The oxford and cambridge boat race

Sporting activities at Oxford and Cambridge are varied and numerous. There are different competitions (соревнование) between the colleges. One of the most popular sports is rowing (гребля). At the end of the term long, narrow, light boats, rowed by eight men, compete in the races. Boats start at short intervals one after another and try to knock the boat in front. Those who are able to do it move one place in a table (таблица) and the college at the top of the table is known as the "Head of the River".

Rowing has a long history in England. Rowing a boat with eight oars (весло) or with four oars was first started in England in the 18th century. At that time the boats took part in festivals and processions on the River Thames.

In the 19th century people started to use the boats for racing, not only in London on the Thames but also in the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The first Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge was held in 1829.

Nearly every year since then there has been a Boat Race between these two Universities. It is held in London on the Thames, during the Easter vacation, at the end of March or the beginning of April.

The course, from Putney to Mortlake, is 4 1/4 miles long. It has many turns, and the crews usually row the 4 1/4 miles in 20 minutes.

The crews of the boats, chosen from the members of the college Boat Clubs, train together for twelve weeks before the race, first in Oxford or Cambridge and finally in London. In each boat there are eight oarsmen and a coxswain (рулевой), usually called a "cox". The cox, who is much lighter than the others, sets the speed and the rhythm, and steers.

On Boat Race Saturday the banks and bridges of the Thames are thick with people who have come to watch. Some wear dark blue ribbons (лента) for Oxford, and some wear pale blue ones for Cambridge.

THE OPEN UNIVERSITY

A university which calls itself "The Open University" (O.U.) suggests that all other universities are closed. And this is true, because they are сlosed to everyone who does not have the time, the opportunity or the qualifications to study there. For

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those people, who missed the сhanсе оf gоing tо а сonventional universitу, the Open Universitу was set up in 1969.

Most of its students work at home or in full - time jobs and can study only in their free time. They need to study about ten hours a week. As the university is truly "open", there are no formal entry requirements and students are accepted on a “first come, first served” basis.

Today's students are there fore of all ages and come from very different backgrounds. Some, such as teachers, want to improve their qualifications. Others, like retired people or mothers whose families have grown up, are at the O.U. because they now have the time to do something they have always wanted to do. Returning to "school" is difficult fоr most students.

In addition to all the reading and writing assignments,students have got a lot of watching and listening to do, for there are weekly O.U. lectures broadcast on ВВС television and radio.

Eасh student gets the help of his tutor/councellor, who he meets regularly and can telephone in any difficulty. At the meetings students get to know other students on the course and join with them into "self-help" groups. These groups meet to discuss the texts and assignments; here too theу find support and stimulation.

In the first year you must attend summer schools. You spend a week at a college or university, taking courses, having discussions, and working hard in an exciting atmosphere. It is here that most students discover that they have begun to master the skills and discipline of university study.

By the time the exams come in October, you feel much more confident and optimistic about your return to student life. Your final mark is based, on the exam and the written assignments done during the year. If you pass - you have got one credit towards the six that you need for a degree. It will take you six years (for an ordinary degree) or eight (for an Honours degree) to get your degree.

The learning materials come in the form of study packs. Each pack is built around a main text - presented as a book or series of booklets – consisting of attractively designed and easy – to read magazine style topics. These topics are designed to involve you in doing things - using questionnaires, observation exercises, self reports and checklists for practical action. Audiocassettes and supporting notes, information leaflets and special guides are also included to help you and get the most from your study.

Assessments packs entitle you to register as a student of the O.U. and to send in a series of assignments for computer marking and feedback. The assignments сheсk уоur understanding of the topics and your level of involvement in using the study packs. If you complete the assignments satisfactorily you receive a Statement of Course Participation from the O.U.