Books in never-ending motion

Билет №1

I.1. Read the article and say in 2-3 sentences what it is about.

CAN CHEATING BE STOPPED?

More and more students at school and university are using the internet to cheat* in their coursework. In Britain, about 25 % of students copy material from the internet when they write their homework. In the USA there is a similar problem. One report showed that about 54 % of students copy from the internet when they prepare for the lessons.

Of course, students rightly use the internet to help them research a topic when they are doing coursework or writing an essay. But some of them also copy and include material from the internet into their own essays without indicating that they are using someone else's work. For example, a student who has to write an essay on Shakespeare can find lots of different essays on particular plays and themes in Shakespeare and copy one of them. So they no longer have to read books in libraries, take notes and plan their own essay.

The internet has certainly helped students to avoid the hard work of writing an original essay, but it is not the only reason why cheating is increasing. In recent years, students' attitudes to school and university have changed. In the past, students had a more idealistic attitude towards a university education. University broadened their minds. Nowadays, a lot of students are more practical in their attitude. They are only interested in passing the exams. They want a degree only to help them get a good job.

Teachers and examiners want to stop cheating in school and university, but they do not agree about how to solve the problem. Some teachers think a student's final grade shouldn't depend on his/her coursework. They think that it is better to have traditional (time-limited) written exams that are held in an examination room. Another way to stop cheating is to have an oral exam at the end of the course. If students cannot answer questions about their coursework, this could indicate that they have cheated. At the same time, the oral exam would give the examiner a better idea of students' real knowledge of the subject.

2. Is cheating becoming a problem in the USA and Britain? Read aloud the extract which says about it.

3. How do students cheat using the internet?

4. Why do students cheat?

II.Listen to the radio programme and answer the questions below.

1. What books did Laura Reddington write trying to make a living?

2. What kind of story did she find one day?

3. Why does Laura think about all the details before writing a book?

PR: My guest today is the novelist Laura Reddington, whose novel ‘The lost dream’ was an international best-seller. Laura, did you always want to write?

L: I've always been interested in books. I always thought it would be wonderful to be a writer and this was an ambition.

PR: How did you start writing?

L: Well, my first thought was that I needed to make a living, so I tried romantic fiction — without success, though. I thought it would be easy money.

PR: How did you get the idea for your book?

L: I was looking through my books one day when I found the story of a man who thought he'd found a new planet. I realised this was going on at about the same time as a famous murder case in London. So I thought I could mix the two stories together to make a sort of a detective novel.

PR: How long did it take you to write the book?

L: Well, that book took two years to write. I know some people can sit down and just write, and until they've finished they don't know how it will end. But for me, it's all about planning, when I worked out all the details, I concentrate on the actual writing.

III.

1) Let’s talk about your family. What is family for you?

2) Are there any things that you do with your parents together?

3) What will you ask your British friend about his/her family relationships?

4) What can you advise a person who wants to have a close and happy family?

5) Nowadays an average family has one child. From your point of view, how many children should there be in a family?

Билет №2

I.1. Read the article and say in 2-3 sentences what it is about.

BOOKS IN NEVER-ENDING MOTION

Librarians are saddened by the fact that young people tend only to borrow reference books rather than reading fiction for pleasure. Perhaps it's unfashionable to read these days. However, a new trend is developing, with literary lovers leaving their books in public places, to be picked up and 'borrowed' by others.

The Belarusian National Technical University was the first to support the idea in our country. Several years ago, the Director of its scientific library, Alexey Skalaban, passed an internship in Sweden. At the airport, he saw a huge glass case of books, which he learnt were available for anyone to read. It was a great idea. The question was only where such books might be kept in Minsk.

"Initially, we created a shelf in the reading hall of the University's scientific library. Later, we installed a case in the main building. It's available to everyone," explains Mr. Skalaban. "We want to encourage young people to read. Book-crossing is an easy way to do this." Alexey is looking at a website devoted to book-crossing. "Look, we've set free almost 700 books," he admits with pride. On the day I visited, I saw only two books in the case. The inside cover has a plate stating that it is part of the book-crossing programme, alongside a registration number showing who donated the book and when.

Library staff, students and even residents of neighbouring houses bring books. Additionally, publishing houses have donated some editions. Every year, more such 'safe' places are found. Not long ago, a Minsk night club installed a shelf of books. While some people dance, others gather by the shelves of books, magazines and discs. "We've subscribed to several magazines, while books are brought in by our guests, staff and musicians. This is how our collection grows," says Yan Busel, who co-owns the club.

Book-crossing is gaining popularity, with safe shelves found in many libraries, as well as cafes and educational establishments. No doubt, it's a great way to attract visitors.

2. The author says what makes librarians unhappy. Find this extract and read it aloud.

3. Who was the first to introduce book-crossing in our country?

4. Why is book-crossing becoming more and more popular in Belarus?

II.Listen to the women talking about her schooldays and answer the questions below.

1. What is the speaker talking about?

2. When did the speaker feel relieved?

3. Why did the speaker start crying?

Woman: Oh yes, I remember my first day at school. I remember feeling very proud when my mother walked with me through the main gate. There was so much noise and so many children that I got quite scared! Anyway, my mum took me to see the teacher, Mrs Gossage was her name — very nice teacher — and I remember feeling very nervous watching my mother leaving but Mrs Gossage looked after me and she sat me down with the other pupils in a big circle. Soon we started playing games so I got very excited. I think it was after lunch that I met Emily, who later became my best friend. She was in another class, but all new students were brought together to meet each other and... I was so relieved to have a friend! Oh yes, and in the afternoon we went swimming, but I couldn't swim so I became very upset and started to cry. In fact, I wouldn't stop crying so Mrs Gossage phoned my mother and she came to collect me early. I remember feeling very confused when I saw my mum! So much had happened! We went and had an ice cream and then I felt calm again. But what a day! I'll never forget it.

III.

1. Let's talk about family traditions. Why is family important for you?

2. Are there any family traditions that you follow?

3. What will you ask a British teenager about his her relatives?

4. What can you advise people who want to adopt an unusual family tradition?

5. Some people consider that old traditions glue families together. Do you agree with them?

Билет №3

I.1. Read the article and say in 2-3 sentences what it is about.