The Smolensk Branch of the Moscow Power Engineering Institute (National Research University)

The Smolensk Branch of the Moscow Power Engineering Institute (National Research University) was founded in 1961. It is the main university in the Smolensk region in the field of power engineering, electrical and thermal engineering, electronics and nanoelectronics, optical techniques, technological machines and equipment, computer science, economics and management.

To enter the institute you have to undergo entrance examination or you can be admitted according to the results of the state examinations on the school-leaving certificate.

The university offers a Bachelor’s degree programme (the first and basic level of higher education) which lasts for at least 4 years of full-time study, and a Master’s degree programme (the second level of higher education) which lasts for 2 more years of education. The programmes include professional and special courses in Science, Humanities and Social economic disciplines, professional training, completion of a research paper/project and passing of State final exams.

The teaching staff of National Research University consists of professors, highly qualified lecturers and assistants.

The academic year is divided into two terms. During the studying process the students attend lectures and classes and do laboratory work. After each term students examinations and if they pass them successfully they get a grant. During the first two years there is a common curriculum for most majors. Specialization usually begins in the third year of studies.

The institute today is a unity of educational and scientific laboratories supplied with modern equipment, control and measuring systems, technical means of education. In addition, it has a large scientific and technological library. Scientific conferences held at the university broaden students’ outlook and enrich knowledge in modern trends and recent developments.

There are also facilities for sport, recreation and entertainment. Students have a chance to compete in athletics and football, participate in voluntary groups and different students’ clubs.

Nobody doubts that these days the progress in the world depends on the progress in education, higher education in particular. Students of the Smolensk Branch of the Moscow Power Engineering Institute acquire good knowledge, obtain prestigious diplomas to get higher wages and advancement in future.

TEXT 15. Read and translate the opinions. Share your view on the problem.

How to Cope with Exams

For many students, the run-up to important exams is a stressful time. Students explain how they cope.

Student A

Revising for exams can be really tiring, so I try to stay alert by drinking cups of coffee while I’m studying. But the most important thing for me is to make sure I sleep well the night before an exam. I need at least eight hours a night to feel really awake the next day. Before I go to sleep, I put on a CD or read a book.

Student B

For me the best way to stay on top of things during exams is not to worry too much and to take time off from revision. Some people give up everything to spend their time studying, but I don’t actually think this helps you to do any better. I still meet up with my friends while exams are on. As well as that, I do a lot of exercise and I make sure I have a good work-out the night before an exam.

Student C

I tend to panic in exams, so I have learnt that the best way to cope is to watch the time carefully throughout the exam. I plan how much time I will need for each question, and keep an eye on the clock to see how I am doing. I never tackle a question until I have thought about it, and made some rough notes on the answer. I ignore people who are writing fast. When I see them I start to panic.

Student D

I get very stressed about exams a long time before they happen, and I have always wished I had more time to study. In the past, I have found that I got lower marks than I could have got because I spent time worrying, not studying. So now, I talk things over with my parents and teachers. They often give very good advice, as they have been through it all before, and it helps to get all my anxieties into the open. I’d rather do this than waste a lot of valuable revision time worrying about everything.

Student E

During exams, I avoid all those negative people who are completely stressed out and wish they had done more work. The night before an exam, I go out with my friends – I don’t believe in last-minute revision. We usually go for a walk, or go round to someone’s house, order a pizza and watch a good video, preferably a comedy. It’s important to laugh a lot, and see the funny side of things when there is so much hard work to do the next day. When I go to bed, I simply glance through my notes one more time, and this helps me to feel ready for anything the next day!

Student F

I know that I can only concentrate for a limited time, so I stop every hour or so for 10 minutes during my revision sessions. Even if I were the world’s greatest genius, I would start getting tired after an hour or so. I may go for a walk or just think about something else to take my mind off exams. After that, it’s much easier to go back to my books. I think it’s also important to avoid drinking lots of strong coffee, because it tends to increase my anxiety, so I drink lots of fruit juice or mineral water.

PART II. WORLD AROUND

UNIT 1. GREAT BRITAIN