Higher learning is just an overpriced, speculative investment that typically rewards graduates with dismal career prospects, says billionaire Peter Thiel

Billionaire libertarian businessman Peter Thiel, the founder and former CEO of PayPal, is perhaps best known as the venture capitalist who gave Facebook the angel investment it needed to really get started. But, increasingly, he's getting attention for his controversial views on higher learning. Last year, he launched the Thiel fellowship, which gives grants as large as $100,000 to 20 tech entrepreneurs who drop out of college by age 20 to pursue their own ideas. Then, in a National Review interview earlier this year, Thiel said that higher education is a "bubble in the classic sense," because education is "overpriced," something people have "an intense belief in," and an investment that's unlikely, in the majority of cases, to have a positive return. He made the point again last week at TechCrunch. Given the "financial disaster" of student loan debt surpassing credit card debt, does Thiel have a point?

No, education isn't about returns on an investment: The concept of the education bubble is based on horrifying, false logic, says Freddie deBoer at L'Hote. "To see an education, college or otherwise, as merely a way to increase the amount of money you make is a terrible corruption and fundamentally unsustainable." Increasing earning potential was never meant to be the sole purpose of education, and if it's reduced to that, we're all in trouble.

Well, collegeisoverpriced: College has gotten too expensive, with state governments cutting aid to public universities, says E.D. Kain in Forbes. But let's not abandon institutions of higher learning. If needed, we should raise taxes to make public universities more affordable. "Yes, education costs money. But that money should not fall squarely on the heads of middle class kids who are forced to take out tens of thousands in debt just to attend school."

And grad school is a particularly poor investment: College is still a good decision for most young Americans, but I can't say the same about grad school, says Conor Friedersdorf at The Atlantic. Grad school has become a socially acceptable way to drink beer, read, and go into massive debt in your 20s. "Upper-middle-class Americans tend to overvalue the non-financial benefits of grad school." Thiel's wrong about a lot. But at least he's "challenging the cultural assumptions that cause a lot of people to make bad life decisions."

Section 5. Picture

Опьянение.

UNIT 8

Section 1. Практикум Линн Виссон

Текст 16

Вопрос о национальном опыте в области народонаселения (ООН, 1998)

National Experience with Population Issues (UN, 1998)

(Читается с американским акцептом)

Госпожа Председатель, 1.Вопросы народонаселения занимают одно из высших местна шкале приоритетов Правительства Российской Федерации, по­скольку в последние годы демографическая ситуация в нашей стране может быть охарактеризована как кризисная. Ее основны­ми чертами являются:ухудшение здоровья и беспрецедентный рост смертности населения, особенно для трудоспособного воз­раста, стремительное снижение числа рождений, сохранение тенденции к уменьшению ожидаемой продолжительности жиз­ни, особенно у мужчин, высокая младенческая смертность, рост общей и повозрастной заболеваемости на фоне увеличения мас­штабов вынужденной миграции, старения и абсолютного сокра­щения численности населения.     Демографический кризис порожден рядомфакторов, к кото­рым нарядус общемировыми долговременными тенденциями снижения рождаемости можно отнести и специфические для России тенденции роста смертности и сокращения продолжи­тельности жизни. Непосредственное влияние на процессы разви­тия народонаселения оказывает социально-экономическая ситуа­ция в стране.     2.На сегодняшний день Россия переступила черту,за которой начинается депопуляция населения. Естественная убыль как главный показатель демографического неблагополучия сложи­лась в целом по стране с конца 1990 года. В 1993—96 гг. естест­венная убыль населения была зафиксирована в 69 регионах страны, а десять лет тому назад подобные явления отмечались лишь в трех регионах России.   Воспроизводство населения России находится на столь низ­ком уровне, что не обеспечивает дажепростого воспроизводства населения, необходимого для численного замещения поколения родителей их детьми. Об этом свидетельствуетнетто-коэффици­ент воспроизводства населения. Еслив 1989 г. он равнялся 0,953, то в 1996 г, - 0,603. Что касаетсяпричин смертности, то опыт России подтвержда­ет вывод об общем сдвиге соотношения причин смерти от инфек­ционных заболеваний в сторону неинфекционных хронических и приобретенных болезней, среди которых преобладают сердечно­сосудистые заболевания и злокачественные новообразования. Наибольшее число людей в России умирает от болезней системы кровообращения. Именноизменения смертности от сердечно-со­судистых заболеваний оказывают решающее влияниена общую смертность. В последние годы в результате нового сильного ростасмертность от несчастных случаев, отравлений и травм среди на­селения трудоспособного возраста, прежде всего мужчин, впер­вые превысила смертность от рака и является одной из негатив­ных черт современной демографической ситуации в России. При этом в России эволюция смертности от инфекционных болезней определяется, в основном, смертностью от туберкуле­за, в разные годы на ее долю приходилось от 70 до 90% всех смер­тейот инфекционных заболеваний у мужчин и от 40 до 70%, со­ответственно, у женщин. 3. Не последнюю рольиграет в развитии ситуации поведенческий фактор, в свою очередь зависящий и от политики по пропаганде здорового образа жизни. Некоторые позитивные сдвиги в 1995-96 гг. пока общей тенденции не изменили. Особенно выросла и стала одной из са­мых высоких в мире мужская смертность. На высоком уровне продолжают оставатьсядетская и материнская смертность. Начиная с 1995 г. также проявляются признаки увеличения ожидаемой продолжительности жизни: у мужчин и у женщин она постепенно вырастала, составляя у мужчин — 59,8 года, а у женщин — 72,5 года. Начали просматриватьсяобнадеживающие тенденции сниже­ния младенческой смертности: в 1996 г. коэффициент младенче­ской смертности составил 17,4, в 1997 — 16,9 случаев на 1000 родившихся. При этом имеющиеся данныене позволяют определить в должной степени длительность, глубину, региональную диф-ференцированность, структуру и последствия демографического кризиса и воздействие на него внешних факторов. Важнейшей задачей в этой связи становится выяснениеистин­ной и достоверной информации в сфере народонаселения. Важ­нейшим источником такой информации остается перепись населения. В этом контекстемы хотели бы поддержать мысль о том, что без достоверных статистических данных и индикато­ров невозможно формировать адекватную политику в области народонаселения. При формулировании демографической стратегии России правительство стремится к расширению кругасвоих партнеров, активно вовлекая в работу в т.ч. и общественные объединения и неправительственные организации. Благодарю вас за внимание.

Madam Chairwoman, 1. Population issues are one of the most important/crucial/аге among the most importantpriorities of the government of the Russian Federation, since/because in recent years the demographic situation in our country/has been in a state of crisis/can with reason be called critical/has deteriorated badly.The major elements/factorsare: the deterioration in/worsening of/the health of and an unprecedented rise in the mortality of the population, in particular for people of working age, a sharp drop/decline in the number of births, the continuation/ maintenance of a/downward trend/decline/in life expectancy, particularly among men, a rise in/increase in general and in age-specific/ age-related morbidity given/due to/along with greater/an increase in/ forced migration, aging and an absolute decline/reduction in the numbers of the population. The demographic crisis has been caused by/has resulted from/is caused by a number offactors, including/compounded by/consisting of/ in addition toa global/worldwide/long-term trend towards a decline in the birth rate with/and a trend specific to Russia of a rise in mortality and a reduction in life expectancy. A direct impact/influence on population processes is being exerted by the socio-economic situation in the country/Population processes("development" can be omitted) are subject to the effects of the country's socio-economic situation./ The socio-economic situation in the country is having a direct impact on the processes of population development. 2. Russia has already reached the point of depopulation/crossed the line where depopulation begins.A natural decline as the major indicator of demographic problems began emerging/was noted/for the country as a whole from the end of 1990 on/starting at the end of 1990. From 1993-96 a natural decline in the population was noted/ observed/recorded/in 69 regions of the country, while/though/ten years ago such phenomena were observed only in three regions of Russia. Reproduction of the population in Russia is at such a low level that it does not even provide for/ensure/result in/producethat simple reproduction of the population needed for numerical replacement of the generation of parents by their children. This is borne out/attested to/shown/provedby the net coefficient of reproduction of the population required for numerical replacement of the parents' generation by their children. (While)in 1989 it was at 0,593, in 1996 it/the figure/was 0.603. Regarding/concerning/as formortality factors, Russia's experience backs/confirms/the conclusion as to a general shift in the ranking of mortality causes/factors/from infectious diseases towards non-infectious chronic and acquired diseases, primarily/predominantly/mostly/ cardiovascular diseases and malignant tumors. The largest/greatest/ number of people in Russia are dying from circulatory illnesses. And/it is/It is in fact/precisely/thechanges in mortality from cardiovascular diseases which are exerting a decisive impact/impacting decisivelyon general mortality. In recent years as the result of a strong new upward trend,mortality from accidents, poisoning and trauma among the population of working age, in particular/primarily/men, for the first time has exceeded mortality from cancer and is one of the negative factors/features/of the demographic situation in Russia. Moreover/at the same time/however, mortality in Russia from infectious diseases is mainly/primarily due to tuberculosis, which in various years has accounted for from 70 to 90% of all deathsfrom infectious diseases among men and from 40-70% among women. 3. An important rolein the development of this situation is being played by/can be attributed to/the behavioral factor, which in turn depends on policy (designed) to promotea healthy life style. Several positive changes/developments in 1995-97 have not yet/as of now/resulted/led to/changes in the general trend/have not changed the general trend. In particular, there has been an increase in male mortality, making it one of the highest rates in the world/There has been a particularly striking growth — and now one of the highest rates in the world is that of male mortality. Child and maternal mortality continues to remain at a high level/There continued to be a high level of child and maternal mortality. Back in 1995/Already in 1995/starting in 1995/there were signs of an increase in life expectancy: among men and women it has gradually been rising/there has been a gradual rise among men and women, 59.8 years for men and 72.5 for women. There has been the beginning of the emergence/We have seen the beginnings of/There has been a startof/encouraging trends through a drop in infant mortality: in 1996 the coefficient for infant mortality was 17.4, and in 1997 - 16.9 cases per 1000 births. The available/existing data,however, do not allow for an appropriate/proper/accurate determination of the length, intensity,regional differentiation, structure and consequences of the demographic crisis and the impact on it of external factors. A vital/critically important/crucial/objective/taskhere is to obtain/extract/produce/true and reliable information in the field of population. An extremely important source of such information is the census. Here/in this connection/in this contextwe would like to support/back the idea/notion that without reliable statistical data and indicators it is impossible to formulate/make/draw up proper policy in the field of population. In formulating Russia's demographic policy the government is attempting/trying to increase/expand the number/rangeof its partners, and is actively involving in this work (inter alia) social/public organizations and non-governmental organizations. Thank you.

Section 2. Phrasal Verbs

PUT

1. I would like to be put through to your dean. 2. In our district fruit trees put forth buds and leaves very early. 3. Don't put off your work till tomorrow. 4. She talked like a machine-gun. I just couldn't put in a word. 5. To be able to buy that fur-coat you must put down your expenses at once. 6. Put it out of your head, or there will be no end of torture for both of us. 7. Though she puts on proud airs she is just a nonentity. 8. How much of vitamins does your laboratory put out annually? 9. I believe we can put you up for the week-end. 10. I've managed to put through in spite of your ill-will. 11. He put out his right hand and caressed the fair head of the little boy. 12. His ignorance is put on. 13. He can't put up with his step-mother and his step-sister. 14. If you put by some money regularly you'll be able to buy a tape-recorder by next year. 15. Put yourself in her place! It's all as bad as bad can be. 16. He was put out by such a cold reception of the audience. 17. Put him right if you believe he needs correction. 18. Will you put aside (down) your book while I'm speaking to you?

1. I would like to be put in connection with your dean. 2. In our district fruit trees send out buds and leaves very early. 3. Don't postpone your work till tomorrow. 4. She talked like a machine-gun. I just couldn't utter a word. 5. To be able to buy that fur-coat you must cut your expenses at once. 6. Forget it, or there will be no end of torture for both of us. 7. Though she assumes proud airs she is just a nonentity. 8. How much of vitamins does your labora­tory produce annually? 9. I believe we can give you a bed for the week-end. 10. I've managed to succeed in spite of your ill-will. 11. He stretched out his right hand and caressed the fair head of the little boy. 12. His ignorance is sheer pretence. 13. He can't stand his step-mother and his step-sister. 14. If you save some money regu­larly you'll be able to buy a tape-recorder by next year. 15. Imagine yourself in her place! It's all as bad as can be. 16. He was discour­aged by such a cold reception of the audience. 17. Correct him if you believe he needs correction.18. Will you lay aside your book while I am speaking to you?

Section 3. Typical Drill

Упражнение 1. Read and boil down the story to one sentence.

1.Marvel Comics has unveiled a new half-black, half-Latino Spider-Man, who replaces the recently killed-off Peter Parker. Parker died in Ultimate Spider-Man Issue 160 in June during a fight with his bitter enemy, Green Goblin. Like Parker, Morales is a geeky, working-class teenager from the boroughs of New York City. Morales lives with his black and Latino parents in ethnically diverse Brooklyn, while Parker was white and raised by his aunt and uncle in a mainly white neighbourhood in Queens. The Marvel editor-in-chief, whose mother was from England and father from Mexico, said he cried when Barack Obama was elected president "partly because he was African-American but largely because of the fact that he was mixed race".

2. Traditionally, this poison has been used by hunters to kill elephants. the African crested rat chews the roots and bark of a highly toxic tree, and then smears the lethal mixture on its specially adapted fur. Any animals that attack receive a mouthful of potentially deadly poison. It is the first time that this behaviour has been reported in a mammal, the researchers writeBut the team, from the UK, Kenya and New York, are still puzzled by how the rodent is able to survive a dose of the toxin, which comes from the poison arrow tree

4. Visitors to a leading theme park have been complaining about the bad breath of fellow passengers as they scream their way through the rides. Thorpe Park in Surrey has now decided to offer a mouthwash to customers after receiving an increasing number of complaints, especially as temperatures have risen in recent weeks. Garlic and cigarettes are the most common odours causing the biggest stink.

5. Earth may once have had two moons, the one that shines at night today and a smaller companion, according to a new theory. A collision between the two is believed to have created the mountainous highlands on the moon's far side that have long puzzled scientists. The side of the moon facing the Earth and the side facing away have strikingly different topographies.

6. Tourist shops in Scotland's capital have been banned from playing loud bagpipe music out into the streets. Edinburgh City Council environmental officers began patrolling the city's "tartan shops" this week to make sure traders do not break rules which came into force on Monday. The ban follows complaints about some retailers playing loud bagpipe music through speakers outside their shops. Complaints were also made about rails and baskets of products blocking the pavement.

7.The world's "most expensive and exclusive" potatoes are to go on sale across the UK for the first time this week at a major supermarket.The variety, La Bonnotte, which is normally only grown on a small island off France, can sell for up to £400 per kilogram.However, Tesco has sourced a new supply, grown on Jersey, and will be selling them from Tuesday for the equivalent of £2.65 per kilo.

8.A woman who dressed like a man and drew a beard on her face has robbed an Alabama bank, authorities said. Police said the suspect robbed the Cottondale branch of the Bank of Tuscaloosa and she may have been involved in another bank heist earlier this month. Witnesses told officers she had a "drawn on" beard when she entered the bank. Police said she told tellers she had a bomb and demanded money after placing a device on a counter.

9.The emergence and decline of gigantic flying insects millions of years ago may have been linked to the amount of oxygen available to their water-breathing young, new research has suggested.

Scientists studying the smaller modern-day descendants of the huge creatures, which included dragonflies with wingspans of almost a metre, believe they have solved a question which has puzzled experts for more than 100 years by looking at their larvae, which live in water. They believe that larvae 300 million years ago took advantage of the higher oxygen levels available, using it to help fuel their growth to the size shown in ossilized remains found by palaeontologists today.

10. From time to time, life here on Earth is rudely disturbed by the unexpected arrival of something from out of the heavens. They may tumble from a height of merely few hundred feet; they may plummet from outer space itself. Consider the recent story of the residents of Beebe, a village in the US state of Arkansas, whose new year celebrations were interrupted by the sudden appearance of thousands of blackbirds falling to their death (pictured).The deceased birds were "littering the streets, the yards, the driveways, everywhere", according to Robby King, a county wildlife officer. "It was hard to drive down the street in some places without running over them."

Section 4. Have Your Say