view

4a. Look at the following aspects of student life and choose the five most important aspects for you. Number them (1-5) in order of importance. Give your reasons.

1)Your accommodation

2)The subjects you study

3)Staff-student relations

4)Teaching and learning resources

5)The social side of life

6)Sport facilities

7)Money in your pocket

8)The city where you study

4b. Work in groups of four and discuss your ideas. Agree on the top five aspects and number them in order of importance. Use the following words and phrases:

To agree/support other people’s opinions:

I (fully) agree with you / Yes, that’s right.

I think so, too / Exactly.

To disagree/ contradict other people’s opinions:

I don’t agree / I don’t think so.

That’s not the point/problem… / Oh, no.

(See ‘List of Speech Acts’, p. 104)

Report your decision back to the class.

5.In relation to the University you study at, award either one or five points for each of the above aspects (ex. 4a). How does it score? Work in pairs and compare your results. Try to give your reasons.

6.Write an email to your friend in England about your reasons for entering the University. Use the examples from 2.

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C.Career Progress

1.Read this Cover Letter and decide what research program the candidate is applying for: Technology Entrepreneurship, Information Technology or International Business.

Dear Dr Reymen,

I am interested in applying for the job of a PhD student in ... posted on your web site.

I have recently graduated from MIPT with a Master degree in Applied Mathematics and Physics. My specialization is “Technical and organizational systems control”. Doing my research I also acquired good knowledge of business development and English. I have a Certificate of Business English (B2), I speak English well, I have basic knowledge of German and I am a fast language learner.

I successfully defended my Master thesis “Modeling of human capital in the tasks of organizational systems management” and I’d like to continue my training in Holland as I find the research program … quite appealing. I will be able to support your strategy as I am very creative, hardworking, enthusiastic and ready to develop new interests. Technology with its challenges of management and business is crucial in today’s fast-moving world. And if you want to become a lifelong agent of change it is necessary to be preapared for it. And I really do!

Besides, my 3 years’ working experience for Information Business Systems Company is also a big plus. I worked as a system analyst on 6 Information Technology Development projects for the Central Bank of Russia in the team with architects and programmers. I developed technical tasks, project, working and in-line documentation to the designed systems. The biggest and enjoyable part of my job is working with people (interviews, business trips, consultancies). I recently got a position of the project manager and I am very excited about that.

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Due to all these activities and different courses I gained good technical, analytical and communicative skills which in combination with my profound education are sure to be an effective match for your qualifications. I would seriously like to be considered as a candidate for the position of a PhD student and look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Yours sincerely,

Marina Gurova

2. Answer the questions.

1)What is Marina’s qualification?

2)Why would she like to continue her training in Holland?

3)Where is she working now?

4)What does her job involve?

5)Has she been promoted recently?

3. Study “How to write a Cover Letter” on your own, then work in pairs and agree on the strong and weak points of the application above.

‘How to write a Cover Letter’

1.A cover letter must be directed to somebody in particular (avoid using phrases like “Dear Sir/Madam”).

2.Don’t write more than a page.

3.Give brief explanation of what you offer and want.

4.Bring only aspects relevant to the position (abilities, capacities, achievements).

5.Use the cover letter to persuade the reader that you are the most appropriate candidate for the position, that you can perform the functions.

6.Show enthusiasm and interest in the company. Write something about the company

or industry that shows you know about them.

7.Check your spelling, grammar and expressions before approving the letter.

8.Use action verbs, short concise phrases, avoid very formal expressions and facts.

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9.Write a cover letter in a creative way, oriented towards the company, be flexible and always willing to work in a team and learn.

10.Don’t forget to make your letter stand out and mention something which makes you special. If you did a language course or have a great qualification, mention it and let yourself shine!

4. Listen to the dialogue between the Chairperson of the “International Society” and a newly-arrived student. Complete the sentences by filling in the gaps.

Chairperson: Hello, there. What …………………………….. ? Student: Development Economics.

Chairperson: Oh, yes. And how long ………………………………………?

Student: One year. It’s a postgraduate diploma.

Chairperson: What ……………………………………? Have you

………………..?

Student: Yes. I’d like to be a United Nations Project Adviser.

Chairperson: Oh, would you? That sounds interesting. Tell me though why

……………………………………………………?

Student: It’s got a good reputation in the field of Economics. Chairperson: Where …………………………….. ? Student: Brazil.

Chairperson: Oh, that’s a country I’ve always wanted to go to. And what……………………………………………….?

Student: I go to the cinema a lot.

Chairperson: Ah, yes. You’re Mr. Pinto, ……? I’ve got your name on my list here.

5. Practice the dialogue with another student. Then act out a conversation between you and the Chairperson.

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Section II. Reading Comprehension

Text A. “Massachusetts Institute of Technology”

1. Read and translate the text.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. MIT has five schools and one college, containing a total of 32 academic departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technological research.

The mission of MIT is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century.

The Institute admitted its first students in 1865, four years after the approval of its founding charter. Its current 168-acre (68.0 ha) campus opened in 1916 and extends over 1 mile (1.6 km) along the northern bank of the Charles River basin. MIT researchers were involved in efforts to develop computers, radar, and inertial guidance in connection with defense research during World War II and the Cold War. In the past 60 years, MIT's educational programs have expanded beyond the physical sciences and engineering into social sciences like economics, philosophy, linguistics, political science, and management.

The School of Engineering has been ranked first among graduate and undergraduate programs by U.S. News and World Report since first published results in 1994. Undergraduates are required to complete an extensive core curriculum called the General Institute Requirements (GIRs). The science requirement, generally completed during freshman year as prerequisites for classes in science and engineering majors, comprises two semesters of physics classes covering classical mechanics and electricity and magnetism, two semesters of math covering single variable calculus and multivariable calculus, one semester of chemistry, and one semester of biology. Undergraduates are required to take a labora-

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tory class in their major, eight Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) classes (at least three in a concentration and another four unrelated subjects).

2.Answer the following questions on the text.

1) What kind of institution is MIT?

2) What is the mission of MIT, according to the text?

3) In what kind of activity were MIT researchers involved during World War II and the Cold War?

4) What are the course requirements for MIT undergraduates?

3.Match the italicized words from the text with the meanings (1-10).

1)Independent, not connected with the government

2)to improve or bring advantage to

3)connected or concerned

4)students who are doing a university course for a Bachelor’s degree

5)a course of study offered in a school, college, etc.

6)a student of the first year at college or university

7)chief or special subjects at a university

8)something required or necessary as a prior condition

9)consists of

10)exact and serious study.

4. Read the text again and decide if the sentences below are true (T) or false (F).

1)MIT is a public research institution located in the USA. _____

2)MIT’s educational programs include humanities as well as sciences. ____

3)The School of Engineering has been first in the world since 1960-s. ____

4)The General Institute Requirements is a compulsory extensive core curriculum. ____

5)Undergraduates are required to take only laboratory classes. ____

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5. Translate from Russian into English using the vocabulary from the text.

1)В России растет число частных учебных заведений.

2)Студенты нашего университета вовлечены в научную деятельность.

3)Согласно учебному плану, все студенты нашего университета должны изучать иностранный язык в течение двух лет.

4)Данный словарь включает более 50 000 слов.

5)Свободное владение английским языком – одно из предварительных требований для приема на эту должность.

Text B. “The First Diploma in Engineering”

1. Read the text and choose the correct answers to the questions below. The First Diploma in Engineering

There is a shortage of qualified engineers in Britain today. This course could be your first step on the way to Chartered Engineer status and a rewarding career.

What you will study

Core Units:

Working Practices in Engineering

Using and Interpreting Engineering Information

Applied Electrical and Mechanical Science for Technicians Mathematics for Engineering Technicians

You will also be expected to work towards Key Skills Qualifications in IT, Application of Number and Communications.

How you will learn

The course is full-time for one year.

Classroom-based theory lessons, practical sessions in the laboratory or workshop and directed assignment work. Students will need to spend a certain amount of their own time completing assignment work.

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How you will be assessed

Most of the units are assessed through assignments that are set and marked by your lecturers. There are external exams for Key Skills.

Entry Requirements

Normally we expect students who are under 19 years of age to have at least four GCSEs including Maths, English and Science or to have successfully completed a foundation course. We also pay special attention to your Head teacher’s report and other relevant evidence such as that contained in a Progress File. You will be expected to show interest in or aptitude for engineering which will be assessed by interview and skills test.

What you can do when you finish the course

You can use your First Diploma to help you to find a job as an apprentice. Alternatively, you can continue your studies and specialize in the area that interests you most.

Questions

2. Read the text again and decide if the sentences (1-5) below are true (T) or false (F).

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3. Complete the definitions (1-5) below with the italicized words in the text.

1)____________ are the most important things to learn.

2)An ______________ is someone who works with an experienced person to learn the job.

3)You get _________________ when you pass exams.

4)If you work _______________, you work during the whole of the usual working period.

5)To ______________ means to judge the quality of something, to evaluate.

4. Write a leaflet about your course using the following questions as a plan for your leaflet.

1)Who is the course for?

2)What qualifications do I need to be accepted?

3)What will I learn on the course?

4)How will I be assessed?

5)What can I do when I finish the course?

Text C. “Engineering Courses at Brown University”

1. Read the text and answer the following questions.

1)What kind of courses does the leaflet describe?

2)How can you get more information about the courses?

Engineering Courses at Brown University

All courses are taught at Brown University and can be studied either fulltime or part-time. The minimum qualification for a place on a Level 2 course is four GCSEs or a Level 1 Certificate.

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Level 1 Certificate in Engineering: This course teaches key skills. It is suitable for students who left school early or have no qualifications. Selection will be based on the applicant’s work experience and an interview.

Level 2 Certificate in Communication Systems: This course prepares students for jobs in radio and electronic communications.

Level 2 Certificate in Welding: This course prepares students for jobs in welding, metal work, and general engineering.

Level 2 Certificate in Computer Aided Visualization and Design:

This course prepares students for a wide range of jobs including engineering design, CAD and CAM.

For more information please visit our website or return this form to the departmental secretary.

Name

____________________________________________________________

Address

_____________________________________________________________

Telephone/e-mail

_____________________________________________________

Date of birth

________________________________________________________

Please send me details of:

LEVEL 1 Certificate in Engineering __

LEVEL 2 Certificate in Communication Systems ____

LEVEL 2 Certificate in Fabrication ___

LEVEL 2 Certificate in Computer Aided Visualization and Design ___

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