Unit 5 Topic: The system of higher education in the usa Text 1. The main types of higher institutions

Higher education in the USA is the most extensive and versatile in the world. Now almost 10 million students study in American colleges and universities.

The universities are usually divided into state (or public) and private. The main difference between the two is a financial one. Private universities have very limited financial help from the State authorities.

There are four categories of higher educational establishments in the USA. Technical institutions offer two or three year courses. They prepare students for employment in different technical specialties.

Junior colleges provide two-year courses. They help the students to prepare for the further education at the universities.

Art colleges, state and independent colleges award the Bachelor’s degree and sometimes the Master’s degree in technology, art and teaching.

Universities award all degrees. Often they offer postgraduate courses for the highest degree – the Doctor’s degree.

Words and phrases to remember:

an extensive and versatile system – обширная и разнообразная система

a specialty – специальность

to offer – предлагать

to provide – обеспечивать

to prepare – готовить

to award – присуждать

a course of study – курс обучения

the Bachelor’s degree – степень бакалавра

the Master’s degree – степень магистра

the Doctor’s degree – степень доктора

Answer the questions:

What two main types of institutions are there in the USA?

What is the difference between them?

What are the main categories?

Ex. 1. Translate from Russian into English.

1. Система высшего образования в США отличается большой разносторонностью.

2. Это образовательное учреждение предлагает обучение по всем

специальностям.

3. Эта кампания обеспечивает доступ в Интернет.

4. Он подготовился к экзамену очень хорошо.

5. После курса обучения университет присуждает степень магистра.

Text 2. College and University admission and entrance requirements

Access to higher education usually takes place after 18 years of age and after 12 years of primary and secondary studies.

First, the universities require an application including personal information.

Second, it is a high school report. It includes a school-leaving certificate with the list of all courses taken and all grades received, with courses failed and repeated, test results (SAT, ACT and Achievement test) and general assessment of the applicant’s character such as motivation, creativity, self-discipline, leadership, self-confidence and warmth of personality.

Third, it is recommendations by school teachers.

Fourth, personal commentary such as hobbies, special awards and prizes, work and travel experience, career goals and the reasons for the choice of this university.

Finally, it is an entrance examination or personal interview.

SAT – the Scholastic Aptitude Test is taken in maths and verbal activity.

ACT – the American College Testing is taken in social and natural studies.

Achievement Test – special tests in a discipline required by some colleges for admission.

Words and phrases to remember:

to take place – иметь место

to require – требовать

to apply, an application, an applicant – подавать заявление

to take, to fail, to repeat a course – учить, провалить, повторно учить

to receive a grade – получить оценку

an access to education – доступ к образованию

a school-leaving certificate – аттестат о среднем образовании

a general assessment of character – общая оценка

Answer the questions:

1. When does the person have the right to study at the university?

2. What are the main entrance requirements?