Exercise 22. Read the dialogue given below in pairs. A) Explain the words in bold, then make sentences using them; b) Role play the dialogue with each other.

Nick: - Hi, Ted. I’m glad to see you.

Ted: - So am I.

N: - As far as I know you entered the Ukrainian State Academy of Railway Transport, didn’t you?

T: - Yes, indeed. And what about you? This year you are a school leaver, aren’t you?

N: - Right you are, and I’m also going to enter the Ukrainian State Academy of Railway Transport. However, I’m not sure what speciality to choose. You know more than me about the specialities of the Academy. I need your advice if you don’t mind.

T: - If I’m not mistaken our Academy offers training in the following specialities: traffic control, railway cars and their maintenance, automation and telemechanics, book-keeping accounting, market economy and many others. My advice to you is to choose automation and telemechanics. This speciality is very popular nowadays.

N: - I see, but do the students who specialize in this field acquire knowledge in computer technology?

T: - Of course, they do. Our Academy has a well-equipped computer centre and you can acquire knowledge in computer technology and programming.

N: - Thank you very much. Your information is very useful for me and I think I’ll follow your advice.

T: - You are welcome. If you need some more information, you can ask me any time. Bye.

N: - See you.

Exercise 23. Imagine that you are to introduce yourself, your department and the Academy to a group of American students. Make a written report on the topic “My Academy”. With this end in view, review all the texts, dialogues and the vocabulary. Make a good oral presentation of your report. Wish you success!

Supplementary reading

Exercise 24. Read the text “The oldest Universities of England”. Be ready to discuss it paying attention to a new vocabulary:

markedly – явно, помітно

renowned – популярний

resort to – відвідувати

boost – піднесення, підняття

congregate – збиратися

notable – відомий

to wear gowns – носити мантії

campus – територія університету

associated buildings – об’єднані будівлі

scattered – розкиданий

saint – святий

archbishop – архієпископ

pope – папа римський

achievement – досягнення

appropriately – відповідно

the Chancellor – ректор

noteworthy – вартий уваги

The oldest Universities of England

England is famous for its educational institutes. There were many different kinds of schools in Medieval England and the English universities were one of the most significant creations. The students who attended either Oxford or Cambridge Universities set an intellectual standard that contrasted markedly with the norm of Medieval England. Today both Universities are internationally renowned centers for teaching and research, attracting students and scholars from all over the world.

The University of Oxford

The University of Oxford, located in the city of Oxford, is one of the oldest universities in Europe. It didn’t come into being at once. Oxford had existed as a city for at least 300 years before scholars began to resort to it.

The university was given a boost in 1167 when, for political reasons, Henry II of England ordered all English students at Paris to return to England. Most of the returning students congregated at Oxford and the University began a period of rapid development.

The first college, University College, was founded in 1249 by William of Durham. Other notable colleges include All Souls (founded in 1438), Christ Church (founded in 1546) and Lady Margaret Hall (founded in 1878), which was the first women's college. Since 1974, all but one of Oxford's colleges have changed their statutes to admit both men and women. A characteristic feature of Oxford is that many traditions of the Middle Ages are still current there. One of them is that students have to wear gowns.

Oxford, like Cambridge, differs from many other universities in that there is no central university campus. Instead, the University consists of a large number of colleges and associated buildings, scattered throughout the city. Today Oxford University is comprised of thirty-nine colleges. More than 130 nationalities are represented among a student population of over 18,000. A range of scholarships offer support for international students. Thirty colleges and all halls admit students for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Each college is practically autonomous with its own set of rules. There is central administration, providing services such as libraries, laboratories, lectures and examination classes.

There have been many famous people who have studied at Oxford University and they include Lewis Carroll, Oscar Wilde, J. R. Tolkien, Indira Gandhi, Baroness Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton, Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean), and Hugh Grant. All in all, Oxford has produced four British and at least eight foreign kings, 47 Nobel prize-winners, 25 British Prime Ministers, 28 foreign presidents and prime ministers, seven saints, 86 archbishops, 18 cardinals, and one pope.

Oxford's teaching and research is consistently in the top rank nationally and internationally, and is at the forefront of medical, scientific and technological achievement.