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Файл:Английский язык для аспирантов кандидатский экзамен. Учебное пособие
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lems. Lack of proper maintenance can allow minor defects to worsen
over time, compromising the structural integrity of the bridge.
Human error, whether in the design, construction, or maintenance phases, can contribute to bridge collapses. Mistakes in calculations, oversight of critical details, miscommunication, or neglecting
safety protocols can all lead to catastrophic failures.
The collapse of bridges can have severe consequences, including loss of life, property damage, and disruption of transportation networks. Understanding the key factors that can cause
bridge failures is essential for engineers, designers, and maintenance personnel involved in the construction and upkeep of
bridges. By considering structural design, material degradation,
natural disasters, construction practices, maintenance, inspections,
and human error, we can work towards ensuring the safety and
longevity of our bridges.
Exercise 2. Look at the plan of the text. Match the sentences
to each point of the plan.
Plan of the text
1. Problem statement
2. Degradation
3. Natural causes
4. Poor construction practice
5. Lack of inspection
6. Human factor
7. Prevention
8. Conclusion
Sentences
A. Three common natural disasters that can affect bridges are
flooding and water damage, earthquakes, and high winds.
B. Lack of proper maintenance can allow minor defects to
worsen over time, compromising the structural integrity of the bridge.

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C. When any of these factors exceed the bridge's capacity, it can
lead to structural failure and, in the worst-case scenario, a collapse.
D. By considering structural design, material degradation, natural disasters, construction practices, maintenance, inspections, and
human error, we can work towards ensuring the safety and longevity
of our bridges.
E. Over time, bridges can experience material degradation due
to factors such as corrosion, fatigue, and aging.
F. Inadequate construction practices, such as poor-quality control or improper installation of structural elements, can introduce
weaknesses.
G. Human error, whether in the design, construction, or maintenance phases, can contribute to bridge collapses.
H. The collapse of bridges can have severe consequences, including loss of life, property damage, and disruption of transportation
networks.
Exercise 3. Complete the outline below by filling in the missing
information from memory (without looking back at the text). Try to
use your own words where possible.
I. Introduction
A. Importance of bridges
B. Functions of bridges
II. Causes of Collapses
A. Structural design issues
B. Material degradation
C. Natural disasters
D. Construction and maintenance failures
E. Human error
III. Prevention
A. Construction standards
B. Regular maintenance & inspections
IV. Conclusion

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A. Main point
B. Final advice
Exercise 4. Summarize each section in one sentence. The
first one is done as an example.
Introduction Section
Example:
Bridges are crucial but vulnerable structures whose collapses
can be prevented by understanding their causes.
Structural Design & Degradation Section
Your turn:
Natural Disasters Section
Your turn:
Construction & Human Error Section
Your turn:
Prevention Section
Your turn:
Exercise 5. Complete the summary below by filling in the
blanks using key information from the text.
1. The article explains that bridges are ____ but can ____.
2. According to the text, understanding collapse causes is es-
sential because ____.
3. The main problem highlighted is that bridges ___ due to ___.
4. The author emphasizes that natural factors like ____, ____,
and structural flaws such as ____ contribute to failures.
5. Additionally, external forces including ____ and ____ pose
risks.
6. The article suggests that modern solutions involve ____
and ____.
7. In conclusion, the text states that ____ is the most effective
way to prevent tragedies.

84
Exercise 6. Look at the sentences from the previous exercise.
Try to substitute the introductory phrases with their synonyms.
Exercise 7. Write a summary of the entire text. Pay attention to the guide below.
1. Use introductory phrases.
2. Include all main causes (natural, external) of bridge collapse.
3. Avoid minor details / examples.
4. Keep the original meaning.
5. Use your own words, not the ones from the text.
6. Don’t forget to express your opinion on the topic.
Exercise 8. Read the text and answer the following questions.
Rome Announces Plans for Restoring the Colosseum
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but what Rome built has now lasted
for centuries as definitive wonders of the world. The Romans were
known for their architectural and engineering power, and the Colosseum, the Flavian Amphitheatre, is a fine testament to that. However,
the Roman government’s move is to restore the historical monument.
As anyone who has ever visited Rome Colosseum know that
the arena is not accessible now. Previously there existed 15,000 m
2
area with arched passageways and chambers for wild animals. There
were mobile platforms and wooden elevators to let the animals out so
that they could join the combat action in the arena.
Soon visitors will be able to see the ancient amphitheater as the
gladiators did, with plans to build a high-tech retractable floor over the
ruined central area. A new 160-meter wooden walkway for visitors will
be constructed in this area, known as the hypogeum, which provides ac-
cess to parts of the monument which were not previously visible.
The restoration of the monument would primarily focus on the
arena itself, which will be made accessible to the public again through
advanced technological and integrated solutions that would guide the
visitor to discover the mechanisms lying underneath the arena.

85
The 2,000-year-old structure is currently floorless. The new floor
will also enable the underground chambers, where gladiators and wild
animals awaited their ascension to the arena, to be properly ventilated
for the first time. The mobile system will be able to quickly cover or
uncover the underground structures below, to both protect them from
rain or allow them to be aired out.
The Colosseum’s executive archaeologist said the project consists
of an entirely removable structure made of Accoya ®, a modified, dura-
ble wood. The slats will be rigged with a rotation system meant to permit
light and air to circulate to underground passages below the area.
The Colosseum is a national symbol of Italy and its restoration is
an opportunity to communicate nation’s support to the cultural heritage
of the country.
1. What did Colosseum look like in ancient times?
2. What is the restoration idea?
3. What structure is going to be built?
4. What solutions do they introduce to the restoration process?
5. What does the text say about ventilation and why is it im-
portant?
6. What material will be used in the restoration process?
7. How will the new floor help preserve the underground struc-
tures?
8. What technological peculiarities will the new floor have?
9. What do you think about restoring historical architecture with
modern technology?
10. Can you name any successful examples?
Exercise 9. Make a plan of the text taking into account your
answers from Exercise 8.
Exercise 10. Compress the sentences (make them shorter)
retaining the original idea.
1. Soon visitors will be able to see the ancient amphitheater as
the gladiators did, with plans to build a high-tech retractable floor
over the ruined central area.

86
2. A new 160-meter wooden walkway for visitors will be constructed in this area, known as the hypogeum, which provides access
to parts of the monument which were not previously visible.
3. The restoration of the monument would primarily focus on the
arena itself, which will be made accessible to the public again through
advanced technological and integrated solutions that would guide the
visitor to discover the mechanisms lying underneath the arena.
4. The new floor will also enable the underground chambers,
where gladiators and wild animals awaited their ascension to the
arena, to be properly ventilated for the first time.
Exercise 11. Complete the sentences using appropriate
information.
1. The purpose of the article is to…
2. The paper deals with…
3. The author discusses some problems relating to…
4. First, the author points out that…
5. Then follows a discussion on…
6. Further, the author explains that…
7. It should be noted that…
8. The author concludes that…
9. In my opinion, the article is of great importance because it
highlights…
Exercise 12. Read the example summary. Do you think it is
a good summary? Why? Identify the introductory phrases.
The aim of this article is to present the latest restoration work
of Rome's Colosseum. The article presents the hypothesis that modern-age engineering solutions can effectively safeguard ancient monuments while enhancing tourists' experience.
The text touches on some substantial problems of the restoration
of the Colosseum. It begins with referring to some problems regarding
the state of the monument, particularly the non-existent arena floor and
inaccessibility of the hypogeum level. The text is concentrated on

87
technical solutions being implemented, including the new retractable
floor system.
The article begins with a short description of the historical significance of the Colosseum as an architectural landmark. The author
first recognizes that this old 2,000-year-old structure had complex
systems for gladiator battles in the past. The next comes the lengthy
description of the hypogeum - the network of tunnels and chambers
under the building.
The succeeding paragraph mentions the current restoration proposals. It should be noted that the project involves installing a stateof-the-art, removable Accoya wood flooring. Moreover, the author
explains how the new scheme will allow for adequate ventilation of
underground levels without exposing them to weather conditions.
The writer discovers that this restoration successfully compromises between historical preservation and modern functionality.
It has to be noted that the project will enable tourists to witness
the Colosseum in the same manner as ancient spectator viewers.
Summing up the findings, it has to be emphasized that this approach
potentially can serve as an example for other heritage conservation
projects.
I think that the article is of great importance as it demonstrates
how contemporary engineering can protect our past. Moreover, this
project is a significant breakthrough in archaeological methods of
conservation.
Exercise 13. Match the introductory phrase with its functional meaning.
Phrases
1. The aim of this article is to present...
2. The article presents the hypothesis that...
3. The author first recognizes that...
4. Moreover, the author explains...
5. Summing up the findings, it has to be emphasized that...

88
Purposes
A. Introducing the main argument or thesis
B. Adding supplementary information
C. Stating the primary objective of the text
D. Beginning the discussion of historical context
E. Providing a concluding statement
Exercise 14. Make your own summary of the text.
Exercise 15. Read the text. Mark the following statements
as True (T) or False (F) according to the text.
Hempcrete for Residential Building Construction
Hempcrete has been introduced as a versatile building material
that can be utilized as an insulative infill for buildings, mainly residential. The methods of application of hempcrete include cast in
place, sprayed on, or prefabricated into blocks or panels.
The main benefit of using hempcrete is the lower environmental
impact in comparison with traditional residential building systems. As
a crop, hemp can be grown in a variety of environmental conditions.
This crop can be used as a cover crop to help regenerate soil during
crop rotation, which adds to its usefulness. Other parts of the plant,
such as seed, leaves, and fibers can still be harvested and used for other
applications.
Considering that the material has both high vapor permeability
and high moisture-storage capacity, this helps to maintain healthy indoor humidity levels throughout the year. Yet, the most outstanding
property of hempcrete is its thermal resistance and its light weight
compared with the heavy cementitious products, the first being able
to facilitate stable indoor temperatures and reduce heating costs.
However, hempcrete construction also has a few disadvantages.
While being a cementitious mixture, hempcrete should not be considered a viable alternative to concrete. Unlike concrete, hempcrete is not
a stand-alone structural product because of its very low compressive
strength, and it cannot be exposed to moisture for prolonged periods

89
of time. Because hempcrete currently is not reinforced, it cannot withstand significant tensile stresses. Furthermore, because of the lack of
reinforcement, hempcrete assemblies need accompanying structural
support.
Hempcrete is a viable alternative construction material, currently
used as an insulation material that can be utilized in residential wall,
floor, and roof assemblies. It has an established track record of successful installations for home building and can offer advantages over
traditional residential construction materials in certain applications.
1. Hempcrete is more eco-friendly than other types of materials.
2. All parts of the hemp plant can be used for other purposes.
3. Hempcrete helps regulate humidity in the building.
4. Hempcrete can be considered as alternative to concrete.
5. Hempcrete doesn't need any structural support.
6. Hempcrete can be applied by casting in place, spraying, or pre-
fabricating into blocks/panels.
Exercise 16. Paraphrase the following sentences.
1. Hempcrete has high vapor permeability and moisture-stor-
age capacity, helping to maintain healthy indoor humidity levels.
2. Unlike concrete, hempcrete is not a stand-alone structural
product because of its very low compressive strength.
3. It has an established track record of successful installations
for home building.
4. Hempcrete is a viable alternative construction material, currently used as an insulation material that can be utilized in residential
wall, floor, and roof assemblies.
Exercise 17. Read the following sentences. Tick them as
relevant or irrelevant for the summary.
1. Hempcrete has been introduced as a versatile building material that can be utilized as an insulative infill for buildings, mainly
residential.

90
2. The methods of application of hempcrete include cast in
place, sprayed on, or prefabricated into blocks or panels.
3. Considering that the material has both high vapor permeability and high moisture-storage capacity, this helps to maintain healthy
indoor humidity levels throughout the year.
4. Unlike concrete, hempcrete is not a stand-alone structural
product because of its very low compressive strength, and it cannot
be exposed to moisture for prolonged periods of time.
5. Furthermore, because of the lack of reinforcement, hempcrete assemblies need accompanying structural support.
6. It has an established track record of successful installations
for home building and can offer advantages over traditional residential construction materials in certain applications.
Exercise 18. Answer the questions. These questions will
guide you to the plan of the text.
1. What is hempcrete, and how is it used in construction?
2. What methods are used to apply hempcrete in buildings?
3. Why is hemp growing considered to be advantageous for the
environment?
4. What are the advantages of hempcrete compared to other
materials?
5. How can hemp influence the indoor climate?
6. Why is thermal resistance an important feature of hempcrete?
7. Can hempcrete replace the traditional reinforced concrete?
8. Where can hempcrete be used in residential buildings?
9. What is the conclusion about hempcrete’s role in con-
struction?
Exercise 19. Define the key ideas of the text, make a plan.
Exercise 20. Arrange the following sentences in the correct
order to form a coherent short summary.
1. However, it requires structural support and can't replace
concrete.
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