Vocabulary

Armed Forces — вооруженные силы

Chamber — палата

Elect — выбирать

elections — выборы

eligible — могущий быть избранным

House of Representatives — палата представителей

office — зд. должность

Unit IV

The educational system of the usa

Text 1

School Education

In America all children from six to sixteen go to school. The system of school education differs from the system in some countries. Traditionally it consists of an eight-year elementary school, followed by a four-year high school (8—4 plan organisation). But there are some other variations in the states. It can be a six-year elementary school, followed by a three year junior high school and then a three-year senior high school (6—3—3). Another variation is a six-year elementary school, followed by a six-year secondary school (6—6).

1

Elementary education begins at the age of six with the first grade (form) and continues through to the eighth grade. In most states children spend six years in elementary school. Attendance is compulsory in most states until the age of sixteen or until the student has finished the 8th grade.

The programme of studies in the elementary school is different in different schools. It includes English, arithmetic (sometimes elementary algebra), geography, the history of the USA and elementary natural science including physiology. Physical training, singing, drawing and handwork, wood or metal work are often taught. Sometimes a foreign language and the study of general history are begun.

The elementary schools are usually small. The high schools are generally larger and combine students from four or five elementary schools.

The elementary school is followed by four or six years of the secondary school or high school as it is called. In some states the last two years of the elementary and the first years of the secondary school are combined into a junior high school. Admission to the American high school is automatic after finishing the elementary school.

In American high schools there are two kinds of school subjects: subjects which are compulsory for all students, that is all students must learn them. These subjects are English, physical education, social science. But there are also elective subjects. These are the subjects which some students learn and others do not learn, if they do not like them, or think that they do not need them. Among elective subjects are mathematics, physics, chemistry, foreign languages, history and many others.

Besides giving general education, some high schools teach subjects useful to those who hope to find jobs in industry and agriculture. Some give preparatory education to those planning to enter colleges and universities.

2

At the end of every school year, the child takes a test. If he does well, he goes into the next class (“grade”). If he doesn't do well, he has to repeat the grade. American children finish school without any examinations.

At the end of their time at school, most students get a high school diploma and can enter college or University. Many American school-children finish only Junior High schools because they must begin working to help their families. The certificate of the Junior High school does not allow them to enter college or University.

In state-supported public schools, the education is free, private elementary schools and private secondary schools are fee-paying. Each individual state has its own system of public schools. Some schools have modern teaching equipment, like computers and closed circuit television, but there are also small country schools, with just one classroom.