Реферат: Учебное пособие по английскому языку для студентов Iкурса всех специальностей дневной формы обучения Пермь 2001

Министерство образования Российской Федерации

Пермский государственный технический университет

Березниковский филиал

Кафедра общенаучных дисциплин


УЧЕБНОЕ ПОСОБИЕ
ПО АНГЛИЙСКОМУ ЯЗЫКУ

для студентов I курса всех специальностей

дневной формы обучения


Пермь 2001

Составители: старшие преподаватели Ивонина Л.К.,

Кучина Е.Б.,

Чайникова Г.Р.


В предлагаемом пособии содержятся тексты для аудиторной и самостоятельной работы. В основе построения пособия – принцип интенсивного обучения. Каждый из предложенных текстов включает в себя основной словарь – минимум, грамматические упражнения и творческие задания для ознакомительного чтения, обсуждения и развития навыков разговорной речи.

Пособие предназначегно для студентов I курса всех специальностей дневной формы обучения и тематически связано с разговорными темами, предлагаемыми на I-м курсе.

Пособие снабжено приложениями для чтения с информацией об англоязычных странах.


© Пермский государственный технический университет, 2001


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^ LEARNING FOREIGN LANGUAGES

“He, who knows no foreign language, does not know his own one”.

Goethe


Answer the questions.




Is it necessary to learn English?

What kind of foreign languages do you know?

Is it difficult for you to learn foreign languages?

Where do you learn foreign lan­guages?

Whom do you learn English with?

Who teaches you English?

Do you use your knowledge of foreign languages in your life?

Where do you use your knowledge of foreign languages?

Do you like to learn it?

How long does it take you to do your English homework carefully?

How many foreign languages do you know?

What other languages besides English would you like to learn?




Read the dialogue and express the opinion “why do you learn foreign language?”


Why Do You Learn Foreign Language?

— Is it easy for you to learn foreign language?

— Learning a foreign language is not an easy thing. It is a long and slow process that takes a lot of time and efforts.

— ^ Why do you learn foreign language?

— Nowadays it is especially important to know foreign language. Some people learn language, because they need it for their work, others travel abroad, for the third studying language is a hobby. Everyone, who knows foreign language can speak to people from other countries, read foreign authors in the original, which makes your outlook wider.

— ^ Why do you. learn exactly English?

— Nowadays English has become the world's most important language in politics, science, trade and cultural relations.

— Do many people in the world speak English as a mother language (tongue)?

— Over 300 million people speak it as a mother tongue. The native speakers of English live in Great Britain, the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand. English is one of the official languages in the Irish Republic, Canada, the South Africa Republic. English is one of the official languages of the United Nations Organization and other political organizations.

— ^ What language is used by scientists?


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— Half of the world's scientific literature is in English. It is the language of computer technology. To know English today is absolutely necessary for every educated man, for every good specialist.


Do you like English?

English language is a wonderful language. It is the language of the great literature. It is the language of William Shakespeare, Jonathan Swift, Walter Scott, Charles Dickens.

Do you know how to learn English better?

Yes, there are some rules of memory. It is necessary to repeat the material you've learnt every three days. If you don't repeat the material within three days most of the information vanishes as if you never learnt it. It is better to memorize material before you go to bed. You'll memorize it more quickly. It's very useful to listen to the material you are learning to memorize the pronunciation. One should also know that we get 90% of information by teaching others, only 20% by listening and 30% by seeing.




^ Translate these sentences into English.


1). Великий немецкий поэт Гёте однажды сказал: «Тот, кто не знает иностранного языка, не знает и своего собственного».

2). Изучение иностранных языков особенно важно сегодня.

3). Некоторые люди изучают языки, потому что они нужны им в работе, другие путешествуют за границу, для третьих изучение иностранных языков — хобби.

4). Каждый год тысячи людей из России едут в разные страны как туристы или работать.

5). Они не могут обойтись без знания языка страны, в которую они едут.

6). Современный инженер и даже рабочий не смогут работать с импортным станком или машиной, если он не в состоянии прочитать инструкцию, как это сделать.

7). Ученый, историк, дипломат являются, как правило, полиглотами, потому что иностранные языки нужны им в их работе.


The great German poet Goethe said, "He, who knows no foreign language, does not know his own one." That is why in order to understand oneself and environment one has to study foreign languages. What do you think about Goether’s words?




Make up you own dialogue about learning foreign languages.




Now you begin an institute course of English. It is very important to know what you think about it. Is it necessary for a future economist (engineer) to study a foreign language?




Read pros and cons given below. Think of some more which are important in your opinion.

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For

Against

1. I can read scientific journals in English as soon as they are published.

2. I can speak to foreign colleagues if necessary.

3. I can read English books.

4. I can find out more about the world.

1. It takes a lot of time to learn a foreign language.

2. It is impossible to learn a foreign language.

3. I can read interesting articles when they are translated into Russian.

4. I think it is very difficult to learn a foreign language.


2) Discuss the problem in groups of 3-5 students. You may find the following expressions helpful:

to express your opinion

I think … I suppose …

Speaking for myself … I’m sure …

I believe … In my opinion …


to agree with somebody

Yes, I agree (with you) I think so too

That's true You are quite right


to disagree with somebody

On the other hand ... It' s not (entirely) true

I don't agree (with you) I don't think so


3) Fill in the chart and give your reasons for your decision.





Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4

It is necessary for a future economist (engineer) to study a foreign language.







+




It's not necessary for a future economist (engineer) to study a foreign language.




-









^ THE HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Until the few centuries ago there were many natives of what we call the British Isles, who didn't speak English. The Western land of Wales spoke Welsh; in the farthest north and the islands of Scotland the language was Gaelic; and a similar language, Irish Gaelic, was spoken in Ire­land; Manx was the language of the Isles of Manx and Cornish that of the south-western tip of Britain.


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In Scotland the Gaelic Language Society has existed for eighty years. It's dedicated to preserving the traditions of the Gaelic songs, verse and prose. And nowadays more and more people in the Lowland areas of Scotland, as well as the islands, where Gaelic is still spoken, want to learn the language. Since 1970s many people go to evening classes and learn Gaelic. Gaelic can be chosen for the final exam. In Wales the Welsh Language Society was founded in 1962 and since that time it has been trying to restore Welsh to an equal place with English. In 1967 Welsh was recognized as an equal language for use in law courts. In Wales some of the programmes of the IVth channel are broadcast in Welsh.

English is spoken as a native language by more than 300 million people, most of them living in North America, the British Isles, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean and South Africa. In several of these countries English isn't the sole language (e. g. in Canada — French is also spoken; many Irish and Welsh speak the Celtic language). But English is the second language for governmental, commercial, social or educational activities in the countries where native language isn't English.

In about 25 countries English has been used as an official language (either it is the sole official language there, or it shares that status with other languages).

Most of these countries are former British territories. Even more widely English is studied and used as a foreign language. It has already acquired international status. It is used for communication, listening, reading, broadcast, in commerce and travel.

Half of the world's scientific literature is in English. It is the language of automation and computer technology. It is not only the universal language of international aviation, shipping and sport, it is also the universal language of literacy and public communication. It is the major language of diplomacy and it is the most frequently used language in the general conduct of UN business.

Only in the course of the last hundred years English has become a world language. In Shakespeare's time it was "provincial" language of secondary importance. Only б million people spoke English.

From the British Isles English spread all over the world, but English hasn't always been the language of the people of those islands. When the Romans colonized England (the 1st century of our era), the country was inhabited by the Celtic tribes. Until the 5th century only the Celtic languages were spoken by the people of Britain. About the middle of the 5th century the British Isles began to be invaded by the Angles, Saxons and Jutes, who spoke dialects of the language which was the ancestor of the present-day English. Now we call it Old English. During fifteen hundred years that have passed since the Anglo-Saxon invasion English has changed considerably. It was influenced by the language of the Danish (Viking) invaders (in the 8—10th century).

Between the 12th and 14th century English was influenced (both in grammar and vocabulary, and in its pronunciation) by Norman French. In the 14th—16th century quite a number of Latin and Greek words were introduced into English.

English belongs to the Germanic branch of the Indo-European family of languages.


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Exercises



Answer the questions.




What languages are spoken on the British Isles?

What language is widely spread in Scotland?

Since what time has English become a world language?

What branch of languages does English belong to?

In what countries is English considered to be the official language?

Where is it spoken as the second language?

What languages have influenced English since the 8th century?




Complete the sentences.




English is spoken in ... .

English has become the language of ... .

The Welsh Language Society was formed to ... .

English is spoken as a native language by more than ....

English is used as an official language in ....

Most of the countries where English is spoken are ....

In Shakespeare's time English was a language of ... .

Until the 5th century only ... languages were spoken by the people of Britain.




Make up a plan for retelling the text, pointing out the main historical events.




Retell what you’ve learnt about the history of the English Language.


^ HISTORY OF EDUCATION


Education is extremely important for our civilization. Some countries contributed greatly to the development of educational systems. Read the text "History of Education" and complete the table containing some information about systems of education in different countries.




The name of the country

Who was taught

What was taught

Egypt

The sons of nobles

Reading, physical education, good behaviour

Ancient India







China







Sparta







Athens







Roman State







Great Britain







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1. As long as we live we continue to learn, and the education we receive when we are young helps us to continue learning. We are taught to read and write, and are taught many of the essential facts about the world and shown how to sort them out' so that later in life, we shall be able to find out things ourselves and not to ask other people.

The first teachers were fathers and mothers, but very early in the history of man children began to be taught by people other than their fathers and mothers. It is thought that schools first started in Egypt 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, and that it was the invention of writing which made them necessary. Reading and writing were quite different from the skills used in everyday life, and writing made it possible to store up knowledge which grew with each generation. Specially trained people were therefore needed to teach it.

2. Only the sons of nobles attended the first Egyptian schools, which taught reading, physical education and good behaviour. In ancient India the priestly caste decided what should be taught to each of the four castes, or groups, into which people were divided.

Only the priestly caste was allowed to learn the Hindu scriptures. In China, until the 19th century, education was organized according to social classes, and consisted largely of learning the scriptures by heart,

3. A clear example of the way in which even neighbouring peoples produce different types of education comes from ancient Greece. Sparta and Athens were two Greek states. The Spartans, hard and warlike people, gave a purely military education to their children. At the age of seven all boys of noble families were taken from their homes and sent to live in schools. They were kept under a very strict discipline and were taught hunting, military scouting, swimming and the use of weapons. The Spartans despised literature, and some people think they could not even read.

At the very same time, also for the nobles only, the Athenians were building what we call a liberal education - one that helps a man to develop all sides of his nature, helps him to make and appreciate beautiful things and helps him to find the best way of life They thought it important to educate the body as well as the mind, and had a programme of physical training which consisted of running, jumping, wrestling and throwing the discus. As time went on Athenian education paid special attention to reading, writing and literature and these were taught by a special teacher, known as the "grammatist". Common people were not educated, they were trained in craftsmanship, workmanship, trades.

Greek philosophers, or thinkers, always discussed what education should try to do and what it should include. Plato wrote a book called The Republic, which is one of the best books ever written on education, and since those days Greek ideas have influenced European education, especially secondary and university education.

4. The Romans were very good at organizing, and they were the first people to have schools run by the government free of charge. Throughout their great empire there was a network of these schools which provided for three stages of education.

At six or seven all boys (and some girls) went to the primary school, where they learned “three R's”: reading, writing, and arithmetic. Most children were not taught more than this, but at 12 or 13, boys of the rich families went on to the "grammar" school to study the Greek and Latin languages and literatures, that is, what had

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been written in those languages. At 16, young nobles who wanted to enter politics or the service of their country went to the schools of rhetoric to be trained in rhetoric, or public speaking.

5. In Great Britain the first teachers we read about were craftsmen. They taught children to read, write and count, to cook and mend their own shoes. In the early 19th century the main system of teaching was the "Monitor" system. The teacher could manage a class of 100 or more by using older pupils or "monitors" to help him. The schools had long desks which were sometimes arranged in tiers so that the teacher could see every child in a large class.


^ Remember the words and expressions:


essential – существенный, важный, необходимый

to sort out – отбирать, распределять (по сортам)

to find out – узнать, выяснить, понять

to store up knowlegde – накапливать знания

skills – навыки

nobles – знать

the priestly caste – привилегированная каста духовенства

scripture – библия, священное писание, священная книга

Hindu [`hin`du] – индус, индусский

by heart [hα:t] – наизусть

to despise – презирать

a liberal education – гуманитарное образование

to appreciate – (высоко) ценить, понимать

craftsmanship – ремесло, мастерство, искусство

workmanship – ремесло, мастерство

to influence – оказывать влияние, влиять

schools run by the government – школы, находящиеся в ведении государства

free of charge - бесплатный

to provide – обеспечивать

the “Monitor” system – Ланкастерская система образования, при которой старшие ученики следят за младшими.


Read the names of the countries and adjectives and translate them:



^ Egypt [`iʤipt] – Egyptian [i`ʤip∫n]
India [`indj] - Indian
China [`t∫ain]– Chinese [`t∫ai`ni:z] Greece [gri:s]– Greek
Athens [`æθinz] – Athenian [’θi:njn]

Sparta – Spartan [`spα:t()n]

Great Britain – British


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c) Find in the text passages describing the organization of education in ancient Egypt, India and China and compare them with the Russian translation below. Try to find five or more mistakes in the translation.


Только сыновья из знатных семей посещали первую египетскую школу, где их учили чтению, физической культуре и хорошим манерам. В древней Индии только каста жрецов определяла что будут изучать четыре касты или группы, на которые были разделены люди.

Только касте жрецов разрешалось изучать священные книги. В Китае начиная с 19 века обучение было организовано социальными классами и заключалось в заучивании наизусть религиозных текстов.


d) Find the passage describing the difference in education between Sparta and Athens and translate it orally into Russian.


e) Answer the questions:


Where did first schools start?

What made schools necessary?

Did writing make it possible to store up knowledge?

Who attended the first Egyptian schools?

What were the pupils taught there?

What did education in China consist of until the 19th century?


f) Find in the text and put down key words to speak about education in Roman Empire and Great Britain.


g) Express your opinion to the next theses:


Since the first schools started

education has been becoming more difficult.

education has been becoming more liberal.



^ EDUCATION IN RUSSIA

1. Ancient Rus was one of the early feudal states and held a leading place in the world history.

The Slavonic written language came to Rus from Bulgaria in the 9th century. Towards the end of this century the replacement of religious books in Greek for those in the Slavonic language began.

Between the 10th and 13th centuries Russians developed a high civilization, which formed the foundation of the Russian culture in the following centuries. During this period numerous cultural treasures were accumulated. The written works of the time show that the level of knowledge on most natural phenomena was as high as that of Ancient Greece.

Monasteries were cultural and educational centres. They had large libraries and well-equipped book-making shops, in which not only church manuscripts were

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copied and translated but original books were written. Today we can confidently say that Ancient Rus was a state of high culture and knowledge.

2. In pre-revolutionary Russia there was a network of primary schools for common people. Nevertheless illiteracy among common people was very high. Well-off people taught their children in grammar schools, commercial schools or secondary schools teaching no classics.

There were also schools for nobles only. Entrance to those schools was limited. For example, at lycee where A.S. Pushkin studied the number of pupils ranged from thirty to one hundred. Only boys at the age of 10 or 12 from noble families of high rank were admitted and studied there for six years. They were taught many different subjects. The most important were Russian literature, history, geography, mathematics, physics, logic, law, rhetoric and such foreign languages as French, English, German and Latin. Great attention was paid to different arts and physical training: riding, swimming, fencing and dancing. The aim of this school was to bring up intelligent people in the broad sense of the word. Those who graduated from such educational institutions usually entered the service of their country to realize their abilities and knowledge to the benefit of their state.

3. The history of higher education in Russia goes back to 1755 when the first University was founded in Moscow on the initiative of M.V. Lomonosov and in accordance with his plan. Later, universities were opened in many other big cities of the country.

4. After the revolution in 1917, education was guaranteed to the Soviet citizens by the Constitution and was free of charge, including higher education. Teaching at schools was carried out almost in all national languages. The system of education was the same throughout the country.

School attendance was compulsory for those between 7 and 15. Those who completed their secondary education and passed entrance examinations to higher education establishments received monthly grants if they did not fail in the examinations that they took at the end of each term. Higher school education lasted five years.

5. In 1991 the former fifteen republics of the Soviet Union became independent states. The Russian Federation, the biggest and the most powerful of them began to develop as a democratic state. From the very start democratic reforms began to take place in many fields of life. Changes in political, economic and social conditions required changes in the system of education. Its aim is to prepare the growing generation for independent life and work in new conditions.

New curriculums were introduced in schools such as "The World Around Us" for younger students and "Fundamentals of Information Science and Computer Engineering", "Ethics and Psychology of Family Life" for senior students. Along with state schools where education is free of charge there appeared many private schools, colleges, lycees,gymnasiums and different courses where students can study sciences and humanities including foreign languages.

6. At some schools the leavers are sent abroad to continue their education at Sorbonne in Paris, at the Universities of Great Britain, Germany, USA and other countries.

After graduating from those Universities they return to their country to work in different fields of national economy.

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A former student of a Russian school said on his return home:

"I was surprised how much there is in common between Russian and Western young people - their love for entertainments and the same kind of music and their wish to know everything new. I hope there will be time when young people from abroad will also come to our country to study.

Such exchanges of students will undoubtedly result in better understanding among people which in its turn will bring greater stability to the whole world."


^ Words and Expressions


treasure – сокровище

illiteracy – неграмотность

well-off – богатый, обеспеченный

grammar school – гимназия

secondary school teaching no classics – реальное училище

nobles – дворянство, знать, аристократия

lycee = lyceum – лицей

to admit – допускать, принимать

fencing - фехтование

to the benefit – на благо

compulsory - обязательный

grant - стипендия

to fail in – провалиться (на экзамене)

curriculum [k`rikjulm] – учебный план, курс обучения

sciences and humanities – естественные и гуманитарные дисциплины


Write down the transcription of the words given below and remember them:

accumulate civilization treasure

phenomenon – phenomena manuscript initiative

logic feudal private

religious psychology gymnasium

original throughout undoubtedly

intelligent


^ Read the translation of the first two paragraphs given below. Compare it with the original and say if everything is right.


Древняя Русь была одним из ранних феодальных государств и занимала одно из ведущих мест в мировой истории. Старославянский язык письменности был заимствован из Болгарии в IX веке. К концу этого века началась замена церковных книг на древнегреческом языке книгами на старославянском.

Между Х и ХШ столетиями русские создали высокую культуру, послужившую основой развития в последующих столетиях. В течение этого периода шло накопление культурных сокровищ, Письменные памятники этого периода показывают, что уровень понимания многих естественных

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явлений был так же высок, как и в древней Греции.


Find in the text and put down 10-12 words or word combinations which can be used to speak about the history of higher education in Russia.




Answer the questions:




Do you agree that Ancient Rus held a leading place in the world history?

Do you agree that the pre-revolutionary Russia was a state of high culture?

Do you believe that the changes in the system of education were necessary?

If it were possible to choose, where would you like to study – in the Soviet Union or nowadays?


^ HIGHER EDUCATION IN RUSSIA.


Every citizen of our country has the right to education.

Education in Russia is compulsory up to the 9th form inclusive. After finishing 9 forms of a secondary school young people can continue their education in the 10th and the 11th form. They can also go to a vocational or technical school, where they study academic subjects and receive a profession.

After finishing a secondary, vocational, technical school young people can start working or go on in higher education. They can enter an institute or a university. There are the following types of higher schools in Russia: universities, institutes, various higher military schools and academies. They train specialists in different fields. There are three departments at the universities and institutes of Russia: day-time, evening and extramural departments. The complete course of studies at an institute or a university usually takes 5 years.

Part-time students have an opportunity to study without leaving their jobs. All applicants must take competitive exams if they want to enter a higher educational establishment. Higher education institutions offer a programme of academic subjects for undergraduates in a variety of fields, as well as a graduate course. If one finishes a graduate course and writes a thesis, he or she receives a candidate’s degree or a doctoral degree.

The system of higher education in Russia is going through a transitional period. The main objectives of the reform are: to decentralize the higher education system, to develop a new financial mechanism, to give more academic freedoms to faculties and students. All institutes and universities until recently have been funded by the state, the students have got scholarships. Now universities have fee-paing departments or courses where the cost of study is high and the students have to pay for their education.

Training specialists at our Institutes combines theoretical studies with practical work and industrial training. Students have lectures and practical lessons. They attend lectures on different subjects and they take notes. During practical lessons they study the material of the lectures.

The academic year is divided into two terms from September to January and from February to July. Students take examinations at the end of a term or a study year. To pass examinations successfully students are to work hard during the

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academic year. They must not miss lectures and they must study regularly. Sometimes students take examinations and credit tests in advance. At the end of each term the student submits a course paper, and at the end of course of studies he presents a graduation project or passes final state examinations.

Our country needs more and more specialists with higher education every year.

Exercises



Remember words and expressions:

the right to education право на образование

compulsory обязательный

inclusive [in’klu:siv] включительно

to finish a secondary school заканчивать среднюю школу

a vocational school училище

a technical school техникум

a day-time department дневное отделение

evening or part-time,

extramural or correspondence вечернее или заочное

an applicant [‘æplikənt] абитуриент

an undergraduate = a student

[ʌndə’grædjuit]

a term семестр

an academic year (a study year) учебный год

a graduate course аспирантура

a theses [Ɵi:sis] диссертация

a candidate [‘kændidit] degree степень кандидата наук

a doctoral degree степень доктора наук

an objective [ɔb’ʤektiv] цель

to decentralize уничтожить централизацию

to be funded by the state финансироваться государством

to get a scholarship [‘skɔləʃip] получать стипендию

to take notes вести конспект

credit tests зачеты

in advance [əd’va:ns] заранее

a course [kɔ:s] paper курсовая работа

a graduation project дипломный проект

to submit [səb’mit] (to present [pri’zent]) представлять


Find in the text English equivalents of the following words and word-combinations:


продолжать образование в вузе, общеобразовательные предметы, одновре-менно работая, поступать в университет, находиться в переходном периоде, высшие военные училища, иметь возможность, сдавать конкурсные экза-

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мены, создать новый финансовый механизм, платные курсы, производст-венная практика, посещать лекции, обучение специалистов, учебный год делится на два семестра, успешно сдать экзамены, учиться регулярно и усердно работать, сдавать зачеты заранее, сдавать выпусные государствен-ные экзамены.



Fill in gaps by words or word-combinations in brackets.




My friend is a second-year student. Last year he … successfully and … the University. He studies … . He is a … student.

Mike studies at the day-time department. During the academic year he works hard and … lectures reqularly. Sometimes he takes exams and credit tests …. Mike gets ….

Did you write … and receive a candidates degree?

In Russia the academic year … into two terms. At the end of each term the student … a course paper.

How many … are there at the universities in Russia? … at a university usually takes 5 years.

(a thesis, the complete course of studies, is divided, took competitive exams, departments, a scholarship, entered, part-time, attends, submits, without leaving his job, in advance)


Replace underlined words by antonyms and translate sentences into Russian.




My friend’s brother is a full-time student.

Higher education is our country is free of charge.

An applicant failed at the entry exams.

John passed final state exams successfully.

The students often missed lectures and studied inconstantly.




Answer the questions. Follow the model:


Model: Do you study literature at the University?

No, I don’t. I study mathematics.


Are you a second-year student?

Do you study at an extra-mural department?

Is higher education in Russia compulsory?

Does your friend get a scholarship?

Will you present a thesis after graduating from the University?

Do you always take exams and credit tests in advance?




Ask the questions to the anderlined words:




There are three departments at the Universities of Russia.

16


Part-time students have an apportunity to study without leaving their jobs.

The complete course of studies at a University usually takes 5 years.

All institutes and universities until recently have been funded by the state.

They regullarly attend his lectures.




Answer the questions:




Do you think it’s necessary to get a higher education? Why?

Is your future profession prestigious?

Why do you think so? Give your reasons.

What country would you like to get a higher education in? Why?




Imagine that you are a Prime Minister of Russia. What will you do for Higher Education in the country?




Retell the text.


^ MOSCOW STATE UNIVERSITY


Moscow State University is the oldest, autonomous, self-governing and state-supported institution of higher learning, founded in 1755 by the scientist Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov. Located in Moscow, the university is composed of faculties of biology, chemistry, computational mathematics and cybernetics, eco­nomics, foreign languages, fundamental medicine, geography, geology, history, journalism, law, mechanics and mathematics, physics, psychology, sociology, and soil sciences, as well as an institute of Asian and African Studies. Several museums, colleges, and a number of institutes are affiliated with Moscow University, and a preparatory faculty teaches Russian language and other subjects to foreign students.

Except for the science faculties and some of the arts faculties — which are situated in south-western Moscow — the remainder of the faculties are located in the older university buildings in the centre of the city. A diploma in a given field of study is awarded after five or five and a half years of study. The highest degree, the Doctor of Sciences, may be attained upon completion of a thesis based on independent research.

The University produced a great number of brilliant scholars such as Zhukovsky, Stoletov, Sechenov. Timiryasev, Pavlov and Vernadsky. Classics of Russian literature: Lermontov, Griboyedov, Turgenev and Chekhov also studied at the University. The list of such great names is endless.

Today every fifth 'Russian academician is its graduate.


^ OUR UNIVERSITY.


Our country has a large net of higher educational establishments. Higher education in Russia is provided by academies, universities, polytechnical and specialized institutes where future specialists for an enormous number of fields, both in sciences and humanities are trained.

17


In our region there are more than 10 higher educational establishments. The Branch of the Perm Polytechnical University in our town is of particular concern.

In 1958 the first institution of higher education-an educational-consulting point was opened in Berezniki where only 3 teachers began to work with 150 extra-mural students. It was the only opportunity to help young people in getting of a higher education in their native town.

In 1963 the educational-consulting centre was reorganized into the general-technical faculty and then it was transfered into the Branch of the Perm Polytechnical Institute. So, all inhabitants of Berezniki had got a real possibility to have a higher educational institution in their native town. The faculty had got its own building where the first research laboratories were equipped. Now the students may carry out researches there and make experiments.

In 1981 the first chairs were organized at the faculty. Now our University has four chairs: the chair of technology and mechanical production, the chair of technology of chemical processes, the chair of general-scientific disciplines and the chair of economics. Our University trains students of different specialities.

The lectures and practical courses are delivered by highly-qualified teachers. Tuition rests on a broad scientific basis, lectures on theory being combined with practical classes. The early years are devoted to general subjects. In the first and second years there’s a common curriculum for all related faculties and specialities. Specialization usually begins in the third or fourth year.

There are two departments: day-time and evening department at our University. Part-time students have a possibility to combine their work and study at the same time. The complete course of studies lasts 5 years at the day department and 6 years at the part-time department. Our University has not extra-mural department.

Our University has a good library with a reading-hall in it. You can get books in many fields of science and engineering there.

Exercises



^ Pay special attention to the pronunciation of the following words:


polytechnical [,pɔli’teknikəl] – политехнический

technology [tek’nɔləʤi] – технология

mechanical [mi’kænikəl]

Branch [bra:nʧ] – филиал

specialist [‘speʃəlist] – специалист; speciality [,speʃi’æliti] – специаль-ность; specialization [,speʃəlai’zeiʃən] – специализация; specialized [‘speʃəlaizd] – специализированный

enormous [i’nɔ:məs] – огромный

faculty [‘fækəlti] – факультет

research [ri’sə:ʧ] – исследование


18


laboratory [lə’borətəri] – лаборатория

to equip [i’kwip] – оборудовать

process [‘prəuses]

science [‘saiəns], scientific [,saiən’tifik]

chair [ʧɛə] – кафедра

discipline [‘disiplin]

curriculum [kə’rikjuləm] – учебная программа

qualified [‘kwɔlifaid] – квалифицированный

tuition [tju(:)’iʃən] – обучение


b) Find the equivalents to the English expressions in the right-hand column.


a net of higher educational establishments

to provide by

to train

an enormous number of fields

an educational - consulting point (centre)

extra-mural students

the only opportunity

a real possibility

to carry out (make) researches (experiments)

to deliver lectures

to rest on

different specialities

to devote to

a common curriculum

the complete course of studies

the Branch of the University

a) реальная возможность

b) разные специальности

c) образовательно-консультационный центр

d) читать лекции

e) полный курс обучения

f) посвящать

g) опираться на

h) обеспечивать

i) сеть высших учебных заведений

j) огромное число областей

k) общая учебная программа

l) филиал университета

m) студенты - заочники

n) обучать

возможность

проводить исследования (ставить эксперименты)




Find in the text sentences with Passive Voice.




Make up general and tail questions to the sentences:




Our country has a large net of higher educational establishments.

Our University has not extra-mural department.

The Branch of the Perm Polytechnical University in our town is of particular concern.

In our region there are more than 10 higher educational establishments.

The lectures and practical courses are delivered by highly qualified teachers.

Specialization usually begins in the third or fourth year.

19


You can get books in many fields of science and engineering there.




Retell the text using the plan:




A large net of higher educational establishments in Russia.

In our region there are … .

In 1958 … was opened in Berezniki.

1963 (the general – technical faculty, the Branch of the PPI).

The first chairs of the Branch (1981).

Tuition rests on … .

The departments of our University.

The complete course of studies lasts … .


f) A delegation of students and teachers from Cambridge are on a visit at your institute. You are asked to tell the guests about it. Present information on:


the name of your institute,

its location;

the departments at your institute (day-time, evening or correspondence);

how long the complete course lasts;

the number of students at the institute;

the subjects you study (humanities, technical subjects, sciences);

the equipment the institute is provided with;

the examinations you take and the grants you receive;

the students' hostels;

what you like and what you don't like about your institute.




Your friend who is 20 years old works as a car mechanic. He wants to continue his education in order to become an engineer. He doesn't know which department to choose, day-time or evening. Help him to solve his problem. Give your reasons.




Your friend has already made up a list of pros and cons. Look through it and think of some more.




Day-time institute

Evening institute

For

For

The course is a year shorter.

You have more time for self-study and entertainment.

You study more subjects and become a better specialist in your field.

Your practical experience makes it easier for you to study special subjects.

You have prospects of promotion.

You no longer depend financially on your parents.


20


Discuss the problem in groups of 3-5 students in order to make a decision.




Fill in the chart and give your reasons.







Group 1

Group 2

Group3

Day-time institute










Evening institute












^ MY STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY


Exercises



Read, translate and learn the expressions:


to take an exam in

to pass entrance exams

admission (enrolments /in’rəulmənts/, exception)

to enter the University

to graduate from the University

full-time student

part-time student (sandwich course student)

to attend lectures (to miss lectures)

to take up (study) a subject

to be good at smth

to be strong (weak) in a subject

lecture (seminar) on

class in

to work regularly

to work by fits and starts

to make progress

to be at the top of the group (to fall behind the group)

to catch up with the group

to fail in a subject

to fail at an exam

to take notes at a lecture

to get good (bad) marks

to read up for an exam

timetable (to consult the time table)

curriculum

to improve knowlegde

the monitor of the group

to study at … (the Branch of the Technical University, the day-time department, part-time, evening, correspondence – extra-mural department)

credit tests (credits)

21


speciality (profession: economist, mechanical engineer, computing engineer, chemical engineer)

specialization

to speak English fluently

crib /krib/


Find the English equivalents to the following Russian words and word-combinations:


Студент дневного отделения; студент, сочетающий учебу и работу; поступить в университет; работать регулярно; иметь способности к; быть сильным (слабым) по предмету; сдавать экзамен; сдать вступительные экзамены; заканчивать университет; лекция по; посещать лекции; готовиться к экзамену; расписание; конспектировать лекцию; семинар по; начать изучать предмет; работать урывками; пропускать лекции; староста группы; зачис-ление; зачеты; учиться на дневном (вечернем) отделении; специализация; специальность; улучшать знания; учебная программа; быть лучшим студен-том; делать успехи; провалиться по предмету (на экзаменах); получать хорошие отметки; догнать группу; шпаргалка.


Fill in the blanks with prepositions and postverbal adverbs wherever necessary.


1. The students … our group are very good … English. They work hard … their pronunciation and grammar. 2. When Kate fell …the group … the History … the English language everybody was ready to help her … this subject. It took her a week to catch … … the group. Now she is very strong … this subject. 3. Peter makes many mistakes … his speech. That’s because he works … fits and starts. 4. Yesterday we had a lecture … history, a seminar … philosophy and a class … English. 5. … the end … the first term we shall have three exams. 6. It’s high time to start reading … … your exams. 7. Don’t miss classes, otherwise you may fail … English. 8. What subject are you week (strong) …?


Complete the following sentences:


1. She has been ill for a week and now …. 2. My friend has made a good progress in English because …. 3. If you work by fits and starts …. 4. You will fall behind the group if …. 5. I’m going to the library, I must prepare …. 6. She is very good at …. 7. If you don’t know the pronunciation of a word …. 8. Will you help Ann …? 9. He is very weak in …. 10. Our course of studies runs… .


Translate into English:


1. В этом году моя сестра поступила в ПГУ на экономический факультет. Её будущая профессия – экономист. Она учится на дневном отделении. Курс обучения на этом факультете длится 5 лет. 2. Катя самая лучшая студентка в группе. Она регулярно посещает занятия и очень много работает. Ей нравится

22


изучать иностранный язык. 3. Какие новые предметы мы будем изучать на третьем курсе? – Я ещё не знаю, надо посмотреть расписание. 4. Звонок уже был? Что у нас сейчас? – Лекция по философии. Но я не помню номера аудитории. Давай посмотрим расписание. 5. Зимой мы сдали четыре экзамена. Меня очень беспокоит (to worry) экзамен по высшей математике. Я не очень сильна в этом предмете. 6. Он был болен и отстал от группы. Давайте поможем ему с английсикм. 7. Завтра мы сдаем последний экзамен. Я думаю, никто не провалится, хотя предмет очень трудный.


Ask questions so that the sentences below could be answers.


1. She is very good at English Grammar. 2. Our course runs for five years. 3. He fell behind the group because of his illness. 4. The brightest student in out group is Mary. 5. My favourite subject is English. 6. She coudn’t stay after classes because she was very busy. 7. You can get this book at the library. 8. She has made good progress in English because she works hard. 9. Ann failed in History. 10. We shall have a seminar on Culture.


Ask you fellow students:


… what new subjects she (he) has this year

… how many classes (pairs) she (he) has every day

… if she (he) attends lectures (practical lessons) regualarly

… what subjects she (he) is especially good at

… if she (he) fell behind the group when she (he) was ill

… if it took her (him) much time to catch up with the group

… what her (his) favourite subject is

… if she (he) has already begun to read up for the exams

… if she (he) always comes in time for classes

… what subjects she (he) had in the first year


Answer the questions:




You are a student, aren’t you?

What faculty do you study at?

What foreign languages do you study? Are you good at them?

What year student are you?

How many lectures do you have weekly? Do you attend them regularly?

What is your favourite subject?

How many exams will you have in summer? In what subjects?

Have you ever failed at an exam? In what subject did you fail?

Do you use cribs at exams?

Do you work regularly or by fits and starts?



23


Ask in English.




Как ты добираешься до университета и сколько времени тебе на это требуется (it takes me …)?

Где находится расписание?

Каковы твои любимые предметы?

Сколько раз в неделю ты посещаешь лекции и практические занятия (once a week, twice a week)?

Ты всегда вовремя начинаешь подготовку к экзаменам (in time)?

Умеешь ли ты бегло говорить по-английски и хочешь ли ты улучшить свои знания по предмету?

Ты надеешься стать хорошим специалистом?

Как ты думаешь, когда ты закончишь университет?




Work in pairs.




A: Do you get to the Institute by bus?

- Ты добираешься в институт авто-

бусом?

В: No, I don’t. I go to the Institute on

foot. It takes me only seven minutes.

- Нет, я хожу пешком. Это занимает

всего 7 минут.

A: I seldom go by bus too. Let’s go on

foot!

- Я тоже редко езжу в автобусе.

Давай пройдемся пешком.

B: O.K. Come on!

- Хорошо. Идем!




Do you agree with this and why?


The more we study, the more we know;

The more we know, the more we forget;

The more we forget, the less we know;

The less we know, the less we forget;

The less we forget, the more we know;

So, why study?


Make up a story about your study at the University, using vocabulary and exercises given above.




Use the situations in free conversation:


1. You are leaving school but you haven’t yet made up your mind what you want to be. Your sister’s friend is in the polytechnical college. Ask her about student’s life and her future job.

2. You are a freshman. Say a few words about your first impressions (your timetable, lectures, everyday programme, etc.).

You are a freshman and your friend is a fourth year student. She has come back from her practice. Ask her how she liked it.

^ 24


HIGHER EDUCATION IN GREAT BRITAIN

Higher education in Great Britain is provided by a great number of universities and polytechnics. There are about 50 universities in the country. They are divided into three types: the old universities (Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh Universities), the 19th century universities such as London and Manchester universities, and the new universities. The new universities are divided into various faculties, e.g. the faculty of science, faculty of social and economic studies. In each faculty there may be a number of departments dealing with separate subjects. Some years ago there were also polytechnics (now universities). After graduating from a polytechnic a student got a degree, but it was not a university degree. 30 former polytechnics were given university status in 1992. There are not only universities in Britain but also 350 colleges and institutes of higher education (some of which train teachers or professions connected with medicine). There is a competition to get into the best universities. They accept students mainly on the basis of their “A” level results.

The rules of teaching process differ from university to university. The teaching is based on the tutorial system as well as lectures. Each student has a tutor. He decides what lectures the students must attend, recommends books for reading, discusses and criticizes their written works. All lectures and examinations for all students are organized by the University authorities.

The academic year in Britain is divided into three terms, which usually run from October to December, from January to March and from April to June. Undergraduate courses normally take three years of full-time study, although a number of subjects take longer, including foreign languages (where courses include a year abroad). Medicine and dentistry courses are 5-7 years. After these years of studies and successful final examinations the students get their first degree B.A. – Bachelor of Arts or B.Sc. – Bachelor of Science. There are various postgraduate degrees, including Master and Doctor of Philosophy. The last two are awarded for research in arts and sciences.

At present, students who have been accepted by universities or other institutions of higher education receive a grant from their Local Education Authority, which covers the cost of the course, and may cover living expenses (accommodation, transport and food). This grant depends on the income of parents. Parents with higher incomes are expected to make a contribution. Until 1990 the grant did not have to be paid back, but now a system of loans has been introduced. That is why most students are to work. But students don’t usually have a job during term time because lectures and tutorials (small groups) are full time. However, many students now have to work in the evenings or during their vacation.

Most students live away from home, in flats or halls of residence.


Exercises


Remember the words and word-combinations.


to be provided by – обеспечиваться


25


to be divided into – делиться

to deal with – иметь дело, касаться

status [‘steitəs] – статус

a former polytechnic – бывший политехнический институт

to accept = to admit

on the basis of “A” level results – на основе результатов экзаменов

продвинутого уровня

a tutorial system – система наставничества

an undergratuate course – курс для студентов

to take … years – занимать … лет

full-time study – дневное обучение

a Bachelor’s degree in Arts or Science – степень бокалавра гуманитарных или

естественных наук

a pestgraduate degree – ученая степень (присуждается после обучения в

аспирантуре или доктатуре)

Master of Philosophy – ма