Reading and vocabulary. 2.1Read four interviews with first-year students

2.1Read four interviews with first-year students. Answer the questions.

a.Who has no problems with self-discipline?

b.Who is independent from his/her parents now?

c.Who has to read a lot of books.

d.Who takes part in student projects?

Paloma, St.Martin’s school of art: I’m from London, and my mum decided that I had to leave home and learn to be independent. So, now I’m sharing a flat with four friends in Oxford. My lifestyle is not really normal, because I’m a dancer. It’s all about personal training, so I have to attend classes seven days a week.

Christian, medical student, Stanford: I’m in my first year, and I’m working really hard. This week, for example, I’m getting ready for my Friday seminar in Anatomy and I’ve got five textbooks to read! I also have time to do non-medic things – play my guitar, or take part in student political campaigns.

Jessica, engineering student, Sheffield: I think I’m more organized and self-disciplined than other students because I’m continuing my basketball training at university. I decided that living in halls is not for me, so I’m living in a house with three people from my basketball team. There is a lot of pressure because I have to combine my studies and training, but I’m enjoying my life right now.

Colin, IT student, Leeds: I spend almost all my time at my computer, and always did. I can be really nerdy sometimes. Building professional skills is demanding. I try to get involved in IT projects for first-year students. The only problem is self-discipline – if I work during the night I can skip a lecture or two in the morning.

2.2 Find sentences in the texts which mean the same.

a.Becoming a professional takes a lot of work.

b.In my flat there are four more people, and we pay for accommodation together.

c.Sometimes I can think only about my studies and don’t do anything else.

d.Individual training is everything for my profession.

e.I don’t like living in student halls.

f.I try to take part in student projects.

g.I sometimes don’t attend morning lectures.

h.It’s very difficult to study and do sport training.

2.3 Complete these sentences about yourself.

a.I’m sharing a _____ with _____.

b.I have to attend classes _____ a _____.

c.I’m in my _____ _____ at university.

d.I have/don’t have time to take part in _____.

e.I think I am/am not _____ and self-_____.

f.I think _____ is not for me.

g.I spend almost all my time _____.

h.I try to get involved in _____.

3. Grammar

3.1 Read and listen to a part of Paloma’s conversation with her friend. What is missing?

Friend: How’s London?

Paloma: I’m not ____ in London now. I’m ____ in Oxford.

3.2 What is missing from these sentences?

a. Paloma: I ___ ____ a flat with four friends in Oxford.

b. Christian: This week I ___ ____ ready for my Friday seminar in Anatomy.

c. Jessica: I ___ ____ my life right now.

3.3 Listen to the short conversations and complete the sentences.

- What ___ you ___ ? – I___ ___ my hair.

- What ___ he ___? – He___ ___ TV.

- ___ I ___ in your seat? – Yes, you ___!

- ___ you ___ to the radio? – No, I___ not.

- ___ the train ___? – Yes, it ___.

3.4 Look at the five men in the picture. What are the men’s names?

Alex is wearing glasses.

Nick isn’t eating.

Peter isn’t talking on the phone.

John and Nick aren’t wearing hats.

Alex and Bill aren’t reading.

Complete the sentences.

a.Nick _________ a book.

b.John _________ on the phone.

c.Bill and Peter ________ glasses.

d.Bill and Peter ________ hats.

e.Peter ________ a sandwich.

f.Alex _________ a hat.

3.5 Describe the picture. What are the people doing? Write sentences.

1. (bark) - The dog is barking.

2. (cry)

3. (argue)

4. (walk)

5. (play)

6. (eat)

7. (jog)

8. (read)

Now cover the words on the right and try to remember the sentences.

3.6 Listen to the description of a picture and draw it.

Listening and grammar

4.1 Nigel and his family are on holiday. Listen to the telephone conversation between Nigel and his colleague, Bill.

Complete Bill’s questions. Listen again and check.

a.you/have/a good time?

a.you/stay/in a hotel?

b.they/enjoy/it?

c.you and your wife/relax?

What are Nigel’s answers?

Act out the conversation.

Speaking

5.1 Complete the sentences about Nigel and his family.

a.Nigel lives in a house in Manchester, but now he is staying in a house by a sea.

b.He usually wears a suit, but now …….

c.He never relaxes at work, but today ……

d.Karen works in a shop, but today ……

e.The children study hard at school, but now …….

f.It often rains in Britain and …….

5.2Answer the questions about yourself.

a.What do you usually wear?

b.What are you wearing now?

c.What books do you usually read?

d.What are you reading this week?

e.What do you usually do at English lessons?

f.What are you doing at this lesson?

g.Do you live with your parents?

h.Are you living with your parents these days?

5.3 Think of three habits/things that you normally do. Are you doing it now/these days?

Reading

6.1Read the article about student life at Western Michigan University. Match the paragraphs and the headings.

1.Life outside the classroom is an exciting part of your college experience. There are a lot of opportunities here to meet new people, join student organizations, work on campus, and live in the residence halls.

2.Life on campus gives you opportunities to make friendships that last a lifetime. We have many programs and resources here for your academic careers – and engage you in the rich culture and diversity of this university. 3.One of the best parts of being a college student is getting involved. WMU has over 300 student clubs and organizations that you can choose - from paintball to student government. Student activities help you make friends, develop leadership skills, and become part of WMU. The academic year starts in September when 25,000 students and visitors get together to celebrate the beginning of the school year. 4. During your college career here, you can take time to stay fit. University Recreation has fitness classes, intramural sports, and other options to keep your mind and body in peak condition. Join a climbing clinic on the 45-foot climbing wall! 5. We also have the Students' Union in Europe. It runs hundreds of societies and campaigns. Join a student organization, work on campus, join a fitness class, or volunteer your time – the Student Union is here to support you.

A. Stay healthy

B. Get involved