Ex. 13. Discuss the following problems with a partner.

1. Work is the most important thing in life. 2. It isn’t possible to continue happy family life with a successful career – for men or women. 3. Everyone should think carefully about having children – some people are not suited to be parents. 4. People should not be allowed to have more than two children. 5. Family life comes to an end if the mother works. 6. Men and women should share equal responsibility for bringing up children. 7. The most important role that a woman can play is that of a mother. 8. A woman’s place is in the home. 9. A marriage may be made in heaven, but the maintenance must be done on earth. 10. “Money can’t buy me love”, that’s what the “Beatles” sang back in the 60s. Do you think that anything has changed since then? Share your views on the problem of married life as you see it.

Ex. 14. Project work. Explore the lives of some very famous families. In your presentations try to specify if these family ties were strengthened by blood, by obligation, by necessity, by desire, by love.

Unit 2

I’m a Student

Topical Vocabulary

1) to make the right choice – сделать правильный выбор;

2) to be lucky – быть счастливым, удачливым, иметь везение;

3) to accept – принимать:

4) to split – делить;

5) to retell – пересказывать;

6) a shop – мастерская;

7) to equip – оборудовать;

8) rapport – взаимопонимание, контакт;

9) curriculum – учебный план, курс обучения, программа;

10) to concern – касаться;

11) a period – урок;

12) a hostel – общежитие;

13) to divide – делить;

14) a term – семестр;

15) a credit – зачет;

16) to participate – участвовать, принимать участие;

17) opportunities – возможности;

18) to surround – окружать;

19) to make time for somebody – находить для кого-либо время;

20) to explore (the countryside) – исследовать (окрестности);

21) (sport) facilities – возможности, оборудование;

22) to be selected – быть зачисленным;

23) to be admitted – быть принятым;

24) postgraduate – аспирантура;

25) tutor – преподаватель;

26) essay – сочинение;

27) spoken (oral) exams – устные экзамены;

28) written exams – письменные экзамены;

29) attendance – посещение;

30) multiple choice test – тест множественного выбора.

Ex. 1. Read the text.

Text A

I study at the Belarusian Agricultural Academy. I think I've made the right choice. It has an excellent reputation and I was very lucky to be accepted by it. Now I am a first- (second) year student of the Agronomy Department. The course is split into many subjects: chemistry, botany, mathematics, physics. At our Department we study one of the three foreign languages: English, French, German. We read & translate texts, retell newspaper articles and do a lot of grammar exercises during the English classes. We have practical hours in special laboratories & shops. The laboratories are equipped with the latest apparatus.

The rapport with teachers is good. They always find time to help students with their projects.

As far as the curriculum is concerned, there are usually three or four periods each day. The beginning is at 8 o'clock. Most students live in hostels not far from the Academy, and it takes them ten minutes to get there. The academic year is divided into two terms: from September to January and from February to July. Students take credit tests and examinations at the end of each term. Those who pass examinations successfully receive monthly grants. We also take part in research work, carry out laboratory experiments, speak at the scientific students' conferences and participate in various discussions. We have all opportunities to spend our free time here at the Academy. I, for example, am surrounded by friendly kind people who always try to make time for me. However, I can't say that we have wild parties every night. Sometimes we do, but mostly we meet and talk, go to the cinema or concerts.

The advantage of the Academy being placed in such a small town as Gorki is that it's only a short walk from the fabulous scenery. It's a wonderful place in winter, and in summer we can swim in the lakes and explore the countryside. There are also a lot of sport facilities where you can surely find something to your liking: one can play basketball, football and tennis at the stadiums or use the swimming pool and the gym. I'll leave the Academy with a good impression of Gorki and the rich experience of having met and studied with so many interesting people.