Английский язык. Higher education

During one term or semester a student will study four or five different subjects. The students' progress is controlled through oral or written tests, term or course papers and a final examination in each course. Each part of a student's work in a course is given a mark which helps to determine his final grade. A student's record consists of his grade in each course. College grades are usually on a five-point scale: A — is the highest mark and is usually equal to 5 points, В = 4, C = 3,D = 2, E or F means failure. The points make it possible to calculate the GPA (grade point average). Normally, a minimum GPA of 3,5 points is necessary to continue their studies at the college or university and to graduate.

Each college or university has its own curriculum. There are courses that every student has to take in order to receive a degree. These courses or subjects are called major subjects or "majors". At the same time there are subjects, which the student may choose himself for his future life. These courses are called "electives". A student has to earn a certain number of "credits" (about 120) in order to receive a degree at the end of four years of college. Credits are earned by attending lectures or laboratory classes and completing assignments and examinations. One credit usually equals one hour of class per week in a single course during the semester.

Thus, we see that the American system of higher education gives the student much choice which he may realize according to his will. His achievements in his studies and future work depend upon himself. At the same time many Americans are not satisfied with the condition of higher education in their country. The high tuition fees make it difficult for low-paid American families to send their children to university. This is especially true for young people from minority groups — the Blacks, Asians, etc. Though much is spent by the state for education, American universities complain that these funds are becoming smaller with every new year. The equipment which is used at the universities for research is not modern enough, and the universities do not have the money to install new equipment. Under such conditions tuition fees are growing and many talented young people cannot receive higher education. Critics point out that one of every eight highly talented high school graduates does not go on to university or college, and only half the students who enter college for a bachelor's degree actually achieve their aim. All these problems are widely discussed today in American society.

ACTIVITY D

READING COMPREHENSION

PART I

DIRECTIONS:

Fill in the blank with the correct word:

It is not easy to enter a college or a university in the United States, because they may accept only one out of every ten who … .

Applicants are usually chosen on the basis of their high school … .

Among the four types of higher education institutions there is the two-year, or … …, which is financed by the local authorities and which is intended for local needs.

After four years of studies at a four-year college the graduates receive the degree of … … …, or … … … .

More students study at public institutions of higher education because … fees here are much lower.

When a student applies for aid, an analysis is made of the parents' … .

Many universities in the USA do not have the money … new equipment which is necessary for research.

PART II

DIRECTIONS:

Complete the sentence with the best answer (a, b or c) according to the information in the text:

1. Out of more than three million students who graduate from high school each year

a) most of them continue their studies and receive higher education

b) about one million go on for higher education

c) about one half join the workforce

The technical training institution is intended for high school graduates

to learn different technical skills and trades necessary for industry

to develop their knowledge of. foreign languages

to receive the degrees of bachelor of arts, or of science

Of the four-year institutions 28 percent are public and 72 percent are private, but

most of the students study at public institutions

most of the students study at private institutions

the tuition fee is the same for both types of higher school

During one term or semester a student will study

four or five different subjects

both majors and electives

many subjects that he will need in future life

Though much is spent by the state for education

American universities complain that these funds are becoming smaller with every new year

American universities receive much support from rich people

much money is received by the universities from their research programmes

PART III

DIRECTIONS: