4. Act as a chairman giving an opening address at an international conference. Include the following points:

1. general and individual salutations;

2. reference to the previous meeting;

3. an outline of the progress made;

4. a statement of the gaps in the present knowledge of the subject;

5. a statement, the aim of the present meeting;

B. Outlining the conference programme

1. Read and translate the text.

Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ladies and gentlemen! I would like to introduce you to the structure of the Conference and give you some information about it.

There are 200 active participants from 18 countries attending this conference. About 50 leading specialists have accepted our invitation to present the most interesting results in their respective areas. The total number of papers included in the programme is 55 and we expect other original contributions during the discussions that will add to the success of the session. As it is necessary to keep the meeting within reasonable proportions, some abstracts will be read only by title.

Now I will outline briefly the structure of the conference. Our scientific programme includes sessions of 6 working groups that will be held concurrently in the morning and in the afternoon for three days. In addition, there is one plenary session today and there will be a general closing session on the last day. The plenary sessions will include invited lectures by prominent researchers who will survey recent developments in their respective areas. Each participant is allowed 20 minutes for the presentation of his paper in a working group session and an hour for the lecture in a plenary session. We look forward to promoting the exchange of experiences during discussions. It is our hope that this conference will provide a stimulating ground for the exchange of information and for the generation of new ideas. There are a few social events scheduled for these three days. We hope that your participation in the conference will be fruitful and professionally satisfying and that your stay in London will be enjoyable. Thank you.

2. Match the English verbs with their English definitions. What are the corresponding nouns? Translate them into Russian.

1) to achieve a) to foster

2) to improve b) to believe

3) to consider c) to succeed

4) to satisfy d) to ameliorate

5) to intend e) to sketch out

6) to outline f) to content

7) to promote g) to mean

3. Imagine that you are the chairman of the scientific committee speaking to the participants of a conference. Address the audience and give general information about the conference:

1. the number of participants and the number of papers to be presented;

2. the number of working groups and poster sessions;

3. the events of the social program;

4. the closing date.

4. Role play. Suppose you are the chairman of the scientific committee speaking to the participants in the opening session. Use the phrases: we expect that ..., we hope that ..., it is our hope that ..., we look forward to ..., we wish you ... and express your expectations and good wishes for:

1. the active participation of the audience in the discussions;

2. promoting exchange of personal experience;

3. the generation of new ideas;

4. getting professional satisfaction from the meeting;

5. an enjoyable stay in the city.

REVISE