belova_ep_praktikum_po_annotirovaniiu_i_referirovaniiu_inost

country, to try and see if the interaction between variables is the same in all countries, or to find out what differences exist.”

The results of this study have not yet been, published.

("Studies in Mathematics Education". The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization. Paris, 1984, by Hilary Shuard)

Task 2. Answer the following questions:

1.Sex differences in what area had been studied in the United States and some other countries?

2.Why did this problem attract scientists’ attention?

3.What surveys were produced by the APU in 1970s.

4.What tests had been done by Fennema?

5.Who do better in Mathematics according to the data of different tests? In what areas?

6.How do boys and girls perform in public examinations in different developed countries?

7.What situation is presented in the developing countries?

8.What is said about the attainment of the 1980 survey? How is it presented in the article?

9.Do you agree with the author of this article that the problem of different interpreting of mathematics does really exist?

TEXT 5. HERITAGE FOR ALL

Task 1. Read the text.

At the entrance of the meeting place in Paris where the 27th Session of the World Heritage Committee was held last year, 1,750 unique postcards

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mailed from China were a major attraction for participants. These cards became one of the favorite souvenirs and all of them were given out.

The cards are in fact not the formal printed postcards issued by post offices. Pictures and words on the cards were hand drawn and written by Chinese children from Suzhou, in eastern Jiangsu Province, voicing their heartfelt wishes to cherish all world heritages.

And this year, to continue the connection with Suzhou, the 28th Session of the World Heritage Committee will be held in the flourishing city from June 28 to July 7.

Noting that the world's cultural and natural heritages are increasingly threatened with destruction, not only from decay, but also by social and economic development, and protection of them at the national level is incomplete, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) felt it essential to establish an effective system of collective protection of the heritages.

The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage was adopted at the 17th Session of the General Conference of the UNESCO held in Paris on November 16, 1972. To date, 177 countries signed the convention. Altogether 754 heritage sites from 129 member countries have been included in the World Heritage List

China signed the convention on November 22, 1985, and became a member of the World Heritage Committee on October 29, 1999. Till now, 29 cultural and natural sites in China have been included in the World Heritage List, making China rank third of the 177 signatory countries, just after Spain and Italy, which have 37 and 36 respectively.

As a signatory country of the convention, China is much younger than Spain and Italy. But the rapid increase in the amount of China's heritage sites indicates that China is taking an active part in protecting its heritage and has really done a comparatively good job in protection, according to Professor Lu Zhou, Vice Dean of the School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, and Council Member of the International Center for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property.

Heritage protection needs large amount of capital input. In recent years government input in the protection has increased rapidly, Lu said. Annual investment in the protection by the Central Government alone is nearly 10 million yuan ($1.21 million).

Investment from local governments is also considerable. Take Sichuan Province, where five cultural and natural heritage sites are located, for example. The Sichuan Provincial Government has planned to invest a total of 1.4 billion yuan ($169 million) in 2004 and 2005, as special funds for improving and protecting the ecological environment of the heritage sites within the province.

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Of this amount, 285 million yuan ($34.42 million) will be invested in the Mount Emei Scenic Area, including the Leshan Grand Buddha Scenic Area. The 2,690 households and a primary school inside the core scenic area will be moved out to restore the area's original natural scenery. Meanwhile, two sewage treatment plants will be built in the area. In Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong scenic areas, 962 million yuan ($116.18 million) will be put into preservation of the natural forest and reforestation within and around the scenic areas.

China's efforts in protecting world heritage sites have won the acknowledgement of the World Heritage Committee. Its annual session will be held in China for the first time. Zhang Xinsheng, Vice Minister of Education has been appointed as the chairman of the 28th Session of the World Heritage Committee.

According to the spirit of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage world heritage sites within a country should be protected strictly by law. In China, legal provisions on protecting the world heritages are included in the Law on the Protection of Cultural Relics promulgated in 2002, as well as local protection regulations. However, China still lacks a special and comprehensive law on the protection of the world heritage sites, according to Xu Chuanxi, Professor of the China University of Political Science and Law, and me chairman's legal consultant of the coming session.

Xu points out mat during the process of legislation, contradiction between protection and development is an unavoidable problem, which is also a problem prevalent in other countries when protecting world heritages.

For example, if the historic or natural site of a city is embodied in the World Heritage List, the city may make a series of development plans, including promotion of tourism. Economic development itself, like building skyscrapers and hydropower plants, can cause damage to the sites.

This contradiction can also be considered as the conflict between this generation and future generations, mat is, to utilize the heritages or preserve them for future generations, says Xu. So whether heritage protection measures will affect the economic development or urban planning of a city is a main question facing domestic legislative work.

Legislation will-be finished in three to five years, Xu estimates. Having no uniform administration is another problem. The present sit-

uation is that the heritage sites are administrated in segments, said Professor Lu. Cultural properties are administrated by the State Administration of Cultural Heritages, while the Ministry of Construction has jurisdiction over natural heritages, as well as matters related to historic and cultural cities. This situation hampers the effective administration of the world heritages.

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Many countries have a special government body for heritage protection, besides non-governmental organizations. China has been exploring such a suitable effective system, says Xu. In his opinion, an ideal system may consist of a specialized commission, not necessarily a ministry, with international vision and familiar with international laws, and experiences of other countries. Under this framework, there can be local regulations, which can be made different according to local conditions. The functions of nongovernmental organizations like youth volunteers will also be included. In general, world heritages shall be administrated by the commission, with the cooperation of local governments and the function of non-governmental organizations.

When referring to the relationship between tourism and protection, both experts think mat tourism cannot be simply regarded as a threat to heritage protection, though tourism does some harm. According to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, to present the heritage sites is one of the duties of a signatory country. Tourism is an important approach of presenting heritage sites to ordinary people.

But considering the wear and tear of cultural heritage sites and the damage to the ecological environment caused by tourism, measures should be taken to prevent heritages from being further damaged. The number of tourists and the time that the heritages are open to tourists can be controlled, suggests Xu. Price of tickets to the heritage sites can also be raised to some extent, as the degree of the difficulty of visiting a site can indicate its value, says Lu.

In addition, to make up for the shortage of human resources in the protection program, conservation and presentation of the world heritage sites and to strengthen scientific research in the field, China is fostering the establishment of such training centers. A research and education center of the world heritage sites has been under construction in Suzhou.

The participants to the 27th Session of the World Heritage Committee were deeply impressed by the special gift from Suzhou, praising Suzhou for choosing to use such an original concept and the involvement of young people, to show its treasure of world heritage sites.

Suzhou has set up a training school of painting the special kind of cards. Through painting, children can express their love for world heritage sites and the longing for the future, which can help them build a sense of responsibility and awareness in inheriting and protecting them, said the head of the school.

To greet the 28th Session of the World Heritage Committee, an exhibition of these cards will be held. It has won the approval of the China National Commission of UNESCO, which has called on the children in other cities where world heritage sites are situated, to participate in this activity.

Meanwhile, China's National Committee of UNESCO has planned to include heritage education into the teaching programs of Chinese high

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schools. It will begin from two or three high schools in Beijing and gradually spread to the whole country.

The Middle School Affiliated to Beijin Normal University will take the lead in developing the plan. Yuan Anjun, it schoolmaster, said that educating the youth on world heritage sites is an indispensable part of heritage protection.

Nationwide education on the world heritage sites will make known among the youth the function of these treasures in the development of human civilization, said D Yue, Deputy Secretary General of the China National Commission for UNESCO.

(Beijing Review, June 24, 2004 By Yu Shujun)

Task 2. Answer the following questions:

1.When was the 27th Session of the World Heritage Committee held?

2.What event had attracted attention of the participants of the Session? What consequence does it entailed?

3.What convention is discussed in the article? When was it adopted?

4.When and why did China sign the convention?

5.What part does China play in the mentioned convention?

6.What sort of funds has been supported to China and on what purpos-

es?

7.What actions are planned to undertake for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in China?

8.What is suggested for coordinated relations between tourism and protection?

9.What organizations should provide heritage protection?

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10. What has China’s national committee of UNESCO planned? What is being done for realization of this projects?

TEXT 6. WORKING WITH NATURE: TIDAL POWER

Task 1. Read the text.

The construction of tidal barrages or dams, across estuaries from which electricity is generated, is an engineering concept that is decades old.

Such projects are no longer as popular as they were years before due to a mix of prohibitive capital costs and more importantly the incidence of substantial environmental problems caused. Damage issues in the form of estuarine silting and flooding of upstream ecosystems are slowly relegating the tidal barrage approach to history.

A new system, titled Tidal Delay® and patented by Woodshed Technologies of Australia, relies on the seawater restraining or delaying feature of natural coastal landforms, such as peninsulas or isthmuses. Such features create a time delay or tidal 'phase difference' between the tidal driven water movement on both sides of such coastal landforms.

The high mass of seawater means that under normal tidal influence it often takes several hours for the seawater to move to a point of equivalent water level on both sides of an interfering natural barrier. This delay in equilibration of water levels leads to a height difference in the water level either side of many a peninsula or isthmus creating a difference in potential energy across the landform.

Connecting points across such influenced landforms with seawater carrying pipes, each incorporating a standard turbine and generator, enables the stored potential energy in the system to be harnessed.

Assuming two tidal cycles per day - that is two high and two low tides in a 24-hour period - the system may suffer from severe interruption of electricity generation. Therefore, reversal of water flow through the pipe network with the change of tide, and hence continuing energy capture and electricity generation is critical and is a feature of the process.

It is the use of a natural barrier to create the potential energy difference as opposed to the construction of an artificial barrage that is the key innovative feature of this process. Alternatively, the system may employ an underground trench. Either configuration may include vertical collection towers at the end of each collection pipe.

Site selection for this process is considered and complex but extremely important to ensure a location is suitable. Preferred sites for installation of the system are defined by:

• The presence of a significant tidal range compared to datum with significant induced 'phase difference' in tide levels across the natural barrier.

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Data has been collected on tidal phase differences across the natural barrier of one to six metres.

• The presence of a narrow land bridge, that is, as short a distance as possible across the landform to reduce the capital cost of the required infrastructure and to minimise frictional loss through the pipes. Data has been collected on pipe lengths of 100 to 4,000 metres.

At any potential site it is also critical to use as large a diameter water transmission pipe as possible, in order to again reduce frictional loss and turbulence contributions. Data has been collected on internal pipe diameters of one to three metres.

Some countries with both significant tidal range and appropriate coastal topographies include the west of Scotland, Wales, west coast of Canada, Nova Scotia, Maine, Alaska, North Western Australia and India.

Additionally, sites are of course only considered where there is a corresponding offtake or demand requirement. In relation to the visual environmental impact of the process, it is important to remember that all power generation equipment and switchgear may be installed sub-ground, to improve aesthetics.

Patents have now been issued for the approach described by the system in Australia, the USA and UK. Patents are pending in India, Indonesia, China, Canada, New Zealand and the European Union.

A development agreement has been signed between Australian firms Woodshed Technologies, Lloyd Energy Systems and SMEC Developments. These three firms will work to jointly develop and implement combined Tidal Delay®/Lloyd Energy Storage System projects in a variety of international locations.

Led by Woodshed Technologies these firms will work with several British firms including JWG Consulting of London to investigate sites for these plant in the UK.

Lloyd Energy Systems is the developer of a high capacity energy storage technology. Energy from thermal and electrical sources is stored in the patented Lloyd Energy Storage System and released as electricity to the network grid as required and on demand. It is also possible to release output as heat, hot water and steam. The LES will store and regulate the output of all Tidal Delay® plant.

SMEC Developments is a unit of the international engineering group, the SMEC Group of Companies. It will lead the design and construction of the combined Tidal Delay/Lloyd Energy Storage System projects, supporting local country engineers in all development phases of these plant.

(International Power Generation, May 2005)

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Task 2. Answer the following questions:

1.Why did specialists decided to reject the system of Tidal barrages?

2.What is the main difference between the system of Tidal barrages and a new system? How is it called?

3.What is the base of the new system?

4.Name the preferred sites for installation of the system.

5.Why is it critical to use as large a diameter water pipe as possible? What size should the pipe have?

6.How is an alternative system (Tidal Delay) described in the article?

7.Which countries have the conditions suitable for the installation of the system?

8.Which firms had signed a development agreement?

9.In what forms can be output released?

TEXT 7. ITALIAN HOSPITALITY IN RUSSIA. PART I

Task 1. Read the text.

Grand Palace

On the Baltic seacoast in the resort town of Svetlogorsk you'll find a top-class hotel, the Grand Palace, where the elegant luxury of interior decorations and comfort are combined with the best service traditions. All 32 deluxe and studio apartments have a spectacular view of the sea and a panorama of the city. Every room is furnished with very comfortable Italian furniture. There's an electronic lock, direct Internet access, cable TV, a direct international telephone line, a climate control system, a personal safedeposit box, a mini-bar, and a balcony or terrace in every room. The Grand

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Palace Hotel is the perfect place for holiday celebrations, banquets or fashion shows. It's a wonderful place for newlyweds and lovers. And our guests will have no problem coming here with children: there's a special playroom where our trained staff will take good care of your child.

Our Business Centre and the 40-seat Conference Hall with up-to-date equipment are ideal settings for business meetings, seminars and conferences.

At our guests' service are a library, a fitness centre, a beauty parlour, a guarded parking lot, an outdoor swimming pool with a recreational area, a private beach and sightseeing services. We provide special services for the handicapped.

Europe Hotel

It's by far the best hotel in the business centre of Russia's southern capital - the city of Krasnodar. The Europe Hotel is a world of cosy rooms, comfort, classical European design and perfect service. Every room has AC and climate-control, an individual safe-deposit box and a mini-bar. The Presidential Suite is done in oriental decor: fully carpeted with posh oriental rugs, soft purple sofa cushions, light dimmers and a king-size bed with a canopy. The Europe Hotel is the place to stay for business people. The hotel has interactive TV, free Internet access, direct telephone connections to any country in the world - all these communications links will allow you to stay in touch with the world. But the hotel itself is only a part of the huge Entertainment Complex here fit for any demanding customer. The Lobby Bar is ideal for private business meetings, the Sushi Bar offers the best of Japanese cuisine and European haute-cuisine restaurants will be happy to organize the most exquisite banquets or presentations. And the pearl of the complex is, of course, the mysterious Arabian Hall. It will amaze and surprise any visitor with its truly Arabian grandeur, belly-dancing and Syrian cuisine. The Europe Complex also has three casinos with limousines and monthly big jackpots; fighting and extreme fighting arenas host sporting events; and the Panther night club with a stylish interior, great music and parties. Every hotel guest receives a 10% discount on all restaurant and bar services.

(The inflight magazine of the Transaero Airlines, June-July 2005)

Students’ vocabulary

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Task 2. Answer the following questions:

1.Where are situated Grand Palace and European Hotel? What is there

class?

2.What is remarkable in the Hotel’s interior?

3.What is equipment of rooms in each of the hotels?

4.How can one use services provided by hotels?

5.What are extra facilities provided by hotels?

6.What are the fundamental differences of hotels?

7.Which of the hotels is more suitable for rest and which for business meeting?

8.Which of the hotels presents more diverse system of restaurants? Describe its peculiarities.

TEXT 8. TECHNOLOGY. PART I

Task 1. Read the text.

Sushi USB

Everything from the East is now very “in” all over the world. Eastern philosophies, Zen and Buddhism, feng shui - those terms are known to every urbanite that doesn't spend too much time on the Internet. One of the key aspects of the Eastern mentality is definitely cuisine. The love of people from East Asia for seafood is definitely something to be copied. Sushi is undeniably the most fashionable meal of Japan cuisine. Its ingredients are usually specially prepared rice, pieces of fish or shrimp or caviar or sea hedgehogs or cucumbers. All that is rolled with the rice in slices of seaweed and served together with soy sauce as well as very hot radish of a green colour called vasabi and grinded zinziber. They eat sushi with chopsticks in sushi bars or any restaurants with Japan cuisine. And where does usb come into the equation, you ask? The wave of extravagant gadgets that connect to the computer via this port has given us another mysterious product. In Japan they decided that their love for the national meal should have no limits and made a series of usb flash memory cards in the form of sushi. They look so natural that the usb hub sticking out from underneath looks like it has been put there by some prankster. Never before have we seen so many devices so different in form and shape reminding their users of nice mealtimes.

Women only

Samsung Electronics was the first in the world to create mobile phones exclusively for women. They were decorated with Swarowski style strasses and even featured specially-developed software. At the beginning of 2005 the company introduced a new phone in this line named E530 in the shape of a small pebble you would find on the seashore. The body can have differ-

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