Oxford and Cambridge — a Pride of Great Britain

Read the text.

Oxford and Cambridge — a Pride of Great Britain

Oxford University

Oxford University is England’s oldest institution of higher learning. It is a federation of 39 colleges, each with its own structure and activities.

The town of Oxford was already an important center of learning by the end of the 12th century. Teachers from mainland Europe and other scholars settled there, and lectures are known to be delivered by as early as 1117.

Sometime in the late 12th century the expulsion of foreigners from the University of Paris caused many English scholars to return from France and settle in Oxford.

Members of many religious orders, including Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelites, and Augustinians, settled in Oxford in the mid-13th century, gained influence, and maintained houses for students. At about the same time, private benefactors established colleges to serve as self-contained scholarly communities. Among the earliest were Balliol College and Merton College. They became the model for such establishments at Oxford as well as at the University of Cambridge.

There are 39 colleges within the university, each with its own internal structure and activities. The university’s formal head is the chancellor, usually a distinguished politician, elected for life by the members of Convocation, a body comprising all members of the university who hold an M.A. degree.

The university itself conducts examinations and confers degrees. The passing of two examinations is a prerequisite for a first degree. Research degrees at the master’s and doctoral level are conferred in all subjects studied at graduate level at the university.

The University of Oxford’s total student population numbers over 16,500. Almost a quarter of these students are from overseas, and more than 130 nationalities are represented among our student body.

Over 5,000 students are engaged in postgraduate work. Of these, around 3,000 are working in the arts and humanities.

Every year 17,000 people take part in courses offered by the University’s Department for Continuing Education. Latest figures show that only 5.5 per cent of Oxford graduates were unemployed six months after graduation, compared with the national sector average of over 6 per cent.

Students and staff are currently involved in over 55 initiatives to encourage the brightest and best students to apply to Oxford, whatever their background, and are in contact with more than 3700 schools and colleges.

Oxford’s current academic community includes over 70 Fellows of the Royal Society and over 100 Fellows of the British Academy.

The University employs over 7,300 staff, including some 3,700 academic staff. In total, over 16,000 jobs are supported directly and indirectly by the University, the Colleges, Oxford University Press and University spin-out companies.

Cambridge University

Cambridge University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Founded in the 13th century, it is also one of the oldest educational institutions in Europe. Among its many distinguished graduates were Charles Darwin, John Maynard Keynes, Oliver Cromwell, and John Milton. It is the second oldest university in Great Britain after the University of Oxford. It is located in the city of Cambridge.

Several religious orders, including the Franciscans and Dominicans, established houses of residence and affiliated schools in Cambridge early in the 12th century. Students of the University of Oxford and the University of Paris left to study in Cambridge in the 13th century. By the year 1209 the University of Cambridge had been formed. The origin of the colleges is traced to the associations of students, distinct from religiously affiliated groups, who began to reside in independent hostels, or halls.

In 1318 Pope John XXII issued a bull recognizing Cambridge as a studium generale, or place of study; that is, a university. Five new colleges were established during the 14th century, four in the 15th, and six in the 16th; not until the 19th century were other colleges founded.

The University of Cambridge is a system of faculties, departments, and 31 independent colleges. Although the colleges and the university are separate corporations, all are parts of an integrated educational entity. The university examines candidates for degrees during their residency and at the conclusion of their studies; confers degrees; regulates the curricula of the colleges and the system of education; deals with disciplinary problems; and administers facilities, such as libraries, lecture rooms, and laboratories, that are beyond the scope of the colleges. The colleges provide their students with lodgings and meals, assign tutors, and offer social, cultural, and athletic activities. Every student at the University of Cambridge is a member of a college.

The academic year is divided into three terms of approximately eight weeks each: Michaelmas (autumn), Lent (late winter), and Easter (spring). Students are required to be in residence for the duration of each term. Much of the year’s work is done, however, out of term time, during the vacations. Students study under supervisors, usually members of the college’s faculties who maintain close relationships with the small groups of students in their charge and assist them in preparing for university exams.

Bachelor of arts degrees may be conferred, upon the satisfactory completion of exams, after nine terms or three years of residency. Other degrees conferred by the university include the master of arts and doctor of philosophy degrees, and higher doctorates in law, medicine, music, science, and theology.

(After www.ox.ac.uk/aboutoxford/facts/ and www. paksearch.com/globe/2001/feb/university.htm; Microsoft Encarta)

Exercises and Assignments

1. Insert articles if necessary without using the text.

1.... teachers from mainland Europe and other scholars settled there, and lectures are known to be delivered by as early as 1117.

2. The university examines candidates for... degrees during their residency and at the conclusion of their studies.

3. Over 5,000 students are engaged in... postgraduate work.

4. The origin of the colleges is traced to... associations of students, distinct from religiously affiliated groups, who began to reside in independent hostels, or... halls.

5. There are 39 colleges within the university, each with its own internal structure and... activities.

6. It is... second oldest university in Great Britain after the University of Oxford.

7. Oxford’s current academic community includes over 70 Fellows of... Royal Society and over 100 Fellows of... British Academy.

2. Insert prepositions if necessary without using the text.

1. Research degrees... the master’s and doctoral level are conferred... all subjects studied at graduate level at the university.

2. The academic year is divided... three terms of approximately eight weeks each.

3.... about the same time, private benefactors established colleges to serve as self-contained scholarly communities.

4. The university deals... disciplinary problems and administers facilities.

5. Students and staff are currently involved... over 55 initiatives to encourage the brightest and best students to apply... Oxford.

6. Students study under supervisors, usually members of the college’s faculties who maintain close relationships... the small groups of students in their charge and assist them in preparing... university exams.

7. The town of Oxford was already an important centre of learning... the end of the 12th century.

3. Insert matching words without using the text.

1. The origin of the colleges is traced to the... of students, distinct from religiously affiliated groups, who began to reside in independent hostels, or halls.

2. The university regulates the... of the colleges and the system of education.

3. The university itself conducts examinations and confers....

4. Among its many distinguished... were Charles Darwin, John Maynard Keynes, Oliver Cromwell, and John Milton.

5. Members of many religious orders, including Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelites, and Augustinians, settled in Oxford in the mid-13th century, gained..., and maintained houses for students.

6. In 1318 Pope John XXII issued a bull recognizing Cambridge as a studium generale, or place of study; that is, a....

7. The University of Cambridge is a system of..., departments, and 31 independent colleges.

4. Complete the sentences without using the text.

1. The town of Oxford was already an important centre of....

2. Latest figures show that only 5.5 per cent of Oxford graduates....

3. The academic year is divided into three terms of....

4. Students of the University of Oxford and the University of Paris left....

5. Teachers from mainland Europe and....

6. Every year 17,000 people take part in courses....

7. There are 39 colleges within the university,....

8. Cambridge University is one of the most....

9. Sometime in the late 12th century the expulsion...

5. Agree or disagree with the statements.

1. Teachers from mainland Europe and other scholars settled in Oxford as early as 1117.

1. There are 41 colleges within the university of Oxford, each with its own internal structure and activities.
2. The university itself conducts examinations and confers degrees.
3. Over 15,000 students are engaged in postgraduate work at Oxford.
4. Oxford’s current academic community includes over 70 Fellows of the Royal Society and over 100 Fellows of the British Academy.
5. Cambridge University was founded in the 13th century.
6. Among Cambridge distinguished graduates were Charles Darwin, John Maynard Keynes, Oliver Cromwell, and John Milton.
7. In 1318 Pope John XII issued a bull recognizing Cambridge as a studium generale, or place of study; that is, a university.
8. The University of Cambridge is a system of faculties, departments, and 29 independent colleges.
9. At Oxford the academic year is divided into two terms.
10. Bachelor of Arts degrees may be conferred, upon the satisfactory completion of exams, after nine terms or three years of residency.

6. Put 11 question to the text. Ask your colleagues to answer the questions.

7. Using lexical units of the Text tell about the educational establishment you are studying at.

8. Translate the following sentences from Russian into English.

1. Ты давно живешь в общежитии? - Нет, не очень, всего полгода. Раньше я снимал квартиру с моим хорошим другом. - Ну и почему же ты решил переселиться в общежитие? - Видишь ли, жизнь в общежитии имеет много недостатков, но есть также и очевидные преимущества. Например, мне не приходится платить за жилье такую уйму денег.
2. После того как я закончу факультет автоматизации, я собираюсь поступить на факультет прикладной математики. - О Господи, ты еще что, не устал от экзаменов - вступительных, выпускных, и т. д. и т. п. - Ну, экзамены - это не самое страшное в жизни. Необходимость сдавать экзамены не приводит меня в замешательство. Если попрактиковаться, то выдержать экзамен совсем несложно. Мне кажется, что гораздо сложнее провалиться на экзамене. Ведь преподаватель тоже человек.
3. Когда он закончит свои фундаментальные исследования в области физики высоких давлений? - У меня нет никаких сомнений, что он еще долго будет работать над этой проблемой.
4. О чем он так долго говорил вчера на семинаре? - Ты знаешь, меня абсолютно не интересует тема его выступления. На мой взгляд, это - чистая наука. А меня больше интересуют прикладные исследования.
5. Мой друг очень деятельный человек. Он легко усваивает все необходимые данные и факты. Благодаря этому он часто оказывается в лучшем положении, чем его друзья. Я всегда горжусь, когда слышу, как он без колебаний доказывает свою точку зрения или распутывает самые сложные задачи.
6. Почему ты опять лег спать в 2 часа ночи? Я понимаю, что по сравнению с пятницей — это почти рано. Опять читал какой-то «удивительно захватывающий» детектив? - Ну что ты, мама, я все время готовил задание по английcкому языку. Нам было задано перевести на английский язык очень длинное упражнение. - Можно подумать, тебе присудят за твой перевод ученую степень. - Все должно делаться вовремя.

7. Что послужило причиной этой ссоры? Ведь вам всегда удавалось поддерживать хорошие отношения. А после зимних каникул вы все время ссоритесь.

8. Считается, что она всегда уладит любой спор или даже ссору. Меня удивляет, как ей удается поддерживать дружеские отношения практически со всеми одногрупниками.

9. Мне кажется, что преимущества хорошего образования очевидны. - Да, безусловно, но ведь чтобы получить хорошее образование, необходимо много и упорно работать. Многие не понимают, что это является необходимым условием успеха.

1. Твоего брата все считают очень деятельным человеком. - Да, это действительно так. Кроме этого, он человек разносторонних знаний. Его просто невозможно смутить каким-либо сложным вопросом.
2. Твоя мама уже более 30 лет не только воспитывает детей, но и обучает их иностранным языкам. Ей все время удается открывать перспективных учеников. Я знаю, что некоторые из них стали выдающимися учеными, и, по крайней мере, двое - хорошо известными писателями.

12. У меня нет никаких сомнений, что к началу года он успешно завершит свое исследование. - Ну и чем он займется, когда это его фундаментальное исследование будет завершено? Ведь он же очень активный человек и, к тому же, серьезный ученый. Он не может сидеть без дела. - Насколько я его знаю, без работы он не останется. Начнет исследовать еще что-нибудь.

13. Как, ты еще не уехал? Но ведь ты уже вчера собирался уехать с друзьями на выходные. Чем вызвано изменение твоих планов? - Ты знаешь, нам пообещали курс лекций по квантовой физике. Эти лекции с понедельника будет читать профессор Смит из Оксфордского университета. Поэтому я остался. Ты же знаешь, что его исследования меня очень интересуют. Я хочу сравнить его точку зрения на некоторые проблемы с точкой зрения наших ученых.

14. Ты через два года заканчиваешь университет. Как ты представляешь себе свою новую самостоятельную жизнь? - Честно говоря, я об этом не думал. Самостоятельная жизнь требует, на мой взгляд, не слов, а дел.

15. Ты не знаешь, какие предметы включает в себя учебный план этого семестра? - Не знаю точно, но по сравнению с прошлым семестром, у нас в расписании больше теоретических дисциплин.

16. Возможно, нам удастся создать такие условия, при которых студент, не выполняющий требования учебного плана, будет не только находится в невыгодном положении по сравнению со своими однокурсниками, но и понимать эту невыгодность.

17. Нам предложили поддержать предложение студентов о реконструкции общежития. Хотя эта просьба сначала привела нас в замешательство, после некоторых колебаний мы решили все же поддержать ее.

9. Let’s have a rest a little. Read a short dialogue. Make up your own reply to the Harry’s words.

Harry: Teacher, will you scold a boy for something he didn’t do?

Teacher: Of course not.

Harry: That’s good, I didn’t do my homework.

Teacher:...

10. Hold a discussion.

What is a goal of home assignments?

Get divided into two groups. Each group finds arguments to back their opinion.

a) Home assignments are outdated. The things which pupils didn’t understand at classes, they don’t understand if they do them at home. Home assignment is a waste of time and efforts. It’s just an imitation of useful activity.

b) Home assignments are to consolidate skills and knowledge of pupils or

students. Besides they help to learn working independently with books and various auxiliary aids.

11. Translate into your native language the following word combinations without using a dictionary.

1. written examination - oral examination - entrance examination final examination - competitive examination

2. religious community - community of monks - Greek community - Turkish community

3. social activity - classroom activities - literary activities - know-how activity - out-of-school activities

4. research workers - research students - research professor space research - advanced research - basic research

5. the faculty of law - the faculty of medicine - English faculty faculty of modern languages

6. exact science - pure science - social sciences - applied science - fundamental science - engineering sciences - the science of language - cognitive science - computer science

7. to maintain friendly relations - to maintain peace - to maintain silence - to maintain correspondence - to maintain heat

8. distinguished writer - distinguished career - distinguished figure in architecture - distinguished scholar - distinguished artist

9. degree of safety - degree of accuracy - degree of confidence honorary degree - academic degree - doctoral degree - a degree in history

12. Translate the sentences into your native language paying attention to the words marked bold.

1. This business was established in 1895.

2. Science is one thing, art is another.

3. The student failed in the examination, but I don’t think he cares very much.

4. The advantages of his proposal more than balance the disadvantages

5. The following persons are known to receive honorary degrees.

6. All my sisters were brought up in cultured surroundings.

7. I had no hesitation about it.

8. Don’t let anybody rush you into joining this community.

9. The vacation is not far off.

10. The Examining Board comprises several members.

11. The old woman looked at her grandchildren with evident pride.

12. The more he practises, the worth he plays.

13. The scholar is expected to know the latest works on his speciality.

14. They all now branched out into new activities.

15. This business could be settled by the scratch of a pen.

16. The driver is supposed to maintain a constant speed.

17. It is settled to include this topic into the examination program.

13. Choose a matching word from the words given in brackets.

1. The boy is his parents’ (advantage, pride, curriculum).

2. He was not (slow, distinguished, large) to take advantage of it.

3. The machine has too serious (hesitations, confusions, disadvantages).

4. I didn’t gather much from the (confused, strong, researched) story he told me.

5. A pianist has to (examine, practise, confuse) every day to keep his hand in.

6. She planed to rest during her (examinations, advantage, vacation).

7. The (community, examination, vacation) comprises several tests.

8. He was a real (student, examiner, scholar) as well as a great composer.

9. He needs a new channel for his (advantages, disadvantages, activities).

10. The (research, vacation, hesitation) showed no result.

11. English forms a part of the regular (faculty, department, curriculum).

12. (examination, science, curriculum) deals with facts.

13. Your duties in housekeeping will (maintain, include, settle) cooking and washing up.

14. Put the questions to the words and word combinations marked bold.

1. His research has been successful.

2. The main feature of his character is pride.

3. Upon returning from the vacation, he felt fresh and rested.

4. Science gives us a new horizon.

5. If we keep practising you’ll soon get the feel of it.

6. You make me nervous with your stories of how hard the examination is.

7. The examining board tripped him up several times.

8. His later work is not to be compared with his earlier.

9. This term we’ll carry the same amount of subjects as last term.

15. Magic box.

In this magic box there are hidden 16 names of subjects. Find all the names of subjects.

L

A

B

I

O

L

G

Y

J

U

J

A

E

L

I

N

G

U

I

S

T

I

c

S

S

X

D

G

E

G

R

A

P

H

Y

S

P

I

C

P

H

I

L

S

P

H

Y

H

C

H

E

Y

M

N

G

L

I

I

S

H

E

D

Q

P

D

F

R

S

P

A

I

N

L

M

A

T

H

E

M

A

T

I

C

S

E

I

G

A

Y

C

L

M

Q

N

Q

T

T

G

S

F

S

V

I

M

S

S

S

I

Y

T

G

P

I

K

R

A

P

T

F

R

C

B

R

I

J

C

G

E

R

M

A

N

Y

S

N

Y

C

G

S

A

L

G

E

B

R

A

D

M

T

S

C

I

L

G

Y

N

F

1. Which subjects are studied at your Institute/University?

2. Which subjects are studied only at school?

3. Which subjects can be studied both at school and at Institute/University?

16. WRITING

How do you understand “getting higher education”: an opportunity to get professional knowledge, to enlarge general outlook, to get prestigious, well paid professional occupation, a means of career growth, an opportunity to get acquainted with new people and ideas, to come out into the world, to break off the ties with your circle of contacts? What else? Has your attitude to higher education changed compared with your school years?

Дата добавления: 2015-11-04