Card 6 Let’s talk about studying at school.

1. What can you tell me about the system of education in Belarus?

In our country at the age of six children go to a primary school and study for four years there. Then they pass over to a secondary school, which lasts for another five years. At the age of 16, when they finish the 10^th form they can either leave school and go to colleges or they may continue their education in the same school for another two years. Those who want to go to university stay at school and go to the so-called high school where they specialize in the subjects required to enter this or that university.

School takes place every day of the week, except Sunday. Every lesson lasts 45 minutes with breaks from 10 to 20 minutes.

The school year begins on September 1^st and ends on May 31^st. It is divided into four terms, with holidays between them.

When pupils finish the 9^th form of the secondary school and the 11^th form of the high school they take exams.

2. Do you agree that our school gives a person a good start in life? Why (not)?

I do agree with it. Our school’s aim is to help students to get good elementary knowledge in all subjects, to develop our talents and abilities and to encourage [ɪn'kʌrɪʤ] interest and enthusiasm [ɪn'thju:zɪæz(ə)m] both during and after classes.

For most pupils school doesn’t mean only learning subjects. Various school activities make children more intelligent and broad-minded. They help young people understand each other better. I think it’s a good start in life.

3. Ask me about my school life.

What school did you go to? Did you have a lot of friends at school? Did you have any problems while studying? Were you happy at school? What were your favourite lessons at school?

4. What can you advise a student who is not very good at languages to do to achieve better results?

First of all, I would tell him to be attentive at his English lessons. Another good idea is reading English books. It will help enrich his vocabulary. It’s also useful to listen to songs and watch films in English. To achieve better results we should take every opportunity to practise the language.

5. Nowadays some young people complain that they have lots of problems at school. Do you agree with them?

School is not only a place where we study but where we communicate with our classmates and teachers. The main problem, as I see it, lies here. It may be poor relationships or bullying or misunderstanding. We should remember that no one’s perfect and practice our communicative skills.

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Card 7 Let’s talk about school traditions.

1. Do you have any traditions at your school? What are they?

Every school has its traditions, but they don’t differ greatly from school to school. Many of them happen every year on the same dates. The school year starts on the first of September with a gathering when all classes stand in front of the school and listen to welcoming speeches of teachers, schoolmates and parents. Everyone is excited. There are always a lot of flowers, everybody looks beautiful and excited.

Health Days with lots of competitions and the New Year Balls with lots of jokes and fancy dresses are also very popular.

The most exciting tradition is Graduation [,grædju'eɪʃ(ə)n] Day. It’s a day of parting with school. Usually the ceremony lasts the whole night and finishes with a special tradition of greeting the sunrise.

We also have a very nice tradition called “School-leavers meeting” in our school. Every year former pupils come to school on the first Saturday of February to meet their teachers and school friends. There is always a very beautiful party at the assembly hall in the evening on that day.

2. Do you agree that schoolchildren must wear a school uniform? Why?

I can’t say that a school uniform is a bad idea. Students come to school to get knowledge and clothes in a formal style aim at being concentrated on learning. We don't have to worry what we're wearing each day. We can focus on what we're doing in class.

Though it limits our individuality. Students will still will be judged on how they appear (new or used, tailored or off the rack) and after school there are still going to be people who pressure them in the real world so this isn't helping to solve some clique-type [kli:k] problems.

3. Ask me what kind of pupil I was at school.

What marks did you get at school? Did you come to school in time? What was your favourite subject? Did you do your homework regularly? Did you respect your teachers?

4. Which school club would you advise your classmate to join?

If I were you, I would join a sports club because sports helps us keep fit, makes you stronger and teaches you to work in a team.

5. Today some young people think that having a good education is very important. Do you agree with them?

CARD 5 question 5

Card 8 Let’s talk about choosing a career.

1. What would you like to become?

Choosing the right career to follow is probably one of the most important decision you will ever make. For that reason we should get a lot of thinking about who we are, about the things we like to do and the things we can do well. It goes without saying that when choosing a career we should take into account future employment, good and steady wages, good working conditions, etc. Of course, I want a creative and profitable job. I have already made my choice. I would like to become … because...

2. Is there any kind of job you would never choose? Why?

I think every profession is honourable. I suppose, the main factor here is the man’s attitude to his work. Though there are some other factors we should take into account.

1. I prefer working with people. So paper work will be really boring for me and it will drive me crazy. That’s why I am going to choose a profession which will not be connected with such kind of activity.

2. I prefer working with papers or machines. I’m not a very sociable person, so it’s easier for me to do such kind of work. I’m not going to choose a profession connected with social activity.

3. What questions will you ask your future employer at a job interview?

What are the day to day responsibilities of this job position? What are the prospects for growth and advancement in this company? Do I have to travel on business? How much is the salary? Do you provide your employees with accommodation?

4. Give me some advice on how to behave at a job interview to create a positive impression

on the employer?

When interviewing for a job, it will be nice to highlight the most important qualities about you that will be attractive to the employer.  One great phrase to use is "self-motivated."  A self-motivated person is the kind of person who gets the job done. 

It’s also helpful to let the employer know that you’re a team player.  Team players work really well together and do what needs to be done to complete the tasks. 

It’s also extremely important to be computer literate.  Let the employer know what kind of computer hardware and software you know.

Psychologists [saɪ'kɔləʤɪsts] advise to make eye contact and smile – it gives the impression of being happy to be there. Keep your answers simple, relevant (['reləvənt] значимый; существенный) and interesting.

5. Some people think it is necessary to speak a foreign language well to get a good job.

Do you agree with them?

Yes, I do. Though not all jobs require a good knowledge of a foreign language, it’s absolutely necessary if you are going to become a specialist in business matters, to work as a reporter or if you are planning to become a travel agent. Fluent English will give you more chances to find a really proper job position.