Английский язык. Тексты общественно-политической тематики «обзор английской прессы» = English language. Texts of socio-political topics «A glimpse of

English language. Texts of socio-political topics: “A glimpse of English press”

Objectivity, neutrality and impartiality

These terms tend to be used interchangeably but, in fact, mean different things. Objectivity has its roots in American journalism in the early 20th century, where journalists sought to make reporting more scientific through fact checking, finding primary sources and weighing evidence to establish what was true. Neutrality means the journalist being nonpartisan and disinterested in their reporting. Impartiality, or at least due impartiality, is a legal requirement for UK news broadcasters and requires them to consider all points of view in their reporting without favouring any political position. This has become increasingly contested in the UK, with new broadcasters such as GB News, publishing current affairs content that is more opinionated. Alloftheseapproacheshaveincreasinglybeencriticized.Criticsarguethatsupposedly “objective” publications are failing audiences by equating truth and lies or failing to consider the cultural biases of reporters, or the importance of journalists’ personal experience and opinions.

Task 1: Vocabulary Matching

Match the terms with their definitions

Definitions

a.Content creators who provide commentary on news

b.Journalism that serves the welfare of the public

c.The quality of being unbiased and fair

d.Media not controlled by the government or commercial interests

e.The practice of reporting without personal bias

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Английский язык. Тексты общественно-политической тематики: «обзор английской прессы»

Task 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using the words from the list below (objectivity, independent media, public interest, impartiality, news influencers)

1.__________ is essential for maintaining trust in journalism.

2.The rise of __________ has changed how news is disseminated today.

3.Journalists are often expected to prioritize __________ over sensationalism.

4.The concept of __________ ensures that all sides of a story are represented.

5.Quality journalism seeks to expose facts that serve the __________

of society.

Task 3: Synonyms and Antonyms

Identify the synonyms and antonyms for the following words from the text

2.Concealed

•Synonym: __________

•Antonym: __________

Task 4: Answer the questions

1.What are the main differences between «new media» and «traditional media»?

2.How has the definition of «independent media» evolved in recent years?

3.Who are news influencers, and how do they differ from traditional reporters?

4.What is meant by «public interest journalism» and how is it often misinterpreted?

5.How do the concepts of objectivity, neutrality, and impartiality differ in journalism?

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English language. Texts of socio-political topics: “A glimpse of English press”

Task 5: Translate into English

1.В последние годы многие цифровые издательства начали зарабатывать деньги через подписки вместо рекламы.

2.Независимые средства массовой информации часто публикуют темы, которые игнорируют другие организации.

3.Журналисты должны учитывать все точки зрения в своих репортажах, чтобы соблюдать принцип беспристрастности.

4.Важность качественной журналистики заключается в раскрытии информации, которую власть предпочла бы скрыть.

5.В социальных сетях наблюдается рост числа новостных инфлюенсеров, которые комментируют уже обсуждаемые истории

Task 6: Short Essay

Write a short essay (150–200 words) discussing the importance of independent media in today’s society. Use at least three vocabulary words from the articles.

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Text 10

IS THE FOREIGN SERVICE FOR YOU?

A Foreign Service career is more than a job. It involves uncommon commitments and occasional hardships as well as unique rewards and opportunities. A decision to enter this career must involve unusual motivation and a firm dedication to public service. Foreign Service personnel are committed to support their country’s policy publicly, whatever their private views. The Foreign Service is a mobile profession. Personnel must agree to serve at any national diplomatic or consular post abroad, or in any domestic position, according to the needs of the Foreign Service. Personnel spend an average of 60% of their careers abroad. This imposed mobility presents challenges to family life and raising children not found in more settled careers. Many overseas posts are in small or remote countries where harsh climates, health hazards, and other discomforts exist, and where many social amenities frequently are unavailable. Overseas service may also involve security risks to personnel and their families. However, careers in the Foreign Service offer special rewards too: the pride and satisfaction of representing your country and protecting your country’s interests abroad; the challenge of working in a demanding, competitive, action oriented profession; opportunities for change and growth; contact with stimulating compatriots and foreign colleagues in government, business, the press and other professions, frequent travel, and the enriching cultural and social experience of living abroad.

WHAT DO FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICERS DO?

For centuries, maintaining relationships between nations through the exchange of representatives has been the task of diplomacy. Foreign Service work is on the front line of the process by which nations establish and maintain official contact with one another in pursuing their respective goals, objectives, interests and policies. It embraces the making, implementation, and support of foreign policy at all levels at home and abroad. It involves the functions of representation, administering our overseas establishments, caring for the interests of one’s country’s citizens abroad; and reporting, communicating, and negotiating on political, economic, consular and administrative affairs. The growth in the number and importance of international

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English language. Texts of socio-political topics: “A glimpse of English press”

organizations brings new demands for competence in multilateral diplomacy. Hand- in-hand with this development is the growing importance of a range of increasingly technical issues which are global rather than primarily bilateral in nature and which require new skills and better insights into the foreign policy implications of such areas as science and technology, narcotics and refugee affairs. And today a significant portion of a Foreign Service officer’s career will be served in the country’s capital, participating in the complex process by which national policy is made and supported. Political officers analyze and report on political matters that affect the national interests of their country. They convey their government views on political issues to foreign officials, negotiate agreements and maintain close contact with political leaders, third country diplomats and others of influence. Political work requires an ability to report and interpret events and trends in a variety of cultures and political systems. Officers must persevere in a field in which visible results are not always immediately apparent. They must also be able to communicate rapidly and concisely, and be flexible in handling diverse responsibilities, especially at smaller posts. Some political officers have more specialized duties. Those who qualify may become area specialists, knowledgeable about the language, history, culture and politics of a nation or region such as the USA, or Latin America. Political officers may also serve as science attaches abroad. A typical week for a political officer overseas might include: reporting on a foreign election or change of government, seeking support for your country’s foreign policy initiative, analyzing a border dispute, briefing or suggesting remarks for a visiting senior official, and perhaps, escorting the official, while handling the daily flow of cables and correspondence relating to the visit. Success in the Foreign Service requires a strong command of the mother tongue as well as of a foreign language. All Foreign Service officers must be able to speak and write clearly, concisely and correctly. The success of much of their work depends on their ability to speak and write persuasively and to analyze and defend policies and proposals.

Test 1: Vocabulary Matching.

Match the words on the left with their correct definitions on the right.

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Английский язык. Тексты общественно-политической тематики: «обзор английской прессы»

Definitions

a.The ability to do something successfully

b.A person chosen to act or speak for another

c.The act of discussing something in order to reach an agreement

d.A promise to do something

e.The ability to move freely or be moved

f.The practice of conducting negotiations between nations

g.A new plan or strategy

h.High-ranking officials who represent their country

Test 2: Fill in the blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the word in parentheses

1.A career in the Foreign Service requires a strong sense of __________

(dedicate).

2.Foreign Service officers must possess excellent __________ (communicate) skills.

3.The __________ (represent) of one’s country abroad is a significant responsibility.

4.Many political officers develop __________ (special) expertise in certain regions.

5.The __________ (important) of international organizations is increasing in modern diplomacy.

Test 3: Sentence Transformation

Rewrite the sentences using the words in parentheses without changing their meaning

1.Many people find it challenging to balance family life and a Foreign Service career. (difficult)

a. Balancing family life and a Foreign Service career is __________.

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English language. Texts of socio-political topics: “A glimpse of English press”

2.The Foreign Service offers unique rewards. (provide)

a.The unique rewards __________ by the Foreign Service are significant.

3.Political officers analyze and report on political matters. (responsibility)

a.It is the responsibility of political officers __________ political matters.

4.Foreign Service work is vital for maintaining international relations. (essential)

a.It is __________ for maintaining international relations.

5.Officers must be flexible in handling diverse responsibilities. (adapt)

a.Officers must __________ to handle diverse responsibilities.

Test 4: Synonyms and Antonyms

Provide a synonym and antonym for the following words from the text

3.Growth

•Synonym: __________

•Antonym: __________

Task 5: Answer the questions

1.What are the main commitments and challenges associated with a career in the Foreign Service?

2.How much of their careers do Foreign Service personnel typically spend abroad?

3.What types of functions do Foreign Service officers perform in their roles?

4.Why is multilateral diplomacy becoming increasingly important in the Foreign Service?

5.What skills are necessary for a political officer to succeed in their role?

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Английский язык. Тексты общественно-политической тематики: «обзор английской прессы»

Task 6: Translate the following sentences intro English

1.Работа в иностранной службе требует необычной мотивации и твердой преданности общественной службе.

2.Персонал иностранной службы должен согласиться работать в любых дипломатических или консульских учреждениях за границей.

3.Политические офицеры анализируют и сообщают о политических вопросах, которые влияют на национальные интересы их страны.

4.Успех в иностранной службе требует крепкого владения родным языком и иностранным языком.

5.Многие зарубежные посты расположены в небольших или удаленных странах, где часто отсутствуют социальные удобства.

Test 7: Short Essay

Writeashortessay(150–200words)discussingtheimportanceofcommunication skills in the Foreign Service, using relevant vocabulary from the text.

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Text 11

THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

International Relations (IR) is a field of study that examines the interactions between states and other actors in the international system. Several theories have emerged to explain these interactions, each providing a different perspective on global politics. The most prominent theories include:

1. Realism

Realism is one of the oldest theories in international relations. It posits that the international system is anarchic, meaning there is no overarching authority. States are the primary actors, and they act in their own self-interest to ensure their survival and security. Realists believe that power is the main currency in international relations, and military strength is crucial for a state’s security. Key figures in realism include Hans Morgenthau and Kenneth Waltz.

2. Liberalism

Liberalism offers a more optimistic view of international relations compared to realism. It emphasizes the potential for cooperation among states and the role of international institutions, norms, and democracy in fostering peace. Liberals argue that states can achieve mutual benefits through trade, diplomacy, and international organizations like the United Nations. Prominent liberal theorists include Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye.

3. Constructivism

Constructivism focuses on the social constructions of reality and how ideas, beliefs, and identities shape international relations. Constructivists argue that the interests and identities of states are not fixed but are constructed through social interactions. This theory highlights the importance of culture, norms, and values in influencing state behavior. Key figures include Alexander Wendt and Martha Finnemore.

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Английский язык. Тексты общественно-политической тематики: «обзор английской прессы»

4. Neorealism

Neorealism, or structural realism, builds on classical realism but emphasizes the structure of the international system rather than human nature. Kenneth Waltz, a key proponent, argues that the distribution of power among states determines their behavior. Neorealism introduces the concept of polarity (unipolarity, bipolarity, and multipolarity) to analyze the stability of the international system.

5. Neoliberalism

Neoliberalism is a response to neorealism and emphasizes the importance of international institutions and cooperation. It argues that while the international system is anarchic, states can achieve cooperation through institutions that facilitate dialogue and reduce uncertainty. Neoliberal theorists like Robert Keohane argue that interdependence and economic ties can lead to peaceful relations.

6. Critical Theory

Critical theory challenges the traditional theories of international relations by questioning the underlying assumptions and power structures that shape global politics. It seeks to uncover the ways in which power, inequality, and social justice influence international relations. Scholars like Andrew Linklater and Robert Cox are prominent figures in this field.

Conclusion

Theories of International Relations provide frameworks for understanding the complex interactions in global politics. Each theory offers unique insights into the behavior of states and other actors, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of international affairs.

Task 1: Vocabulary Matching

Match the terms with their correct definitions

Definitions

a. A theory that emphasizes the role of international institutions and cooperation.

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