"Theatre" by W. S. Maugham (Chapters 1-2)

 I. Explain in English or give definitions of and find contextual synonyms for the following words and phrases:
 Complacency -a felling of satisfaction and superiority;self-satisfied,contentment.
 Three times running-taking part three times
  Filthy-very dirty,muddy
 Supercilious-a person behaves in such manner as if they think they are better or more important than everyone else; contemptuous
  Military bearing-  the particular way in which someone stands, moves, or behaves
  Natural flamboyance-behaving  in a way that deliberately attracts attention
  Stupendous-very impressive,tremendous
  Staggered-very surprised and shocked, to bewilder
  Natural homage – special respect; esteem
  Entanglement -a complicated situation,confusion
  Concubinage-cohabitation of a man and a woman without the full sanctions of legal marriage
  Languorous-lack of physical or mental energy; listlessness
  Flippant rejoinde- disrespectful,frivolous answer
  To risk smth-the possibility that something unpleasant or dangerous might happen,venture
  A quick study- to learn by heart without difficulties

II. Search for the allusions in the text. Define their type (literary, artistic, historical and others) and functions; explain their meaning. 
Literary allusions:

William Shakespeare -is considered by many to be the greatest playwright of all time, although many facts about his life remain shrouded in mystery.It used to create the atmosphere of theater.

Mercutio is a fictional character in William Shakespeare's tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. It is used to show that Michael Gosselyn was a bad actor.
 Artistic allusions:
Sir Peter Paul Rubens was a Flemish Baroque painter, and a proponent of an extravagant Baroque style that emphasised movement, colour, and sensuality. It is used to underline  Michael Gosselyn's self-satisfaction.
Sarah Siddons-Sarah Siddons was a well-known actress of the 18th century who became famous for her role as Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth. It is used to show the world of theater.
Pierre Corneille was a French tragedian who was one of the three great seventeenth-century French dramatists, along with Molière and Racine. The author involves the reader in the world of acting.
John Philip Kemble was an English actor.  He played a huge number of parts, including a large number of Shakespearean characters.
Sarah Bernhardt was the great French actress,referred to as "the most famous actress the world has ever known.She developed a reputation as a serious dramatic actress, earning the nickname "The Divine Sarah."
Jean Racine-was a French dramatist, one of the three great playwrights of 17th-century France (along with Molière and Corneille), and an important literary figure in the Western tradition.Racine was primarily a tragedian, producing such "examples of neoclassical perfection"
Historical allusions:
Sir Francis Robert Benson – was a British actor-manager. He founded his own company in 1883 and produced all but two of Shakespeare's plays. From the first he devoted himself largely to the production of Shakespeare's plays.

All the allusions were used to involve the reader in the word of theater,its beauty and unusual atmosphere.

III. Using direct and indirect evidence from the text give character sketches of Julia Lambert and Michael Gosselyn.
 Julia Lambert was a beautiful actress of 46,she had large dark brown eyes,a lovely figure and an indiarubber face. She was very confident in herself and independent. She dressed tastefully,her clothes, made only in Paris, were very luxury.The reader can see that she didn't play only on the stage,but in her family:with her husband.  Julia noticed that she "talked very differently to herself and to other people". It means that nobody knows her real emotions and feelings.She was really a born actress and the fate gave her a great opportunity to develop her talent.  Julia had been sent to live with her mother’s sister who was married to a Frenchman, a coal merchant. She learnt to speak French like a Frenchwoman. Jane Taitbout  gave Julia her first lessons in acting. At the age of 16,Julia went to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She worked hard and it characterized her as a stubborn person. It seems that she is very happy with  her husband.
 Michael Gosselyn is one of the main characters of Maugham’s novel “Theatre”.He was very handsome with blue eyes,had a very good figure,a straight nose and small ears.The only thing that slightly spoiled him was the thinness of his mouth. He was a bad actor,but due to his handsome he played lovers on the stage.To my mind, Michael was  supercilious. His father was a military man, but  Michael decided to go on the stage because of his appearance. He loved his wife and was a devoted to her. At his 52, he tried to keep fit and his figure was perfect.
IV. Summary
Julia Lambert, a woman of breathtaking talent,beautiful, rich and famous came to her husband and met there a strange man. He was a new account at their theater.Michael  decided to invite him for lunch. As it turned out, the account was a shy man, who adored Julia and her talent and this invitation was an outstanding event in his life. Moreover Julia took her photo to the young man. Looking at her old photos She began to remember her past,her childhood, her acquaintance with  Michael.  

A Farewell to Arms.Film Review.

        “A Farewell to Arms” is a 1957 American drama film directed by Charles Vidor, starring Rock Hudson and Jennifer Jones. It is the second feature film adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's 1929 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name.The setting of the story is Italy.
        Let's pass on to the plot of the film. Frederick Henry was an American ambulance driver,who joined the Italian army during World War I. He was seriously injured at the front and was sent to the hospital in Milan.He met Catherine Barkley, a Red Cross nurse, there and they fell in love with each other. They spent a lot of time together and later Catherine discovered that she was pregnant. After Henry's recovering,he returned to the front.Henry was caught by the Italian police who accused him of treachery leading to the Italian defeat. Knowing he would be executed, Henry jumped into the river and escaped. He found Catherine and they both escaped to Switzerland in a boat. Henry and Catherine lived a quiet life in the mountains, waiting the birth of their child.However, finally both Catherine and the child die. Frederic walks away alone in the rain alone in the world.
    Speaking about the actors,I should say that cast of the film is perfect. Rock Hudson and Jennifer Jones were wonderful.  Rock Hudson was an ideal man,he volunteered on the Italian front,transmitted his disease and injury,wanted to marry his lover and live with her the whole life.He tried to hold his emotions, but the last scene was deeply touching,he couldn't hide his grieve. Jennifer Jones was so devoted to her man,she sacrificed herself. She was so sincere,so tender. Sometimes she was mad,because she was in love.
       Besides, I should say, that director of the film made a good job.I can't but mention the realistic atmosphere of war, hospital. There are a lot of moments of war,showing massive, panoramic tableaux, and  a line of soldiers trooping through the mountains.The music,used in the film, is beautiful and pertinent.
    Moreover, I can't but underline the episode when the priest stayed with patiences in the hospital. He knew that he would die,but couldn't leave them alone and continue to pray.Such behaviour is worth of admiration.
     In conclusion, I'd like to say that I enjoy the movie,especially scenes of love. The moments of war were violent, the colors were gray and such moments were boring and unpleasant. All in all, this film is tragedy,but I prefer movies with happy end.
   
   

In Love and War

     I would like to tell you about the film "In Love and War"directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Mackenzie Astin, Chris O'Donnell, Sandra Bullock, and Margot Steinberg.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.This film takes place during World War I, and is based on the World War I experiences of the writer Ernest Hemingway.Furthermore, it’s interesting to point out that the film—apparently in a deliberate attempt to capture what the director called Hemingway's "emotional intensity"—takes liberties with the facts. In real life, unlike the movie, the relationship was probably never consummated, and the couple did not meet again after Hemingway left Italy.
  Let's pass on to the plot. The young reporter Ernest Hemingway was sent to Italy as a soldier where he was wounded and sent to a military hospital. There he was nursed by Agnes von Kurowsky. They fell in love with each other and the woman promised to marry him after the war ends. Ernest returned to the United States while Agnes continued working as a nurse in Italy. She decided that her relation with Hemingway was a mistake and wrote him about it. Agnes was going to get married in Venice but changed her mind and was back to the USA. She visited Ernest and told about her love to him but the man rejected her love because she had hurt him earlier. They will never meet again.
  Speaking about the actors, I should say that cast of the film is perfect. Chris O'Donnell and Sandra Bullock were wonderful.Their acting creates true, honest and real atmosphere. I believe their feelings! They acted so vividly like they were really fall in love with each other. And I think Chris O'Donnell  is good at showing Hemingway's trasformation from a sweet boy into a well-known writer. Sandra Bullock was perfect. She was very sensitive women, I believe her passion and love.
  Besides, my favorite episode is the last one when Agnes came to Ernest. She realized her mistake and was ready to share her life with him but Ernest with his pride could not forgive her. It was awful! The two people,who couldn't live without each other, separated.
   As for the main themes of the film,the theme of love,war,passion,heroism.The music also was beautiful. It creates romantic atmosphere.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 would like to say that the film impressed me and opened Hemingway from a new side.I imagine him a boring person,but he was kind,honest and interesting person.Costumes and decorations created the atmosphere of the war were perfect.

Discussion Questions. Higher Education

1) Entrance to British universities is via a strict selection process based on an interview.In America, students have to take a standardized test, such as the SAT or the ACT if they want to study at a college or university.
2)Universities, teacher-training colleges and polytechnics.
3) The USA: 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). Students who finish their degree with a high GPA may be awarded Latin honours, of which the highest is summa cum laude.
Britain: A first degree, which is usually an honours degree, generally takes three years. Most courses end with exams called finals. Results are given as classes (= grades): a first is the highest class, seconds are often split between upper second and lower second, and below that is a third. Graduates may add the letters BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BSc (Bachelor of Science) after their name. Some graduates go on to study for a further degree, often a master’s degree or a doctorate.
4)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)American 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 other countries  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)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.
7)Grade Point Average (GPA) is a measure of how well you are doing in your academic studies.
8) School counselors help students in the areas of academic achievement, personal and social development, career development.
10)Many universities receive some money from the state.
11)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.

12)To my mind, the oral exam is better than written one,because the teacher can help you, to put some idea into the student's mind. 

13)Many of the students prefer written examinations to oral ones,because they can crib. Before the exam my group is in panic. We always prepare for our exams, but we are very nervous and afraid of the exam.

14) I'd like to study in Great Britain in order to improve my English,to know about their system of education from within.

15) It will be great  to choose different subjects,in which you are interested.

Laboratory Work. Higher education

	Problem	Signs of problem	Your Solution to the Problem
1	examination	We need  need to assess the ability to learn: this type of exam or learning license (that 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 the combination of written and oral exams is good.But it is necessary to develop the process of examination.
2	preparation for the exam	tired face, sleepless nights etc. She is studying for 3 levels preparing for medical school. She works nights and weekends to prepare for her exams.	To my mind,health is very important in our life.So the girl should sleep and be calm, because she works hard.
3	entrance to university	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.	Entrance exams are the most troublesome time in the life of every student. But every person should try to cope with it. The person should sleep more and spend more time outdoors.
4	the highest grade	He never thought of himself like a highflyer, he never excepted such high results.	Many students are not confident in themselves  not sure of their future results.The best way to overcome panic and to stay cool, get hold of yourself and be ready for any kinds of results.
5	automatic checking of tests results	reduce the time of checking papers	I think, it is better when the exams are checked by people. Also people should develop automatic system in order to avoid many mistakes.

 2) As for my problems,first of all it is the lack of time. Every day I must learn something and reduce some thing that are more pleasant. Before exams I felt depressed and nervous. The best way to cope with it is to visit fitness club and do sport.

3)There are a lot of problems that students face during the process of their studying. First of all, these are problems with different subjects,lack of time to prepare for exam. Besides students can be misunderstood and lonely,they can't find friends and feel homesickness,because their parents are far from them. Moreover,when students work hard a lot of time,they feel depressed and don't have free time to do things that they like. 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. However, students need some rest:go to party or do shopping,it is necessary.

MP3 AUDIO 5.2

1. What is the standard grading system in the USA?
Standard letter-grading system of A, B, C, and F

2.What are the ‘special grades’ that the speaker mentions in the recording? They are satisfactory (S) and unsatisfactory (U) grades. It is not taken for all the courses at the university.

3. Comment on the standard grading system in your country?
There are 5 (excellent), 4 (good), 3 (satisfactory), 2 (bad)

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

For example in Iraq.In schools, grades are based on 20. Depending on the school and the grade of study, a good mark varies, but in most occasions 16 or higher is considered to be a good one.
   This system of grading based on 20 is also common in universities, but sometimes percent scoring is also used in higher educational systems.

 Grade       Scale 1      Scale 2      Description
18-20          A                5               Excellent
16-17.99     A                 4                Very Good
14-15.99      B                 3                    Good
12-13.99      C                 2                 Satisfactory
10-11.99       D                1                 Acceptable (10 = Pass)
0-9.99         E/F                0                 Fail

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

  

MP3 AUDIO 5.3

       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           2) What warnings does the student advisor give?

        You can officially drop a course after the first three weeks of the semester. If you are having problems in a course and you decide later on that you want to drop the course it’s impossible to do so.

           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.

                       

              MP3 AUDIO 5.4

           1)What are the places of a college campus that the speaker mentions in the recording?
Administration complex, library, students’ centre (a post office, a bank, a theatre, a coffee shop, a travel agency).

             2)Can you find the similar campus places in your college/university? What are other places that are worth mentioning? Characterize them briefly.

Reading room. The Library is full of study convenient study space as well as computers equipped with access to the Internet, a photocopier, colour printing and much more.  

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

The college copy center.

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

   

    Parking.

 If traveling by car, please be aware that the University does not offer any public parking, and street parking is limited by meters. 

3)In our Institute,we have a large library,which is well equipped with computers.There are two halls of residence on the territory of campus for those students who live far away from the institute.There is the big concert hall for important events and activities and the ballroom where students have discos and little performances.There exist a canteen with tasty food. 

   

 

Film Rewiev "Dangerous Minds"

    I would like to tell you about the film "Dangerous Minds",directed by directed by John N. Smithsand and  produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer. The movie stars Michelle Pfeiffer as Louanne Johnson, Courtney B. Vance as George Grandey and others.It is based on the autobiography "My Posse Don't Do Homework" by former U.S. Marine Louanne Johnson, who took up a teaching position at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California, in 1989, where most of her students were African-American.
    Let's pass on to the plot of the film. Louanne Johnson was  an ex-marine, who came to a Palo Alto high school in order to find a job. She was divorced with her husband and her friend advised her to be a teacher at this school. Her first day was terrible,because a classroom was full of tough and sullen teenagers, but her persistence made her to continue.The next day she wore a leather jacket and taught  them karate.The students showed some interest in such activities,but later began to behave in the same way they used to. She tries to lead them in the world of English Poetry.Louanne used the lyrics of Bob Dylan to teach symbolism and metaphor; once this is achieved, she progressed  to Dylan Thomas. Louanne rewards the students in different ways,using candy bars,a trip to a theme park or restaurant. During the work,she faced a lot of problems and difficulties with students and their parent and at the end of the school year she decided to go away. But students didn't want it. She stayed, because the students named her "bright".
    Speaking about the actors, I should say that cast of the film is perfect. To my mind,Michele Pfeiffer is excellent in her role. She was absorbed by her work. She gave her heart and her soul to these students. Day by day she became closer and closer to them. She was so resourceful and  found different ways in order to attract students. And later she succeeded.
   The film touches upon the problems of the lower classes of society. Such students didn't want to learn because nobody believed in them. They have the same rights as the others.The only thing they should do-to chose what they wanted: to live in poverty and drink every day as their parents or to be successful and well-educated. Their teacher helped them and tried to struggle with stupid parents and cruelty of the streets.
   Moreover, we can notice that their teacher believed in them and tried to encourage. She saw that everyone of her students was talented. That's why she was able to imbue their lives with bright coloures, with poetry,with human values,with the sense of life.
  In conclusion I'd like to say that the film impressed me greatly.It teachers us that every child is unique and is worth of respect. Also it shows that a bright person can change life of many people for better. So, it is necessary not give up. 

Film Review "The Ron Clark Story"

     I would like to tell you about the movie “The Ron Clark Story”,  directed by Randa Haines. The film stars Matthew Perry as Ron Clark, Brandon Mychal Smith as Tayshawn, Hannah Hodson as Shameika, and others. As for genre of the film, it is drama and action takes place in New York, the USA.
    This film is based on the true-life story of Ron Clark,let's pass on to the plot.The school teacher, Ron Clark left his home and moved to New York in order to find a job. It was very difficult and firstly he worked as a waiter at a local restaurant. Later, he succeeded and got the job as a teacher in Inner Harlem Elementary School,where he began to teach aggressive,rude and violent children.  Ron Clark was glad to work in the most disadvantaged class at school. He tried to do best for his pupils, visited parents, helped with their homework after classes. It was really a battle between Clark and his pupils, but he didn't give up and believe in children and their success. That's why,several months later the man  became not only a friend for the children but also extend their  knowledge and change their lives to better. At the end of the school  year Clark gave the children tickets to the musicale Phantom of the Opera. All of children were very excited  the boy,Brandon  Smith, who was fond of  drawing graffiti, even drew a shape of a Ghost on the wall of his room, for which was beaten by his step-father. The teacher had found the way from this problem. As it turned out, the pupils got the highest score in the school and were very thankful to Ron Clark.
   Speaking about the actors, I should say that cast of the film is perfect. And of course, Matthew Perry is excellent in his role as Clark. He was nominated for different awards, including  "Outstanding Made for Television Movie","Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie","Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television" and others. He was funny, open and kind-hearted. He was perfect in his comedy scene as well as in dramatic ones. He was full of determination to help these unhappy children. His yes shown with joy when  Shameika asked not to leave their school.  Matthew Perry is very talented writer,he was very convincing, I believed that he loved his job.
     Besides, I should say, that director of the film made a good job.I can't but mention the realistic atmosphere of school,it's system and it's rules. Also, the including of romantic line made the film be more exciting. Moreover, children played perfectly! I believed them and experienced all their feelings and emotions.
  In conclusion, I' d like to say,that this movie is worth watching! I admire  Ron Clark, because he gas achieved his goal in spite of difficulties. He is creative and enthusiastic, tries to find new methods in order to awake pupil's interest. He is not afraid to be laughable.He really love children and his job and it is worth of respect.