Make up a sentence out of two parts.

1. The Russian Federative Republic is	1. to choose the Ministers of the Cabinet.
2. All legislative power in the country	2. the heraldic emblem of the Ruricovitchies.
3. In order to become a law	3. set up by the Constitution.
4. The first action of Prime Minister on appointment is	4. adopted by the Federal Assembly.
5. The Constitutional Court may veto any federal law	5. the bill must be approved by a majority vote and enforced by the Council.
6. It originates from	6. is vested in the Federal Assembly.

Guess the meaning. What is it?

1. It was set up by the Constitution of 1993.

2. It consists of three branches.

3. It is vested in the Federal Assembly.

4. It is made up of the representatives of all the subjects of the Federation.

5. It is made up of 450 deputies.

6. It is headed by Prime Minister.

7. It represents the judicial branch.

8. It is the state symbol of Russia.

9. It symbolizes the earth and peace.

10. It stands for the sky and loyalty.

11. It represents liberty and valour.

12. It originates from the heraldic emblem of the Ruricovitchies.

Make up a summary of the text.

PART III

Pre-Text Exercises

1. Memorize the following words and word-combinations:

citizen	- гражданин
to ensure	- обеспечивать, гарантировать
compulsory education	- обязательное обучение
vocational education	- профессиональное обучение
extra-mural courses	- курсы заочного обучения
correspondence courses	- заочные курсы
state scholarship	- государственная стипендия
grant	- стипендия
primary school	- начальная школа
secondary school	- средняя школа
curriculum	- учебный план
elective subjects	- курсы по выбору
applicant	- абитуриент
competitive examination	- конкурсный экзамен
entrance examination	- вступительный экзамен
to be in charge of smth	- быть ответственным за что-либо
undergraduate student	- студент выпускного курса
graduate	- выпускник
state-subsidized	- получающий государственные субсидии
to rank	- классифицировать; занимать место
advance	- прогресс, успех
concern	- забота, беспокойство

Read the text and outline its main points for the further discussion.

Education in Russia

Citizens of Russia have the right to education which is guaranteed by the Constitution, and ensured by the broad development of compulsory secondary education, vocational, specialized secondary and higher education, by the development of extra-mural, correspondence and evening courses, by the provision of state scholarships, grants and privileges for students.

In Russia there is a nine-year compulsory education, but to enter a university one has to study two years more.

School starts at the age of six for Russian children. But most of them have learnt letters in kindergarten which is now part of primary school. Primary and secondary schools together comprise eleven years of study. Every school has a "core curriculum" of Russian, mathematics, science, physical training. A variety of elective subjects are taught at lyceums and gymnasiums.

After leaving secondary school, lyceum or gymnasium one can go on to higher education. All applicants must take competitive examinations. Entrance examinations are held in July and August. Higher educational institutions are headed by Rectors. Prorectors are in charge of the academic and scientific work. Higher educational institutions train undergraduates and graduates in one or several specializations. The faculties are headed by the Deans. There are departments within faculties. The system of higher education in Russia is going through a transitional period. The main objectives of the reform are: decentralization of the higher education system, development of the autonomy of higher educational institutions, expansion of academic freedoms of faculties and students, development of new financial mechanism. All Russian schools until recently have been state-subsidized.

In the terms of the ration of students to the total population Russia ranks among the top ten countries in the world.

The Russian educational policy is a combination of economic and social objectives': An educated person contributes more to the society and education, on the other hand- gives a person the prospect for professional advance. The citizens of Russia show a great concern for education for themselves and their children.

Post-Text Exercises

3. Look through the text again and answer the following questions:

1. What guarantees the right to education?

2. What is the structure of compulsory education in Russia?

3. What subjects are studied in primary and secondary schools?

4. What are the prospects after leaving a secondary school?

5. What is the structure of a higher educational institution?

6. What does the Russian educational policy comprise?