Because the Institute is built on the idea that talent and good ideas can come from anywhere, MIT is a remarkably diverse community, drawing students from

all 50 states and from 118 countries. Many are members of the first generation in their family to have the opportunity for higher education.Above all, students

learn not to be afraid of hard problems, making their MIT education a springboard for many careers and practical preparation for life.

Task 3.45. Find words in the text which mean: научно-технологическая подготовка, исследование, профессиональная компетентность, применение знаний для решения реальных проблем, преподаватели и выпускники, фундаментальные вопросы, решать мировые проблемы, воплощать идеи в жизнь, ученые-новаторы, аналитическое мышление, изобретательность, практическое решение проблем, соответствовать, трамплин для карьеры, практическая подготовка к жизни.

Task 3.46. Respond to the questions.

1. Why is MIT one of the prestigious institutes in the USA? 2. When was it founded? 3. Who was it founded by?4. How is a professional competence fostered at MIT? 5. What does MIT value in its applicants? 6. What is a motto of MIT in your opinion? 7. What’s student life like at MIT?

Task 347. . Project work. Your friend is going toetg a

Master’s degree in the USA. Actually, she is choosing a university to enter. Get ready to presenther one of the American universities offering Master’s programs. Cover the following options: location, educational programs, admission, tuition, housing,activities events. You may include extra options. Collectsome peculiar information that will influence her decision.

Part 4. Tell me about your educational background.

Job interview conversation

Task 4.1. Read the following job interview conversation. While reading, fill in the gaps: skills, language, credit, speakers, technology, electronics, major, bachelor’s degree, educational background. Then, listen and check.

Employer: Tell me about your (1) … ?

Applicant: Well, I got my (2) … in electrical engineering from the University of North Carolina.

I chose this (3) … because I have always been interested in(4) … . Even when I was young, I used to like taking apart (5) … to see what was inside.

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SUPPORT MATERIAL

Audio scripts

Unit 1

Task 1.4. A barrel of laughs

Feifei: Hello, this is The English We Speak with me Feifei ...

Rob: And me Rob. Hello!

Feifei: So, Rob, what's that thing you've got there? Rob: Oh this? It's a barrel [tapping on wooden barrel]...

Feifei: A barrel?! I see.

Rob: And do you want to know what's inside? Feifei: Not really.

Rob: OK - well, if I just open the lidhere, you'll be able to hear [Opens lid and sounds of laughing] - funny, isn't it?!

Feifei: [not impressed] You have 'a barrel of laughs' - hmm, and that is supposed to be funny?

Rob: It's supposed to illustrate today's piece of authentic real English. It's hilarious, isn't it? And do you know whatthe phrase 'a barrel of laughs' can be

used to describe me - someone who is fun and always joking around.

Feifei: Really? Someone who is funny is 'a barrel of laughs'? But this doesn't describe you Rob - you're not funny.

Rob: Oh? What?! I think we'd better hear some examples of this phrase in action - and I'll show you how funny I really am...

Examples

I shall miss having John in the office. He was a such a barrel of laughs. What a barrel of laughs that bus driver was. He made the long journey much more fun with his funny announcements!

Since I split up with my boyfriend, life hasn't been a barrel of laughs.

Feifei: So, if someone is a 'barrel of laughs', they are funand an enjoyable person to be around.

Rob: Yeah, exactly - the phrase can also describe a thing such as TV show. But come on Feifei, you have to agree, this barrel full of laughs is so funny! Listen to this! [Opens lid again: laughter].

Feifei; Hmm, it's a cheap joke but it's not funny. I know what you can do if you want to make me laugh...

Rob: Oh yes - go on, what is it?

Feifei: Why don't you see if you can fit inside the barrel?

Rob: Oh, right, OK. Well, that sounds like a laugh. OK, then, here goes...

[Sound of Rob getting in] ... Alright, I'm in.

Feifei: Wow Rob - you actually fit in the barrel! That's so funny! Rob: Hey Feifei what are you doing?

Feifei: Making you into a real life 'barrel of laughs' Rob: That's not funny.

Feifei: It's hilarious! See you later.

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Task 2.10. A sticky situation

Feifei; Welcome to The English We Speak with me Feifei and… Rob… Rob? Where's Rob?

Rob: (Door opens) Oh, hi Feifei… you couldn't lend me £10, could you?

Feifei: Rob! You're supposed to be presenting this programme. Anyway, what do you need £10 for? And what's that stuff all over your clothes?

Rob: Well, I was running to get to the studio and I bumped into a woman. Feifei: Right… So, what do you need £10 for?

Rob: Well, you see, she dropped a big box she was carrying and said I would have to pay for the damage – and if I didn't, her daughter would be really upset! Feifei: Oh! Rob, you are in 'a sticky situation'.

Rob: Well, that's true. You mean I'm in a situation that is difficult to get out of? Feifei: Exactly! Rob, here's £10 - now you can go and un-stick the situation! Rob: Thanks Feifei. I think we should hear some examples of this phrase while I go and pay the woman…

Examples: I'm in a sticky situation: I said I'd go to the cinema with Pete but I've also promised to go for a drink with John.

It was a sticky situation– neither side would agree on who caused the accident.

We're in a sticky situation – we've got to catch the train but we haven't got enough money to buy a ticket.

Feifei: So a sticky situation is a difficult, awkward or sensitive situation. (Door opens again) Ah, Rob, you're back…

Rob:…yes. She's happy now and is going back to the bakery again. Feifei: The bakery? Why? What was in the box she was carrying? Rob: It was a big birthday cake for her daughter.

Feifei: Oh no - you were in a sticky situation in more ways than one! Rob: I suppose I was.

Both Bye.

Task 3.5. People person

Feifei: Hello, this is The English We Speak, with me Feifei… Neil: … and me Neil. Hello!

Rob: Hi Neil! Sorry to interrupt. I just want to confirm that you're coming to my party. Are you?

Neil: Yes, of course. Thanks, Rob. It will be a blast!

Rob: Cool. It'll be great to have you there! I'll let you get back to your recording. See you!

Neil: No problem.

Finn: Hi Neil! Just to tell you my presentation was a success. Your advice made all the difference!

Neil: Oh, that's great news, Finn. Always happy to help. (Vera opens the studio door) Vera: Hi Neil! I just wanted to say thanks for putting me in contact with Brian from the IT department. He sorted out my computer problems.

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Neil: No problem, Vera. Any time you need a good contact, just ask. Feifei: Wait a minute! We have a programme to do here!

Neil: Well, what can I do, I'm a people person! In English, you say someone is a 'people person' when they are good at dealing with other people. They're helpful and have the ability to motivate people. People like me, Feifei.

Feifei: I know, I know. I appreciate your people skills too. Let's hear some examples of how this expression is used.

Examples:

Callum is a people person. He gets along with everybody and would make a great manager.

You know, you should go to the party even if you don't know anybody there. You're a people person and by the end of the night you'll have made

lots of new friends.

Feifei: So many people outside the studio… Neil, who are they?

Neil: Oh, these are colleagues and friends I've helped out a bit recently. Feifei: But this is… it's a crowd!

Neil: I told you: I'm a people person! Hello everybody! I'll be there in a minute! Both: Bye!

Task 3.10. Icebreaker

Wang Fei: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Wang Fei. Rob: And I'm Rob Carter.

Wang Fei: Rob, I'm going on a hot date tomorrow and I'm feeling a bit nervous now. I think I need your help.

Rob: Hmm. It is a scary thing to do. What you need is some kind of icebreaker. Wang Fei: An icebreaker? That sounds quite cold!

Rob: Don't worry, it's not. But an icebreaker has got something to do with warming up a cold situation. It will make things more relaxed.

Wang Fei: An icebreaker is something you can do or some words you can say to make people feel relaxed. So, an icebreaker will make things less formal?

Rob: Yes, that's right. Doing something or saying something at the start will hopefully make your date more relaxed and less tense.

Wang Fei: I see. An icebreaker will make people feel more relaxed. Maybe I should sing a song or do a dance?!

Rob: Now that's a bit over the top – why not start with a joke?

Wang Fei: If singing or dancing is a bit over the top, or too much, I will think of a joke then.

Examples:

Telling a joke is an excellent icebreaker.

That party needed an icebreaker to make it less formal!

Wang Fei: So just now we heard people using icebreaker in their conversation. Rob, does icebreaker literally mean breaking the ice?

Rob: It does. You can do it when you start a new job. Everything feels so formal that it's good to break the ice. We British can be a bit reserved or formal so it's

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good if someone can break the ice.

Wang Fei: Yes, I agree. Sometimes British people can be quite reserved and formal. - Rob I'm not good at jokes. Do you have any I can use?

Rob: Let's have a think. How about telling this one? "With my last girlfriend it was love at first sight – then I took a second look!"

Wang Fei: It's a good joke. But honestly, did it work for you? Rob: Um... It didn't actually. But it might be good for you! Wang Fei: Hmm…

Actually, I think I would rather find a good story on our website as an icebreaker. Rob: Yes. Don't forget our website is a good place to learn some English phrases that might help you break the ice at a party.

Task 3.17. Give the cold shoulder

Rob: Hi Feifei. What a beautiful woollen shawl you're wearing! But it looks far too elegant to use for just another day in the office…

Feifei: I know, Rob. I wanted to give it to Lisa, now that she's got that promotion…

Rob: Really? But she' hardly even said hello to you since her promotion and you used to be friends…

Feifei: I know. She's been giving me the cold shoulder. That's why I brought this woollen shawl for her.

Rob: Feifei, you do know there's a difference between Lisa's shouldersbeing cold because it's winter and her 'giving you the cold shoulder', don't you? You can't just warm her shoulders and be friends again.

Feifei: Yes, I do. In English, someone giving you the cold shoulder means they're behaving in a way that is not friendly at all and they're doing it for no obvious reason.

Rob: Yes. It means they are rejecting you or ignoring you. And 'give the cold shoulder' is today's expression in The English We Speak.

Feifei: Let's hear some examples.

Examples

After Mary divorced herrich husband all their friends gave her the cold shoulder. She was not invited to their lavish parties anymore.

My brother told our parents I haven't been studying at all and my marks are low. I'm not happy and I've been giving him the cold shoulder. Let's see if he's got the message.

Feifei: Rob, I know what giving someone the cold shoulder means, but even so I think this shawl might help me get Lisa to change how she's acting.

Rob: How come?

Feifei: Well, Lisa loves fashion and designer clothes. As soon as she sees me with this lovely shawl, she'll be impressed and stop ignoring me. She won't think she's better than me anymore!

Rob: Well, and if you lend it to her, she might not feel cold anymore… it's been rather cold in the last few weeks...

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Feifei: Yes. This woollen shawl will stop her having cold shoulders and might even stop her giving me the cold shoulder. How about that?

Rob

Now that is a clever use of the English language! Feifei: Bye.

Rob: Bye bye.

Unit 2 Task 1.7. Me time

Feifei: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak with me Feifei… Rob: …and me Rob. Hello. But I'm afraid I won't be here for long Feifei. Feifei: Why? What's happened, Rob?

Rob: I have so much to do. I have to write some texts, I am presenting this and two other programmes, and … yes, I have to upload material to our website… Feifei: That's a lot to do, and you look stressed.

Rob: And it's not just that… I have to take my son to school, my cat to the vet, buy my wife a birthday present...

Feifei: Rob, you need some 'me time'!

Rob: Yes, I do! That would be brilliant! Me time is an expression which means time we have for ourselves to do just what we want. I really do need some me time.

Feifei: Let's hear some examples of how to use the expression 'me time'. Examples.

- I've just sent my mum to a spa in the countryside. She's been taking care of the whole family and is really in need of some me time!

A: Oh, six in the morning! I'm going to be late for B: Ignore the alarm clock today. It's Sunday! Stay in bed till late and have

some me time.

Feifei: You know, Rob, these examples have inspired me so much that I'll let you to have some me time for the rest of the programme.

Rob: Really?!

Feifei: Yes. What do you like to do to relax? Rob: Well… I'd like to …

Feifei: Yes?

Rob: What I'd like, I'd really really like is… to take a nap. And now I'm going to do just that. OK. Thanks, Feifei. Bye everyone!

Feifei: Rob? Rob?... Well, let's give Rob some me time. Bye!

Task 1.8. Have a lot of plates spinning

Feifei: Hello, and welcome to The English We Speak with me, Feifei…

Roy: And me, Roy. Rob sounds very stressed today. I think he’s worried about his magic trick!

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Feifei: What magic trick? I know he has a lot of work on this week.

Roy: When I spoke to him on the phone, he said that he had a lot of plates spinning.

Feifei: No, Roy. If someone says they ‘have a lot of plates spinning’, it means that they ‘have a number of different tasks to do at the same time and can’t just focus on one’.

Roy: Ahh, so he was talking about work? Now I understand why he put the phone down when I started telling him about how many times I’d tried to find rabbits in my hats.

Feifei: Right. Let’s listen to these examples.

Examples.

As a single parent, I always have a lot of things to do at the same time. I always have so many plates spinning.

He is always busy. He’s got so many hobbies and activities, and that’s not including work. He has a lot of plates spinning.

She decided to quit her job due to the heavy workload. She always complained that she had a lot of plates spinning.

Feifei: You’re listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English, and we’re talking about the expression ‘have a lot of plates spinning’This. expression refers to having a lot of things to do at the same time.

Roy: Yes, I’ve also heard the expression used as ‘a lot of balls in the air’You. look quite busy today!

Feifei: I’m always busy Roy! I have so much work and I have a lot of balls in the air at the moment.

Roy: Maybe I can help you?

Feifei: Brilliant idea! In fact, I’ve already created you a list of things to do so I can focus on one task – the most important one!

Roy: Wow! There are so many things on this list! Now I have a lot of plates spinning. What task are you focussing on that’s so important?!

Feifei: My birthday party! Someone needs to arrange that! Roy: You can’t be serious!

Feifei: Of course, I am – I wouldn’t ask you to do that as well. Bye.

Task 1.16. The CEO of

Jiaying: Welcome to The English We Speak with me, Jiaying…

Roy: … and me, Roy. Hey, Jiaying! I saw your latest photo on social media– it’s great!

Jiaying: Yes, I’m the CEO of social media!

Roy: Oh wow – I knew you were important, but I didn’t realise that you controlled all of social media! Maybe you could help me by making my videos go viral. Jiaying: No, Roy! We use the expression ‘the CEO of’ to say we’re amazing or

the best at something– so if you’re a really good dancer, you could say that you’re the CEO of dancing.

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Roy: I’m not a very good dancer– but I would like to improve myphotos on social media – I don’t get many likes!

Jiaying: Well, seeing as I’m the CEO of photography, I’ll have a look – but how about I like all of your photos?

Roy: Would you really do that!? Thanks!

Jiaying: Sure – what are friends for? And now, let’s listen to these examples.

Examples.

He’s such an amazing singer – he is the CEO of singing!

She’s always saying that she’s the CEO of things– it sounds like she’s really bragging!

I wish I was as good as her at painting. She’s the CEO of art!

Jiaying: You’re listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English, and we’re talking about the expression ‘the CEO of’– which is used to say that someone is amazing or the best at something.

Roy: Yes – and literally the title of CEO stands for ChiefExecutive Officer, which is effectively the boss of a company. You can also use the expression ‘the boss of’ instead of ‘the CEO of’.

Jiaying: Yes, so I could say that I’m the boss of social media. You can also say that something is ‘boss’. So, for example your photos are boss!

Roy: Really – did you check out my photos? Did you like the one in which I’m dressed as a parrot?

Jiaying: I didn’t see that one– but I liked all your photos– I particularly loved the one in which you’re teaching English to cats. That photo is boss.

Roy: Hang on! That’s Neil’s photo – not mine! You liked all of his photos! Jiaying: Well, I’m sure your photos are really creative too! Bye, Roy. Roy: Bye.

Task 2.6. YOLO

Jiaying: Welcome to The English We Speak with me, Jiaying… Roy: … and me, Roy. Did you just eat my entire bucket of popcorn? Jiaying: Yes, I did! YOLO!

Roy: I can’t believe you ate my popcorn! I was going to share that with you while we watched a film! And what on earth does YOLO mean?

Jiaying: You only live once!

Roy: Thanks for reminding me, but seriously, what does YOLO mean?

Jiaying: YOLO is an abbreviation which stands for ‘you only live once’! People often say YOLO to remind others to enjoy the present and not worry too much about the future.

Roy: Which is somehow connected to why you ate all the popcorn, is it?

Jiaying: Well, I was hungry, so I ate it!YOLO! Let’s talk more about it after these examples.

Examples.

-I decided to buy that new car! I know it’s expensive, but YOLO!

-She said that I was boring and left me! The last thing she said was ‘YOLO’!

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- Bertie quit his job as a bus driver and opened up a new -scifi-themed cafe! YOLO.

Jiaying: You’re listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English, and we’re talking about the expression ‘YOLO’, which is an abbreviation for ‘you only live once’. People use this when they want to remind others to live for the present!

Roy: Yes, they often use YOLO to justify a risk that is connected with something they are doing. On that note, I have just used your credit card to book

a holiday of a life time! YOLO!

Jiaying: What?! You used my credit card?! To buy yourself a holiday?!

Roy: Yep! I’m going swimming with sharks, mountain climbing and cliff diving! YOLO!

Jiaying: With my money? Oh, I’m going to be broke!

Roy: Haha – I’m only joking. I just thought I’d wind you up because you ate my popcorn! I do think you should buy some more of that, though!

Jiaying: That sounds fair! I’m glad you didn’t notice I ate your cake and drank all your cans of drink too! YOLO! Bye, Roy!

Roy: You ate my cake too?! Oh Jiaying! Bye. Roy: Bye.

Unit 3

Task 2.6. Soft skills

Feifei: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Feifei.

Rob: And I’m Rob! Hey, Feifei, did you know they’re looking for a new team leader to manage and motivate our team?

Feifei: Ooo, a promotion! And you think I should apply for it?

Rob: No, no! I was going to ask you if you think I’d be good for the position? Feifei Well, you’re sometimes friendly and you like to chat.

Rob: Great. Well, the job description says that they want someone with ‘soft skills’ – and that means 'the ability to communicate and work well with other people'. I'm basically a team player.

Feifei: You are a team player? Well, Rob, you’re certainly ‘soft’– not very strict – so nobody would listen to you! Rob Well, we’ll see about that. We are going to hear some examples, and no arguing!

Examples We’ve got to build a team that works well together, so soft skills are vital if you want to work here.

The recruitment company are looking for someone with soft skills to fill the vacancy.

A positive attitude, self-confidence and being a good communicator are the skills we’re looking for in this job. Does that describe you

Feifei: This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English and we’re talking about the phrase ‘soft skills’, which describes someone’s ability to

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communicate and work well with others. But, Rob, I’m still not sure if you’ve got the soft skills for the new job.

Rob: Oh well! Thanks for your vote of confidence! Feifei: Actually, maybe I should apply for the new job.

Rob: Hmmm, let’s have a think about your skills… You’re bossy. You tell people what to do. You take charge. They sound like ‘hard skills’ to me.

Feifei: Hard skills?! It sounds like I’d beprfect for the job. So, Rob, pop outside the studio and make me a cup of tea.

Rob: Any chance to you could ask me using some ‘soft skills’? Feifei: No, Rob. Just do it. See ya!

Rob: Somehow, I think she’d get the job! Bye!

Task 2. 8. The university of life

Rob: Hello, welcome to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. I'm Rob.

Feifei: Oh hello…I'm Feifei. Rob: What's wrong Feifei?

Feifei: I'm stressed – I've got an exam tomorrow – I hate exams.

Rob: Me too. What you need to do is plan your revision a bit more, take lots of breaks, and maybe go for a run.

Feifei: You seem to know a lot about preparing for exams. Where did you study?

Rob: Oh, nowhere you would have heard of. It's called the university of life. Feifei: The university of life. Is that in London?

Rob: It's doesn't actually exist– when someone says they've been to the university of life it means they are wise but not necessarily educated– they've learnt everything just from experiencing life.

Feifei: I see. Hmm, so no exams.

Rob: That's right. I've just got a qualification in life! Let's hear some more examples of this phrase…

Examples:

I set up the business without any qualifications– everything I learnt was from the university of life.

The university of life taught me to be polite to everyone you meet; you never know when you might see them again.

Feifei: The university of life– it's where you learn from life not booksSo,. I should learn a lesson from you Rob?

Rob: Yes, chill out – don't stress about exams – they're a waste of time.

Feifei: Really!!! Hold on a minute. If I remember correctly, you failed your exams and you were kicked out of university.

Rob: Well…err… maybe. But that was a life experience… and I learned that studying wasn't for me.

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Feifei: Hmmm, it sounds like you've been to the school of hard knocks. Rob: The school of hard knocks?

Feifei: Yes, it's an unpleasant experience that you learn from. Anyway, I'm off to revise for my exams. I'd rather stay at my university rather than go to yours! Rob: Fair enough.

Both Bye.

Task 3.6. Crash course

Neil: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Neil. Helen: Hello everyone. I’m Helen.

Neil: I saw you looking at a travel magazine earlier. Are you thinking about a holiday?

Helen: Yes, I have actually booked a holiday in the Amazon rainforest. Neil: Really, that sounds amazing. When are you going?

Helen: In a month’s time, I’m really looking forward to it. Have you been there? Neil: No to the rainforest, but I’ve visited Brazil with my friends. It’s a beautiful country. Can you speak Portuguese?

Helen: No, not at all. I was hoping English is enough.

Neil: Erm, if you are visiting the big cities, you can get by with English. But out of the cities, it’s good to know a bit of Portuguese and about the local culture. Helen: Oh dear, I am hopeless with languages. They are so difficult to master and take years to learn. I don’t have years. I’ve got weeks to sort out my adventure.

Neil: Don’t worry, you can go on a crash course. Helen: What course?

Neil: A language crash course! When you are on a crash course, you learn about something in a very short period of time.

Helen: But will it work for me?

Neil: Well, that depends on your learning ability. I think you’d master the basics without any trouble. Here are a few more examples of crash courses on offer:

Examples Peter applied to train as a teacher, but he had to complete a compulsory crash course in maths first.

Alison did a crash course in French before her trip to Paris.

I booked Nathan on a video editing crash course, so we’ve got at least one person who can operate the camera.

Julie took a crash course in cooking to prepare for her wedding.

Helen: Can you recommend a Portuguese crash course for me?

Neil: Just have a look online, there are loads of them and some of them are free. Helen: Perfect! Thanks Neil!

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