Speaking and Writing

Ex. 6. Role play the dialogues below. Make your own dialogues on the similar topics.

Applying to the University

A: Why did you decide to apply to the History Faculty of Vologda State University?

B: To tell you the truth, I planned to apply to Moscow State University but I didn’t get in.

A: What a pity! Was the competition stiff there?

B: Yes, very stiff. Twenty applicants for one place. It was not enough to do well in your Unified State Exam. Applicants also had to take a written exam in History. And it was really difficult.

A: I see. And what are you plans for the future?

B: I’m planning to study here for a year and apply again next year.

A: Why did you apply to the faculty of Applied Mathematics, Computational Technology and Physics?

B: Mathematics and Physics were my favourite subjects at school. And I also did well in Informatics. These subjects come easy to me.

A: Do your parents approve of your choice?

B: Yes, they do. They think it’s a very modern qualification. And such graduates are always in demand. In fact, the faculty has a high reputation for training good IT specialists.

Notes:

come easy to smb. – легко даваться (о предмете)

A: Why did you apply to the Teacher Training Institute?

B: You know my parents are both teachers and I made up my mind to be a teacher too.

A: Do you love children?

B: Yes, I do. I always get on well with children and teenagers. In fact, I have two younger brothers. And I help my parents to look after them.

A: But it’s a very stressful job! And besides as far as I know, it’s rather low-paid.

B: I’m afraid I can’t agree with you here. Things are getting better. Besides, this job is perfect for women because of its flexible schedule.

A: Hi! Glad to see you! I haven’t seen you since we left school. What are you doing?

B: I’m studying the Russian language and Literature at the Teacher Training Institute.

A: Really? That’s very interesting! Do you find it difficult to study there?

B: Yes, very difficult.

A: Do you often have to get books out of the library?

B: I have to do it quite often as we are to read a lot. Sometimes we can use online libraries of course. But you can’t find everything on the Internet.

A: What about reading-rooms? Do students go there regularly?

B: Yes, they do. Especially if they have to read articles in the periodicals.

Winter Exams

A: How well did you do in your Russian History exam?

B: I passed.

A: What mark did you get?

B: Well, I got an excellent mark. I was lucky with the questions.

A: Well done! Did you have to prepare much for the exam?

B: Of course. I had to look through all the notes of the lectures and revise all the units. It took me almost a week to do the revision. Besides I read some additional material.

A: Was it possible to be exempted from taking the exam because of excellent academic performance?

B: Yes, but it was very difficult. You had to be present at all lectures and seminars, make reports and ask questions at every seminar and write an essay on one of the topics. As for me, I was absent several times because of my part-time job.

Notes:

be exempted from taking the exam because of excellent academic performance – быть освобожденным от экзамена по причине отличной успеваемости (получить экзамен «автоматом»)

Well done! – Молодец!

part-time job – работа с неполной занятостью

A: What did you get for your written test?

B: I’m afraid I failed.

A: Oh dear! I’m sorry to hear that! What are you going to do?

B: I’m going to prepare for it in a better way and try to rewrite it again next week. Can I take your notes? I’ve missed several lectures and classes.

A: Sure you can. Good luck!

A: Did you take a Philosophy exam on Tuesday?

B: No, I didn’t. Actually I was in hospital and fell behind the rest of the group. I need some time to do the revision and catch up with my classmates.

A: Will you be able to take it later?

B: I think, yes. I’ll be able to retake it but only at the beginning of the next term in February.

Notes:

catch up with the group – «нагнать» группу, наверстать пропущенные занятия

retake an exam – пересдать экзамен

Ex.7. Answer the following questions or use them in the dialogues of your own.

1. What year student are you?

2. What faculty do you study at?

3. You’re a Bachelor student, aren’t you?

4. When did you decide to apply to Vologda State University?

5. Did you do well in the Unified State Exams?

6. Did you have to take any admissions exams?

7. Did you take any preparatory courses during your final year at school?

8. Were you interviewed at the admissions department?

9. Was the competition stiff?

10. What new subjects does your curriculum include?

11. What are your chief subjects?

12. What are your supplementary subjects?

13. How many lectures, seminars and classes do you have a week?

14. What classes do you have on Tuesday?

15. Do you sometimes miss classes?

16. What subject comes easy to you?

17. Are you good at English?

18. How many end-of-term tests and winter exams will you have? In what subjects?

Ex. 8. Read the text. Fill in the blanks with the missing information from your students’ life. Be ready to present your story to your fellow students.