Grades in American Universities and Colleges

While the quantity _I_ a student academic work is measured _2 _ credits or units, the quality _3 _ the work is measured _4 _ grades (often called "marks")

_5 _ other countries. _6 _ the United States grades are very important. A student's grades receive considerable attention _7 _ competition _8 _ scholarships and fellowships, _9 _ admission _10_ graduate schools and, _11 _ some cases, _12 _ jobs. _13 _ the first session _14_ a class, the professor should discuss the grading system. _15 _ most institutions, there are four passing grades "А", "В", "С" and "D" (and shades _16 _ between). There is usually one failing grade: "F". "Incomplete" ("Inc." or "I") indicates that work _17 _ the course has not been completed due to _18 _ circumstances that the professor understands and accepts. If the work remains unfinished _19 _ a specified period _20 _ time (usually, the next term), the grade will then be changed _21 _ "F". Some courses may be offered _22_ a "pass/fail" basis. This means that no letter grade is given. Work is judged to be either satisfactory ("pass") and credit is given or unsatisfactory ("fail") and no credit is given _23 _ the class.

Speaking:

Task 9

Answer the questions using the information given in the text.

1. What examination is taken by all school-leavers in their last year in the secondary school?

2. What are general requirements for admission to colleges and universities in the USA, Great Britain and Russia?

3. What types of higher education institutions are there in the USA, Great Britain and Russia?

4. What degrees do colleges and universities award after four years of study?

5. What degrees do graduate schools award?

6. What degrees do junior colleges and community colleges award?

7. How many universities and colleges of higher education are there in Great Britain?

8. What qualifications are necessary for admission to university in the UK?

9. What are three types of universities in Britain?

10. What is the minimum period of time for completing a Bachelor's Degree?

11. What is the difference between undergraduates, graduates and postgraduates?

12. How can one receive a Master's Degree?

13. What is the normal route for the award of a research degree (a Doctor's Degree)?

14. What major research-based universities have set up Graduate Schools of a very high standard in the UK?

15. How is the Open University different from other universities?

16. Is higher education in Russia free of charge or paid?

Reading B

Task 10

Scan the text and match the headings (a-h) with the paragraphs (1-7). There is one heading you will not need to use.

1. Language as a Pass

2. Choosing a postgraduate program,

3. The most popular areas of specialization in postgraduate education

4. Market for business education

5. What Do Postgraduates Want?

6. Backwards of business education

7. Prospective career opportunities

8. Alma-Mater Abroad

9. Knowledge for career promotion

10. Advantages of higher education