1. Find English equivalents for the following words and expressions.

Прогуливать (2); выйти из-под контроля; неуспеваемость в школе; улучшить посещаемость; совершить преступление; перерывы между уроками.

2. Give Russian equivalents for the following words and expressions.

Absenteeism; to face problems at school; to resort to more extreme methods; to put pressure on smb.; to be expelled from school; corporal punishment; to be bullied.

3. Rearrange the statements as they occur in the text. (Give numbers.)

1. Many children were excluded for violence and criminal behaviour.

2. Other schools have resorted to more extreme methods when pupils don’t turn up.

3. One million children a year bunk off school.

4. One parent knows very well the cost of truancy, not only to her children’s education, but to her own freedom too.

5. The evidence shows that truancy is linked to crime and failure at school.

6. The best way of improving attendance is to make school, and the gaps between the lessons more interesting.

7. Some teachers want corporal punishment brought back into the classroom, but the government didn’t agree.

Text 12 can we stop the bullies?

Bullying is a serious problem in many countries. In the UK, for example, 8 out of every 10 children are bullied at some time. About ten young people commit suicide every year because they’re victims ofbuUying.

Bullying often starts when people pick on something that is different. It could be how big you are, or how thin you are, the way you look or the way you dress.... Sometimes bullies don’t even need a reason — they make one up.

“If someone takes a dislike to you, they make your life hell. It doesn’t matter if you’re fat or thin, pretty or ugly,” says a 13-year-old Russian pupil.

Bullies rely on three things: that no one tells, that no one stands up for you, and that no one steps in if you seek help.

“The bullies say if you tell on them, they’ll beat you up,” one pupil said. “I can’t talk to my mum and dad,” explains another. “They won’t understand.” A third said, “I don’t want to tell a teacher. I’m afraid it’ll make things worse.”

Bullying can take many forms — from physical violence to name calling and spreading nasty rumours. Parents and teachers often think that bullies are kids who hit, kick and pinch. But bullies who don’t flex their muscles are often more dangerous. This breed ofbully is a social sniper who attacks by spreading rumours, calling names and making insulting remarks. What is worse, this kind of buUying is so subtle that it sometimes goes on underground — teachers and parents can’t always see it happening. Quite often, this bully can even hide behind the guise of Little Girl Good. And anybody can be her next victim. Even you.

Can you take a minute to imagine how bad you would feel if you were the one being bullied and teased? When you say and do malicious things to someone, you do long-lasting harm to that person’s psyche. Adults who were teased as kids almost say they have never forgotten the pain. Teasing can really push a person to the brink. It hurts!

Knowing what to do if you are the victim of bullying is difficult. Most victims feel isolated. They usually don’t even want to admit that they are being bullied. So finding a solution to the problem isn’t easy. It is important to know why people become bullies. Bullies are nearly always cowards. They get satisfaction from hurting people who are usually weaker than they are. They are often jealous of their victims or something the victims can do well. This is because they either have problems of their own or an extremely low opinion of themselves. Perhaps they are the victims of buUying by their parents or their brothers and sisters. Another sign of cowardice is the fact that they usually bully in gangs.

The golden rule if you are being bullied is: TELL, TELL, TELL! Talk to someone you can trust: a teacher, parent, older friend or relative. Keeping things secret is the bullies’ biggest weapon against you. This is why they go to so much trouble to try to stop you telling.

Be persistent. If the first person you talk to ignores you, don’t give up, speak to someone else.

Don’t give your bullies the satisfaction of a reaction. You don’t want them to know it bothers you. They make fun of your shoes? Thank them for the compliment and walk away confidently.

Don’t be an easy target. There’s one thing we want you to fake — just for a while. Walk with an air of confidence and pretend you are in control. Head high, shoulders back, and act as if you are not at all hurt. Eventually, the bullies might believe it and lose interest. And you’ll get so used to being this way that it’ll be second nature.

Don’t believe the lies that the bullies tell about you. Keep telling yourself there’s nothing wrong with you, that they are the ones with the problem — because they are.

Stand up for other students. If you see someone being bullied, pluck up your courage to say, "Hey! Leave that kid alone!” If you’re too afraid this will put you in the hot seat, talk privately to an adult about the problem.

Finally, if you’re being bullied you’re not alone. Napoleon, Churchill, Madonna, Ronan Keating, Sarah Michelle Cellar, Boy Gorge were all bullied while at school!