1.3 Schooling progress
Task 1. Success and failure. Look at the following example sentences. Work out the Russian equivalents for them.
Success I passed my exam. I did very well. I got nine out of ten for my homework. (= 9/10) I got a very high mark. (e.g. 18/20) I got a good grade. (e.g. B+) I'm good at English. |
Failure I failed my exam. I did very badly. I got three out of ten for my homework. I got a very low mark. (e.g. 5/20) I didn't get a very good grade, (e.g. D-) I'm hopeless at (= very bad at) maths. |
Task 2. In the UK writing school reports is part of a teacher’s job. School reports help a student’s parents know how their child is doing at school. Below there is an example of such report. Use the word given in capitals at the end of each line to form a word that fits in the space in the same line. Number 1 has been done for you as an example.
SCHOOL REPORT
Margaret started English Literature this term, and I am afraid that her (1) __introduction__ the subject has not been entirely (2) __________. She has not shown much enthusiasm, and does not always pay (3) __________ in class. Her assignments are often (4) __________, because she is so untidy, and because of her (5) __________ to check her work thoroughly. She failed to do any (6) __________ before the end of term test, and had poor results. She seems to have the (7) __________ idea that she can succeed without studying. She has also had many (8) __________ and has frequently arrived late for class. This has resulted in several (9) __________. Although Margaret is a (10) __________ student in some respects, she has not had a satisfactory term. |
|
Task 3. Complete the extracts from two school reports. Use the words from the box.
half-hearted |
respect |
mature |
distracted |
insolent |
participated |
contributes |
applies |
concentrate |
|
Report 1
Tracey has made a big (1) ____effort______ this term, showing herself to be very (2) __________for her age. She (3) __________herself well and (4) __________fully to class discussions. She shows a lot of (5) __________ towards her teachers.
Report 2
On one occasion Derek was sent home for being (1) __________to a teacher. In terms of effort, his work can sometimes be rather (2) __________ . He is easily (3) __________and finds it hard to (4) __________in class. Also he has not (5) __________in group work as well as he should.
LISTENING
Task 4. Do you have happy memories about your school days or are you glad school is finally left behind? What were your favourite subjects at school? What subjects did you find really difficult? Who do you think was the best teacher? Why? Would you rather describe yourself as a goody-goody or a trouble-maker?
Listen to this interview with John and Jessie and decide if the statements belong to John or Jessie or neither of them. Before you start you might need to check the meaning of the following slang words used in the dialogue:
to skive off: to avoid lessons a goody-goody: someone who appears well-behaved (in an irritating way) cool: good fun
Using this dialogue as an example, interview your partner about his/her schooldays and get ready to answer his/her questions about your school experience.
|
|
John |
Jessie |
Neither |
I liked sport best. |
|
|
|
|
I found schoolwork difficult. |
|
|
|
|
I used to mess about in lessons. |
|
|
|
|
I sometimes forgot to do my homework. |
|
|
|
|
I was bored at school. |
|
|
|
|
I liked chemistry lessons best. |
|
|
|
|
I was happy when I left school. |
|
|
|
|
I liked my English teacher. |
|
|
|
|
I think school is harder than going to work. |
|
|
|
