Cambridge

Cambridge must be one of the best-known towns in the world, and can be found on most tourists’ lists of places to visit. The principle reason for its fame is its University, which started during the 13^th century and grew steadily, until today there are more than twenty colleges.

Most of them allow visitors to enter the grounds and courtyards. The most popular place from which to view them is from the Backs, where the college grounds go down to the River Cam.

The oldest college is Peterhouse, which was founded in 1284, and most recent is Robinson College, which was opened in 1977. The most famous is probably King’s, because of its magnificent chapel. Its choir of boys and undergraduates is also very well known.

The university was exclusively for men until 1871 when the first women’s college was opened. Another was opened two years later and a third in 1954. In the 1970s, most colleges opened their doors to both men and women. Almost all colleges are now mixed, but it will be many years before there are equal numbers of both sexes.

Notes:

* tutorial – наставнический; tutorial system — университетская система обучения путём прикрепления студентов к отдельным консультантам

Practice:

1. Write a word to each definition:

• university – accommodation

• college – visitor

• festival – popular

• trade – chapel

1. he act or an instance of buying and selling goods and services;

2. a place of Christian worship in a larger building, esp a place set apart, with a separate altar, in a church or cathedral;

3. a day or period set aside for celebration or feasting, esp one of religious significance;

4. widely favoured or admired;

5. a person who pays a visit; caller, guest, tourist, etc;

6. a school or an institution providing specialized courses or teaching; part of a university;

7. lodging or board and lodging;

8. an institution of higher education having authority to award bachelors' and higher degrees, usually having research facilities.

2. Correct the following sentences beginning with: “I am afraid that is wrong” or “That is not true to the fact”.

1. Oxford and Cambridge Universities were established in the thirteenth century.

2. Oxbridge denotes the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, both founded in the Renaissance period.

3. Relations between the students and the townspeople were very friendly, and there were often festivals in the streets.

4. The most famous is probably King’s college, because of its magnificent dome.

5. The university was exclusively for women until 1871.

6. Only few colleges have their own dining hall, library and chapel and contain enough accommodation for at least half of their students.

7. Now the majority of colleges are single-sex (mostly men).

8. Nowadays, there are about 1, 000 students in Oxford.

3. Consider the following statements.

1. Oxbridge is a collegiate one. How do you understand it? Can you express your opinion on the above?

2. Oxford and Cambridge Universities are considered to give a very high standard of education. Do you agree? Can you give your reasons?

3. Oxbridge graduates often become powerful and successful members of British society, though this is beginning to change. Do you agree to that? What is really meant?