Методразработка "Готовимся к Олимпиаде по английскому языку. Устная речь"
олимпиадные задания на тему

Министерство профессионального образования и расстановки кадров РС(Я)

АУ РС(Я) Якутский колледж связи и энергетики им. П.И.Дудкина

Методическая разработка

Готовимся к Олимпиаде по английскому языку.

Устная речь.

Автор: преподаватель Васильева В.М.

2012 г.

Part 1.  MONOLOGUES.

WELCOME TO YAKUTIA.

My Motherland – the Sakha Republic is a magnificent and admirable country . It is situated in the north-east of Russia and occupies an area one fifth of the size of the whole country.  The area of Yakutia is more than three million square kilometers, it’s many times greater than the largest European states: it is six times the size of France and thirteen times the size of England. There are three time zones in Yakutia. The republic is washed by two seas – the Laptev Sea and the East-Siberian Sea. More than 40 % of Yakutia’s territory lies within the Arctic Circle, and nearly all its territory is in the permafrost zone. During the summer season, the top layer of soil may thaw to a depth of 0.4 – 3.5 metres, while the ground below remains permanently frozen. The republic borders the Krasnoyarsky, Irkutsky, Amursky, Khabarovsky and Magadansky regions. The capital city is Yakutsk.

The climate of the republic is determined by its geographical situation, it is markedly continental. The cold air streams from the Arctic make Yakutia the coldest region in the world. Seasonal temperature variations exceed 100 degrees – from 60 below zero in winter to 40 degrees above zero in summer.

The republic consists of thirty five territorial administrations: thirty three uluuses and two urban districts. All in all, there are five cities, eight towns, sixty five townships and about 600 villages.

The larger a country is, the more varied its landscape and natural resources are. The surface of Yakutia is flat in the west and mountainous in the east and in the south. The main mountain chains are the Verkhoyansky, the Chersky and the Stanovoy ranges. There are four natural zones in Yakutia: the arctic desert, tundra, forest tundra and taiga. Over 70 % of its territory is covered with forests. About 7000 rivers flow through Yakutia. The main river of the republic is the Lena river, which is 4,400 km long. Other large rivers include the Aldan, the Kolyma, the Viluy, the Indigirka and the Yana. The rivers of Yakutia stay frozen for many months during winter.

The republic is known as a treasure house of minerals. Practically all elements of the Mendeleev’s table are found in its bowels.

The population of Yakutia is very small comparing to its huge area. Less than a million people inhabit it. Average population density is 35 people per 100 square kilometers. The Sakha republic is a multinational one, people of 110 nationalities live and work there. Seven native nationalities of Yakutia are the Russians, Yakuts, Chukchas, Evens, Evenks, Yukhagirs and Dolgans.

CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS IN YAKUTIA.

People of over one hundred nationalities inhabit Yakutia. All of them speak their languages and celebrate their national holidays. But of course the most popular traditional festival is Yhyakh. In old times it was held on June 21st and 22nd – the summer solstice. Since 1991, June 21st has been an official holiday in the Sakha republic.

According to the old Yakut calendar, a new year began in June. It was the time of nature waking up. The ancient Sakha wanted to protect themselves and their cattle from evil forces. They asked for a blessing from the gods for their families for the following year. The legend says that the first man who brought people together for Yhyakh was Ellei.

White colour, the colour of the northern sun is very important in Sakha rituals. Traditionally, the festival is opened by “white shaman”, dressed in white clothes. He is accompanied by eight girls in white dresses and nine boys.

The Yhyakh ritual consists of three parts. The first is the most important one. People hold kumis and praise the Sun – the supreme white creator. The white shaman sprinkles kumis for the gods and spirits and asks them to bless all the people gathered.

During the second part of the Ysyakh people, sitting round a tusulge, drink kumis from the special wooden vessels – chorons.  Drinkers leave some kumis in the choron, because one shouldn’t “drink” all the riches of the host.

The third part of the Ysyakh consists of games, sports competitions, horse racing, singing contests, dancing ohyokhai, the narration of folk tales. The national wrestling, khapsagay, mas-wrestling, national jumps attract a lot of spectators. But the most fascinating event is the ohyokhai. People sing and dance in a circle. The singers start one after another and people repeat in chorus while dancing.

During the festival people wear national dress and eat national dishes. The festival lasts for three days and nights. People stay out all day and night and early in the morning they watch the rising sun, taking energy from it for the whole year.

NATURE PROTECTION.

In the past the people of  Yakutia – hunters, fishermen and reindeer breeders lived in harmony with nature. They did not use cars, lorries or planes. They walked, used rowing boats or rode horses.

The rapid development of society and the demand for resources have affected the environment and the ecological balance of the north. People have destroyed natural habitats by building roads through tundra and taiga and mining.

The most serious threats are the cutting down of the forests, the construction of power stations and the building of dams. They cause many problems like soil erosion, floods and others.

Since diamonds were discovered in the tributaries of the Markha  in 1957, the ecological situation in the region has changed greatly. Houses, roads, quarries and factories have been built in the taiga and, as a result many of the local animals have disappeared. The waste from the diamond mining factories flows into the rivers, causing water pollution and killing fish, birds, animals and even people. The air has also been polluted by smoke and gases from factories, cars, trucks, buses and planes.

World temperatures are rising every year, what is known as global warming. This is caused by the build up of gases and water vapour in the atmosphere. Global warming is extremely dangerous, especially in the north because the glaciers will start to melt. The first holes in the ozone layer appeared over the Antarctic and then Arctic.

Today, scientists and world leaders realise the Earth is in danger. There is a need for conservation laws and pollution control. There are different ecological organisations in Yakutia which protest against environmental pollution and are interested in protecting birds and animals. The members of such organisations clean the parks, green zones and reserves.  Volunteer groups in Yakutsk  look after streets of the town, clean and sweep them in summer time.

The natural environment of the north is very delicate and each of us must take care of it.

SPORT IN YAKUTIA.

Sport is very popular in Yakutia. National sports are a part of traditional Sakha culture. They reflect the experience of people living in northern conditions. They do not require huge sport halls or stadiums and can be played anywhere. The sports include khapsagai – Yakut national wrestling, stick pulling or mas-wrestling, various kinds of jumping, reindeer and dog sledge races, horse racing and so on.

Let me to tell you about some of them. There are three kinds of Sakha national jumping sports. Kylyy is running and jumping on one leg: the jumper makes ten leaps and then on the eleventh leap has to land on both legs. Ystanga involves running and jumping on the right and left leg alternatively for ten leaps, then on the eleventh leap the jumper has to land on both feet. Kuobakh is jumping on both legs at the same time, eleven times without stopping.

Khapsagai is the Sakha form of wrestling. The rules are very simple: as soon as any part of a wrestler’s body touches the ground, that is considered a fall.

Mas-wrestling or stick pulling is very popular in our republic. It is played everywhere: indoors, out-of-doors, on the grass, on the floor, even in deep snow.

Such national table games as khabylykh and khaamyska are widespread in Yakutia.

The government of the republic support professional and amateur sportsmen. There are special schools, colleges and institutes, a lot of sports facilities there. We are proud of the world champions – the boxer Georgy Balakshin, the athlete Tatyana Pinigina, the paralympic champion Anastasya Diodorova and many others.

The Sakha Republic initiated a number of international and all-Russian sports competitions. The most important of them, to my mind, are the Children of Asia International Games. This year Yakutia will host the Children of Asia for the fifth time.

THE USA.

English is one of the most widely used languages in the world. Over 337 million people speak English as their first language and about 350 million people speak it as a second language. America has the largest number of English speakers.  That’s why I would like to tell you about this country – the United States of America, one of the most powerful countries in the world.

The United States of America is the fourth largest country in the world after Russia, Canada, China. It is situated in the central part of the North American continent. It has an area of over 9 mln. sq. km. Its western coast is washed by the Pacific ocean and its eastern coast by the Atlantic ocean. On the north it is bordered by Canada, on the south by the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico. If we look at the map of the USA we can see lowlands and mountains. The largest chains are the Cordilliera, the Rocky mountains and the Appalachian mountains. Between the Rocky and the Appalachian mountains are the central lowlands called the prairie and the eastern lowlands called the Mississippi valley.  Along the northern border with Canada Five Great lakes are located which are thought to contain  half  the world’s total supply of  fresh water.

The capital of the country is Washington D.C. The United States is a federal republic consisting of 50 states, each of which has its own government. In some way the United States is like 50 small countries. Every state has its own governor, its own police, and its own laws. The President is the head of the country and the government, and is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The government of the whole country works from Washington. This is where Congress is based. The Capitol is the seat of the USA Congress. Congress is the American parliament consisting of two chambers – the Senate and the House of Representatives. The capital was named after  the first American president George Washington. It is situated in the District of Columbia called in honour  of Columbus -  the discoverer of America. Washington has been the federal capital since 1800.

The United States flag is called The Stars and the Stripes. It has 13 stripes – 7 red and 6 white and 50 five-pointed white stars on a blue field in the upper left-hand corner. One star is for each state of the US and the stripes stand for the first 13 states of the Union. Americans enjoy their flag. They use the Stars and Stripes as a popular design anywhere and everywhere.

The USA is the country of immigrants.  As a result of prolonged immigration , now there are more than 25 mln. British Americans, about 23 mln. African Americans, 25 mln. German Americans and more Irish Americans than the whole population of Ireland. Native people of the US are only about 1 mln. American Indians of different tribes and 40 thousand Aleuts and Eskimos in Alaska.

MY  FUTURE  PROFESSION.

I study at the Yakutsk College of Telecommunications, Communication and Information Technologies. Our college prepares radio technicians, post office workers, cinema operators, specialists for power engineering and communication enterprises. My future profession is a communication engineer (technician).

It’s impossible to imagine modern life without telephony, cellular communication or the Internet. Communication engineers make people closer, help them to solve everyday tasks easier and faster, save their time and money. Everyone uses communication means - a housewife, a schoolboy, a businessman and even a president.

During the past century communication systems have grown from inventions and experiments to the world - wide major industries. No doubt that the field of communication systems – analogue, digital, cellular and satellite will continue to change rapidly in the future. Highly qualified technical specialists, specialists able to study during the whole life are of great demand nowadays.

We study different technical subjects at college like “Mobile communication networks and systems”, “Circuits and signals of electrical communication”.

And of course the knowledge of foreign language is very important for my future work. English is the major international language in the area of technology and communication. At our English lessons we read  texts according to our speciality, translate operating manuals for some technical devices such as a video recorder, camera recorder, TV set, mobile telephone, computer. I think English will help us to master special knowledge necessary for our future profession.

I’m sure I’ve done the right choice. My future profession is very useful and it will give me nice opportunities for self-development and professional growth.

LEARNING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

English is one of the most widely used languages in the world. About 350 mln. people in the world speak English as a mother tongue. The native speakers of English live in Great Britain, the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand. English is one of the official languages in the Irish Republic, Canada  and South African Republic. As a second language it is used in the former British  colonies, for example in India.

English is the major international language for communication in such areas as science, technology, business and mass media. English is one of the official languages of the United Nations Organization and other political organizations. It is the language of computer software, literature, education, modern music and international tourism. Over 80 per cent of the world’s electronically stored information is in English and two thirds of the world’s scientists read in English.

Speakers of other languages borrow English words to add to their own languages. Practically all computer terms in Russian are taken from English. One couldn’t use a computer or search for and retrieve information from the Internet without knowledge of English. We should learn English because today it is the language of the world. It is the main and the most efficient means of informational exchange.

Learning a foreign language is a long process that takes a lot of time and patience. It is well known that reading books and magazines in the original, watching films and talking to native speakers of English helps a lot. While studying the language you learn the culture and history of the country where the language is spoken. Every educated person, every good specialist has to know English because it is absolutely necessary nowadays. It is of great importance for my future profession. I am going to be a communication engineer and as you know all technical documentation is written in English.

YOUTH PROBLEMS.

I think that young people all over the world have almost the same problems. More over these problems existed in the past and will remain in the future. And when our parents were as young as we are now they also had the same problems.

There are two main problems of young people: misunderstanding with adults, especially with parents and the choice of future profession. These two problems are connected with each other, because our parents want to help us to make this choice and they often think that they know better what profession we should choose. Of course they have life experience, they love us and want us to be happy and rich. But it is our life, our choice and our future. Our parents can give us some very good advice, but we should have the right to follow our parents’ advice or not. Parents like giving advice about our friendship and love. But the problem of friendship and love is so private, so personal, that we don’t usually want to discuss it. If we need some advice, we will ask for it.

There are a lot of family problems that we will be glad to discuss with our parents, for example: what new TV set to buy, what Internet provider to choose, how to feed our dog and so on. We will be glad to listen to our parents’ opinion, if they listen to ours. That is the only way to mutual understanding; we should listen to each other and respect the opinion of each other.

Another problem of young people is money. Adults work and earn some money. We can also earn some money, but our parents want us to study and not to work. We have to ask our parents to give us some money. They give, but want to know how we spend it. It is not very pleasant. I think parents should trust their children. Our parents should understand that we want to live our own life, to make our own choice and to make our own mistakes.

COMPUTERS IN OUR LIFE.

It’s impossible to imagine modern life without a computer. It is found in homes, offices, schools and shops, banks and hospitals, everywhere. It finds application in air traffic control, in scientific researches, in making films and music. Every educated person nowadays can operate a PC. Schoolchildren and students study Information Science at their lessons.

A computer performs a lot of dull and  labour-consuming work instead of a human. The electronic brain makes it thousands time quicker and more reliable. But at the same time it was made by a human and can work only according to given instructions.

Computer plays an important part in my life. I am a student and it helps me in my study performing calculations and writing essays. It can help me to translate a difficult text or to draw a scheme.

A computer is more than we used to think it is. Practically all modern devices have an embedded or a built-in computer. It is a reliable assistant in operating TV-sets, video cameras, refrigerators, microwave ovens, cars and in a number of other devices necessary in our everyday life.

The Internet is a valuable source of information. We can search for and retrieve any information in the World Wide Web. We can watch new films, read the latest news, listen to our favourite singers and even visit museums and art galleries. It has given a birth to the new kind of sport – a cyber sport. People find new friends and even marry due to a computer and the Internet.

A computer is just a machine, but it makes our life much more colourful and richer.

MODERN TECHNOLOGIES.

People in contemporary world can hardly imagine their lives without machines. Every day either a new gadget is invented or an old one is improved. Different people appreciate new inventions differently. Some suppose that sophisticated gadgets are really useful and necessary, while others find them absolutely awful as they influence people badly. As for me, I am pretty sure that gadgets make people`s lives easier.

Firstly, they do all kinds of dirty and hard work, as cleaning. Secondly, devices can save a lot of time as well as storage space. For instance, a computer disk can contain the same amount of information as several thick books. So, machines help people in different spheres.

However, opponents of this point of view are definitely sure that gadgets affect people negatively. People are reluctant to work due to the influence of machines. People become lazy and disorganized. They just expect their latest gadgets to do everything instead of them. Moreover, according to scientists, a great number of widespread devices produce radiation that can cause serious health problems. Furthermore, more and more people are becoming addicted to their modern gadgets, for instance computers, TVs or mobile phones. So, they neglect their home obligations, work or school and spend all their spare time in front of a laptop screen or a TV-set.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that in spite of all drawbacks, gadgets have, their benefits are much more considerable, as they save people`s time and let them enjoy life.

SPORT AND HEALTHY LIFE.

The modern way of life, when people have little physical activity, use cars instead of walking, watch television for many hours, and work on a computer is turning them into weak and lazy creatures. Although a lot of people are interested in staying healthy, not many people do very much about it. Some people don’t consider sport to be very useful. To their mind it takes a lot of time and energy. They prefer to watch sport competitions rather than take part in sports. Most of the important competitions are televised, and people enjoy watching sports programs on TV. They needn’t buy tickets and go to a stadium, especially in cold and rainy weather. But certainly watching sports events and going in for sports are two different things.

In my opinion, people can’t do without sports. Sports play an important part in our lives. I think sport helps us in different ways. First of all, it helps us to stay in good shape, to keep fit and to be healthy. It makes people strong, fast and agile. Among the benefits of regular exercise are a healthier heart, stronger bones, quicker reaction times, and less susceptibility to various illnesses. Scientists believe that if you go in for sport on a regular basis, it could even help you to live longer. What is more, sport builds character; it teaches us to compete and practice sportsmanship. It makes us more organized and better disciplined in our daily activities. Besides, it is a good way to meet people and to make new friends.

Sport is an essential part of our everyday life. To have a healthy mind, you must have a healthy body. But to be healthy, it is not necessary to become a professional sportsman. You may go in for sports just for pleasure, when you have free time. Some people jog every morning; others attend fitness classes. Young people usually put on their roller-skates and skate in the streets and parks. A lot of young people spend their holidays hiking or riding their bicycles: it doesn’t cost much, and it is a good way of getting away from crowds.

Physical education is an important subject at schools and colleges. It helps students to relax and to keep fit after a hard working day. Sport is very popular in our college. We have many sport sections and it’s not always very easy to decide which sport to take up. Our college team takes an active part in all the town and republican sport competitions.

I enjoy many sports, but best of all I love swimming. When I was younger I used to go to the swimming pool three times a week. Now I have less free time, but a week never goes by without visiting the pool. Swimming is a very good exercise for the whole body and it is an inexpensive kind of sport, which is important too.

THE ROLE OF A TEACHER IN OUR LIVES.

2010  is declared the Year of a Teacher. It’s the first time when the year is devoted to the people of one profession. Really we haven’t had the Year of a Doctor or an Engineer yet. And I think we won’t. No wonder, because it is a teacher who plays the most important role in the life of the whole society. He is responsible for educating children and young people, who will build, plant, discover, defend, teach, do every kind of job tomorrow. A teacher works for our future.

The main task of a teacher is to give knowledge. But he isn’t just a story-teller. He teaches us to think, compare, analyze and create. A real teacher is a psychologist. He knows how to work with a group and each student at the same time. I study in the Communication college. We have a lot of teachers – experienced and young, strict and kind. Our teachers are first of all highly-qualified technical specialists. They are very different. Some young teachers are our college graduates. Our math teacher has been working  in our college for about 50 years. She is a favorite teacher for many generations of students. Everyone knows and loves her.

I would like to tell you about my group teacher Elena Yurievna Kostunina. She is one of the youngest teachers in the college. She teaches us very difficult technical subjects such as  Metrology, Electronic Devices, Calculating Devices. Elena Yurievna uses modern technologies at her lessons for example prepares interesting presentations and so on. She is always ready to answer our questions. She is a very hard-working    and creative teacher. We are proud of her.

To my mind a teacher is a very difficult  but  at the same time a very important profession.  

Part  2. DIALOGUES.

CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS IN YAKUTIA.

- Excuse me, is this seat vacant?

- Oh yes. Take it please.

- Thanks waiting for a flight?

- Yes, I am going home to Yakutia.

- It must be Yakutia, it is so for, in the north very cold there.

- Not now. Your are right. My republic is the coldest place in our country. But it is summer now in Yakutia. It is both very short and very hot.

- I guess everybody in Yakutia is waiting for summer after so long and severe winter.

- You are right the most popular traditional holidays of Yakut people is also celebrated in summer.

-What kind of holiday is it?

- In ancient times Ysyakh was a New Year holiday. According to the old Yakut calendar, a new year began in June.

-How long does the holiday last?

- Ysyakh is celebrated for 3 days.

- What do people do during these days?

- Ysyakh consists of three parts. The first is the most important one. The white shaman asks gods to bless the gathered people.

-Why is the shaman called white?

- White is a very important colour for the Sakha. Because it is the colour of Northern sun – the supreme white creator. White means good and kind.

- How is the second part held?

- During the second part of the Ysyakh people sitting round a tusulge, drink kumis from the special wooden vessels – chorons.

- Is the holiday over after kumis drinking?

- No, the third part is the most interesting one. It consists of games, sports competitions, horse racing, singing contests, dancing ohyokhai, the narration of folk tales.

- What sport games and competitions do people take part in?

- The national wrestling, khapsagay, mas-wrestling, national jumps kyly, ystanga, kuobah attract a lot of spectators.

- What do you personally like in this festival?

- The most fascinating event is the ohyokhai. People sing and dance in a circle. The singers start one after another and people repeat in chorus while dancing.

- What is the song about?

- It’s a kind of improvisation.The singers sing about what they see and feel.

- Oh , I am sorry. They are announcing my flight. I am to go

- It was nice to meet you. Welcome to Ysyakh!

SPORT IN YAKUTIA.

Excuse me, is this seat vacant?

Oh, yes, take it, please.

Thanks, waiting for a flight?

Yes, I am going home to Yakutia.

Are you a sportsman? What sport do you go in for?

Yes, you are right. In Yakutia everyone is fond of sports.

Really? What kinds of sport are popular there?

Wrestling, boxing, athletics, races, chess, a lot.

These sports are widespread all over the world. Do you have any special, national sports?

Of course, we do. Yakut wrestling, Yakut jumps, Yakut races…

What do they differ in? For example, Yakut wrestling?

The Sakha form of wrestling is Khapsagai. The rules are very simple: as soon as any part of a wrestler’s body touches the ground, that is considered a fall. Another kind is mas-wrestling.

What is mas-wrestling?

“Mas” means “wood”. Mas-wrestling or stick pulling is very popular in our republic. It is played everywhere: indoors, out-of-doors, on the grass, on the floor, even in deep snow.

What is special about Yakut jumps? How do you call them?

There are three kinds of Sakha national jumping sports. Kylyy is running and jumping on one leg: the jumper makes ten leaps and then on the eleventh leap has to land on both legs. Ystanga involves running and jumping on the right and left leg alternatively for ten leaps, then on the eleventh leap the jumper has to land on both feet. Kuobakh is jumping on both legs at the same time, eleven times without stopping.

I guess a lot of sports competitions are held in your republic.

Yes, it’s true. By the way, this summer Yakutia will host the Children of Asia International Games for the fifth time. Teams from many countries and regions of Russia take part in these games. It’s a great festival.

Oh , I am sorry. They are announcing my flight. I am to go.

 It was nice to meet you!

ENGLISH - SPEAKING COUNTRIES.

At the travel agency.

Good afternoon!

Good afternoon! May I help you?

Yes, next year I’m graduating from the college and would like to continue my education abroad.

A good idea!

But I don’t know what country to choose.

It depends on many reasons; your money, foreign language you speak, a kind of education you are planning to get and so on.

Oh, I see. Money is not a problem for me. I speak English and want to improve my knowledge in the area of information security. Besides, I would like to visit other countries as well.

Then a suitable country for you is Great Britain. This country is famous for the best universities in the world such as Cambridge and Oxford ones. Being in Great Britain you can visit other European countries.

Fine! And I could improve my English there. It’s of great importance for my future profession. English is the major international language of technology and computer software.

While studying in England you will have a chance to learn the culture and history of this wonderful country. I’m sure you know the main places of interest in London. Is it true?

Oh, yes. Our English teacher told us about Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and other sights of British capital. There are a lot of legends and mystery about them.

My dream is to see a royal palace and  the Queen and her guards. I would like to feed the ravens in the Tower and to take a picture of the Houses of Parliament.

      -    Where do you prefer to stay? In the city or outside, in the hotel, hostel or in    

          the family?

      -   In fact I don’t like much traffic, noise and rush.

Don’t worry! London is one of the most green cities in the world. There are a lot of parks and gardens there. You won’t feel as in the city.  

Where can I go in London after the lessons?

If you want to visit the museums, Westminster is the best place. Westminster Abbey, the Tower, Madame Tussaude’s  will tell you about the history of the country. West End is the district of shops, theaters, cinemas, concert halls which are open till midnight. London is known as the world’s centre of culture. You won’t be bored there.

And the last question. Is the weather in England as awful as it is usually described?

Not this much! It’s never cold in winter and hot in summer. The climate is mild the whole year round. Of course it often rains but it’s due to the ocean and seas which surround the country. But on the other hand any weekend you can go to the seaside or mountains – you don’t need  much time and money.

Nice! I am ready to go. Now I am to look for the university! Will you help me?

No doubt! Come next week, please!

Thank you very much!

You are welcome!  

BOOKS IN OUR LIFE.

Hello, haven’t seen you for ages!

Hi, how are you?

I’m fine, thanks. How are the things getting on with you?

I’m o’key. Where are you going?

To the library. I’d like to take something interesting to read.

You are fond of reading, aren’t you?

You are right. I like spend my free time reading books, magazines or newspapers.

Really? Nowadays one can hardly meet a reading person. Most of my group mates prefer playing a computer, chatting in the net, dancing in the club or going in for sports. So do I. There are a lot of interesting ways to spend time. I’m tired of reading my textbooks at college. It’s so boring. Don’t you think so?

I don’t agree with you. Life is impossible without books. They develop people making them more educated, clever and wise. It’s the way people communicate.

Communicate? What do you mean?

They connect people from different countries and even generations. By means of books people share their life experience with each other. Books are the only way to preserve mankind history. So, in some way books is the bridge from the past to the present, from today to the future.

I see. I guess you prefer historical books.

No,different kinds of books – historical, classical literature, modern writers. Now I read a lot of technical literature. You know my future profession is a communication engineer. To be a true specialist one should follow the latest achievements in the area of science and technology.

What about the Internet?

Of course, I use it. Sometimes I look for the necessary article or book there. Electronic book is also a book. A book exercises our mind, improves our speech and opens the whole world to us.

May be you are right. I will think it over. But now sorry, I am to go. It was nice to meet you. See you!

Bye, hope to meet you at the library one day!

SPORT AND HEALTHY LIFE.

Hi! Haven’t seen you for ages! How are you?

Hi! I’m O’k, thank you. You don’t have a lesson now?

I have. Physical training lesson.

Stephen! Why do you miss it?

I don’t think, I need it.

Why? Why not?

I am not a schoolboy who’s getting  comprehensive education. I study at the professional school. For three years I am to study different subjects on my future profession.

By the way, what is your future profession?

Information Security. As you see – no relation with Physical training or sport. Why should I spend my time  and energy for nothing?

But nowadays people have so little physical activity. We use cars instead of walking, watch television for many hours and play computer. We are getting weak and lazy.

It’s not about me. I have no car and computer is my job. There is no difference between a PC operator or any other office clerk. We work at the table sitting the whole day – this is a disadvantage of our profession. But what can we do?

To go in for sports is the only way for you. It will help you to stay in good shape, to keep fit and to be healthy. You will get a healthier heart, stronger bones, quicker reaction, and less susceptibility to various illnesses.

I get very tired after lessons, we have so much homework and practically no time for sport.

In fact you don’t need much time for jogging or morning exercises.

It’s very difficult for me to get up early and run.

Sport will help you to become more organized and better disciplined.

How can it be?

You can start with your physical training lessons. Then invite your friends to ski or skate. The weather is so nice these days. I am sure you will enjoy fresh air, exercises, and communication with your friends.

I guess you are right. I’ll try to go outside the city this weekend.

I would like to go with you but I’m busy on Sunday. Three times a week I go to the swimming pool. To my mind swimming is a very good exercise for the whole body. May be next time I’ll join you!

See you again!

Bye!

THE ROLE OF A TEACHER IN OUR LIVES.

Hi! Haven’t seen you for ages! How are you?

Hi! I’m o’k, thank you. What lesson do you have  now?

Physical training – my favorite lesson.

Why do you like it this much?

It’s very important for students, because it helps us to stay in good shape, to keep fit and be healthy. We relax after many hours spent at the computer. As you know my future profession is Information Security.

- By the way who is your Physical Training teacher?

- Alexander Petrovich.

- Oh, my congratulations! You’ve got a very good, experienced teacher! He taught us last year. We liked him very much!

- Why? What is special about him? May be his strictness?

- A  teacher must be strict. Besides, he is a true psychologist. He knows how to work with a group and each student at the same time.

- You are right. He knows the abilities of all students. He supports weak ones, helps to improve the abilities of the others.

- As far as I remember you weren’t Physical Training fan at school.

- No, but now I don’t miss this lesson. More over I take part in different competitions in the college.

- Is it your teacher’s merit?

- Yes, I think so.  A real teacher makes you to love his subject.

- By the way, do you know that 2010 is declared the Year of a Teacher?

 – Oh, it is the first time when the year is devoted to the people of one profession.

- Really we haven’t had the year of a doctor or an engineer. And I think we won’t.

- No wonder because it is a teacher who plays the most important role in the life of the whole society.

- Oh, it’s time to go for a lesson. I was pleased to meet you. Bye!

 – Bye!

MY FUTURE PROFESSION.

Hello, haven’t seen you for ages! How are you?

Hi! I’m o’key, thank you! How are the things getting on with you? What do you do?

I’m a college student now.

What college do you study at?

Yakutsk College of Communication and Power Engineering.

Oh, great! My congratulations! How do you like it there?

I like the college. We study a lot of different subjects such as Electric Radio Measurements, Multichannel Transmitting Systems, Automatic Commutation, Digital Commutation Systems and others. They are both very interesting and difficult.

What is your future profession? What are you going to do after college?

My future profession is communication engineer. After college I am planning to get higher education in the area of communication.

Why?

Technology is the most rapidly developing area. In order to be a true specialist one should follow the latest achievements of technology.

Aren’t you afraid that you won’t be able to find a job? Nowadays there are a lot of technical colleges and institutes.

Communication is widely spread everywhere. For example, in business, industry, at home, at school, in the army, everywhere.  I think that anyway communication engineers will be of great demand in the future.

Really, it’s impossible to imagine our life without a communication. Practically everybody can operate a telephone, use mobile communication and the Internet.  Oh, sorry, it’s 3 already. I’m to go. I was glad to see you. Bye!

Take care, bye!

LEARNING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

Hello, haven’t seen you for ages! How are you?

Hi! I’m o’key, thank you! How are the things getting on with you? What do you do?

I’m a college student now.

What college do you study at?

The Yakutsk College of Telecommunications, Communication and Information Technologies.

Oh, great! My congratulations! How do you like it there?

I like the college. We study a lot of different subjects such as Radio Transmitting Devices, Audio Equipment, Computer Hardware Repair and others. They are both very interesting and difficult.

Do you study all the subjects according to your speciality?

No, we have Philosophy, Physical Training, History, English as well.

Do you need them? For example, English?

You know English is one of the most widely used languages in the world. It is spoken in many countries as a mother tongue or the second language.

Are you going to move to one of these countries in the future? Or what?

Of course, no. But English is also the major international language for communication in such areas as science, technology, business and mass media.

May be you are a future scientist or journalist?

I don’t think so. My future profession is a radio technician and I like it. But in order to be a true specialist one should follow the latest achievements of technology in the world. And this is the most rapidly developing area. You have no time to wait for someone’s translation of the article you are interested in. Just enter the Internet and read.

It must be very difficult, but it’s reasonable. I have read that over 80% of the world’s electronically stored information is in English.

More over if you are fond of travelling, English will be of great use for you. It’s possible to make new friends abroad during your trips or in the Internet.

So, knowledge of English will open the whole world to you. Oh, sorry, it’s 3 already. I’m to go. I was glad to see you. Bye!

Take care, bye!

YOUTH PROBLEMS.

You are looking upset. Something wrong?

Oh, nothing serious.

But anyway, can I help you?

I’ve got some problems with my parents. We are so different. We don’t understand each other. Say, when you were my age, did your parents tell you what to do or what profession to choose?

Of course, it’s normal. They think they know what would be better for you.

Did you behave on their will?

Not always.

It’s very difficult to live with them. They don’t like my friends, the music I listen to, the clothes I wear, my hobby. Further more, I am in money shortage and they don’t let me to work. In their opinion job will stand in the way of my study.

Most of young people have the same problems. Did you try not to pay attention to their reproach? Or to talk with them about it?

No, but…

It’s a pity. Yes, we don’t choose friends. Yes, musical and clothes preference

is up to one’s taste. But your parents have more life experience, you’d rather listen to their advice. As to money, it is the problem not only for youngsters. Job doesn’t necessarily do harm to one’s study, it’s possible to find a suitable job.

And what’s about choosing a profession? I don’t like my parents’ suggestions.

Parents wish their children the best and often don’t want this or that profession for their children. I can understand them – the choice of a profession determines your future life. If you bring reasonable arguments they perhaps would agree with you.

Hm… I’ll think it over.

Excessive care in some cases results in great problems. For example, you can tell them, they will have to take care of you for ages, if they don’t let you to be independent now.

Thank you. I’ll try my best.

Well, I’ve  made you tired. I am to go.

Оглавление

Part 1. MONOLOGUES.

WELCOME TO YAKUTIA.        

CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS IN YAKUTIA.        

NATURE PROTECTION.        

SPORT IN YAKUTIA.        

THE USA.        

MY  FUTURE  PROFESSION.        

LEARNING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.        

YOUTH PROBLEMS.        

COMPUTERS IN OUR LIFE.        

MODERN TECHNOLOGIES.        

SPORT AND HEALTHY LIFE.        

THE ROLE OF A TEACHER IN OUR LIVES.        

Part 2. DIALOGUES.

CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS IN YAKUTIA.        

SPORT IN YAKUTIA.        

ENGLISH - SPEAKING COUNTRIES.        

BOOKS IN OUR LIFE.        

SPORT AND HEALTHY LIFE.        

THE ROLE OF A TEACHER IN OUR LIVES.        

MY FUTURE PROFESSION.        

LEARNING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.        

YOUTH PROBLEMS.