IV. Max is an it major. Read his letter to his American friend and put the verbs in the brackets into correct tense forms.

Hi, Alex!

How are you doing?

Terribly sorry for my long silence, but really I (to be) too busy to write… The whole June I (to take) exams at my college. I’m so proud to say that by July I (to be) successfully through with them. And now I’m a second year student!

As a first year student I mostly (to learn) general educational subjects – history, culture studies, math, English, PT… stuff like that. Now I (to face) a difficult semester as we (to go) to study some special subjects, such as, programming, computer software, computer simulation, information systems management and others. So as you see the study (to get) harder and harder each year and I (to have to) spend a lot of time getting ready for seminars and labs. But that’s OK! I (to look) forward to getting down to my major since I (to enter) my college. You know, my dad (to graduate) from this college some years ago and I (to follow) in his footsteps, so I’m greatly interested in mastering my future profession. I (to plan) also to participate in the students’ research conference this semester. Last year I (to have) such an experience – I (to make) a report on IT terminology for the Language Studies conference. I’m sure the university (to provide) me with all the necessary facilities for achieving my goals.

You know, in the 3^rd year, after we (to study) special subjects and (to work) in specialized laboratories, we (to take) a professional training as IT specialists at some city enterprises and companies. In the 5^th year we (to be to) submit a graduation paper. So, according to our major we (to be able) to work as computer specialists at any institution. And if I (to graduate) successfully I (to have) a chance to apply for a job in a big foreign IT company. So I (to go) to continue learning English so that not to fail my interview.

Best wishes,

Max

V. Work in pairs: you are Max and his friend. Ask and answer the questions.

1. ask Max if he has passed his first year exams successfully;

2. ask Max if it is difficult for him to study;

3. ask Max which of the special subjects interests him most;

4. ask Max if he takes part in scientific research work;

5. ask Max if he has started working at his graduation paper;

6. ask Max what his major is;

7. ask Max if he has already made up his mind where to work;

8. ask Max if he is planning to continue to learn English after the 2^nd year of studies.

Listening & Speaking

I . Follow the link and watch the video.

Michael Bieber, a professor at NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology, USA), explains Information Systems and the value of this program to prospective students.

II. Complete the sentences with the right option

1. Information system is a computing application that… helps you do your transactions via the Internet // is very difficult to design.

2. Information Systems at NJIT… is in high demand with applicants // teaches students to design computing applications

3. Information System is like… an interface // a bridge… between an organization and technology.

4. NJIT has been offering this degree for several… years // decades.

5. NJIT is a place for you, if you want to… develop skills in designing information systems // acquire familiarity with IT-equipment.