End, purpose, aim, goal, objective, target (цель)
a) Read the explanation to see the difference:
These words refer to the result towards which one chooses to direct activity. Purposemay suggest either a resolute, deliberate movement towards a result or the desired result itself: e. g. filled with high purpose. The specific overtone of purpose in either use is that of significance: e. g. unable to comprehend a universe without a purpose; a cruel act done on purpose. The other words do not have this implication.
Goal is closest to purpose. Goal suggests a personal determination: e. g. I achieved my own goal.
Aim suggests a general tendency: the aim of education, the aim of life. Aim is a small or short-term goal and is consequently less dramatic in tone than goal or purpose: e.g. going to London with the aim of seeing as many London sights as possible.
Endis more formal and is mostly appropriate to philosophical or ethical discussions: e.g. End justifies the means.
Objective is more formal than the other words of this group and is often used for impersonal planning of an abstract or general nature: e.g. economic objectives of a new five year plan. Objective suggests a wider, more intangible (нематериальный) set of goals.
Targetцель, мишеньto fire at a target — стрелятьпоцели to hit / strike a target — попастьвцель, поразитьцельto miss a target, to overshoot a target — промахнуться, непопастьвцель
Compare: task, assignment
b). Translate the following sentences where these synonyms are used:
1.In earlier periods this was less so, since a gentleman was supposed to seek an education as an “adornment to the mind,” not for crassly commercial ends. 2. The movement for “progressive education” led by the American philosopher John Dewey promoted an alternative view – that schooling should be organized mainly around the task of teaching practical skills that students will require for their jobs and for other aspects of living as citizens in a modern society.
c) Make your own sentences using the words from the previous exercise.
II. Find information about higher education in South Africa, India, Republic of Corea, China, Japan and present your finding in a table as in previous exercise. Get ready to speak and compare it.
| Areas/countries | South Africa | India | Republic of Korea | China | Japan |
| 1.Administration | |||||
| 2. Entrance requirements: | |||||
| 3.Years of study to obtain the first University degree | |||||
| 4. Curriculum development | |||||
| 5. Types of school providing higher education | |||||
| 6. Students’ performance assessment | |||||
| 7. Teaching process organization | |||||
| 8. Funding source |
III. Read the passage about admissions to the universities in USA and Canada. .
ADMISSIONS
Although admission requirements vary from one institution to another, most share a few common features. Nearly all colleges require students to submit transcripts of grades from high school and scores on standardized tests. They also generally require a completed application form, written essays that reflect accomplishments and goals, and letters of recommendation from teachers who are familiar with the applicant’s academic background. In addition, some colleges require an interview with college officials, either on campus or by telephone.
Application Forms
Colleges and universities require applicants to complete an official application form obtained from the institution's admissions office. The application indicates the amount of the application fee, the deadline for submitting the application, and the standardized tests required for admission. The application also explains whether essays and interviews are required, and how to obtain and submit letters of recommendation. Students must carefully read these forms and follow all instructions to ensure that they receive full consideration for admission.
Standardized Tests.
Most schools require applicants to submit their scores on either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) as part of the application process. Colleges and universities use these scores to help predict a student’s future success in higher education. High school students usually take these examinations in their junior year or early in their senior year. Graduate schools generally require applicants to submit scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), a standardized test for admission to postgraduate degree programs. In addition, many graduate schools require a GRE subject test, which assesses an applicant’s knowledge of a specialized field of study.
Application Essay
Some colleges, especially more competitive ones, require applicants to write an essay as part of the application process. Admissions officials use the essay to help assess the applicant’s abilities in areas that may not be adequately measured by high school grades or standardized test scores. Students can use the essay to demonstrate their creativity, maturity, and ability to communicate. They also can show how they might approach a particular topic or problem. In writing the essay, applicants typically highlight academic, extracurricular, and other achievements or interests. They also generally indicate why they are applying to the particular college and how they would fit into the life there.
Personal Interview
Relatively few colleges require a personal interview, but most recommend that students visit the campus and meet with members of the admissions staff. Sometimes an applicant may also meet with a faculty member. Interviews with an admissions officer allow the admissions officer to further evaluate the applicant’s strengths. In addition, they offer the applicant an opportunity to ask questions about the institution and to demonstrate personal communication skills.
Campus Visits
Before making a decision about which college to attend, most applicants find it useful to visit one or more schools, meet with admissions personnel, and take guided tours of the campus. Most colleges and universities arrange such visits and encourage prospective students to visit classes and various extracurricular activities to get an idea of the style of life and learning at the particular institution.
Current Issues
Admissions standards at colleges and universities have become controversial among educators and students alike. Although some institutions of higher education in the United States and Canada have highly selective admissions standards, others admit virtually any high school graduate able to meet minimum academic requirements. Many educators feel that every student should complete high school and that everyone desiring access to higher education should have an opportunity to pursue a college degree. However, critics of lax admissions standards argue that admitting large numbers of students who are academically unprepared for a college education often compromises the quality of the institution. Moreover, from the 1970s to the 1990s grade point averages have risen steadily at nearly all U.S. and Canadian colleges and universities, causing many educators and even some students to complain that academic standards are too low.
a) Explain the purpose of application forms, standardized tests, application essays, personal interviews and campus visits.
b) Translate the words and phrases in bold and remember them.
c) Compare admission requirements in the USA and Canada with those in Russia and get ready to speak about it.