Task 13. Read the article about examinations at Cambridge and put the parts of the article in the right order.

Cambridge 'Tripos' exams

· This system means that it is theoretically possible (however unlikely) for students to do almost no work for two and a half years, cram like mad for the finals, and come out with a first class degree.

· Eventually, the examinations themselves, firstly in mathematics and later in all other subjects, were called Tripos.

· Students at Cambridge sit the so called 'Tripos' exams.

· But this system has an important advantage: students do not have to do their Part I and Part II in the same subject. This is a great bonus if you find you are doing the wrong course.

· Each Tripos consists of two parts. A student must pass both parts to get a degree.

· The name comes from a three-legged stool that was once used at graduation ceremonies. A senior graduate of the University sat on the stool and read poetry to entertain other graduates. The names of the graduates (the 'Tripos list') were printed on the back of the poems.

· Unlike many other universities, where the final grade of the degree is based on scores throughout the three years, a Cambridge grade is based purely on the score in the Part II.

Lesson 12. Higher education in Russia

Pre-reading

Task 1. Think of higher education in our country.

Choose the appropriate variant out of the answers given after every question.

 

1. Most young people are admitted to institutes and universities at the

age of ….

a) 19-20

b) 16-17

 

1. Most courses of studies at the higher educational institutions run for …….

a) less than 4 years

b) 5 years and more

 

1. Higher education in Russia is….

a) completely free

b) only paid

c) both free and fee-paying

 

1. Students of higher educational institutions who show good results in their studies receive a certain amount of money called…….

a) a grant

b) a salary

c) a honorary

 

 

Task 2. Think of the topic of higher education in our country and say what you think of the following points:

1. How many years do you have to study if you go to university after school and then to some postgraduate studies? Do you think it’s very hard to be a student of any higher educational institution in Russia?

2. Name all types of higher educational institutions in Russia which you know or learn from the text.

3. Do you see differences in educational systems in Britain and Russia?