Задание для студентов 104 группы на 28.01.2021

Alice: Anna Vladimirovna, may I ask you a question?

Teacher: Of course, you may. What’s your question?

Alice: I’d like to know more about British education, because we are moving to London next year.

Teacher: Oh, how interesting! So, you’ll be studying at a new school next year, is that right?

Alice: Yes, that’s true. My parents were invited to work for a year or two in Great Britain. I want to go with them and study in England. In fact, I’ve always wanted to learn more about English culture and traditions. Hopefully, I will have enough time for that.

Teacher: In my opinion, you will get easily accustomed to life in England. You are a quick-witted person.

Alice: Thanks, Anna Vladimirovna!

Teacher: Just make sure you improve your grades in Maths this year, as many English schools specialize in Mathematics. I know you are rather good at Humanitarian subjects, especially at Foreign languages, so it won’t be a problem for you to study in England. Just work harder on Maths.

Alice: I will. I know. It’s my weak point.

Teacher: Answering your question, I should say that English education isn’t much different from our system. However, there are certain differences which I can explain.

Alice: Yes, that’s what I want to know. Moreover, next year I will be at my 9th year of school and I don’t even know which subjects I’ll be studying.

Teacher: English education consists of several levels: early years, primary education, secondary education and tertiary education. At your age you will be receiving secondary education, which is compulsory. Your typical course of studies will include Social studies, Science, Mathematics and Language Arts.

Alice: Are there any exams at this stage?

Teacher: Each semester you will be given certain ammount of tests in different subjects to check your general progress. At the end of the year there is a more serious end-of-course test. If you are planning to stay there for several years, you should know about GCSE.

Alice: What is GCSE?

Teacher: It’s an academic qualification in a specified subject. English children pass this exam closer to the end of secondary education.

Alice: How difficult is GCSE?

Teacher: It is a rather serious exam, because it has strong influence on your further college or university education. The content of the exam might change every year, so you need to keep up with the program if you want to pass it successfully. The best result is an A grade. The person who gets 3 A Levels gains a university place. The format of the exam differs for various subjects.

Alice: What if I want to pass GCSE in English?

Teacher: Then, you will have to show excellent reading and writing skills. The History GCSE usually covers medieval and modern eras. Science GCSE includes studies about human genome, space physics, etc.

Alice: Thanks so much, Anna Vladimirovna! That explains a lot to me.

Teacher: Not at all! I’m happy to help you with educational questions. So, do you think you might stay in England for further studies?

Alice: I’d love to. But it all depends on how well my studies go. Of course, I will do my best to keep up with others, but I think it’s not going to be easy for a newcomer.

Teacher: You’re right. It’s never easy to start something new, but I’m sure you’ll be just fine. Don’t worry about it!

Alice: Thanks! I’ll try no to.

Teacher: And, don’t forget to keep me posted.

Alice: Sure. I will definitely write how things are in my new school.

Dialogue 2: Education of Children in America

Oleg: Do your children go to school?

James: My son is in his freshman year at a technical college and my daughter goes to junior high school.

Oleg: What does it mean – «junior high school»?

James: In most schools in the USA today the twelve grades of school are divided into six years of elementary training, three years of junior high school and the last three years of senior high school.

Oleg: Now I understand. Is the education compulsory in the USA?

James: Yes. All states require every girl and boy to go to school starting with the age of six.

Oleg: What about higher education? Is it expensive in America?

James: It is rather expensive. Many American students get financial support from their parents or relatives.

Oleg: Can American students go to the university free of charge?

James: Everyone must pay the tuition fee. Its amount varies from state to state. This creates a financial hard-ship for some young people. However, each University offers a number of scholarships to deserving students.

Oleg: Are scholarships given only by universities?

James: Not really. Scholarships come from different sources: state authorities, private persons, US Army, various churches and funds. Some young people can even get their scholarships for their athletic ability. Some are given for scholastic abilities. You have to compete to get your scholarship. You must do well, excel in something, show superior academic achievement.

Oleg: Does your son know what he wants to major in?

James: Not for sure. He hasn`t made up his mind yet, but I think it will be either mechanical or civil engineering.

Oleg: That is a very good career for a boy.

James: Perhaps it is. We wanted him to be a lawyer but he is keen on building bridges and things like that. That`s why he applied for admission to a technical college last year.

Oleg: Let`s hope he will be a good engineer.