Английский язык для гуманитарных направлений подготовки. Учебное пособие

II

Read the Text. Match the paragraphs (1–7) with the best paragraph headings (A–F). One heading is not needed.

1.What is the essential piece of uniform?

2.How can one choose the place to learn?

3.How do people continue keeping the tradition?

4.Why is it never too late to learn?

5.How does «learn and play» technique work in the Dublin College of English?

6.What are the advantages of learning together?

7.Which subject is less popular?

A.Christ’s Hospital school was founded in the 16th century. Its uniform at that time consisted of a long blue coat, a leather belt and yellow socks. Today students still wear the same uniform because they think it’s a symbol that unites them. There was some talk about making the uniform more modern but it e=was decided to keep the original uniform.

B.The Dublin College of English offers one, two or three week Football and English Programs. They are for young people who are interested in both learning English with native speakers and practicing football. The students enjoy the friendly, inspiring atmosphere in the classrooms, after which they improve their skills on the school football pitch.

C.Harrow is a prestigious boy’s school in northern London with a strict uniform policy. You can easily recognize a Harrow student by his hat, which is part of the uniform. All boys have to wear their hats every day when going to or from lessons. Some

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students are allowed to wear a different scarf, tie or jumper but the hat should always be there. Wearing it remains a must.

D.One of the recent trends is the growing number of elderly students in universities and colleges. It is believed that the elderly and the young can benefit from studying in a mixed class. The older ones are quicker at detailed and logical tasks. On the other hand, younger students can often help the older classmates with new gadgets and technologies.

E.When it comes to studying English abroad, try to get as much information about the school as possible. Asking the right questions will help you save money, time, and avoid culture shock. Remember that the school should provide you both with good teaching and with an unforgettable experience so besides everyday classes, social activities should be part of the program.

F.In most British schools children start studying a foreign language at 11, but many are happy to give up languages completely at 14. Research suggests that students think that it is more difficult to get good marks in Modern Foreign Languages than in other subjects such as Science or History. They say that foreign languages are less fun than other lessons like PE or Art.

Read the article and find the answers to these questions as quickly as you can.

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1.Is information technology more or less important in education than before?

2.Where does the word «blog» come from?

3.What is «blog»?

4.What are blogs used for at universities?

5.What does «WIKI» mean?

6.Who puts the information on this kind of website?

7.Why do students need to be careful if they use «Wikis» when they study?

The Internet and Education

Until quite recently Silicon Valley and its innovations had little effect on teaching and learning. But with the rise of the Internet, information technology is now beginning to have much more influence on education. Two areas which are becoming more and more significant are «blogs» and «wikis».

The word «blog» is short for «weblog». A blog is an online diary or «log» of someone’s life, thoughts, or opinions. Anybody can create their own «blog» and blogging is becoming extremely popular — type «blog» into Google and you’ll get over 500 million results. For educational purposes, academics, teachers and students create blogs as personal online study sites: places to work together and share information and ideas. Some universities even give their students and stuff free space on a server to start their own blogs.

«Wikis» are websites where anyone can add content and make changes, so that the site becomes a group creation — «wiki» stands for «What I Know Is». These sites can be a valuable source of information and opinion for students, though the information may not be totally accurate — some academics refuse to use them. Perhaps the best-known wiki is the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia,

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which has more than one million entries in over 100 languages. Wikipedia is working hard to make sure that its information is completely accurate, so students will be able to use it with confidence, and there’s no doubt that it is an incredible resource.

IV

Read the text and say who this information was written for? Is this information true?

Five Facts about Russian Education

System of education in Russia has long-time and strong traditions. Even after signing the Bologna declaration there are still a lot of differences and preferences that other countries don’t have.

Here are five interesting Russian education facts.

1. Free Higher Education Opportunity.

Higher education in Russian State universities can be free of charge. The opportunity to study on the state-funded spots is available to international students, who can apply for an educational scholarship. Russian and foreign students are equal in rights to get study for free, one should pass exams. The competition for statefunded places is always high, so not everyone manages to be admitted. In this case, the applicants can study under contract.

2. Reasonable Tuition Fee.

Even under a contract, study in Russia is cheaper than in

Europe. Obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Russia costs RUB 120– 140 thousand a year on average (2100–2400 dollars); study under Specialist’s degree programs costs RUB 150–170 thousand a year (2600–3000 dollars); obtaining a Master’s degree costs RUB 160– 180 thousand a year (2700–3000 dollars); postgraduate study costs

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RUB 200–220 thousand a year (3440–3800 dollars). In addition, many universities provide foreign students with a university residence, so the accommodation fee is usually much lower than the cost of renting an apartment, and, in general, life in Russia is cheaper than in Europe.

3. European Education System.

Until 2003, when Russia joined the Bologna process, students in Russia studied in universities for 5 or 6 years, such system was called a specialty and was typical particularly for Russia. Now the most of Russian universities work under the Bologna system adopted in Europe and consisting of two levels — Bachelor’s degree, which lasts 4 years, and two years of Master’s degree. However, there are still fields of study where education is provided under Specialist programs — medical and technical areas.

4.Personalized Teaching and Individual Training Approach.

The Russian education is more personified than the European, for example. Lectors pay more attention to each student, it is always possible to get advice or ask teacher a question. The curator helps writing the thesis, explains everything in detail. During study in Russia you will have a lot of practical work. University professors will check your knowledge level not only at examinations, but also throughout all educational process.

5.Study in Russia May Be Not Only in Russian.

Usually, education in Russia is provided in Russian, but many universities have English language programs. This is relevant for foreign students going to study in Russia, but who do not know the Russian language at a sufficient level. Also, you can study Russian for the period of 1-2 years. It is possible with Preparative Department Courses, which are conducted by all leading universities.

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V

Read the article about very interesting facts in the sphere of education and teaching methods in different countries. Try to remember some of them and give your reaction.

Amazing Facts about education

Australia. Paradoxically, this is a big country with a small population (which is even lower than in Canada). There are many remote areas where is hardly any school. Because of a long haul to the nearest school, children «attend» classes at home, listening to the radio. There are even some special broadcasts for such learners.

India. Because of overpopulation, it was decided to save some territories by establishing extremely big schools. That’s why the biggest school in the World is located in India. This is the City Montessori School with 32,000 students studying in.

China. Because of studying, Chinese children do not have enough time to play. Students in this country have the biggest amount of homework assignments. Furthermore, as a rule, children live in their schools and come back home only for weekends.

Students in France have the shortest school year and the longest school day.

Children in Canada are taught both in English and French. This is a real bilingual country.

Brazil. Having a lunch with family is so important in this country that children have to start a school day at 7 o’clock! So after their classes are over, they can come back home and have a lunch with their families. Nevertheless, they still have a lot of time to sleep before the next early morning wake up.

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Children in the Netherlands have to start learning as soon as they reach school age (four years old). Quite early, right? But there is a juicy fact about this — there is always someone new in the class.

Italy. There’s the smallest school in the World, with only one student studying in. This school is located in Torino.

Bangladesh. This is the only country where you can see boat schools. There’s a big flooding problem and such schools suggest a solution. Those boats have everything important inside, including even internet and library.

Iceland is the country with very severe climate. Maybe that’s why all of the citizens must know how to knit a warm sweater. So if you study in Icelandic school, you will probably see in your schedule a subject called knitting.

Japan. School year in this country begins in April and nobody can explain why it is so. Japanese children are happy as they have at least normal summer vacations, what is significantly important.

Chile. This country divided an academic year in a very unordinary way. Summer vacations are held there from the middle of December till March. For reference, in the Southern Hemisphere summer comes in winter, so their academic year is divided in absolutely logical order. Yes, this looks a little bit confusing.

All traditions are unique and sometimes even shocking. But others may think the same about our traditions and characteristic traits. The only thing we know for sure is that all traditions are like habits and people in those countries can hardly imagine their living without them. Of course, there are much more interesting facts about education, and we will try to collect all of them for you next time.

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VI

Read the text below and look carefully at each sentence. If it is correct, put + after it. If it has a wrong word which should not be there, write the word at the end of the sentence.

Students Life in Australia!

1.Would you like to get some international work and experience? and

2.Would you like to study somewhere new and different. ___

3.If the answer to either these questions is «yes», then maybe you should come to Australia! ___

4.That’s what I did too and I have no regrets. ___

5.Come and do a course here, and you can only work at the same time. ___

6.International students can have work up to 20 hours a week during the term time, and can work full-time during holidays. ___

7.You can also apply for a work permit after you have arrived in Australia and started your course. ___

8.It really is a great opportunity! ___

9.Today’s career market is being tough. ___

10.When you are applying for a job, toy will have the advantage over on other applicants if you have worked in Australia.

___

11.Even so if your job is not directly relevant to your own studies, it will help you develop your personal and communication skills. ___

12.Also, if you are not a native English speaker, it is an ideal chance to be brush up your English language skills. ___

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13. So, if you’re looking for somewhere that to do a course, check out Australia! ___

VII

Read the text below. Match the headings (1–7) with the paragraphs (а–f). There is one heading that you don’t need.

The Erasmus Programme

1.Who is the programme for?

2.How did the programme get its name?

3.How popular is the programme?

4.Who thought of the programme?

5.What is the programme?

6.What are the advantages?

7.How much does it cost?

A.The Erasmus Programme is an exchange programme which gives students the chance to work or study in a different country while they are still at university. It was set up by the European Union. You can stay for anything between three months and academic year.

B.The scheme takes its name from the Dutch philosopher, Erasmus, whose full name was Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam. Erasmus was very open-minded. He lived and worked in many countries around the world in order to learn more about different cultures.

C.Since it started in 1987, «Erasmus» has grown dramatically. The first year, 3,244 students took part. Nowadays, around 200,000 students from 31 different countries participate each year.

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D.Are you studying for a diploma or a degree at a recognized university? Have you already completed the first year of your course? Then you’re eligible for a place on Erasmus.

E.Erasmus is a time for learning. You will gain an understanding host country and be part of an international community of students. Having Erasmus on your CV can offer you many opportunities, as employers see it as a positive educational experience.

F.Erasmus is no more expensive than studying in your own country because you do not have to pay extra tuition fees to the university that you visit. For the additional expense of living abroad, you can apply for an Erasmus grant or scholarship.

Complete the gaps (a–f) with the suitable phrases (1–7).

Language and Mobility

European Union citizens have the right to live and work in other member states besides their home country. The European Union (EU) makes it possible for people to go where the jobs are. Knowing other languages is the key to real mobility in the EU, a

___________________ across the continent.

Learning local languages is not only the key to getting a job in another country, b ___________________ . This often provides a whole new perspective on what it is to be European and on what the EU is creating jointly. The national histories and cultural heritage of

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