"THEATRE' Tasks for Chapters 7-10

TASKS for Chapters 7-10

I.                    Find the following words and phrases in the text and translate them into Russian:

Placidity – спокойный; 

to make frantic scenes – закатывать безумные сцены; 

to give sb. a look of scorn – бросить презрительный взгляд на кого-либо;

lavishness – щедрость;

to know how to pull strings adroitly – знать, как пустить в ход связи; 

to fall out of love – разлюбить; 

close-cropped hair – коротко стриженный; 

to resist an inclination – удержаться от чего-то; 

weather-beaten skin – обветренная кожа; 

coltish grace – щенячья грация; 

to be on active service – быть в действующей армии; 

confinement – роды; 

to run a theatre – открыть театр; 

effusive – экспансивный, несдержанный; 

to set one's mind to smth. – стремиться к чему-либо; 

disconcerting – смущающий, приводящий в замешательство; 

it's a knock out – сногсшибательно; 

amiability – добродушие; 

affable manner – дружеское обращение;

to exercise great ingenuity in (doing) smth. – проявить великую изобретательность в чем-то; 

to be unperturbed – быть невозмутимым; 

shrewdness – проницательность; 

to grizzle – возмущаться, раздражать;

it's a mere commonplace – это банально; 

exorbitant – непомерный; 

to be conciliatory – примирительный, дружелюбный; 

to foster one's career – способствовать чьей-то карьере; 

prosiness – прозаичность; 

acumen – проницательность; 

to have one's face lifted – подтянуть кожу лица; 

it's no good crying over spilt milk – потерянного не воротишь; 

to have little flirtations – заводить небольшие интриги; 

masseuse – массажистка; 

gossip column – колонка светской хроники; 

the world of make-believe – мир притворства.

II. Answer the following questions:

1.      What did Michael and Julia do when the war broke out?

They decided to open their own theatre.

2.      Why do you think Michael enjoyed the war?

I think, Michael enjoyed the war because exactly at that moment he was the commander – in – chief and he was known as significant and respected. He lacked such an attitude to his person in the sphere of the theatre.

3.      Do you think love is important for a successful family life? Would you share your point of view on this problem with your fellow students?

I think love is important for a successful family life because it helps loving people to be not only successful but also harmonious.

4.      How did it happen that Julia fell out of love with Michael?

When Michael returned back from the front, he stopped to be a handsome fellow with naïve thoughts and ideas. He became a grown-up, serious man. He had lost his youth. He became only an adult man.

5.      How did Michael manage to find the money to rent a theatre? What was the theatre called? Who was in the partnership with him?

Michael wanted Dolly de Vries, a widow, to finance the opening of their theatre. And she was in the partnership with him. Their theatre was called “The Siddons Theatre”.

6.      Why was Julia against Michael's taking up directing?

Julia was doubtful. Michael had no fantasy and his ideas were commonplace. She was not sure that he would have authority over the cast. But at the same time they had not got any opportunity to find professional directors. That’s why he became a director of “The Siddons Theatre”.

7.      What kind of director was Michael?

He was thorough; he worked hard.

8.      What irritated Julia in Michael more and more? How did he change in Julia's eyes?

As Julia fell out of love with Michael, he himself irritated her more and more: his smell, his appearance, his tender character.

9.      Why was Julia sad when she thought of her married life?

Her love had died, she felt that life had cheated her.

10.  Why was Michael happier than he had been before?

He stopped to be an usual actor, he became a successful director. He became a father. His theatre flourished. Everything changed for the better.

11.  Julia's dresser and maid was a Cockney, wasn't she? Please prove it using the examples from the text.

Cockney speech characterized by colloquial pronunciation and sinking of the letter h. I’ve got me ‘ealth and strength; to dress ‘er; to ‘ave.

12.  Who was the unknown man who sent flowers to Julia? Why did she write him a thank you note?

Mr Thomas Fennell.

III. Make up a list of words and phrases describing Michael's appearance and character. Say what you think of him.

- a very good figure, a great mass of curling chestnut hair and large deep blue eyes, a straight nose and small ears, (negative feature: thin mouth)

- the best- looking actor on the English stage
- very handsome
- good-looking and kind
- his voice was a trifle thin
- he didn’t like spending money
- friendly, good-humoured
- very simple-minded in some ways
- he had no fantasy and his ideas were commonplace (about theatre)
- honest
- a perfect husband
- take his beauty for granted
- to devote anxious care to his figure

On the one hand, Michael is a devoted husband. He is kind, careful and loving. That’s why I liked him as a good husband. But as a real man he is good-for-nothing. He is only a shade of his wife. And I don’t wonder that Julia loved him only when he was young and handsome. And when he became a man without his youth she fell out of love with him.

IV. Comment on the phrase from chapter 9: "Roger had been entered for Eton within a week of his birth." Comment on it. Give a short presentation on public schools in Britain.

Eton is a public school in Britain. As any public school, it demands money, prestige, and a high social status. Roger was a child of rich parents. They lived in the comfort and luxury. They could allow it.

There are two types of schools in the UK: state schools where education is free and private schools where you have to pay. The only thing is that private schools in Britain are called ... public. A long time ago when education was a privilege of the rich, the only schools where poor people could go were funded by charities (organisations that collect money for people in need). As it was public money, the schools for the poor were called public schools. However, in the course of history many public schools became very successful and turned into expensive private schools but the conservative British continued to call them public schools.

VI. Give a summary of chapters 7-10.

Julia continued to recollect her past. When Michael had returned back from the front, he decided to open his own theatre. With the help of a rich widow Dolly de Vries he had opened it and had become a director there. “The Siddons Theatre” flourished. But in some time Julia realized that she had fallen out of love with Michael. And now, she was Julia was one of the most successful actresses all over the world. At the end of a play Julia received flowers from an unknown fan Tomas Fennel.

'THEATRE' TASKS for Chapters 3-6

TASKS for Chapters 3-6

I. Explain in English or give definitions of and find contextual synonyms for the following words and phrases:

Asset - a useful and desirable thing or quality

a sumptuous supper - splendor suggesting great expense – lavish

extravagance - excessive or unnecessary expenditure or outlay of money

thrift - wise economy in the management of money and other resources – frugality

to remonstrate - to say or plead in protest, objection, or disapproval

at a loose end - in an uncertain or unsettled situation 

to jeopardize - to put in risk - to run chances

alacrity - cheerful willingness; eagerness

susceptible to - admitting or capable of some specified treatment

obsequious - servilely compliant or deferential

a retainer - a servant or attendant who has served a family for many years

II. Find quotations in the text. State their meaning and their function.

"Lord, what fools these mortals be," Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night's Dream). This quotation was used by Jimmy. Julia met Michael from New York and Jimmy didn’t understand why he attracted her attention. In spite of his handsome face, he was undistinguished. Jimmy was sure that he was not worthy of her. That’s why he said so.

"Neither a borrower nor a lender be," Polonius. This quotation was used by Michael. And it was his credo that referred his attitude to money. He was thrifty and preferred not to lend his earned money.

"I could not love thee, dear, so much, loved I not honour more," Richard Lovelace (Tell Me Not, Sweet) – This quotation was used by Michael. It showed his attitude to life, love, marriage, wedding and Julia herself.

III. Explain the metaphor "she is a millstone round his neck." Who does it refer to?

This metaphor belongs to the main character Michael. It refers to men who decide to marry young actresses. He believed that both actor and actress should marry only after the formation of a successful career because it’s impossible to be prominent in the marriage. According to Michael’s words, if one of the married couple (actress) doesn’t achieve anything, she will become a millstone for him. Such a union is doomed to misfortune.

IV. Comment on the context of the following phrases

- "He was too modest to resent an unfavourable criticism." (Ch.3)

I think Michael understood that he was in the theatre only because of his beauty, his appearance. He was talented but I order to be a prominent actor he had to work more and more. That’s why he of course couldn’t  resent an unfavourable criticism.

- "... after all he was born a gentleman." (Ch.4)

Michael’s mother Mrs. Gosselyn believed that all actors were dishonest and vulgar men. But her son was not the sort of man. I think she was afraid of his reputation as in order to be famous he was able to do everything. Therefore, she was not tired to repeat again and again that her son was born a gentleman.

- "He is going to be a flop." (Ch.5)

This Jimmie’s phrase proves again that Michael was only a handsome man with low theatre potential. And he was not able to be a world-wild, outstanding actor.  

- "'I suppose it's beastly of me,' she thought, 'but thank God, thank God.'" (Ch.6)

My feelings are contradictory. On the one hand, Julia loved Michael and wanted him to return home. On the other hand, any actor or actress are selfish and crazy in their profession, and maybe she was glade to be more successful and more famous than her beloved man. It’s difficult for me to say with the confidence.

VI. What techniques are employed by the author to make the reader see the events through Julia's eyes?

Through description, dialogues, metaphors and her personal thoughts readers see the events. And these events are revealed with the help of Julia.

Through Julia's eyes we see and feel her negative and positive emotions. E.G. filthy pig, beast, devil, brute, rotten old eunuch; poor lamb, poor little thing, silly little fool, angel, sweet.

The author uses so called direct communication with the reader. Julia’s thoughts and feelings, expressed by her monologues, help me, as the reader, to see the surroundings through Julia’s eyes, through her emotions, through her attitude to the events. It’s rather important for readers.

VII. Answer the questions:

1. Who was Jimmie Langton and what role did he play in Julia's and Michael's lives?

Jimmie Langton was the director of the troupe where Julia and Michael played. He was the first who discovered their talent and helped out.

2. When did Julia and Michael join the Middlepool Theatre Company?

Julia had been playing in a small theatre. Michael had been playing in the theatre for three year. Both of them were noticed by Jimmie Langton, who offered a deserved salary in his theatre, the Middlepool Theatre Company.

3. How did Julia and Michael get to know each other?

They played in the same theatre, in the same play. After some time they became good friends.

4. What did Julia like about Michael?

Julia noted that Michael was a handsome, attractive man.

4. What did Michael think of good looks and decent families?

His family was on the first place. If the family is decent, good looks are unimportant.

5. How did Julia feel about her family?

Julia loved her parents. Especially she was proud of her father. But at the same time she was ready to lie about his profession. In order to be pleased by Michael’s parents, she told that her father was a doctor (he was a vet). It astonished me deeply.

6. What were Michael's views on marriage?

He believed that both actor and actress should marry only after the formation of a successful career because it’s impossible to be prominent in the marriage. According to Michael’s words, if one of the married couple (actress) doesn’t achieve anything, she will become a millstone for him. Such a union is doomed to misfortune.

7. Why did Michael find Julia extravagant?

Maybe he believed that any actress was extravagant and Julia was no exception.

8. What did Michael read newspaper reviews for? Did Julia share his views?

He liked to read reviews about his playing and about himself as the actor. Julia wanted him to read about her.

9. Who invited Julia to Michael's house for the Holy Week?

Mrs. Gosselyn, Michael’s mother invited Julia to their house for the Holy Week.

10. Did Michael's father meet Julia's expectations?

She had expected to meet a serious, rude man. But he was kind and noble-minded.

11. What impression did Julia produce on Michael's parents?

His parents had expected to meet a vulgar, extravagant woman. They thought that all actresses were the same. But indeed, they liked Julia because of her modesty and openness. I’d like to quote ."You've made a tremendous success with my people. They've taken an enormous fancy to you. Father told me you were very ladylike, and not a bit like an actress, and mother says you're so sensible."

12. Was the proposal expected by Michael's parents?

Yes, it was.

13. What professional offer did Michael receive and who facilitated this?

He was offered to go to America for two years. It was the contract with the American theatre. Jimmie facilitated this.

14. What steps did Julia take upon finding Michael was leaving for America?

She tried not to let him to go to America.

15. Was Michael a success in America?

No, he wasn’t.

16. Did Julia keep in touch with him while he was away?

Yes, he wrote letters about his career.

17. Was Julia eager to meet Michael straight at the station?

Yes, she was. She missed Michael and wanted to see him.

18. What were Michael's impressions after staying and working in America?

He believed that his roles were awful. He was disappointed by his experience in
America.

19. What was Michael going to do in England and what were his prospects?

He was going to open his own theatre. He suggested it to Julia and they decided to make a realty of it in 2-3 years.

VIII. Summarize the events of chapters 3-6.

Skipping through her photos, Julia began to recollect her personal life. She remembered her first plays in the theatre of Jimmie Langton. She made the acquaintance of Michael there. In some time, he proposed marriage to Julia. Besides, at the same time, he was offered to go to America for two years. Having returned back, Julia was waiting for him at the station.

"THEATRE" Tasks For Chapters 1-2

 

“THEATRE” BY W. S. MAUGHAM

TASKS for Chapters 1-2

I. Explain in English or give definitions of and find contextual synonyms for the following words and phrases:

Complacency - the feeling you have got when you are satisfied with yourself; self-satisfied

Three times running – to take place three times;

Filthy - very dirty and unpleasant;

Supercilious - disapproving behavior towards other people as if you think you are better than they are; arrogant

Military bearing – the high, professional stage/level in the military sphere;

Natural flamboyance – brightness on the stage;

Stupendous - extremely large or impressive, especially greater or better than you expect;

Staggered – to be amazed by something peculiar;

Natural homage – respectful attitude;

Entanglement - a difficult or complicated relationship with e.g. another person or country;

Concubinage - extramarital relationships between men and women;

Languorous – an apathic feeling;

Flippant rejoinder – a light-headed response;

To risk smth – to do everything in order to achieve smth in spite of risks and dangers; to venture

A quick study – to have a phenomenal memory for learning by heart;

II. Search for the allusions in the text. Define their type (literary, artistic, historical and others) and functions; explain their meaning.

Literary.

William Shakespeare - was an English poet, playwright and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist.

Hamlet- is Shakespeare's longest play and among the most powerful and influential tragedies in English literature, with a story capable of "seemingly endless retelling and adaptation by others. It is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare between 1599 and 1602.

On the first pages, the reader is confronted with such a great name as W. Shakespeare. It helps us to realize that the whole novel is devoted to the art in all its demonstrations.  

Artistic.

Benoît-Constant Coquelin – was a famous French actor.

Eleanor Duse – was a famous Italian actress. She was famous for her talent of the impersonation into different figures.

Sara Siddons - was a Welsh actress, the best-known tragedienne of the 18th century. She was most famous for her portrayal of the Shakespearean character, Lady Macbeth. She was very, very talented and prominent that’s why she was an example to follow for Julia Lambert.

John Philip Kemble - was an English actor. He was born into a theatrical family as the eldest son of Roger Kemble, actor-manager of a touring troupe  His elder sister Sarah Siddons achieved fame with him on the stage of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. He played a huge number of parts, including a large number of Shakespearean characters.

As for artistic allusions, they personify the theatrical world, talented people and such a feeling when you are ready to give up everything (a personal life, beloved people, friends) for the sake of the theatre and a backstage life.

III. Using direct and indirect evidence from the text give character sketches of Julia Lambert and Michael Gosselyn.

Julia Lambert was a forty six-year woman, with an attractive and bright appearance. Let me quote: “She was a woman with big brown eyes and very nice delightful warm, ready smile. She wasn’t a brilliant conversationalist, but her eyes were so bright, her manner so intelligent". Her clothes were from Paris. Her Aunt, the former actress, taught her how to behave herself among people. So, we can say with the confidence that the career of the actress was predefined to Julia from the early age. Besides, she was elegant, womanly and too excessively talented. Twenty six years of toil lied behind her. Julia was bossy and independent (the most important qualities for real actresses). On the one hand, she was not only a favorite of the audience but also a good, care wife. On the other hand, there was nothing but her theatre, stage, success, admiration and recognition. her life was an ordinary performance for her. Her gestures, phrases, mimicry, postures only proved it. All the time she tried on different masks and roles. When she was speaking with someone, she was acting; when she was solving problems, she was acting again. It was her credo – to act all the time.

Michael Gosselyn was 52 years old. The author writes: “He had a very good figure, a great mass of curling chestnut hair and large deep blue eyes, a straight nose and small ears’. At 25 years old he decided to be an actor. In spite of his beauty, he didn’t have any success. Michael started his career with Shakespeare. He played Romeo at Cambridge. But then, having accepted to the same theatre as Julia, his talent was discovered. He adored his wife, her acting and manners of behavior. His marriage was firm for the sake of their mutual interests. But, from the first pages we understand that he was a shade of his wife in spite of his social position. His wife was a great star, and he was the husband of great Julia Lambert.

IV. Give a summary of the first two chapters.

A highly successful and extremely popular theatre actress Julia Lambert and a stage director Michael Gosselyn, Julia’s husband, were the owners of their theatre called “Siddons Theatre”. They had a nineteen-year son Roger but for Julia there was only her theatre, only her wonderful career, and only her stunning success. One day Michael introduced Julia to Tom Fennel, who worked as an accountant in the same theatre. They decided to invite a fellow for lunch. There they got to know that Tom admired Julia’s acting, he was a fan of her creation.

Film Review "A Farewell to Arms"

A Farewell to Arms is a 1932 American romance drama film directed by Frank Borzage and starring Helen Hayes, Gary Cooper, and Adolphe Menjou. The film bases on the 1929 semi-autobiographical novel A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway.

And now let’s pass on to the plot.  On the Italian front during World War I, Frederic Henry, an American ambulance driver in the Italian Army, delivered some wounded soldiers to a hospital. There he met his friend, Italian Major Rinaldi. He persuaded Frederic to go on a double romantic date with him and two nurses, Catherine and her friend Helen Ferguson. The romantic relationship between Henry and Catherine was discovered. Then she went to Milan, and they met only when Henry's knee was badly wounded during a bombardment, and he was sent to a hospital in Milan for an operation. Before Henry returned to the front, Catherine revealed that she was pregnant. Henry was happy but at the same time he was afraid not to see her again. Catherine ran away to Switzerland, but her many letters to her beloved man were intercepted by Rinaldi in order to rescue his friend. When Frederic couldn’t stand it any longer, and he deserted them to find Catherine. He rowed across a lake to her. Meanwhile, Catherine was delighted when she was told she had finally received some mail, but faints when she was given all of her romantic love letters, marked "Return to Sender". She was taken to the hospital, where her child was stillborn. She herself was in grave danger. Frederic arrived, and just as an armistice between Italy and Austria-Hungary was announced, Catherine tragically died, with him at her side.

Focusing on acting of this film, I’m deeply impressed by Gary Cooper. He was good at his job; a cool-headed, unselfish man who was at the war with dignity. Cooper showed the his character was dynamic and round. In the beginning, he had never experienced true loss and mutual love; he knew that war was dreadful but necessary, and that nothing could be more important than regard and respect. But having met Catherine, his attitude to life changed. That woman took an essential part in his life and war got a second role.

As for the directing, I can say that I like it. The predominance of grey, black, foggy and dirty coloures make me feel sorrowful, oppressed and depressed about the war. But at the same time, I should mention that if the film was bright and technicolor, there wouldn’t be the effect of the war, loses and tragedy.

In conclusion, I’d like to underline again that I’m really impressed by this film. During the film, the contrast between love and war is presented. And, as we know any war can’t bring happiness and pleasure. It’s the main reason for misfortunes, grief and tears. And the director of the film succeeded in showing such different phenomena as love and war.

 

Film Review “In Love and War”

In Love and War is a 1996 romance drama film based on the book, Hemingway in Love and War by Henry S. Villard and James Nagel, starring Mackenzie Astin, Chris O'Donnell, Sandra Bullock. This film takes place during World War I, and is based on the World War I experiences of the writer Ernest Hemingway.

And now let’s pass on to the plot. This film is largely based on Ernest Hemingway's real experience in World War I as a young soldier in Italy. He was wounded and sent to military hospital where he shared a room with Villard (who authored the book the movie is based on) and they were nursed by Agnes von Kurowsky. Hemingway and von Kurowsky fell strongly in love but somehow the relationship didn't work out.

Focusing on acting of this film, I’m deeply impressed by Sandra Bullock.  Having watched the film “Miss Congeniality”, for example, with her participation, I couldn’t even suppose that the role of a young nurse would be acted so sincerely, keenly and perfectly. Sandra personifies tenderness, feminity and perspicacity. And the contrast between these delicate features and the war is a winning decision of the director.

As for the directing, I can say that I don’t like it at all. The predominance of grey, black, foggy and dirty coloures make me feel sorrowful, oppressed and depressed. But at the same time, I should mention that if the film was bright and technicolor, there wouldn’t be the effect of the war, loses and tragedy.

In conclusion, I’d like to underline again that I’m really impressed by this film. Frankly speaking, I like the film more than the book. During all the film, the contrast between love and war is presented. And, as we know any war can’t bring happiness and pleasure. It’s the main reason for misfortunes, grief and tears. And this film is not an exception. In spite of the fact, that I don’t like war films, “In Love and War” is a masterpiece connected with the urgent problems of the whole world: war and love.

 

Questions: Higher Education in Britain and the USA

Questions: Higher Education in Britain and the USA

1.       Entrance to British universities is a strict selection process based on an interview. After the interview a potential student is offered a place on the basis of exam results. Some universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, have an entrance exam before the interview stage. American high school students have to take a standardized test, e.g. the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or the ACT (American College Test). Students from countries outside the US who are not native speakers of English must also take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

2.     The old established universities, such as Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, London, Liverpool, Durham, Edinburgh, Bristol, Cardiff.

"redbrick universities" such as London and Manchester

The «new universities» established after World War II, such as Essex, Lancaster, the New University of Ulster.

3.       Britain: A first degree, which is usually an honours degree, generally takes three years. Most courses end with exams called finals. Results are given as classes (= grades): a first is the highest class, seconds are often split between upper second and lower second, and below that is a third. Graduates may add the letters BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BSc (Bachelor of Science) after their name. Some graduates go on to study for a further degree, often a master’s degree or a doctorate. The USA: Students are given grades at the end of each course. The highest grade is A; the lowest is F, which means that the student has failed the course and will not get credit for taking it. To check a student’s overall progress, the university calculates a grade point average (GPA). Students who finish their degree with a high GPA may be awarded Latin honours, of which the highest is summa cum laude.

4.       The number of credit hours for a course is directly correlated with the number of hours students spend in class each week. Classes that meet for four hours per week are usually considered four-credit-hour courses.

5.       SAT can be taken two or three times (in the 11th and 12th grades), generally proceeded by PSAT (preliminary), a test to give students a warm-up exercise for the SAT and indicate their probable SAT scoring range. ACT (the American College Testing program) is similar to SAT but scores social studies and natural studies. The ACT is taken when required by certain colleges or universities. Both tests are widely used in the admission process of US colleges and universities. Their results are sent to the colleges or universities to which the students have applied. ACT is meant to be taken only once.

6.       Students in Britain formerly had their tuition fees paid by the state and received a government grant to help pay their living expenses. Now, they receive only a loan towards their expenses, and from 1999 most will also have to pay £1 000 a year towards tuition fees. Students whose families cannot afford to pay the full amount apply for financial aid. Many students receive a financial aid package which may be a combination of grants from the government, a scholarship, a student loan and work-study (= a part-time job at the college).

7.       GPA (Grade Point Average) (Am.E) – an average academic score for a student in a US high school, college or university. The highest grade A receives 4 points, В is 3, С is 2, D is 1 and F is 0. Points received during an academic period of weeks or months are added together and the average calculated. A high GPA helps a high school student to get into a good college or university. High points received at a college or university can result in a student being named on the dean's list and other honors. Students with low GPAs can be dismissed.

8.       When, and if, grades begin to slip or a new direction is chosen, a college counselor can reformulate a plan to get the student back on track or moving in a new and positive direction.

10.   Most universities receive some money from the state.

11.   graduate  1. Br.E. – a person who has completed a university degree course, esp.for a first degree; 2. Am.E – a person who has completed a course in any educational institution (e.g. a high school graduate);

undergraduate (undergrad) – a student who is doing a university course for a Bachelor's degree;

12.   I’m for the combination of written tasks or tests and oral tasks. But we should distinguish levels of what knowledge can be better examined by written tasks and what by oral tasks.

13.   I think that written tasks are more popular with Russian students as they have more opportunities to use cribs. But in our institution, on our faculty usually there are oral exams. That’s why we are nervous, afraid of the teacher and his or her questions, and, of course, we are irritable.

14.   I would like to study in Great Britain as there is UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service) that help to find a suitable university for everybody. Besides, I think that abroad there are more opportunities to find a good, high-paid job.

15.   I like our higher education system, that’s why I don’t what to introduce anything.

Laboratory Works 5.1-5.2

HIGHER EDUCATION

Lab Work 5.1

 

Speaker	Problem	Signs of the Problem	Your Solution to the Problem
1	examination	It is all very well to test about facts, but we also need to assess the ability to learn: this type of exam or learning license (that tests this ability) would be more useful for students, employers and society in general.	I think, the traditional exams (oral exams and written papers) are rather useful and effective. Learning license will be the best way to examine both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
2	father’s persistence and concerns about his daughter’s study	Father sees his daughter’s tired face, results of sleepless nights etc. She is studying for 3 levels preparing for medical school. She works nights and weekends to prepare for her exams.	Personally I am sure that sometimes parents can too hard on their children as they try to influence every step they make, every word they say. When the time to enter the university comes they are nearly to lose their nerves trying to influence our choices as much as they can. They become blind when seeing our exhausted faces and listless behavior. So I think that have to rely on our personal choices and believe in us without persistent control. If we do prepare for our study or exams, they will notice the signs of this with no doubts, And all that they are to do: is to motivate and support us, children.
3	The person is too hard on himself trying to enter the university (exhaustion during the preparation for entrance exams)	He lost his weight, he has big black rings under his eyes. He sleeps for 3 or 4 hours a day. He didn’t sleep at all during the last 3 or 4 days.	That’s no doubt that entrance exams are the most nervous time in the life of every student. But at the same time, we – students, must not forget that the most important thing is our health. And all prestigious universities or institutions can’t be compared with it.
4	The lack of confidence while writing the exam.	He never thought of himself like a highflyer, he never excepted such high results.	It’s a well-known fact that many students are not sure of their future good results as they have a lack of confidence. I think that students should trust themselves and the should believe in their knowledge, abilities and quick wits.
5	Using technology while conducting exams.	The results would be able to get much faster, 40% of all exams will be conducting electronically in a couple of years, online tests and registration will follow.	We live in a globalized, interactive world which is all about changes. Of course it’s very good that we can use different types of electronic techniques.  But, at the same time, exams conducted electronically can cause different problems: firstly the results can be wrong in cases if something happens with the device, secondly any digital device lacks an ability to assess creativity. It should be took stock.

 

2. A new tempo of life: I tried to organize my timetable properly. The lack of time: I have to reduce the some things that are pleasant and important for me. I just make the things habitual and try to accept everything as it is in real life.

 

           3. Each contemporary university student faces different problems while studying. And now I’d like to dwell upon some of them.

1. Study and “the atmosphere of higher education”.

The process of studying differs from school. At school we don’t understand that knowledge needs us to have a good job, to be suitable people. Our teachers help us and even forgive us for any blunders. Higher education is not the same. Subjects are more difficult, teachers are more serious and principled. It is our new adult life. And of course, it is difficult to get into the rhythm.

2. Money

 College students drop out of school each year because they cannot afford it. Others are forced to juggle full schedules with full time jobs to make ends meet. It is becoming increasingly harder for students to graduate debt-free.

3. Depression

Most every problem on here has seemed quite dismal. These problems raise the stress levels of students. Some find relief in partying, and others (even some who party) find themselves getting depressed from their problems. And it can be the main reason for leaving the university or institute.

5. Weak health

Many students loose his weight; have big black rings under their eyes during preparation for exams.  They sleep for 3 or 4 hours a day. They don’t sleep at all during the last 3 or 4 days. Of course it can’t but influence their health.

6. Friends / Roommates

Friends and roommates are usually good for a good time. However, they can get on each others nerves at times. Because these students are living together in close quarters and seeing each other each day, this is just not a good thing

 

Solution: Students must remember to take some time out for themselves. That’s no doubt that higher education is the most nervous but at the same time important thing for everybody’s life. But at the same time, we – students, must not forget that the most valuable thing is our health. And all prestigious universities or institutions can’t be compared with it.  

 

Lab. Work 5.2

 

    1.   Academic grading in the United States most commonly takes on the form of five letter grades. Historically, the grades were A, B, C, D, and F—A being the highest and F, denoting failure, the lowest.

 

    2.    These are satisfactory (S) and unsatisfactory (U) grades. It is not taken for all the courses at the university, as the majority prefers the standard letter grades.

 

3. In Russia we have a 5-grade system. The pupils get marks – 5 is exc, 4-good, 3-satisfactory, 2 – unsatisfactory. In fact there is such a mark as 1 – but it is not used very often.

 

4. Just as in the British and American colleges we have credit – non credit for some types of courses, but it is not the case with a secondary school.

 

5. Australia

In the land down under, many schools and universities use a “band” grading system which looks like this:

90–99.95% BAND 6

80–89% BAND 5

70–79% BAND 4

60–69% BAND 3

50–59% BAND 20–49% BAND 1

 

Ukraine

In the Ukraine, they’ve gone in the opposite direction. Whereas they used to use a simple Russian 5-step grading system, in 2000, they introduced the 12-step grading system which goes like this:

12 - given only for significant achievements or exceptionally creative work

11 - the equivalent of an ‘A’ in the U.S.

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1 – complete fail

 

Lab. Work 5.3

 

1.      What are the rules for dropping a course in the talk provided?

You can drop the course within the first three week of the semester. First, you need to get the signature of the professor whose course you want to drop on the official drop card/ Then you need to go to a student advisor on campus to get the signature of your adviser

2.    First, You can not officially drop the course after the first three weeks of the semester. If you are having problems in a course and you decide to let it run if you want to drop the course – it is impossible to do so. Second, if you stop attending a course without going through the official drop procedures, the course will remain on your schedule and you will receive a failing grade.

3.    It is important to understand these procedures and follow them. If you do so, you will not have any problems.

 

 

Lab. Work 5.4

 

1.  

The Library

The Students’ Center: bookstore, post office, a bank, a theatre, a coffee shop, a travel agency, bowling alley

The Administration complex: offices of the university administrators, the students’ records office.

 

2.  

There is no theatre, travel agency and bowling alley.

Reading room

If you are looking for a quiet location to study the Library has a quiet room.  The Library is full of study convenient study space as well as computers equipped with access to the Internet, a photocopier, colour printing and much more.  

Parking

Since our institute is located in an urban area, parking is limited and can be difficult to obtain.  The institut recommends using public transportation whenever possible.  If traveling by car, please be aware that the University does not offer any public parking, and street parking is limited by meters. 

Cafeterias

There are some food-service areas: a major cafeteria (ground floor) and a smaller deli (first floor). There is also a little shop where students can buy some snack.

Hall of residence

A place for living for those students who live far away from the institute.

The college copy center

 Sometimes students may be required to provide multiple copies of an assignment for a class or other documents. 

Ballroom

A place where students have discos and little performances.

The big concert hall

A place for important events and activities

3.  

 

               Today nearly every student has a car, however, since our institute is located in an urban area, parking is limited and can be difficult to obtain.  The institute recommends using public transportation whenever possible.

There are two halls of residence on the territory of campus for those students who live far away from the institute.

There are five floors in our institute.

There is the big concert hall for important events and activities and the ballroom where students have discos and little performances.

Each student must have time to learn smth in silence, that’s why we have a reading room for independent work.

Our bookstore has a great number of useful books for temperate prices.

Food is an essential part of our institute. We have two canteens and coffeemakers.  There are also some little shops where students can buy some snack.