1.7 Read the text and then choose one sentence which reflects the main idea of the text

1 The text reflects the students’ life in the OSU.

2 This text is a about higher educational establishments in Orenburg.

3 The text gives the main information about the OSU.

4 This text speaks about the OSU’s facilities.

The OSU is a new one. It was founded in 1996. Its original name was the Orenburg Politechnical Institute. This name change reflects the changing role of the University: it has a broader educational mission now. The University offers programs at all levels of instruction.

At present there are 20 faculties at the University: the faculty of Economics and Finance, the faculty of Economics and Management, the overall number of students is about 16000. They study in the daytime, evening and extra-mural departments. Most of the students live in the hostel, the others live either with their families or rent rooms.

The University trains students in many specialities. It offers a 5-year course of study. During the academic year students attend lectures and classes and do laboratory work. They take their tests and examinations at the end of each term. If a student passes exams well, he gets state grants.

The University recruits excellent students, faculty and staff. The faculty are scholar-teachers. They create new knowledge and new points of view in different areas.

The University campus consists of teaching blocks, sport grounds, some buffets, a dining hall and 3 halls of residence. Some new buildings are under construction. The University provides students with different facilities: laboratories, computer rooms, lecture halls and libraries.

Education is more than classroom experience. Students take part in scientific research, social and political activities. The University has its own newspaper “University News”. It reflects the University life.

1.8 Correlate the beginning of the following sentences on the left to the end of the sentences on the right. Read these sentences

1 The OSU … 2 If a student passes exams well, … 3 The University recruits … 4 At present there are … 5 This name change reflects … 6 It offers … 7 Students take part … 8 Some new buildings …

1 … 9 faculties at the University. 2 … a five-year course of study. 3 … are under construction. 4 … was founded in 1996. 5 … in scientific research, social and political activities. 6 … he gets state grants. 7 … excellent students, faculty and stuff. 8 … the changing role of the University.

1.9 Say whether the following statements are true or false

1 The OSU is an old one.

2 The University offers programs at all levels of instruction.

3 It offers a 3-year course of study.

4 Students take their tests at the end of each year.

5 The University recruits excellent students, faculty and staff.

6 Students do not take part in scientific research, social and political activities.

1.10 Comment on the following sentences. Use the information of the text

At present there are 22 faculties at the University.

Students study in three departments.

During the academic year students have to do a lot of things.

The University campus consists of several buildings.

The University provides students with different facilities.

1.11 Answer the following questions basing your answers on the text

1 When was the OSU founded?

2 How many faculties are at the University?

3 What are they?

4 What are the departments?

5 When do students take their tests and exams?

6 Whom does the University recruit?

7 What does the University campus consist of?

8 What facilities does the University provide students with?

9 Has the University its own newspaper?

1.12 Listen to the dialogues and then read them

1. How are you getting on at the University?

2. I am doing well, thank you. And where do you study?

1. I study at the OSU.

2. What faculty are you in?

1. Economics and Finance. It seems very interesting to me.

2. Oh, yes it is.

1. What year are you in?

2. I am a fresher.

1. Do you study full time?

2. Yes, I do. And I carry out research too.

1. Do you really?

1. What's wrong? What are you so unhappy about?

2. I failed mathematics.

1. Oh, I expected that much. You work in fits and starts.

2. I'll have to recite the exam.

1. Hello, Nick, haven't seen you for ages! Have you passed all your exams?

2. Yes, I hope I'll receive monthly grants. What are your plans for the coming holiday?

1. No holiday for me. I'll start working on my thesis next week.

2. I wish you success.