A Farewell to Arms (1957)

A Farewell to Arms is a 1957 American DeLuxe Color CinemaScope drama film directed by Charles Vidor. It's the second feature film adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's 1929 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. In general it's the story of an affair between an English nurse an an American soldier on the Italian front during World War I.

Let me give you the brief reconstruction of events. Frederic Henry (Rock Hudson), a young American, joins the Italian army as an ambulance driver. On the Italian front, Henry is seriously wounded in the knee and sent to a hospital in Milan where he falls in love with his English nurse, Catherine Barkley (Jennifer Jones). Frederick's friend, the doctor, convinces the army that Frederick's knee is more severely wounded than it actually is and the two continue their romance but never get married.
Catherine discovers she is pregnant but after sneaking alcohol into the hospital for Frederick, the head nurse Miss Van Campen (Mercedes McCambridge) discovers the duplicity and separates them. She informs Frederick's superiors that he has fully recovered from his wounds and is ready for active duty. During their separation, Catherine comes to believe Frederick has abandoned her. Frederic deserts from the army, finding his way back to Stresa, to which Catherine has been transferred. Catherine and Henry flee to Switzerland in a boat. Claiming to be tourists trying to evade the war, the two are allowed to remain in neutral Switzerland. Catherine's pregnancy progresses but due to the conditions around them, the pregnancy becomes complicated and Catherine is hospitalized. However, finally both Catherine and the child die. Frederic walks away alone in the rain alone in the world.

Speaking about the stars I can't say that they are perfect, but in general I like how Rock Hudson makes Fredric Henry, the idealistic man who volunteers on the Italian front as an ambulance driver to experience war so he can write about it when it's over.
Jennifer Jones' excellent portrayal of a reluctant lover who is perhaps suffering from too many demons to actually fall in love completely, the way she wants to. She is riddled with insecurities, conflicts and possibly guilt, making her like the the stereotypical guy who can't commit. Meanwhile Rock Hudson plays a character more like the stereotypical lovesick schoolgirl.

As for the effects I like the way director shows battles. Thу war moments of the movie is perfectly done. But, in general the colour of the film is grey and brown, I soon get tired of it, it's really uneasy to watch smthing in such colours. 

In conclusion I'd like to say that this film is a good sourse of  WWI events. I like the way film director depict the war scenes, for 1957 the effects are great. In general the film is too long and too detailed, to my mind some moments could be omitted. 

Review #3 In Love and War

The topic under consideration is based on the film "In Love and War". In Love and War is a 1996 romance drama film based on the book, Hemingway in Love and War by Henry S. Villard and James Nagel. The cast of the filn is Mackenzie Astin as Henry Villard, Chris O'Donnell as Ernest 'Ernie' Hemingway, Sandra Bullock as Agnes von Kurowsky. This film takes place during World War I, and is based on the World War I experiences of the writer Ernest Hemingway. It was directed by Richard Attenborough. 

Now, let me represent the brief reconstruction of the events. Reporter Ernest Hemingway is an ambulance driver in Italy during World War I. While bravely risking his life in the line of duty, he is injured and ends up in the hospital, where he falls in love with his nurse, Agnes von Kurowsky. She promises to marry him after the war ends. After the treatment Ernest moves to the USA and  Agnes stays at the hospital as a nurse. She decides to write a letter to Ernest where she reports that their love was a mistake. She is going to marry another man, but she changes her decision and returnes to the USA where she meets Ernest.  Agnes tells him about her feelings but he rejects them, because he can't forgive her for her deeds. They have never meet again. 

Speaking about the acting, I can't but mention Sandra Bullock. Her role as Agnes von Kurowsky is amazing! She could wonderfully convey all the feelings Agnes has to Hemingway. Their relations are very complicated in the consequences of war, but at the same time how gentle they are! 

As for the directing, I can't say that I like it, but I don't know how to show love and war simultaneously. I think it's not an easy thing. Music helps us to understand it better. Outdoor scenes have majestic sounds full of horns and worthy of a vast symphony. In interior scenes we are treated to intimate violin serenades.

In conclusion, I'd like to say that the film is captivating. I like such genre of movies, because it bases on the real life of well-known person. "In Love and War" I found Hemingway as very proud, strong and hard person. I think “In Love and War” is closer to the truth of the writer’s life. It helped me to imagine what kind of a person he was and what influenced his creative talent.

Higher Education in Britain and the USA

1. What are the admission requirements to the colleges and universities in the USA/Britain?

In the USA common criteria includes ACT or SAT scores, some extracurricular activities; In the UK entrance to universities is via a strict selection process based on an interview. Some universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, have an entrance exam before the interview stage.

2. What are the three types of schools in higher education?

There are institutions, universities and colleges.

3. What degrees are offered by schools of higher learning in the USA/Britain? What are the requirements for these degrees?

UK: BA(Bachelor of Arts) or BSc (Bachelor of Science); a master’s degree or a doctorate.

USA: bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree

The highest grade is A; the lowest is F, which means that the student has failed the course and will not get credit for taking it. To check a student’s overall progress, the university calculates a grade point average (GPA).

4. What is a credit in the US system of higher education? How many credits must an undergraduate student earn to receive a bachelor’s degree? How can they be earned?

Students are given grades at the end of each course. The highest grade is A; the lowest is F, which means that the student has failed the course and will not get credit for taking it. To check a stu­dent’s overall progress, the university calculates a grade point average (GPA).

5. What steps do students have to take to enroll in a college/university for admission? Speak about the exams they take – PSAT, SAT, ACT.

American high school students who want to study at a college or university have to take a standardized test, e.g. the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or the ACT (American College Test). Students from countries outside the US who are not native speakers of English must also take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Each college or university decides on the minimum score it will accept, though test scores are never the only factor taken into account.

6. What financial assistance are applicants eligible for? What is college scholarship, grants, loan? Explain and bring out the essence of student financial aid.

Students in Britain formerly had their tuition fees paid by the state and received a government grant to help pay their living expenses. Now, they receive only a loan towards their expenses, and from 1999 most will also have to pay £1 000 a year towards tuition fees. The new arrangements have caused a great deal of concern both among students and among members of the public who believe that education should be free.

7. What is a GPA (Grade Point Average)?

To check a student’s overall progress, the university calculates a grade point average (GPA). he highest grade A receives 4 points, В is 3, С is 2, D is 1 and F is 0.

8. What is the role of a student’s counselor? Specify the function of career development and job placement within a university.

They are professionals who help students at the high school or college level. Students don’t usually have a job during term time because the lessons, called lectures, seminars, classes or tutorials (small groups), are full lime. Many students now have to work in the evenings to supplement their grants.

9. What are the sources of funding for universities and colleges (both public and private)?

Most universities receive some money from the state.

10. What is an undergraduate student? A graduate student?

Graduate (infml. grad) – a person who has completed a university degree course. Undergraduate (undergrad) – a student who is doing a university course for a Bachelor's degree.

11. Are you for written or oral examinations? Which ones are more objective?

I’m for oral form of exam (students may show their creative abilities) This form is more objective.

12. What examinations (oral or written) are more popular with Russian students? Describe the psychological types of students of your group.

The form of the exam depends on the faculty. Written form is more convenient for exact sciences such as maths, physics and chemistry. Oral form is appropriate for Arts: history, psychology, philosophy. We are in panic, as we are afraid of our examiner, always.

14 Would you like to study in the USA or Great Britain? Why? Why not? What are the requirements for foreign students to study in the USA or Great Britain?

I wanna study in the USA, it gives me a lot of opportunities in my life. Students from countries outside the US who are not native speakers of English must also take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

15. What aspects of American or British higher education system would you like to introduce into our system?

It’s good that students may choose subjects for studying.

Lab works

HIGHER EDUCATION

 Lab. Work 1

1.      You’ll hear five speakers talking about problems they or their relatives face while studying. Fill in the chart with the information given in the recording. Be especially precise with the column “Your solution to the problem”; here, you’re supposed to give your personal advice to avoid or ease the problems mentioned by the speakers.

Speaker	Problem	Signs of the Problem	Your Solution to the Problem
1	exams	we also need to assess the ability to learn: this type of exam or learning license (tests this ability) would be more useful for students, employers and society in general. It shows which candidates are good at engineering, but it also shows actually which can think as an engineer.	I think it’s not bad to take the exam in the form of learning license. It is convenient to check both theoretical knowledge and basic practical skills in such a way.
2	Father worries about his daughter’s state	She is studying for 3 A-levels preparing for medical school. She works nights and weekends to prepare for her exams. She works hard. She dedicates her life to studying. As a result she has tired face, sleepless nights etc.	I think it’s not a reason for anxiety. It’s her choice- the choice to study all day and night. It’s her decision to connect her life with medicine. To my mind parents shouldn’t interfere in the life of their children.
3	Exhaustion during the preparation for entrance exams	He lost his weight, he has big black rings under his eyes. He sleeps for 3 or 4 hours a day. He didn’t sleep at all during the last 3 or 4 days.	Every student should do their best to be good at the entrance exams. But at the same time they should pay special attention to their health: spend the time at the fresh air, consume more fruits and vegetables, try to stay unworried.
4	The lack of confidence while writing the exam.	He has never thought of himself like a highflyer, he has never excepted such high results. -lack of confidence	Before the exam particularly every student has the lack of confidence, it’s normal, I suppose. So I suppose that sometimes it can be helpful to feel unconfident. Nevertheless, if the person loses all his sureness and certainty it may lead to the fiasco. The best way to overcome this is to stay cool, collect yourself and be ready for any kinds of results.
5	Using technology while conducting exams.	The results would be able to get much faster, 40% of all exams will be conducting electronically in a couple of years, online tests and registration will follow.	On the one hand electronic exams are good, because they safe our time. Still exams conducted electronically can cause different problems: firstly the results can be wrong, secondly any digital device lacks an ability to assess creativity. So I think that only electronic registration can be used in schools or universities as a new challenge.

2.      Have you ever experienced problems while studying?  What were these problems like? How did you cope with them?

I faced the problems with my new life in the Institute. First off all a new tempo of life: I tried to organize my timetable properly. The lack of time: in our faculty the students have no free time. We should read and analyze, read and analyze, read and analyze…all day and night! It’s not an easy thing! My decision is to reduce the time with my friends and dedicate the most part of my life to studying.

3.      What are other difficulties that contemporary university students face while studying? When do the problems usually occur? Are there special stresses that cause them? Do you agree that the quality learning is “the travel of hardships”? Give account of about 100 words on the questions mentioned.

There are a lot of problems that students face during the process of their studying. First of all ,it’s the lack of parental support. As a rule our parent are far from our place of studying. The second problem is that without friends students feel lonely. It’s not an easy thing to feel confident without any support.  Before the exams most students feel depressed. Moreover, when studentshave lots of work to do, they have no time to relax. So, it is very important to know how to cope with it and to be more confident. I agree with the statement “the travel of hardships” because you can't achieve anything until you work hard.

Lab. Work 2

Listen to a talk given by a university advisor to a group of students and answer the following questions:

1.        What is the standard grading system in the USA

 Historically, the grades were A, B, C, D, and F—A being the highest and F, denoting failure, the lowest.

2.        What are the ‘special grades’ that the speaker mentions in the recording?

They are satisfactory (S) and unsatisfactory (U) grades.

3.        Comment on the standard grading system in your country?

5-grade system:5 is exc, 4-good, 3-satisfactory, 2 – unsatisfactory.

4.        Do schools and colleges practice non-standard grading systems? What are they?

Yes, they do. The system of credits in the UK and the USA.

5.        Give examples of other grading systems throughout the world? Which of them do you think are efficient for the students’ academic assessment?

France

They have 20 step grading system

France	Russia
20-17	5
16-14	4
13-10	3
9-7	2
7-…	1

Ukraine

In the Ukraine, they’ve gone in the opposite direction. Whereas they used to use a simple Russian 5-step grading system, in 2000, they introduced the 12-step grading system which goes like this:

12 - given only for significant achievements or exceptionally creative work

11 - the equivalent of an ‘A’ in the U.S.

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1 – complete fail

Lab. Work 3

Listen to a talk by a student advisor on campus. Answer the following questions.
1. What are the rules for dropping a course in the talk provided?
You can drop the course within the first three week of the semester. First, you need to get the signature of the professor whose course you want to drop on the official drop card/ Then you need to go to a student advisor on campus to get the signature of your adviser

2. What warnings does the student advisor give?
You can not officially drop the course after the first three weeks of the semester. If you are having problems in a course and you decide to let it run if you want to drop the course – it is impossible to do so. If you stop attending a course without going through the official drop procedures, the course will remain on your schedule and you will receive a failing grade.

3. How can you avoid getting a failing grade, according to the recording?
It is important to understand these procedures and follow them. If you do so, you will not have any problems.

4. What are the official drop procedures for the elective courses in your country? 

There are no official drop procedures for the elective courses in Russia.

Lab. Work 4

Listen to a talk given on a college campus.
1. What are the places of a college campus that the speaker mentions in the recording?

The Library; the Students’ Center: bookstore, post office, a bank, a theatre, a coffee shop, a travel agency, bowling alley; the Administration complex: offices of the university administrators, the students’ records office

2. Can you find the similar campus places in your college/university? What are other places that are worth mentioning? Characterize them briefly.
We can find the similar campus places in our institute. But, there is no theatre, travel agency and bowling alley.

Library with a reading room

This place in our institute is the most quiet and comfortable for studying.

Cafeterias

There are some food-service areas: a major cafeteria (ground floor) and a smaller deli (first floor). There is also a little shop where students can buy some snack.

Hall of residence

It’s a place where most of students out of Kolomna live.

The college copy center

 Sometimes students may be required to provide multiple copies of an assignment for a class or other documents. 

The big concert hall

A place for important events and activities.

3. 
Pick out the places from the previous task and make a similar tour around your college/university to inform the freshmen about the campus.
It’s a new city full of new people and new experiences. So there's your residence hall, the nearest dining center, and of course your classrooms. Those places, you'll be going to all the time because...well...that's why you're here. But of course, you don't want to only go there.
There are two halls of residence on the territory of campus for those students who live far away from the institute.
There are five floors in our institute.
There is the big concert hall for important events and activities and the ballroom where students have discos and little performances.
If you need a quiet place for studying go to reading room. The Library is located near and moreover there are much convenient study space as well as computers equipped with access to the Internet, a photocopier, colour printing and much more.
Sometimes students may be required to provide multiple copies of an assignment for a class or other documents. In this case you should go to the college copy center
In the bookstore you can buy there not only the necessary books but also it’s the source of many items that a student may need or want.
There are some food-service areas: a major cafeteria (ground floor) and a smaller deli (first floor). There is also a little shop where students can buy some snack.

Review #2 Dangerous Minds

The topic under consideration is based on the film 'Dangerous Minds'. It is a 1995 American drama film, starring Michelle Pfeiffer. The director of the film is John N. Smith. It is based on the autobiography My Posse Don't Do Homework by former U.S. Marine LouAnne Johnson. The genre of the film is biography, crime and drama. The setting of the story is Belmont, California, the USA. 

Now let me pass to the whole reconstruction of the events. The ex-marine Louanne Johnson gets a job of a teacher in one of the schools in Belmont. At the very beginning of her teaching, she is really shocked by the students, their behaviour and the conditions in school. Nevertheless she copes with all the difficulties and continue working. She is really fond of school. Louanne not only teaches them at school but helps them in their lives as well. She tries to cope with their difficulties with them but her only failure is Emilio who is shot. Actually, she breaks all the school rules, but at the same time students begin to respect and love her. Loanne understands them completely. When Mrs. Johnson, the headmaster of the school, says that she is going to leave the school, her explanation is not convinced her students who are needed in her and ask her to stay. The teacher decides to stay to be with her class.

Speaking about the acting, Michelle Pfeiffer did her best role I think. In the film she is determined, responsible, she is deeply interested in teaching, she adors her students despite all the problems. I think she is a model to follow for every teacher. Speaking about other actors, I can't but mention Wade Dominguz as Emilio Ramírez. For the first sight he is negative in the film, but to the end of the movie he begins to attract me. He is very charizmatic, to my mind. 

Besides, I would like to single out the music of the film is amazing! I like to listen to such style of music as rap and hip-hop, especially the American one. In general the themes of the movie is very close to me. 

In conclusin, I'd like to say, that As I’m going to be a teacher, the film and the methods of teaching will be useful for me.In my opinion only her love and belief in her students helped Louanne to change their lives. I don't know whether I go to schoolas a teacher or not, but if I meet such students I wll know what to do.

 Review #1 The Ron Clark Story 

8. Movies. Give a review of the movie “The Ron Clark Story”. Comment on its tagline, “No one believed in them. Except him.”

The story under consideration is based on the movie The Ron Clark Story. The Ron Clark Story is a 2006 television film, starring Matthew Perry. The film directed by Randa Haines. Besides Matthew Perry the cast are Brandon Mychal Smith as Tayshawn, Hannah Hodson as Shameika, Micah Stephen Williams as Julio and others. The setting of the film is Harlem, New York.

The film based on the real events. Ron Clark leaves his native calm town to teach in a New York City public school. He is a white teacher who tries to make a difference in the lives of his minority students despite nobody, including the students themselves, believing in them. “No one believed in them. Except him.” Actually only Ron Clark believe in the children, because he loves his work.  As Steve Jobs once said: “the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Less than for term he will manage to reach good results, to deserve the children’s credit. Clark is able to make a remarkable difference in the lives of his students. Even when he is almost overcome by pneumonia, Clark continues to work with his students, hoping that he can raise their test scores to an acceptable level, or possibly even higher.  In the end, Principal Turner reveals that Mr. Clark's class got the highest average in the state and Clark was regarded by his students as their best teacher.

Speaking about the acting, Matthew Perry has been a favorite actor of mine for a long time, I was absolutely blown away at his portrayal of Ron Clark, I have always considered Matthew Perry to be a very talented actor but this role was and probably will be the greatest performance of his career. The kids are brilliant. I couldn’t image that children can play such strong and serious roles. Brandon Smith as Tayshawn and Hannah Hodson as Shameika were perfect. 

Another thing, which should be mentioned, is music. To my mind in cinematograph musical illustration helps us to understand more precisely all feelings and emotions of the actors. This is very pleasant and poignant music, listening to which is a great pleasure.

I thought this movie was great. It really kept you on the edge of your seat. This is a movie for all ages. I cannot believe how the kids acted in school. As I’m going to be a teacher, the film and the methods of teaching will be useful for me.  I guess I just really liked this movie. I am a big fan of these types of movies and this one was awesome. 

School Education in Britain and the USA

1.What types of schools do they have in the UK?

There are different types of schools in the UK: primary school, secondary school, independent school, private school, public school, comprehensive school, grammar school, mixed sex school, selective school,  fee-paying school, free school.

2. When do children start/leave school?

At the age of 5 children start school and they leave school at the age of 16.

3.What are the stages of schooling according to age?

1) nursery school/playschool (2-3)

2) primary school (5-11)

3) secondary school (11-16)

4. What exams do pupils have to take?

In state schools: SATs (at 7,11,14)

                             GCSE (at 15-16)

                             A-level (at 17-18)

In private schools: the same exams + The Common Entrance Exam

5.     Do school leavers have to take entrance exams to go to university?

Yes, they do. School leavers have to take entrance exams to go to university.

6.     It is well known that there is no written constitution in the UK. Is there such a thing as a national curriculum?

Yes, there is such a thing as a national curriculum.(1988)

7.     How long should it take to complete full-time compulsory education?

It takes 11 years to complete full-time compulsory education.

8.     What should primary school and secondary school concentrate on?

Primary school should concentrate on the three R’s – reading, writing and ‘rithmetic. Secondary school should concentrate on the studying subjects according to the National Curriculum.

9. In what case can entrance exams be abandoned?

10. What should be admission requirements to primary and secondary school?

11. What is the purpose of elite school education? 

The purpose of elite school education is to provide firm knowledge and give pupils the better education, which they could have in state schools.

12. What subjects should be an integral part of school curriculum? What subjects can be optional for university students?

English, Mathematics and Science should be an integral part of school curriculum. A modern foreign language, Technology and Design, History, Geography, Music, Art, PE can be optional for students.

13. What is the essence of private schooling in Russia?

In Russia private schooling is only for children of rich parents. Such schools are non-governmental property as usual. Children in such schools are disobedient, capricious and spoilt. Very often, they don’t want to study well, because they know, their parents are able to pay for them during their life.

14. What is a problem pupil?

A problem pupil is a child who has some problems at school connected with other pupils, teachers, school subjects etc. Such child can’t cope all the schooling difficulties, so they are dazed, diffident, depressed and unmotivated.

15. What is your idea of a good teacher?

A good teacher should be high-educated, should know their subject and make the lesson interesting; should be a good listener too; should give boundaries and be firm and fair; should be able to install confidence in their class.

16. Looking back on your school days, what experiences can you describe as the most 1) memorable, 2) exciting, 3) painful?

The most memorable event in my school days is my first day at school, when I saw my first teacher, many bouquets of flowers, my schoolmates…I was really happy!

The most exciting is the day when I received the gold medal.

The most painful were my preparations to the EGE (ЕГЭ).

17. How do you feel on the morning of an exam?

On the morning of an exam I was really disturbed, uneasy and irresolute, because it was not easy for me to pass so serious exams.

18. In your opinion, which exam is easier to pass: oral or written?

I think, that written exam is easier, but less effective. In such a way you worry less, as at the exam there are only you and a piece of paper, not the teacher.

19. Do you prefer to be the first to answer in an oral exam?

I don’t like to act in such a way.

20. Do you use rough-work sheets in a written exam? Why?

Of course I use it, because they make me more confident and at rough-work sheets I may make a mistake and correct it without any influence on my mark.

21. Do you feel uncomfortable if a teacher stands next to you during a written exam?

Yes, such actions make me feel uncomfortable.

22. Do you think a crib can be of any use?

Sometimes crib is useful, when your teacher is out of the class, for example.

23. Have you ever panicked during an exam?

As every normal human being I panic during my exams, because “to know everything is to know nothing”.

24. Do you think it is a way out to copy from other students?

It is not the way out to copy from other students, because sooner or later, you will have to study the material yourself.

25. What is the most difficult thing about exams?

The most difficult thing for me is to cope with scare and to fall asleep besor the exam.

26. What are the advantages and disadvantages of private schools (boarding schools, co-educational vs single-sex schools, school uniforms)?

27. Is it a good idea for pupils to specialize in their “best” subjects at school?

I think it may be possible only for pupils who are going to college or university, not for the primary school.

28. What’s from other students? Why?

I think 7 years is from other students, because usually they begin to interest in reading and writing, they psychologically are ready for stydying.

29. Should children stay at school until they are 18 or 19? 

I think if they have an ability to finish school at the age of 16, for example, they shouldn’t stay at school until they are 18 or 19. It’s too long, I think.

30. Is it a good idea for pupils to participate in the running of schools?

It’s not a good idea at all, but it’s very funny. One day every pupil should try to do it, and be punished, only after that, they realize that such actions lead to poor progress and great problems with teaching stuff and parents.

31. Are national and international exams necessary? What are the pros and cons of regular performance tests and continuous assessment by teachers and lecturers?

National and international exams are necessary. If you take an international exam you will know your educational level according to the world standards. With the help of regular performance tests teachers may see the pupils’ progress in subjects. On the contrary, such tests disturb pupils very much. They feel panic, diffidence, they are confused.

32. Can computers assess learning?

Some parts of school activities, for example, tests may be assessed by computers. All the written works (summaries, essays, compositions) should be assessed by professional teachers.

School education

LIVE AND LEARN

Audio 3.3

1.       There are many reasons for students to stay away from school. To my mind boredom is the most important, because, when the students are not motivated, are not involved in the educational process they don’t want to go to school. The second reason is the influence of friends. To my mind it’s very important for parents to know who are the friends of their child, because being a teenager; the child is often under the influence of their friends. If the company is not so good, it will be the main case of child’s truancy at school. I think that sometimes there is interconnection between problems at school and problems at home. They depend from each other. Of course truancy caused many problems: bad marks, misbehaviour, problems at school, family problems.

2.        1-c

2-c

3-a

4-b

5-a

6-c

7-b

3.        I’ve ranked them in such a way.

1)      more interesting lessons

2)      teaching students to respect school

3)      more responsible parenting

4)      strict punishment

5)      police involvement

The students will love school if the lessons are more interesting, so they will be absorbed with the educational process and won’t think about leaving school without any reason. At school the students should understand how to respect school, they should realize all the importance of being educated. I think if the parents are responsible, the children will have fewer problems with the truancy. Strict punishment and police involvement are the least things to do. (Only if the child is out of any control)

Audio 3.4

1. Public school: is quite expensive. In that school the quality of education is really high. Only rich people can the possibility to study there. The best employers begin to look for people at public school, so the chance to find very perspective job is very high.

State school is free and it’s rather interesting to study there because of the mix of students. Speaking about life chances it’s not easy to get a good job after the state school, because the best employers look for students at state school, only after the students from public schools.

Most of all, I agree with the statement that students from public schools are more called-for. Actually, the situation is the same in our country.

2. Educational systems

The educational system in Russia consists of: pre-schools(kindergarten) , general schools, specialised secondary and higher education. Compulsory education is for children from 6(7) to 17 years of age. There are various types of schools: general secondary schools, schools specialising in a certain subject, high schools, gymnasiums and so on. After 9th form pupils have to sit for examinations. Also they have a choice between entering the 10th grade of a general secondary school or going to professional school. Pupils who finish the general secondary school, receive a secondary education certificate, giving them the right to enter any higher educational establishment. One has to study in the institute for 5 years. Higher educational institutions train students in one or several specialisations.

The educational system in the USA consists of elementary school (age 6), Junior high school (age 11), Senior high school (age 14) College/University (4 year first degree course)/Junior college (2 year course).

The educational system in the UK consists of primary school (age 5), secondary/comprehensive school (from 11 to 16), GCSE (age 16), A level (age 18), Course of higher education at college or University (3 years from the age of 18).

School uniform

Essay

Nowadays there is a problem of wearing or not the school uniform.

In Russia there is a tendency to introduce the school uniform at all the state schools. I believe that children should wear the school uniform, because in such a way there is no social inequality at school. Moreover school uniform disciplines children. Children have little reasons to divert their attention from the educational process. If the school has the uniform, it has the face in such a way and looks like more prestigious.

Some people believe that it’s not necessary to wear the school uniform, because the individuality is rules out. Also, nowadays it’s not cheap to buy the uniform.

In conclusion, I’d like to say that it’s up for every school to decide whether it’s necessary or not to wear the school uniform.

-          state-wide exams/continual assessment

At my schooling years I had the continual assessment. I think, that it’s better to finish every school year with such assessment, because in such a way the pupils got used to them. In other way it is not easy to pass the state-wide exams, because pupils just don’t know how to cope with them. It’s not easy for them in psychical way.

Film Review #4

The Great Gatsby (2013)

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joel Edgerton, Tobey Maguire
Director: Baz Luhrmann

Based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Genres: Drama, Romance


"The Great Gatsby" iscolourful, acute, sincere film, the screen version of the novel of Scott Fitzgerald.

20th years of the last century. America. The young man by the name of Nick Karruey moves to New York. He had a dream to be rich. He lodges near the lavish mansion of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious business magnate who holds extravagant parties. The Nick joins this unceasing fun and having made friends with Gatsby. Gatsby  is surprisingly young and rather aloof, in person. Gatsby seems to take a liking to Nick and the two become mutual friends.

Jay Gatsby asks Nick to arrange him a meeting with Daisy. Through Jordan, Nick later learns that Gatsby knew Daisy from a romantic encounter in 1917, and is still madly in love with her.

After party Gatsby’s car has struck and killed Myrtle, Tom’s lover. Tom tells Myrtle’s husband, George, that Gatsby was the driver of the car. Jay is abruptly shot and killed by George, who immediately turns the gun on himself.  

No one came to the Gatsby’s funeral.  Back in the sanatorium, Nick finishes his memoir and titles it, "The Great Gatsby."

Cast was perfect.
Leonardo DiCaprio is the only actor of our generation that could play Gatsby. DeCaprio's Gatsby is forceful, decisive; he is a determined man of significant accomplishment and great ability. He has a plan and he is going to execute it and as far as he is concerned, for all the right reasons. For myself, it is DeCaprio's best and most powerful performance.

Carey Mulligan has showed class once again. Although not definition of beauty, there's something in her that makes you want to hug and protect her, and love her. Perfect for the role she played. Tobey Maguire - I just love this guy. His performance was maybe crucial to gluing the entire cast and making it all fluid and connected.

Joel Edgerton was fantastic. I could not hate him even though I wanted to, so much. He is Gatsby's antagonist. He and Daisy were married when Daisy could no longer wait for Gatsby to prove himself worthy of her. Tom is as rich, maybe even richer than Gatsby, but his money is old, he is an aristocrat with a deep sense of entitlement.

Soundtrack of this movie is most talked thing about, and it's deserved. It had huge influence on the entire movie and the atmosphere. Using modern music in this movie wasn't a bad idea, I should say it was brilliant idea! Jay-Z was a brilliant choice.

My opinion. I think this story has survived the test of time so well because it is basically a love story. Whatever the viewers or readers opinion of the characters are, Gatsby and Daisy do love each other.
All in all I enjoyed the film production value.I think "the Great Gatsby" is an amazing film. It tells the interesting and important story just as well as the novel, but Luhrmann has added even more glamour and excitement with his visually creative choices. That makes it not only a satisfactory adaptation of the classic novel but a completely fantastic film. Beautiful, emotional, well-acted, unique and thought-provoking it truly is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen.

Individual Reading Part 6

When Mr. Strickland married the Tahitian girl Ata, and they moved to the uninhabited part of the island, Ata gave birth to a boy.

Ch.Strickland had suffered from a grave disease: it was leprosy. Everybody knew about it and tried to avoid his house in order not to be infected. Only his wife and children were devoted to him. Living his last days Ch.Strickland paint on the walls, before his death he had asked her to burn his house after his death. That's why the painting of his life would never be shown to audience.

The narrator left the Tahiti for England where he decided to meet Mrs. Strickland and told her the life story of her now world famous husband Charles Strickland!

Individual Reading Part 5

It was their last meeting when the narrator came to artist’s workshop to look at his paintings. The pictures seemed to be awful, but at the same time there was something magnificent in them. They were strangely tantalizing.

There had come many years when he again heard about Charles Strickland. But he had already died and his paintings were very famous. The author of the story continued his narration in Tahiti. He met people who shared their recollections about Charles Strickland. He found out that having left Paris Strickland went to Marseilles, and he lived from hand to mouth. In Tahiti the narrator met Captain Nicholas, who knew Strickland. They made acquaintance during the better part of the winter following the narrator’s last meeting with Strickland in Paris.

When there was a chance to go to Tahiti Charles Strickland went away and married there a young girl Ata.