Foreign languages in Students’ lives

Ø 1) Find Russian equivalents to the extracurricular activities mentioned in the text.

Students’ life in the Karelian Branch of the North-West Academy of Public Administration in Petrozavodsk is quite diverse and intensive. All the necessary conditions for extracurricular activities supplementing the study process have been created in the Karelian Branch. The Students’ Council, a body of students’ self-government, has been functioning in the Karelian Branch since 1999.

The cohesive plan of extracurricular activities consists of the following events:

· maintaining the Karelian Branch’s traditions (the AIDS Prevention Day, the Anti-Smoking Day);

· leisure activities (Merry and Witty Guys Club, Beauty Contest, Best Video Contest, Best Group Monitor Contest, etc.);

· sport events (the sports club and volleyball, football and mini-football teams; activities devoted to the International Health Day).

Do the students need foreign languages for their extracurricular activities? Of course they do! They get ready for the Evening Parties in Foreign Languages during which they recite, perform, dance, joke, and sing in all the languages they have mastered.

Some students use foreign languages to find exciting information on any subject that is of interest to them. Then they share the information with fellow students by placing it at Polyglot Corner in the academy.

The speakers of different languages are regularly invited to the Karelian Branch. Such meetings of native speakers and students are naturally held in foreign languages.

The scientific-research work of students is provided, too. The interregional scientific conference of students and post-graduate students called “Management: History, Science, and Culture” has already become a tradition. Ten sections contribute to the work of this conference, including the foreign languages section “Management, Leadership, Culture.” Students make reports in English, German, French, and in Finnish. Day-department students as well as correspondence students and foreign students take part in the conference.

The annual events organized in the Karelian Branch are “Derzhavin Readings,” “The Week of Science,” public lectures of scientists from the Karelian Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Science, from Petrozavodsk State University, and from the Karelian State Pedagogical Academy. Thus, the students of the Karelian Branch of the North-West Academy of Public Administration understand the role of science in contemporary world and value the work of modern scientists. The students also understand the role of foreign languages in their future career.

Ø 2) Answer the questions:

a) You are a socially active student, aren’t you?

b) Which of the mentioned events would you like to take part in?

c) Should students be involved in extracurricular activities or should they devote their free time to studying only?

 

Ø 3) Agree or disagree with the statements:

a) “Students’ life in the Karelian Branch of NWAPA is quite diverse and intensive.”

b) “The students of the Karelian Branch of NWAPA understand the role of science in contemporary world and value the work of modern scientists.”

c) “The students also understand the role of foreign languages in their future career.”

 

UNIT 2. GENERAL ENGLISH

GIVING PERSONAL INFORMATION

Ø 1) Answer the questions:

a) When did you last fill in a form in Russian? What for?

b) Do you know how to fill in a form in English?

 

Jim: Your painting is fantastic, Roger!
Roger: I’m happy you like it. It’s for a competition. Here’s the form.

Jim: Right. OK, here are the questions.... Your hands are dirty.
Roger:... from painting! What are the questions? Here’s a pen (gives him a pen to fill the form in)

Jim: What’s your name?
Roger: Oh, that’s difficult... Roger!

Jim: Ha, ha. What’s your surname?
Roger: I’m not sure...

Jim: Very funny! OK, surname – Tailor.
Roger: Yes, that’s it!

Jim: Next question, please. Are you married or single?
Roger: Single. I’m sure about that!

Jim: What’s your address?
Roger: 72 London Road.

Jim:... and what are your hobbies?
Roger: Hmmm.... painting, going windsurfing and watching TV.

Jim:... OK, last question. What’s your telephone number?
Roger: 0343 897 6514

Jim: 0343 897 6514 – I got it. Where’s an envelope?
Roger: Over there...

 

Ø 2) Say what these answers refer to:

a) Roger

b) Tailor

c) single

d) 72 London Road

e) painting, going windsurfing and watching TV

f) 0343 897 6514

2.2 TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY!

Ø 1) Read the text and answer the questions:

a) Who is David? Who is Daniela? Who are Allan, Cecilia, Brian, Jenny, and Jason?

b) What is David? What is Daniela? What are Allan and Cecilia?

c) Where do the family members live?

d) What is special about each of the family member?

e) What are the family members fond of?

 

I think that a family is the most important thing for every person. Family is the people that always love you, support you and help you. For me, it is impossible to live without my family. My family is rather large. There are my parents, a brother, a twin sister and grandparents. We are from Vermont, the USA. We live in the suburbs of Bristol in a cottage. It takes us only half an hour to get to the city by car.

My Dad’s name is David. He is a plastic surgeon; he helps people to become more beautiful. He is a professional and he is fond of his job. My Daddy does his work very well and gets a very good salary. When he is free, he prefers to repair the car or to watch the news on TV. My Mum’s name is Daniela but we cal her Danny for short. She is a housewife. She looks after the house and us, the kids. Mum makes very tasty breakfasts and dinners for us. Our Mummy is very kind, but strict to us. She always checks how we do our homework. She arranges our free time, so that we cannot just fool around. In her spare time she enjoys knitting, sewing, embroidering, and baking. She is also very good at gardening.

My elder brother, Jason, is a student of the medical faculty. He wants to become a good surgeon, like our father. Besides he is also a member of the local theatre club. He plays main parts in several plays. He is a real theater-lover. Jason lives alone in a hostel but he comes to visit us twice a month.

My twin sister Jenny is finishing school this year. But she has not yet made up her mind about her future profession. On the one hand she is fond of animals and can become a vet, on the other hand she is very good at mathematics and knows some complex computer programs. Maybe she will have a year off to think over her future possibilities. My sister is such a sweet-tooth!

Our grandparents, Allan and Cecilia, are scientists. Grandfather is a historian and grandmother is a linguist. They are over sixty, and they are retired but they still give lectures in different universities and write serious books. They live apart from us, in a condominium complex in Birmingham. But we phone each other regularly to find out the news.

I have also got many relatives. I’ve got two aunts, one uncle, and three cousins. We keep in touch by e-mail or by phone since they live in Europe and we seldom meet each other.

As for me, my name is Brian. I have always loved music. I can play the guitar and piano very well. I am also good at singing. I love all kinds of music, but mostly I prefer rock. After school I am planning to enter the music college, because I want to become a professional musician. At the same time I want to have my own rock band. I dream of being famous!

Everyone in our family is rather busy, but we always look forward to a possibility to spend some time together. We all get on very well with each other. My family means a lot to me and I can say that “My family is my castle.”

Ø 2) Prove that this family is supportive and united.

Ø 3) Name the useful words and expressions from the text to talk about your own family.

 

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

Ø 1) Read the text and answer the questions:

a) Where is the flat situated?

b) How many rooms are there in the flat?

c) What modern conveniences are there in the flat?

e) Which room is the coziest, the most spacious, the quietest?

d) How many people live in the flat?

We live in a nice flat in a new block of flats in a new town district. Our flat is on the fifth floor of a nine-storied building. It has all modern conveniences: central heating, running hot and cold water, electricity, gas, a lift and a chute to carry rubbish down. We have a three-room flat which consists of a living-room, a bedroom, a study (which is also my room), a kitchen, a bathroom and a toilet. There are also two closets and a balcony in our flat.

The living-room is the largest and the most comfortable room in the flat. In the middle of the room there is a round dinner-table with six chairs around it. To the left of the dinner-table there is a wall-unit which has several sections: a sideboard, a wardrobe and some shelves. At the opposite wall there is a piano. To the right there is a little table with a TV set on it. Opposite the TV set there are two cozy armchairs. In front of the armchairs there is a small round table for newspapers and magazines. A sofa and a standard lamp are in the left-hand corner of the room. There is a bright thick carpet on the floor. Two water-colors by popular local painters hang on the wall above the sofa. The room is spacious, light, and very cozy.

The bedroom is smaller than the living-room and not so light as there is only one window in it. The window faces the yard so it is quiet in the room. In this room there is one double bed, a dressing-table and a wardrobe. On the dressing table there is an alarm-clock, plenty of bottles of perfume, and a small lamp with red lamp-shade. In the corner of the bedroom there is a green plant with big leaves.

Our study is the smallest room in the flat, but in spite of it, it is very cozy. There isn’t much furniture in it, but there are a lot of shelves full of books. There is a writing table with a notebook on it, an armchair and a bookcase, too. An exercise bicycle stands in the right-hand corner of the study. Besides, there is a small sofa near the wall opposite the bookcase. The mirror on the wall makes the room look larger. This room was my father’s study, but as I grew older, it has become my room. And in my opinion it is the best room in our flat because I decorated it myself. The room is in the oriental style with orange, red, and yellow cushions, curtains, bed covers and a carpet. There are many souvenirs from different countries, my favorite photos in frames, a number of exotic statuettes, and lots of plants in my room. I am proud to have a nice aquarium with a turtle in it. My friends often come to my place to have a chat or to play chess in the evening, and they say that my room is very comfortable. I agree with their opinion.

Ø 2) Draw the layout of the furniture in the living-room. Do you like it? What would you change in it?

Ø 3) What typical furniture can be found in a kitchen?

Ø 4) Would you like to have a study like the one described in the text? What is your idea on an ideal place of living?

Ø 5) Talk about the place you live in, and your neighbour will draw schematically the layout of the furniture in your room.

 

HAVE YOU GOT A HOBBY?

Ø 1) Read the text and answer the questions:

a) How are hobbies classified?

b) What examples of hobbies are given for each category?

c) How old can the author of the text be?

A hobby is what a person likes to do in his/her spare time. Hobbies are divided into four large classes: doing things, making things, collecting things, and learning things.

The most popular hobby is doing things. It includes a wide variety of activities, everything from gardening to traveling and from chess to volleyball. Gardening is one of the oldest man’s hobbies. It is a well-known fact that the English are very fond of gardening and growing flowers, especially roses. Many people play musical instruments. Both grown-ups and children are fond of playing computer games. This is a relatively new hobby but it is becoming more and more popular.

Making things includes drawing, painting, making sculpture, designing costumes, handicrafts, writing music, and others.

Almost everyone collects something at some period of life: stamps, coins, matchboxes, books, records, postcards, toys, watches, and other things. Some collections don’t have real value. Others become so large and so valuable that they are presented in museums and art galleries. Rich people often collect paintings, rare books, and other art objects.

No matter what kind of hobby a person has, he/she always has the opportunity of learning from it. Learning things can be the most exciting aspect of a hobby.

As far as I am concerned, I like to listen to music. I try to find everything about my favorite singers. I also like to watch music programs on TV. I want to keep up with the news in the world of music. Of course, I like to spend my spare time with my friends. We talk about all sorts of things (politics, cars, girls). We discuss films, books, TV programs. When the weather is fine, we like to be in the open air. We go cycling or roller-skating in summer, and skiing or skating in winter. We have a lot of fun together.

Ø 2) Add more hobbies to these four categories.

NEA’S HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

 

Ø 1) Answer the questions:

a) Are you often busy?

b) What do you usually do in your spare time?

 

Ø 2) Read the text and say if your hobbies are similar to Nea’s.

 

Nea has a lot of hobbies and interests. She usually gets up early so she can jog before work. She doesn’t often have time to ski, but she occasionally goes skiing on Saturdays during the winter. Nea regularly rides a horse. She sometimes goes to the stable near her home after work, but she usually goes horseback riding on Sundays. She loves music. She always goes to choir practice on Wednesday evenings and sings in church on Sundays. She doesn’t have much extra money, so she rarely goes to concerts in the city. She seldom watches TV because she likes doing things outside. She usually goes to the gym if it’s raining. She isn’t often alone because she has a lot of friends. She’s a happy and sociable woman!

 

Ø 3) Choose the best answer to the questions:

a) Why does she usually get up early? (to run before work; to go to work; to have breakfast)

b) How often does she ski? (often; occasionally; rarely)

c) How often does she ride a horse? (every day; often; never)

d) When doe she usually go horseback riding? (after work; on Saturdays; on Sundays)

e) What kind of music does she like doing? (playing the violin; singing; playing the piano)

f) How often does she go to concerts in the city? (every Sunday; rarely; never)

g) How often does she watch TV? (every night; seldom; never)

h) What does she usually do if it’s raining? (she goes outside; goes to the gym; calls friends)

i) How often is she alone? (often; not often; usually)

 

 

PHYSICAL Exercise

 

Ø 1) Answer the questions:

a) Do you exercise?

b) What is your exercise program?

c) Why did you choose this kind of exercise?

d) Do you find it necessary to exercise?

e) Can exercise be substituted by anything else?

 

In an urban civilization exercise is necessary as a means of keeping fit. What type of exercise is the best? How much of it is good? Why do some people exercise and others not?

Many people are engaged in various exercise programs such as jogging swimming, cycling, skiing and so on. The benefits of exercise are: fun, fitness, and health. The problem is where to begin. People who are out of shape often see it as an impossible task the more so because the results are not immediate but depend on regularity. It is regularity of activity that will get you back into shape.

The basic form of exercise is running. Running is something that just about all physically healthy people can do. Basketball players run, swimmers run, even race-car drivers run. And I suggest that you do too.

When you run start out slowly at an easy jog. If you jog regularly you will be surprised at how quickly you will notice the results. But do not compete with other runners. That is a common temptation.

Skiing is also very popular. The fact is that you can learn to ski in a week and enjoy all Sundays and vacations in winter. The new skier should buy skis, boots, and ski poles. You needn’t start buying fancy clothes. Fashionable ski wear will come later when you learn to ski.

Some people perform yoga. Yoga is not a religion. It is a simple practical method of exercise. The exercises are simple, easy to perform, and don’t involve a great deal of strain.

 

Ø 2) Answer the questions on the text:

a) Why is it necessary to exercise?

b) What are the simplest kinds of exercise for beginners? Why?

c) What is the most important principle in exercise?

d) What is the basic form of exercise? Why?

e) What should a new skier buy first of all?

f) What is yoga?

 

ARE YOU FOND OF PETS?

Ø 1) Do you keep a pet? What pet is it? Why do you keep it? What irritates you about your pet? Have you had any funny situations that happened to your pets?

I think that it is very important to have a pet at home. It absolutely does not matter, what kind of animal it is. It can be a cat, a dog, a hamster, a turtle, a parrot, or even a gold fish. Cats and dogs are the most popular pets in many countries. For me, cats are the most incredible and mystic animals. I love cats because they are warm, fluffy, and independent. Cats let us stroke them and purr with pleasure. It is convenient to keep these domestic animals.

Dogs are a man’s best friends. Dogs are extremely clever and understand everything you tell them. Keeping a dog in a flat can be problematic because you need to walk it two or three times a day. Another problem is that our flats are relatively small even for small dogs.

In eastern countries cats and dogs are exotic pets. People there mostly keep birds that are usually smaller than parrots. The reason for keeping birds is that cities in eastern countries are overpopulated, so there are not enough parks and squares. If I had an opportunity, I would definitely keep a bright bird at home, but unfortunately I am allergic to bird feathers.

Personally I do not understand when people keep fish. Fish, big or small, do not speak. You cannot touch it. Keeping fish is a very difficult and money demanding process.

People usually keep hamsters, rabbits, rats, and mice to teach children to take care of animals and to be human. Besides, these animals are funny and noiseless.

It is very interesting when somebody has exotic and even dangerous pets, such as spiders, cockroaches, snakes, and frogs. But one must be a real professional. Otherwise the animals will die or harm somebody. I would choose to keep frogs in an aquarium. I think they are really nice and energetic. And some frogs have beautiful voices. So, you can choose any pet but you must love it. I cannot understand how people live without pets. Can you?

Ø 2) Find adjectives that describe pets in the text.

Ø 3) Find expressions that show your personal opinion in the text.

CHOOSING A PEN PAL

Ø 1) Read about Helga and choose a pen pal for her.

Helga, 31 years old, comes from Germany and speaks French, English and Russian. She would like a pen pal who is interested in exchanging ideas about language learning. She does not like using computers for learning and believes that language learning can only happen in a classroom.

a) Alessandro, 25 years old, comes from Rome. He is interested in finding a pen pal who speaks different languages and can exchange ideas on using the computer for learning purposes. He likes playing tennis and football in his free time.

b) Jack, 27, is from London. His favorite pastime is learning languages. He goes to evening German and French classes and uses his computer to improve his German and French by visiting Internet sites.

c) Kim Lee, 19 years old, comes from Seoul, South Korea. Kim loves traveling and hopes to visit Great Britain in the future. He would like a pen pal who is interested in discussing the differences between life in Europe and life in Asia. He loves listening to pop music and playing football in his free time.

d) Elisabeth, 35 years old, comes from Sydney, Australia. She likes learning languages, but does not like using modern technology. She is interested in finding a pen pal who also enjoys learning languages in a traditional manner.

e) Olga, 32 years old, comes from Moscow, Russia. She is a historian and would like to find a pen pal who is interested in discussing the history of Russia. She is not interested in comparing different political systems.

f) Pietro, 42 years old, comes from Argentina. He is a businessman and would like to find a pen pal who is also a businessperson and lives in North America. He is married with three children and likes using the Internet in his free time.

Ø 2) Which of these people would you choose as a pen pal?

Ø 3) Write a paragraph about yourself in a similar way and find “a pen pal” among your classmates.

WHAT IS YOUR ZODIAC SIGN?

Ø 1) What is your zodiac sign? What is your opinion on the zodiac signs system?

Ø 2) Below are descriptions of zodiac signs. Read about your sign, and then agree or disagree with the given information.

Capricorn – The Go-Getter (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19). Patient and wise. Practical and rigid. Ambitious. Tends to be good-looking. Humorous and funny. Can be a bit shy and reserved. Often pessimistic. Capricorn tends to act before he thinks and can be unfriendly at times. Holds grudges. Likes competition. Gets what he wants.

Aquarius – The Sweetheart (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18). Optimistic and honest. Has a sweet personality. Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. Friendly and loyal. Can seem unemotional. Can be a bit rebellious. Very stubborn, but original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out. Has an eccentric personality.

Pisces – The Dreamer (Feb. 19 – Mar. 20). Generous, kind, and thoughtful. Very creative and imaginative. May become secretive and vague. Sensitive. Doesn’t like details. Dreamy and unrealistic. Sympathetic and loving. Kind. Unselfish. A good kisser. Beautiful.

Aries – The Daredevil (Mar. 21 - April 19). Energetic. Adventurous and spontaneous. Confident and enthusiastic. Fun. Loves a challenge. Extremely impatient. Sometimes selfish. Is easily angered. Lively, passionate. Has a sharp wit. Outgoing. Loses interest quickly – gets easily bored. Egotistical. Courageous and assertive. Tends to be physical and athletic.

Taurus – The Enduring One (April 20 - May 20). Charming but aggressive. Can come off as boring, but he is not. Hard workers. Warm-hearted. Strong, has endurance. A solid being that is stable and secure in his way. Doesn’t look for shortcuts. Takes pride in his beauty. Patient and reliable. Makes great friends and gives good advice. Loving and kind. Loves hard. Passionate. Expresses himself emotionally. Is prone to ferocious temper-tantrums. Determined. Indulges himself often. Very generous.

Gemini – The Chatterbox (May 21 - June 20). Smart and witty. Outgoing, very chatty. Lively, energetic. Adaptable but needs to express himself. Argumentative and outspoken. Likes change. Versatile. Busy, sometimes nervous and tense. Likes to gossip. May seem superficial or inconsistent. Beautiful physically and mentally.

Cancer – The Protector (June 21 - July 22). Moody, emotional. May be shy. Very loving and caring. Pretty / handsome. An excellent partner for life. Protective. Inventive and imaginative. Cautious. Touchy-feely kind of person. Needs love from others. Is easily hurt. Sympathetic.

Leo – The Boss (July 23 – Aug. 22). Very organized. Needs order in his life – likes being in control. Likes boundaries. Tends to take over everything. Bossy. Likes to help others. Social and outgoing. Extroverted. Generous, warm-hearted. Sensitive. Creative energy. Full of himself. Loving. Doing the right thing is important to Leo. Attractive.

Virgo – The Perfectionist (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22). Dominant in relationships. Conservative. Always wants the last word. Argumentative. Worries a lot. Very smart. Dislikes noise and chaos. Eager. Hardworking. Loyal. Beautiful. Easy to talk to. Hard to please. Harsh. Practical and very fussy. Often shy. Pessimistic.

Libra – The Harmonizer (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22). Nice to everyone he meets. Can’t make up his mind. Has his own unique appeal. Creative, energetic, and very sociable. Hates to be alone. Peaceful, generous. Very loving and beautiful. Flirtatious. Gives in too easily. Procrastinator. Very gullible.

Scorpio – The Intense One (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21). Very energetic. Intelligent. Can be jealous and/or possessive. Hardworking. A great kisser. Can become obsessive or secretive. Holds grudges. Attractive. Determined. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Romantic. Can be self-centered at times. Passionate and emotional.

Sagittarius – The Happy-Go-Lucky One (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21). A good-natured optimist. Doesn’t want to grow up (Peter Pan Syndrome). Indulges himself. Boastful. Likes luxuries and gambling. Social and outgoing. Doesn’t like responsibility. Often fantasizes. Impatient. Fun to be around. Has lots of friends. Flirtatious. Doesn’t like rules. Sometimes hypocritical. Dislikes to be confined by tight spaces or even tight clothes. Doesn’t like being doubted. Beautiful inside and out.

Ø 3) Provide real-life examples to prove that you have (or don’t have) the qualities mentioned in the description of your zodiac sign.

Ø 4) Read the descriptions of other zodiac signs and find more adjectives to characterize yourself.