Unit 2. Uk Universities and Colleges

Task 1.a. You will hear a text dwelling on problems in UK education, which are a cause of concern for British academics. After listening, complete statements 1-5 with the correct alternative (a-b).

1. Professor H. Newby urged vice-chancellors of UK universities to consider

a) the rise of student fees;

b) profound structure changes in the universities;

c) long-term prospects of UK universities.

2. The review produced by the vice-chancellor of Southampton's University supports the widely held assumption that universities will have

a) to introduce top-up fees

b) to offer a wider range of training

c) to raise student fees

3. The Newby review highlights

a) some ominous trends for UK universities over the next 10-15 years

b) the necessity for radical reformes in the higher education sector

c) the need to exploit the increasingly global market place through distance-learning courses;

4. Universities are criticized for being unable

a) to revive regional economies

b) to develop a true market for higher education

c) to restructure the higher education sector to sustain a globally competitive economy

5. The Newby report has a distinct advantage over the Dearing report as it

a) investigates thoroughly some of the educational issues

b) produces a short-term political fix

c) seeks to develop the long-term vision for British universities

Task 1.b. Listen to the last paragraph of the text again and jot down the essence of the four envisaged practices for UK universities. Which of them seems to you most / least feasible? How are issues raised in the text relevant to your educational establishment? Answer these questions in writing (100-150 words).

Task 2. Listen to the text on “Open University” and choose the best variant (a-d) to complete sentences 1–5 below.

1. To qualify for enrollment of the Open University you must have

a) been educated up to the age of eighteen

b) been born in the United Kingdom

c) an aptitude for study

d) a successful career

2. To gain a degree from the Open University, you have to

a) study for ten months from February to November

b) select six subjects from a choice of 125

c) obtain six full credits within three years

d) choose one subject and gain six passes

3. If you decide to study at home

a) you must study an arts course

b) some of your materials will be audiovisual

c) you will have to see your tutor once a week

d) a part-time tutor will write materials for you

4. Many people have found that an Open University degree gives them

a) an increase in intelligence

b) a better understanding of people

c) the possibility of a better job

d) a greater respect for learning

5. If you want to study a single course,

a) ask for the Associate Student Programme Guide

b) return the reply-paid coupon

c) ask for the free Guide for Applicants

d) write to the Open University, PO Box 48

Task 3. Read the text below and fill in the blanks in the sentences given in Part 2 using suitable words and phrases from the box.