Ex.1 Comment on the following statement

Entering university is a real trial, but where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Ex.2 Read what Mike says about his entering university. Share your experience with a partner. Replace the words in bold by synonyms given in the box.

At school I made up my mind to enter the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics. I have always been interested in computers and programming languages and I think BSUIR is one of the leading universities in this field in our country. In June I left school and got my school leaving certificate. Then I took my centralized tests, passed them well and was admitted to the University. Now I am a first-year student and I study full-time. I like my studies at the University, though it takes much time toget ready for classes.

in my first year decided prepare was enrolled fond of

Ex.3 Read the text about BSUIR and say if you agree or disagree with the following statements:

1. Minsk Radioengineering Institute was founded in 1964.

2. In 1995 Minsk Radioengineering Institute was granted the status of university.

3. Today BSUIR is the leading university in the world in the field of computer science, radioelectronics and telecommunication.

4. Over 17 thousand students study at its 8 faculties.

5. First-year students study a lot of technical subjects.

6. Nowadays everybody admits the importance of learning foreign languages.

7. BSUIR provides good engineering education and good career prospects.

Ex.4 Name the faculties of the university and say which faculty you study at.

Ex.5 Name the specialities of the university and say what speciality you master.

Ex.6 Answer the following questions in pairs:

1. Who does the teaching staff consist of?

2. What subjects do first-year students study?

3. What subjects are given special attention to?

4. How long does the course of study last?

5. How many terms is the academic year divided into?

6. When do students take credits and exams?

7. What facilities for teaching has the university?

8. Where can students present the results of their research?

Ex.7 Read the following passage and speak about the difference between the Belarusian and British systems of education.

The academic year in Britain begins in September and is divided into three terms. Universities break up for the summer holiday in July. University courses normally last three years and then students graduate which means they receive their degree. At university teaching is conducted by tutorials (individual classes between a teacher and one of the students), seminars, lectures and course private study. Most people who receive a university place are given a grant by the government to help pay their fees and living expenses.

Ex.8 Read information about different kinds of classes and say which of them you do at university and you find the most interesting.

University offers theoretical and practical work. A theoretical course includes lectures. A lecture is a talk given in order to teach people about a particular subject. At the lectures you take notes. Those who miss a lecture usually copy the notes if they wish to be successful at the exam. A practical course consists of practicals, seminars, laboratory works and tutorials. A practical is a class in which you solve tasks or do some other assignments. A seminar is a class in which a teacher and a small group of students discuss a topic. When you have seminars, you spend a lot of time in the reading hall revising the material. A laboratory work means carrying out a scientific experiment and research. A tutorial is a regular meeting for a tutor and a small group of students.

Ex.9 Explain why it is necessary to learn foreign languages nowadays. What opportunities does the university offer?

Ex.10 Describe the students’ social life at university. Say if you would like to participate in different events organized at university.