Variety of other British higher institutions

One development in education in which Britain can claim to lead the world is the Open University. It was founded in 1969 in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire and is so called because it is open to all – this university does not require any formal academic qualifications to study for a degree, and many people who do not have an opportunity to be ‘ordinary’ students enroll. The university is non-residential and courses are mainly taught by special written course books and by programs on state radio and television. There are, however, short summer courses of about a week that the students have to attend and special part-time study centers where they can meet their tutors when they have problems.

There are also a variety of other British higher institutions, which offer higher education. Some, like the Royal College of Arts, the Cornfield Institute of Technology and various Business Schools, have university status, while others, such as agricultural, drama and arts colleges like the Royal Academy of Dramatics Arts (RADA) and the Royal college of Music provide comparable courses. All these institutions usually have a strong vocational aspect in their programs, which fills a specialized role in higher education.

Words and expressions

driving force – движущая сила

to assume – предполагать, допускать

enrolment – регистрация

to merge – сливаться, соединяться

oversea – зарубежный

virtually – фактически

semi-independent – полунезависимый

network – сеть, сообщество

chapel – часовня

to cater – угождать

to resemble – походить, иметь сходство

to admit – допускать, признавать

to comprise – включать, содержать               

pattern – система, образец
civil – гражданский                               

to cater – поставлять                              

to claim – претендовать, требовать
emphasize – осoбое значение                         

upgrade – подъём

elitist – отборнейший                                     

to enroll – регистрировать, записывать

via – через                                               

sheer – абсолютный
extra-mural – заочный                                     

honors’ degrees – почетные ступени             

noticeable – заметный                                     

to enable – давать возможность или право
to modify – видоизменять                     

workforce – рабочая сила
digestion – усвоение                              

grant – стипендия
loan – ссуда                                            

to fund – вкладывать, делать запас                

affluent – приток                                    

to worsen – ухудшаться      

Task 5. Match the English and Russian equivalents.

higher education                                  способности

entrance exam                            учебный год

skills                                           учебные пособия

abilities                                 творческая деятельность

academic year                            наука

Task 6. Give the English equivalents.

Ученый, предсказание, наблюдение, безработица, промышленный, модный, ценный, повторение, центральный, забывчивый, коллективный, соглашение, невозможный, исторический.

Task 7. Translate underlined words and phrases into English.

1.The aim of the government is увеличить the number of students who поступают в высшие учебные заведения.

Task 8. Practiсe the following dialogues.

At an International Conference.

Mr Clark, a British scientist, is talking to Oleg Smirnov, his Russian counterpart, at an international conference during a break.

Clark: Your recent experiments have been a great success, Mr Smirnov Congratulations!
Smirnov: Thank you very much. You've read my last article, then, haven't you?

C: Of course I have. I'm very interested in your research, and I hardly ever miss your publications. By the way, when are you going to give a talk on your work?

S: Some time next week at the Research Centre, but I can't tell you definitely yet.

C: Could you ring me up and let me know?

S: Certainly.

C: Thank you ever so.

A Television Interview.

Alexei Nikitin is a young film director who has just taken part in a film festival abroad. His film has won a prize, and he's going to give an interview on television. The interviewer's a TV reporter.

Interviewer: I'd like to congratulate you on your recent success.

Mr. Nikitin: Thank you very much.

I: Have you got any definite plans for the future?

N: Oh, yes. I'm going to make a television serial about pop singers. It's going to be a screen version of a novel which is a great success with the reading public just now.

I: Are you going to work with the same team?

N: Yes, it's going to be the same team, actually. We're all interested in making another film together.

I : And when are you starting work on the film?

N: We have actually started. We spent a month interviewing different singers, but that's only a beginning, of course. We've got to do a lot in the next few months.

I: Well, that was all very interesting. You've made great progress these last few years, and I wish you every success with your new film. Good luck!

N: Thanks.

3. At an Industrial Exhibition.

Boris Antonov is an engineer from a Moscow factory which is taking part in an industrial exhibition in Sokolniki Park. Mr Bennett, a businessman from Canada, is talking to Antonov, who's working at the exhibition as a guide.

Bennett: Have you seen our new model, Boris?

Antonov: Yes, and I must say it's a very up-to-date design. My congratulations!

B: Thanks I'm happy to hear that.

A: We're interested in buying some of these machines for our factories.

B: Are you? How many would you like to buy?

A: I can't give you a definite answer now, I think it may be quite a big order. Would you like to visit the factory and talk to the Director General?

B: I'd love to if you could arrange it soon, because I'm leaving Moscow next Saturday.

A: No problem, Mr Bennett.

B: Good. Thank you ever so much.

Task 9. Fill in the missing remarks.

l. A: May I speak to Mr Bell?
B: ___

A: Could I leave a message for him?
B:___

2. A: Is this 347-5166?
B: ___

A: This is Buchnev from the Russian University.
B: ___

3. А: ___

B: Sorry. The line is busy.

4. A: Sorry. Mr. Foot is on the line. Will you hold on, please?

B:___

5. A:___

B: I will call back later.

6. A: Sorry. Mr. Bradley is not available. Would you like to leave a message?

B:___
7. A: Sorry. There is no reply at his number.

B:___

8. A: May I have extension 75, please?

B:___

A: Well, yes, if it doesn't take too long.

9. A: You've got the wrong number.

B:___
A: That is all right.

10. A:___

B: This is 520-4824. But there is no one by the name of Scott here.

GRAMMAR EXERCISES