Variant 3

I have been studying at school for unbelievably long 11 years. I have got used to the things in educational system in Belarus which my foreign friend may find amusing. I’ll give you a brief description of it, highlighting the differences in the system of education in Belarus and other European countries. Education in Belarus is free and compulsory from age 7 to 16. From age 7 to 11 children attend primary school where they are taught how to read and write. They study basics of essential subjects. From 16 to 18 pupils do their best to get a good knowledge of numerous subjects. We can’t choose only three subjects to specialise in. Pupils in Europe can focus on three exams for GCSE, but we have to read up the stuff we are unlikely to find useful in our lives. As for higher education, our universities are great if your dream is to become a scientist, but students are said to be suffering from underdeveloped practical skills.

III 2. Does your school differ from any other school you know?

I study at Lyceum. It offers excellent facilities, high teaching standards and a friendly atmosphere which helps achieving great academic results. Our Lyceum offers modern facilities for learning such as fully equipped laboratories for experiments in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Pupils in our Lyceum must wear a school uniform, do homework, work hard during the lessons, and be on time for the lessons. It also has a lot of traditions. We celebrate them with great pleasure. My Lyceum is the best for me.

Also see I 1.

III 3. Ask me what problems I had when I was a student.

What was the most difficult subject for you when you studied at school? Why?

How did you overcome the difficulties?

Did you get on well with your teachers?

I would like to know what subjects you didn’t like at school.

Were there any bullies at your school?

Did you have any problems with your classmates or teachers?

III 4. You are talking with a British student. What would you advise him/her to do to prepare for an exam well?

Variant 1

Exam time is coming and everyone is getting ready for their board exams. This is the time of tension and pressure for both parents and students. I would like to give some advice for them:

You should review before the examination. Not on the day of examination. Be serious about preparing for the exam. While studying, if you feel tired, take a walk or do some pleasant work for you. Talk to your parents and laugh or make them laugh. You should have a timetable for study, play, sleep, bath, food etc. from the time you wake up till you go to sleep. Before the exam try to concentrate on it. Set aside all the other things and thoughts for later. Keep your emotions under control. Pull yourself together and try to clear the mind.

Variant 2

First of all every student should remember that all school-subjects are important and they must be paid much attention to. Students should do their homework correctly and try to get some extra information on this or those theme and subject; they also should learn all formulas and definitions hard.