In your local, national or international press find interesting stories that have happened to famous people of Russia, the UK, the USA - scientists, writers, politicians, teachers, etc. Make a list of names and happenings. Discuss the information with your group mates.

· Collect information on problems facing these people in your country and in some other countries. Hold a conference on the problem. Compare the situations in these countries. Think of the way to solve the people's problems.

UNIT 5. POLITICAL SYSTEM in the UK

"The measure of a civilized society is how we educate our young and care for our old."

Read and translate the text

Parliamentary democracy in Britain has a special character which stems from the fact that the British Constitution is not to be found in a single document. This does not mean, however, that Britain does not have a formal and controlled system of government. British Democracy has evolved over time. The rules which collectively form the "British constitution" are a description of current practice.

Treaties like the Act of Union between England and Scotland in 1707 and the treaty with the Irish Free State in December 1921 have helped to shape the Constitution as it is today. Similarly, statute laws have established constitutional principles which have been interpreted and developed by the courts. The main institutions of government have developed gradually since the 12th century.

Great Britain is a monarchy, but the powers of the King or Queen are limited. The monarchy is hereditary to the sons of the Sovereign in order of seniority, or if there is no sons, to the daughters. According to law, the Queen is the head of the state, the commander-in-chief of all Armed Forces of the Crown; she opens the new session of Parliament. But in each case the Queen acts not on her own, but on the advice of the government which she cannot constitutionally ignore.

The British Parliament is the supreme legislative body in the country. Parliament consists of two Houses-the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The members of the House of Commons (called Members of Parliament or MPs for short) are chosen by the electors. There must be a general election every five years, but the Government can order a general election at any time within that period. Each session of the House of Commons lasts for about 160-175 days. Parliament has 5 intervals during its work. Members of Parliament are paid for their Parliamentary work and have to attend the sittings.