How do children acquire a command of a language?

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 409.

How many languages have a million or more speakers?

What has language made possible?

Wherever there is a human society, there is a language. Most forms of human activity depend on the cooperation of two or more people. A common language enables human beings to work together in an infinite variety of ways. Language has made possible the development of advanced, technological civilization. Without language for communication, there would be no science, religion, commerce, government, art, literature, and philosophy.

According to linguists (scholars who study language), there are about 6,000 languages spoken in the world today. This number does not include dialects (local forms of a language). Many languages are spoken only by small groups of a few hundred or a few thousand people. There are more than 200 languages with a million or more speakers. Of these languages at least 24 have over 50 million speakers each: Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Javanese, Korean, Malay-Indonesian, Mandarin, Marathi, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tamil, Telugu, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Wu. Hindi and Urdu are sometimes grouped together as Hindustani.

Young children quickly acquire command of a language when they have regular contacts with fluent speakers of that language. Children listen to older people, imitate them, and gradually master a group of sounds used in the language. They also learn to associate particular words, such as "dog", "black", or "bark", with objects, ideas, and actions. At the same time, youngsters learn to make up sentences that other speakers accept as correct. By the age of 5 or 6, children usually have a command of the basic sound and grammar patterns of their native language. Then they are able to communicate well enough for most of their own practical purposes. In school, they learn how to express themselves more precisely both in speaking and writing about more complex matters.

Supplementary vocabulary:

infinite – безмежний

to acquire a command of a language – оволодіти мовою

precisely – точно

2. Here are the answers to some questions. Work out the questions:

1. The word “language” comes from the Latin word “lingua”.

2. Language is the main means of communication among people.

3. English influences the development of the advanced technology of today.

4. Almost every language has its dialect.

5. Children by the age of 5 and 6 communicate well not having an idea of grammar.

6. English is a very flexible language.

7. Immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries has greatly influenced the development of English language.

8. English-speaking people can be divided into 3 groups.

3. Translate in writing:

Десять мов, якими в основному розмовляють у світі

На нашій планеті розмовляють більш ніж 2.500 мовами. Тільки 230-250 з них мають письмові алфавіти та використовуються у міжнародному спілкуванні. 200 мовами розмовляють більш ніж один мільйон людей, 13-ма розмовляють 50 мільйонів та більше. Найбільша кількість людей розмовляють китайською, потім йде англійська, хінді, російська, арабська, іспанська, португальська, японська, німецька та французька.

Цими мовами розмовляє майже половина людства (mankind). Китайська є рідною більш ніж для 700 мільйонів людей, англійська для 257 мільйонів, російська для більш ніж 160 мільйонів, німецька для 92 мільйонів, французька для 56 мільйонів.

Деякі з цих мов розповсюдились далеко за межі (far beyond) своїх рідних територій та відомі як світові мови. Їх викладають у школах як "іноземні мови". Найбільш розповсюджені (widely spoken) розмовні мови – англійська, французька, німецька, російська, іспанська. Кожний рік біля 150 мільйонів людей вивчають англійську, біля 80 мільйонів – французьку, 90 мільйонів – німецьку та 20 мільйонів іспанську.

HOME-READING

Text 1 D

1. Read the text and choose the statements that express the main idea of each part best of all.

HOW TO LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

I. Learning a foreign language.There are many important reasons for learning a foreign language. Among them are the following:

1. Learning a foreign language increases your range of communication. For example, if you speak only English, you can communicate with over 400 million other persons. If you also learn Spanish, you could speak to any of the 371 million Spanish-speaking people in Latin America, Spain, and other parts of the world.

2. A foreign language can help add to your knowledge of your own language. For example, by studying Latin, you can improve your understanding of many English words that have Latin roots.

3. Learning a foreign language helps you add to your general stock of information. A foreign language can be a key that unlocks new fields of knowledge. If you learn German you will be able to read books that are written in German on almost any subject you may wish to study.

Learning any language involves four different skills: 1) speaking, 2) understanding, 3) reading, and 4) writing. If you understand a foreign language, and can make yourself understood in speech and writing, you have mastered it.

The main idea of this part is:

ü Learning a foreign language can be a key that unlocks new fields of knowledge.

ü Learning a foreign language helps a person to increase the knowledge of his native language only.

ü Learning a foreign language involves two different skills, namely speaking and reading.

II. Methods of study. No language is easy or difficult in itself. The ease or difficulty of any language depends on the age of the person learning it. Before the age of 10, all languages are equally easy when learned by the natural speaking method (listening and imitating). After 10, learning a language becomes more difficult. Therefore, it is desirable to learn foreign languages as early as possible. Some schools start foreign instruction in kindergarten or in the primary grades.

After the age of 10, students can learn foreign languages by either, or both, of two methods: 1) the grammar method, and 2) the spoken language method.

In the grammar method, students learn general rules of grammar and apply them to specific situations. A French grammar lesson may stress the correct use of gender (masculine or feminine). Students learn that le livre (the book) is masculine and la chaise (the chair) is feminine. In this way, they learn grammar while they increase their vocabularies.

In the spoken language method, students try to duplicate the process by which young children learn language. They listen to the teacher, then imitate the sounds, words, and sentences.

Both the grammar method and the natural speaking method are effective. The ideal method for older children and adults seems to be a combination of the two.

The main idea of the second part is:

ü The ease or difficulty of any language doesn't depend on the age of the person learning it.

ü After the age of 10 students can learn foreign language by the grammar method, by the spoken language method or by both.

ü It is not desirable to learn foreign languages as early as possible.

III. Study aids. For hundreds of years, language students have used grammar books, exercise books, and dictionaries. Modern study aids – especially for spoken language – include 1) voice recording with accompanying booklets; 2) tape recorders, which permit students to listen, repeat, erase their own repetition, then try again; 3) videotapes which let students watch their mouth movements and compare them with those of a speaker; and 4) computers, which correct student translations of words and phrases on a video display screen. These language study aids provide not only instruction and practice, but also self instruction, because they can be used without a teacher.

The main idea of the 3^rd part is:

ü Language study aid provides instruction, practice, self-instruction.

ü Only grammar books, exercise books and dictionaries are used now by students to master a foreign language.

ü Tape recorders, videotapes, computers, voice recordings are the modern study aids now.

ADDITIONAL READING

ENGLISH IN THE 21^st CENTURY

The global spread of English over the last 40 years is remarkable. It is unprecedented in several ways: by the increasing number of users of the language; by its depth of penetration into societies; by its range of functions.

Over 1.4 billion people live in countries where English has official status. One out of five of the world's population speaks English with some degree of competence. And one in five – over one billion people is learning English. Over 70% of the world's scientists read English. About 85% of the world's mail is written in English. And 90% of all information in the world's electronic retrieval systems is stored in English. By 2010, the number of people who speak English as a second or foreign language will exceed the number of native speakers. This trend will certainly affect the language.

English is used for more purposes than ever before. Vocabularies, grammatical forms, and ways of speaking and writing have emerged influenced by technological and scientific developments, economics and management, literature and entertainment genres. What began some 1.500 years ago as a rude language, originally spoken by obscure Germanic tribes who invaded England, now encompasses the globe.

When Mexican pilots land their airplanes in France, they and the ground controllers use English. When German physicists want to alert the international scientific community to new discoveries, they first publish their findings in English. When Japanese executives conduct business with Scandinavian entrepreneurs, they negotiate in English. When pop singers write their songs, they often use lyrics or phrases in English. When demonstrators want to alert the world to their problems, they display signs in English.

Three factors continue to contribute to this spread of English: English usage in science, technology and commerce; the ability to incorporate vocabulary from other languages; and the acceptability of various English dialects.

In science, English replaced German after World War II. With this technical and scientific dominance came the beginning of overall linguistic dominance, first in Europe and then globally.

Today, the information age has replaced the industrial age and has compressed time and distance. This is transforming world economics from industrial production to information-based goods and services. Ignoring geography and borders, the information revolution is redefining our world. In less than 20 years, information processing, once limited to the printed word, has given way to computers and the Internet. Computer-mediated communication is closing the gap between spoken and written English. It encourages more informal conversational language, and has resulted in Internet English replacing the authority of language institutes and practices.

UNIVERSAL LANGUAGES

People have long been interested in having one language that could be spoken throughout the world. Such a language would help promote understanding and better feeling among nations. A universal language also would increase cultural and economic ties among various countries.

Through the years, at least 600 universal languages have been proposed. Esperanto is the most successful universal tongue. More than 10 million people have learned Esperanto since its creation in 1887. There are about 2 million speakers of Esperanto.

Some people suggest that an existing language, such as English, French, be adopted as a universal language. The adoption of any language, artificial or natural, would greatly simplify communication. The real problem, however, lies in the choice of such a language because there are so many possibilities.

Many people oppose artificial languages. They believe that an artificial tongue does not reflect true culture as existing languages do. Others oppose the use of any existing language as a world language. They claim that the culture of one or a few nations would be forced on all nations. As long as these arguments continue, the possibility of adoption of one world language appears dim.

Listening comprehension

1. Listen to the text and choose the correct answer to the questions:

1. What is the oldest kind of writing?

2. Who wrote their words from right to left?

3. How did the Greek write?

4. What is the origin of the word alphabet?

5. Is the use of capital the same in different countries?

JOKES AND ANECDOTES

* * *

Alfred Utley, a famous fiddler, was writing a letter one day when he asked a friend how to spell a certain word.

"Why don't you buy a dictionary?" asked the friend.

"What would I do with a dictionary? If I can't spell the words, I couldn't find 'em, and if I can spell 'em, and I don't need a dictionary."

* * *

Prof.: "Hawkins, what is a synonym?"

Stud.: "It's a word you use in place of another when you cannot spell the other one."

* * *

Prof.: "What is the difference between an active and a passive verb?"

Stud.: "An active verb shows action and a passive verb shows passion."

A university should be a place of light, of liberty and of learning.

Benjamin Disraeli

(1804 – 1884)

Unit 2

EDUCATION

Do you know that:

…the word university comes from the Latin universitas, the term for corporation or guild in the Middle Ages?

…Oxford University is the oldest English-speaking university in the world?

… the oldest University in the world is the Egyptian University in Azhar (established in 989)?

… the largest University building in the world is the Moscow University?

Active vocabulary

LEXICAL EXERCISES

Exercise 1. Translate the derivatives:

Requirement, mostly, specific, architectural, achievement, certainly, traditional, nationally, educational, prehistoric, technician, technical, typically, development, historian, highly, cultural, production, employer, additional, population, philosopher, philosophic, constantly, mathematical, clinical, considerable, locally, graduation, tutorial, tutor, computation, normally.

Exercise 2. Give equivalents to the international words:

University, sector, ministry, finance, policy, institute, act, college, academy, conservatory, specialist, certificate, category, diploma, special, period, classical, tradition, guarantee, program, reform, autonomy, combination, profession, qualification, problem, concentrate, examination, semester, system, equivalent, professor, polytechnic, economics, convention, information, electronics, project.

Exercise 3. Match synonyms:

Exercise 4. Translate attributive chains. Do not forget that the noun is always the last word in word combinations of this kind:

higher education institution; a university and a non-university sector; state policy; Health Ministry; the 1996 Education Act; Junior Specialist certificate; a 4-year course; degree courses and programs; Diploma Specialist degree; Level I school; the University self-government; full 5-6–year Master's degree program; the Ukrainian degree system; state guidance; full-time study; study and examination regulations.

Exercise 5. Match opposites:

Exercise 6. Translate the word-combinations and make up sentences with them:

Exercise 7. Match a line in A with a line in B and C:

A B C

GRAMMAR REVIEW

Exercise 8. List the words:

a) in the ascending order:

few, many, several, most, some, none , a few, a lot of, all, every

b) in the descending order:

little, much, some, a little, a lot of, most, none

c) Make up your own word combinations with these words expressing quantity.

COMPARE TENSES

Present Perfect (I have done) and
Present Perfect Progressive (I have been doing)

!Деякі дієслова в часи Progressive не ставлять

Exercise 9. Give three forms of the verbs:

to read, to write, to give, to learn, to catch, to know, to be, to buy, to have, to meet, to go, to fall, to hold, to find, to come, to teach, to seek, to think, to take.

Exercise 10. Disagree with these statements. Use:

1. He has graduated from the University. - I'm afraid, that's wrong. He hasn't graduated from the University. He is on his fourth year.

2. The autumn term has begun. - …

3. You have been learning English for ten days. - …

4. You have learnt over 2,000 words. - …

5. Our English teacher has been travelling round Europe for a year.
- …

6. She has visited ten countries. - …

7. Their friends are having a party next week. (already) - …

8. They have invited eight people (12 people). - …

Exercise 11. Choose the correct form of the predicate.

Sometimes both forms are correct:

1. Professor Glyde is working on a review for the Financial Times newspaper. He has written / has been writing this review since Monday.

2. The Financial Times has published / has been publishing its monthly review on automobile market.

3. Hundreds of trucks have been produced / have been producing this month.

4. Professor Glyde has given / has been giving many talks about environmental protection in his lectures.

5. Parliament has created / has been creating a new study group to discuss problems of education in the 21st century.

6. The new group has a lot of work to do. Lately, the members have studied / have been studying the problem of vocational training.

7. Professor Glyde was late for a meeting with the members of Parliament. When he arrived, the chairperson said: “At last you're here. We have waited / have been waiting for you”.

Exercise 12. Ask questions to receive the missing information:

My friend is learning German. He has been learning it for …

(How long / learn / German?) How long has he been learning German?

1. My brother has read … books on computers available at the University library. (How many books / read?)

2. The commission is holding a discussion on the results of the competitive examinations. … (How long / hold?)

3. Dan is saving money to go on holiday. … (How long / save?).

… (How much money / save?)

4. Ann is a good friend of Jane's. … (How long/know?)

5. I know she has successfully passed at least … tests. (How many/pass?)

6. We are sure he has been awarded … State Prizes in the field of science …(How many / award?)

7. She pays her tuition fee twice a year. … (How much / pay?)

8. His fellow student is having driving lessons. …(How long / have / driving lessons?)

9. Betty is working on her thesis for a Master's degree. … (How long / work?) ….. (How much / do?)

Exercise 13. Put the verbs in brackets in the correct form:

1. The rain ….. (to start) in the morning. It ….. (to rain) for four hours.

2. I …..(to know) Martin for 5 years. I first …..(to meet) him in 2000.

3. I …..(win) my scholarship in September. I …..(to receive) it for some months now.

4. His diploma …..(to recognize) yet.

5. They …..(to do) economic research since 2001.

6. She …..(to go) to France (already/last week/next week).

Exercise 14. Find and correct one mistake in each sentence:

1. Tom is a friend of mine. I know him for a long time.

2. He has been working at the University since two years.

3. How long are you working on the curriculum?

4. Linda is working in a firm for the last few months.

5. That's a very old car. How long do you have it?

6. Do you still smoke? – No, I gave it up. I don't smoke for years.

7. The heads of both delegations is busy. They are discussed mutual responsibilities. They are discussing the issue for an hour.

SEQUENCE OF TENSES

Exercise 15. Circle the correct translation:

1. We knew he drank only fruit juice.

2. They were sure he wasn't at home at five.

3. They were sure he was travelling round Europe.

4. The weather forecast said it was going to be a snowstorm.

5. He said he could come at 5.

6. He said he would come at 5.

7. She told them she had no free time on Monday.

8. I knew she had bought a new apartment.

9. Tom did not know they had left the office.

Exercise 16. Compare verbs printed in bold type. Are these actions successive or simultaneous? Translate the sentences:

1 I was sure they would assist me.

2 He said he had losthis way.

3 We didn't knowshe was working as a secretary.

4 She knew I was goingeither to New York or to Boston the following week.

5 I thought you had done your work in the same way.

6 I was afraid Ann did not know anything about her friends' plans.

7 John asked me if I had phoned to the office.

8 Sue asked Kate what time she would be at home.

9 I wanted to know if anyone had heardat least something about new regulations.

10 The clerk asked when and where I had been born.

11 Jane asked me if I could come to the party.

Exercise 17. Translate the sentences:

Text 2 A

Task 1. Explain why you are studying for a degree. Put the reasons in order of importance:

Task 2. Give your ideas on the importance of higher education.

Task 3. Look through the text and agree or disagree with the statements, given after the text.

Task 4. Read and translate the text:

Higher education in Ukraine

Higher education in Ukraine comprises a university and a non-university sector. The Ministry of Education is responsible for state higher education policy, financing and the implementation of state policy. Some institutions fall under the responsibility of other ministries. For example, the Health Ministry finances all medical vocational schools, institutes and universities.

The 1996 Education Act defines various levels of higher education institution:

ü Level I: Technical and vocational schools;

ü Level II: Technicums and colleges;

ü Level III: Institutes;

ü Level IV: Universities (59), academies (34), conservatories and some institutes.

Levels I and II may be compared with further and continuing education colleges in other countries. Level I schools award the Junior Specialist certificate, Level II colleges award the Bakalavre degree. Colleges, which offer a full 4-year course of higher education for a Bachelor's degree may be compared with foreign colleges and institutions which award Bachelor's degrees.

There are 89 institutes in Ukraine. Most of them fall under the Level III category. These are fully-fledged higher education institutions that are made up of several faculties or departments and offer their own degree courses and programs. They award Diploma Specialist degrees. Ukrainian polytechnic and specialized institutes may be generally compared with technical and specialized institutions in other countries, which offer a similar period of 5-6 years of education.

Apart from providing advanced teaching, Level IV institutions also engage in research and award doctoral degrees. Level IV institutions offer 5-year specialist degree programs, full 5-6 – year – Master's degree programs and doctorate training programs.

There are 59 universities in Ukraine (13 classical universities, 24 technical universities, 4 specialized in education, 4 specialized in economics, 4 medical universities, 3 specialized in agriculture and 4 other universities). There are 34 academies. The Ukrainian degree system is currently under reform.

The 1996 Education Act guarantees internal institutional autonomy and favours a combination of university self-government and state guidance.

Courses and degrees

Ukrainian higher education institutions can confer the following qualifications and degrees:

ü Junior Specialist degree: 2-3 years of full-time study

ü Bakalavre (Bachelor's degree): 4 years of full-time study (intermediate) (for medicine: 6 years of full-time study)

ü Diploma Specialist, Magister (Master's degree): 2 years of post-Bachelor full-time study (for medicine: 3 years of post-Bachelor full-time study).

Study for the Bakalavre degree requires graduates to acquire the basic knowledge and skills that are necessary for a specific profession. Over and above this, the Diploma Specialist qualification expects students to acquire the specific knowledge and skills required for a specific advanced professional activity. In order to gain a Magister, graduates must acquire a specific and scientific knowledge for the solution of professional and scientific problems. The Magister is more research-oriented , and graduates must produce a Magister thesis. The Diploma Specialist concentrates more on professional skills. Both degrees require students to hold a Bakalavre degree.

To transit from lower to higher qualifications, students are required to take consecutive and competitive examinations. The curricula for all courses are defined in the appropriate study and examination regulations. Examinations are held at the end of a term and/or the end of an academic year.

The Ukrainian system offers two different doctorates.

ü The “Kandydat nauk” (Candidate of sciences) doctorate is comparable to a Ph.D.

ü The “Doktor nauk” (Doctor of Sciences) degree is comparable to higher doctoral degrees awarded for published research. This does not always have an equivalent in other countries.

The first doctorate level opens access to professional academic teaching and research as a Docent (associate professor), the second degree qualifies the holder as a full professor. A doctorate involves at least a further 3 years of advanced study and a doctoral thesis (independent research) published in English, Russian, French or German. Other postgraduate courses are also available.

Recognition of foreign certificates and degrees

The republic of Ukraine is a party to several international conventions on the equivalence of degrees, diplomas and other academic certificates. It recognizes higher education entrance qualifications gained in all other Western countries, either on the basis of mutual membership in international conventions or on the basis of bilateral reciprocal agreements.

Supplementary Vocabulary:

to fall under responsibility – підпадати під відповідальність

further and continuing education colleges – коледжі подальшої освіти

fully-fledged - повноправний

vocational - професійний

qualify for – готувати до якої-небудь діяльності

over and above this - крім цього

doctorate – вчена ступінь

doctorate level – вчене звання

entrance qualifications – вимоги до вступу

1 All institutions are subordinate to the Ministry of Education.

2 Level III Institutes award both Specialist degree programs and Magister degree programs.

3 Specialist degree requires specific knowledge and advanced professional skills.

4 You don't need a Bakalavre degree to gain a Magister degree.

5 To gain a Magister degree, graduates must acquire a specific and scientific knowledge to solve professional and scientific problems.

6 The Ukrainian “Kandydat nauk” degree is equal to a Ph.D. in great Britain or USA.

7 You can become a full professor only if you hold “the Doctor nauk” degree.

8 Ukrainian does not recognize higher education entrance qualifications gained in Western countries.

Task 5. List the phrases in the logical order:

ü to do advanced research

ü to earn a doctor's degree

ü to acquire specific knowledge

ü to get a good job

ü to enter a university

ü to study various subjects

ü to gain a B.Sc. degree

ü to take an undergraduate program

ü to acquire basic knowledge

ü to hold exams

ü to complete a four-year course

ü to graduate from the University

ü to take a program of advanced course work

ü to be awarded a master's degree

ü to complete a thesis

Task 6. Think of a detailed answer and speak on the following:

1. Which degree is higher in Ukraine: Junior Specialist or Magister?

2. What Ukrainian institutions award:

– Junior Specialist certificate

– Bakalavre degree

– Diploma specialist degree

– Magister degree

3. What are the requirements to gain these degrees and qualifications?

4. What do you need to become an associate professor? A full professor?

Task 7. Make word combinations:

Task 8. Decide which words go along with these key words:

Task 9. Match words from the box to their definitions:

1 An institution of higher learning that offers undergraduate programs which lead to B.A. or B.Sc. Also a post-secondary institution. - ... .

2 The last three or four years of the 12-year public education program in the USA - ... .

3 The period of formal academic instruction, usually from September to June. - … .

4 Half of an academic year, usually 15-16 weeks. - … .

5 Administrative subdivision of a college or university which gives instruction in a certain field of study. - … .

6 The teacher who helps and advises the student on academic matters. - ... .

7 For research degrees, the professor who helps a student choose, plan and conduct the research and also present the results. - ... .

8 Regular class sessions of 1-5 hours per week during a term. A part of a degree program. - … .

9 A course in an academic discipline, as a part of a curriculum. - ... .

10 The subject or area of studies in which a student concentrates. - ... .

11 Subjects in the humanities (language, literature, philosophy, the arts), the social sciences (economics, sociology, anthropology, history, political science) and the sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry). - … .

12 Unit to record the completion of courses of instruction - … .

13 Diploma or title conferred by a college, university or professional school when a program of studies is completed. - … .

14 A written work with the results of research on a specific topic prepared by a candidate for a bachelor's degree. - ... .

15 Thesis written on an original topic of research, usually presented for the doctorate (Ph.D.). - … .

16 The money an institution charges for instruction and training (does not include the cost of books). - ... .

17 An amount charged by schools, in addition to tuition, to cover costs of institutional services. - … .

18 A study grant of financial help, usually given at the undergraduate level.- … .

19 A study grant of financial help usually awarded to a graduate student.- … .

Task 10. By filling in letters, match terms comparable for the education in Ukraine, UK and USA:

Task 11. Fill in the gaps with the appropriate words from the box:

A

The student body of an American university or college is divided into (a) ... and (b) ... . Graduates have already (c) ... their bachelor's (d) ... and are working more or less (e) ... for a (f) ... or doctor's degree. Undergraduates are studying for their (g) ... degree. The Undergraduates belong to one of four classes- freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior - according to (h) ... of study. Most schools also admit (i) ... students. These students take a number of (j) ..., but do not work toward a degree.

B

American universities and colleges (a) ... the programs of study at undergraduate and graduate (b) ... . Most colleges offer (c) ... , if any, graduate programs. Undergraduate programsusually (d) ... four years to complete. Some engineering programs and most architectural programs (e) ... five years to complete. Graduate study is more intensive and (f) ... than undergraduate study. It usually (g) ... more reading and some (h) ... experience.

Task 12. In Great Britain and the United States of America students of different years are called in a different way. Match the words with their definitions:

year

– ..........- a student who continues his/her education after graduation

V ..........- a student who has completed a course of study, either at the

high school or college level.

IV .........- a fourth-year student

III ..........- a third-year student

II ….......- a second-year student

I ...........- a first-year student

Task 13. Fill in the gaps with verbs in Active or Passive Voice:

A university or college (to award) ... a degree to a person who (to complete) ... a required course of study. The institution (to present) ... the degree in the form of a diploma, a document certifying the award. The four basic kinds of degrees (to call) ... associate, bachelor, master, and doctor. An honorary degree may (to award) ... for an outstanding contribution in a field.

The associate degree (to award) ... by many U.S. colleges and universities. An associate degree usually (to indicate) ... completion of two years of college work.

The bachelor's degree. In the United States, a college student normally (to receive) ... a bachelor's degree after 4 years of study in a university or college. Most students (to specialize) ... in a field of study called a major subject. Most engineering students (to receive) ... B.S. degree. The B.S. usually (to include) ... majors in the physical and natural sciences.

The master's degree. In the United States, students who want a master's degree must (to complete) ... one or two years of advanced study beyond the bachelor's degree. Many institutions (to require) ... a thesis, a written report of a special investigation in the student's major field.

In Great Britain, the master's degree (to consider) ... usually ... the highest requirement for an academic career, but a number of British universities also (to offer) ... the doctorate.

Task 14. Translate the sentences:

1 Ви вже опублікували свою статтю? – Ще ні.

2 Ми узнали, що вступні іспити починаються за тиждень.

3 В університеті студентів утягують у різноманітні види дослідницької діяльності.

4 Нас повідомили, що він займається в магістратурі.

5 Цього року деякі з моїх друзів вступили до Харківського автомобільно-дорожнього університету.

6 Дипломи про вищу освіту будуть вручені в кінці навчального року.

7 На першому та другому курсах викладають, в основному, загальноосвітні та загальнотехнічні предмети.

8 Ступінь бакалавра потребує базових знань та вмінь у певній професії.

9 Вона не знала, що плату за навчання буде знижено.

10 Усі студенти знають, що екзамени проводять у кінці кожного семестру.

11 Науковий керівник консультує студентів з планування, проведення досліджень та представленню результатів їх наукової діяльності.

12 Плата, що її стягує університет за навчання, не включає вартість підручників.

Task 15. Fill in the questionnaire:

From INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK OF UNIVERSITIES –

Institution Questionnaire

II. А. LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

Task 16. Write a letter to your pen-friend about your educational institution:

TEXT 2 B

1. Look through the text and find 5 reasons why education is important.

Use a dictionary to check any of these words if you do not know them:

to survive, complex, to achieve, chief means, essential, activities, to obtain, to adjust, benefit, to affect.

2. Now read the text and put the linking words on the left in the correct place in the paragraphs. The linking words are in the right order:

EDUCATION

3. In each paragraph find key sentences and speak on the contents of text 2B.

4. Think of all advantages and disadvantages of higher education, fill in the table and discuss them:

Text 2 C

1. Skim the text.

2. Divide it into parts. Give your headline to each part. Use a dictionary to check any of these words if you do not know them:

cover, elect, equip, extensive, update, workshop, keep up to date, promote, encourage, behaviour, compulsory.

Education and training for engineers
in the United States

For students considering a career in engineering, the most important subjects to take in high school are mathematics, science, and English. Typically, the mathematics courses should cover algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and introductory calculus. Chemistry and physics are important sciences for students to take. Helpful electives include foreign languages; economics, history, and other social studies courses; and composition and public speaking.

To enter the engineering profession, most students complete a four-year bachelor's degree program at a college or university. In addition to a course of study in their chosen engineering fields, engineering students must take several advanced mathematics and science courses. Most undergraduate degree programs also include courses in such subjects as economics, history, languages, management, and writing to equip students with the skills that will be needed in their later work as engineers. Many programs require the completion of an independent study or design project, including a formal report, before graduation.

Graduate study gives the engineering student additional preparation for a professional career. Some engineering students study for another year after receiving a bachelor's degree. They undertake a program of advanced course work in a specialized field and earn a master's degree. The completion of an original research project called a thesis is a part of most master's programs. Engineering students who want to teach at a college or university or do advanced research may then study three years to earn a doctor's degree.

Some universities, junior and community colleges, and technical institutes offer two-year and four-year degree programs in certain specialized areas of engineering technology, such as computer maintenance and electronics. Engineering technology programs prepare students for basic design and production work in engineering rather than for jobs that require extensive knowledge of science or mathematical theory. Engineering technicians, graduates of the two-year programs, and engineering technologists, graduates of the four-year programs, form an important part of professional engineering teams.

Engineers continue their education after they complete their formal studies and obtain a job. Engineers, as well as engineering technicians and technologists, must continually update their knowledge by taking courses, attending workshops offered by professional societies, and reading technical journals.

Professional organizations and standards. Many of the specialized fields of engineering have their own professional societies. The societies publish technical articles and help members keep up to date. They also grant awards to outstanding engineers, work to promote public understanding of engineering, and encourage young to become engineers. Many engineering societies prepare standards for procedures and sponsor research of general interest.

Many professional engineers in the United States observe a code of ethics called Canons of Ethics of Engineers. The code tells how engineers should conduct themselves in dealing with the public, with clients and employers, and with other engineers. Professional societies specializing in one area of engineering often have additional rules governing the professional behaviour of engineers in that speciality.

3. Choose the correct version to complete these statements:

1. Bachelor's degree program for engineering students in the USA

include:

a) foreign languages, economics, history, composition, public speaking.

b) advanced mathematics, special subjects, design project, languages, economics, history, management, writing.

c) mathematics, chemistry, introductory calculus, science, English, physics, design project, foreign languages.

2. To earn a master's degree, an engineering student must:

a) have a bachelor's degree and study 5 years.

b) have a bachelor's degree and complete an original research project.

c) have a bachelor's degree, take a program of advanced courses, and complete an original research project.

3. An engineering technologist is someone who takes a program in a

specialized field in order to:

a) work at enterprises.

b) teach special subjects at a college.

c) do advanced research.

4. Engineering education:

d) continues during the whole professional career of an engineer;

e) finishes with obtaining a Ph.D.degree;

f) ends as soon as an engineer gets a job.

5. The main aim of professional engineering societies is:

a) to help acquire special skills.

b) to promote engineering activities.

c) to collect membership fee.

4. Compare higher vocational education in Ukraine and in the USA:

Points to compare:

Use the phrases:

HOME READING

Text 2 D

1. Read the text to find answers to the questions:

Oxford outline

History of the university

1. When was Oxford University founded?

2. Is it true that both men and women have been admitted to the University since its foundation?

3. Are there any colleges for men only?

Oxford is a unique and historic institution. It is the oldest English-speaking university in the world. There is no clear date of foundation, but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris.

In 1188, the historian, Gerald of Wales, gave a public reading to the assembled Oxford dons and in 1190 the arrival of Emo of Friesland, the first known overseas student started the University's tradition of international scholarly links.

The first colleges began as medieval halls of residence for students under the supervision of a Master. The first three colleges were University (1249), Merton (1264) and Balliol (1263-68). The newest are Wolfson (1981), Kellogg (1990), and Templeton (1995).

From 1878, academic halls were established for women, who became members of the University in 1920. Since 1974, all but one of Oxford's 39 colleges have changed their statutes to admit both men and women. St. Hilda's remains the only women's college.

Each college is a complete community, where the students live, pray, eat, have their leisure, “their pub”, their libraries, and their tutorials with their teachers.

The conflict is ancient between town and gown (the students still wear academic gowns).

The town apprentices used to protest against the University students from the 13^th century onwards. Hence the Oxford Colleges are built like castles, with only one entrance door in a high wall.

Academic Organization

4. You want to study for a degree in engineering. Can you expect to receive this degree in Oxford?

The academic organization of the University is based on 17 faculties, some of which are divided into sub-faculties as follows:

There are several excellent language schools you can come to in summer and at the other times of year.

Studying at Oxford

5. What are functions of tutors? What are the tutorials like?

6. What basic skills are trained?

An Oxford education trains students to search and assimilate information, to construct and defend their own arguments, to think for themselves.

The student population of Oxford (1999) includes 10,788 undergraduates and 4,694 postgraduate students, plus 463 visiting students. Undergraduates usually study a single discipline, such as History or Biochemistry, in considerable depth over a three- or four-year course. There are also joint courses in related disciplines such as Philosophy, Politics and Economics, or Mathematics and Computation.

The University, as the central body, is responsible for syllabuses, arranges lectures and practical classes, design courses, conducts exams, and awards degrees. The University provides a wide range of resources for teaching and learning in the form of libraries, laboratories, museums, computing facilities and so on. However, there is no single building that can be called “the University”.

At the beginning of each term a list of lectures is published. Every student can choose and may attend any university lecture. Attendance at lectures is not compulsory, and no records of attendance are kept. All courses are assessed through examinations. Apart from lectures, colleges organize a system of individual tuition.

Studying at Oxford can seem very easy. Undergraduates have only 1 or 2 compulsory hours per week when they must attend a tutorial with 1 or 2 fellow students and their college tutor. Yet, for each tutorial they are expected to write a 5000 to 8000 word essay, and that requires a lot of work! During tutorials students discuss their work with their tutors. Tutors also advise their students which lectures seem most useful.

Tutorial teaching challenges students to think creatively about their subjects, and is the most highly regarded feature of the Oxford system.

Admission

7. Do applicants take entrance examinations?

Colleges welcome applications from students from all types of schools and backgrounds, from all over the world. Admission to Oxford is highly competitive, but all candidates are considered carefully on individual merit. Applicants are given a personal interview and a college decides which students they want.

Academic success is important but tutors are also looking for potential, motivation and commitment to a candidate's proposed studies at Oxford.

The University and the colleges

8. What are the relations between the University and the colleges?

9. What body is responsible for:

- admitting students

- providing accommodation

- curriculum

- decision on what to teach?

Today, 39 independent, self-governing colleges are related to the University in a type of federal system, like the United States. Each college has its name, its coat of arms. There are also six Permanent Private Halls, which were founded by different Christian denominations, and still have a religious character. The halls have similar powers and duties as colleges. Thirty colleges and six halls admit students for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Seven other colleges are for graduates only; one, All Souls, has Fellows only, and one, Kellogg College, specializes in part-time and continuing education.

Colleges receive fees for educating students, board and lodging charges. No student can become a member of the University without being admitted by a college or hall. Colleges and halls select their own students, provide accommodation, meals, common rooms, libraries, sports and social facilities. They provide teaching through the tutorial system, which plays an essential role in all Oxford courses.

ADDITIONAL READING

INTERESTING FACTS & FIGURES

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The oldest University in the world is the Egyptian University in Azhar. It was established as an academy in 989, and such subjects as mathematics, astronomy, medicine and geography were taught there at that time.

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The largest University building in the world is the Moscow University on the Lenin Hills, which stands 787 feet high, has 32 stories and contains 40,000 rooms. It was built in 1949-1953.

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