Contents
UNIT 1 TYUMEN UNIVERSITY…………………………………………..4
UNIT 2 THE FACULTY OF ECOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY …….….20
UNIT 3 RUSSIA……………………………………………………………32
UNIT 4 THE TYUMEN REGION…………………………………………43
UNIT 5 THE TOWN I LIVE IN ……………………………………………51
BIBLIOGRAPHY………………………………………………….…………….71
UNIT 1 TYUMEN UNIVERSITY
1.1 Answer the following questions:
1 What do you know about Tyumen State University?
2 Why did you decide to study at Tyumen State University?
3 Do young people try to choose a profession according to their liking?
4 What were your impressions about the first day at the University?
1.2 What does a “university” mean? Study the factfile:
The word “university” comes from the Latin word “universitas” meaning “the whole”. Later, in Latin legal language “universitas” meant “a society, guild or corporation”. Thus, in mediaeval academic use the word meant an association of teachers and scholars. The modern definition of a university is “an institution that teaches and examines students in many branches of advanced learning, awarding degrees and providing facilities for academic research”.
1.3 Read the following words. Mind reading rules:
Establishment, considerable, decision, branch, opportunity, access, spacious, cataloged, unique, theoretical, knowledge, experience, through, scientific, technology, lawyer, leisure, facilities, museum, archaeology, ethnography, suburbs, Kazakhstan, the Caucasus, environmental, purification, modernization, European, company, industry, undergraduate, proprietary, athletic, elite, employability.
1.4 Read the text through and be ready to do the exercises after.
Tyumen state university
Tyumen State University (TSU) is one of the oldest higher educational establishments in Western Siberia, with the history dating back to 1930. Former Tyumen Teacher’s Training Institute underwent a considerable change. It became a University in 1973 according to the government’s decision. Today Tyumen State University is the most powerful educational centre in the region, with a developed network of branches and over 40,000 students. The University is so large, that it occupies several buildings. They are situated in Respubliki Street, in Dzerzhinsky Street, in Pirogov Street, in Perekopskaya Street, in Lenin Street, in Przhevalsky Street.
The University provides excellent opportunities for education in 50 specialities, which number increases each year. The main buildings of the campus are located in the historical centre of the city. Students have access to up-to-date computer classes, spacious lecture halls and classrooms. The university library has over one and a half million volumes that are electronically cataloged. The library is proud of its unique collection of rare books from the 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition to all the information resources available, the students can always use any of the 800 computers connected to the Internet. University courses give students a chance to gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience during their studies.
The multi-level educational system of Tyumen State University allows students to progress through different stages of higher education: high school, bachelor, master, specialist, candidate and doctoral degrees. The University structure includes: an Academic college, which serves students who are completing their secondary education, seven faculties, eight institutes, post graduate courses, the Internet Educational Centre, language teaching centres. The University also has the Information Technology Centre and the Multimedia Laboratory, the Publishing House, two scientific research institutes, the Innovation and Technology Centre. The University’s leisure facilities include four museums (University History, Currency, Archaeology and Ethnography, and Zoology); the Art Gallery; five sport halls; a swimming pool; students’ holiday centres in the suburbs of Tyumen and at the Black Sea.
Now Tyumen State University offers educational services in other cities and regions. At present, it has sixteen branches and nine representative centres in the north of the Tyumen Region and Kazakhstan as well as field-practice centres on the Black Sea coast in the Caucasus and in Baikal region.
The University conducts a great deal of research, focusing the attention on different problems: development of natural resources, environmental protection, water purification technologies, information technologies, modernization of education, etc. Each year the University holds academic conferences at international, Russian, and regional levels. In April students take part in the Annual Students’ Scientific Conference where they can present their own researches.
The international activity of the University began in 1988. Since that time a lot has been achieved. The University takes part in different international projects of the European Union. Our partners are more than twenty foreign higher educational institutions of European countries and the USA. As a result, students have an opportunity to improve their education abroad and participate in international projects. Foreign specialists often come to Tyumen to take part in scientific conferences or to teach at our faculties and institutes. The development of international contacts continues to allow the students to widen their horizons and find their place in a globalized world.
The course of studies at the University lasts 4 (bachelor’s degree), 5(specialist) or even 6 years (master’s degree). The academic year starts in September and lasts till June. It is divided into two terms (semesters), at the end of each term, in January and June, students take their tests and sit for exams. So students take exams twice a year. Besides, they write course projects, do practical work in different companies and take part in research expeditions.
During the terms students have to attend lectures and classes, to carry out laboratory tests and do practical work. The students who attend the lectures, usually pass their tests and exams successfully. They get good and excellent marks and seldom fail. That’s why many of them never miss lectures trying to keep to the well-known English proverb: “No pains, no gains”. Students making good progress in studies, get state grants. When the academic year is over, many students have a month’s practice according to their speciality. Final exams are held at the end of the course of studies.
If you work hard, you should rest much. There are many activities designed to interest the students. Sport is a major leisure activity. Students of all institutes and faculties participate in a wide variety of sports. There is also a great tradition of organizing many different students’ celebrations and performances at Tyumen State University. Students really enjoy participating in drama, dance and creative writing. Works of more talented students are often displayed within the University.
Anybody can join the students from lots of towns and villages of the Tyumen Region who are attracted by Tyumen’s academic reputation and by the stimulating and friendly study environment. The University has an excellent reputation not only in teaching and research but also in its strong links with schools, banks, industry and business. There is a wide range of opportunities for undergraduate, postgraduate study and research in University’s faculties.
Professional knowledge, skills and creative organizational experience gained at TSU permit students to achieve their life goals successfully. Graduates of TSU work in government agencies and controlling bodies at all levels. Additionally, they are in leadership positions at institutions of higher and secondary education and large private and state organizations. We also find out that many of the cultural, artistic and athletic elite of the city and region got diplomas of TSU. Graduates of TSU have enjoyed very high employability rates compared to other higher educational institutions in Tyumen. Tyumen State University has been the first step in the careers of many people. It can be our first step too!
1.5 Translate and memorize the following word-combinations:
an educational establishment to gain knowledge
to undergo changes to hold the conference
to progress through different stages to widen one’s horizon
to have access to achieve the life goals
to be proud of to be in a leadership position
to give a chance to have an opportunity
to improve one’s education to participate in different projects
1.6 Make up your own sentences with the words and word-combinations from activity 1.5.
Model: There are many educational establishments in our town.
Match the words in A with their meanings in B:
A B
1 establishment a) grounds of a university or college
2 considerable b) listed in a catalogue
3 career с) ready to be used
4 government decision d) division, department
5 powerful e) fairly great in amount or importance
6 spacious f) being the only one of its kind
7 campus g) institution
8 electronically cataloged h) providing much space, roomy
9 unique i) residential area outside the central part of a town
10 available j) way of making one’s living, profession
11 suburbs k) take part in something
12 branch l) judgment, resolution, decree
13 to participate m) having great power or influence
1.8 Match the following words and word-combinations in A with their synonyms in B:
A B
1 an educational establishment a) to advance all the stages of education
2 to undergo changes b) to realize the life plans
3 to progress through all the phases c) to have a chance
4 to have access d) to broaden one’s outlook
5 to be proud of e) to conduct the meeting
6 to give a chance f)to take part in diverse projects
7 to have an opportunity g) teaching institution
8 to participate in different projects h) to have at one’s disposal
9 to gain knowledge i) to go through
10 to hold the conference j) to progress one’s knowledge
11 to widen one’s horizon k) to offer an opportunity
12 to achieve the life goals l) to feel pleased
13 to improve one’s education m) to get (to acquire) information
1.9 Give the English equivalents for the following words and word-combinations:
Подвергаться значительным изменениям, развитая сеть филиалов, пройти через все ступени высшего образования, мультимедийные лаборатории, получить теоретические знания и практический опыт, проводить большую научную работу, иметь признание на международном уровне, иметь представительства, расширять границы, совершенствовать знания, получить диплом ТГУ, предлагать образовательные услуги, символизировать международную признательность, дать (иметь) возможность, позволять.
1.10 Study the information about studying at a University:
If you want to go (enter) university, you must first pass examinations. Students usually take examinations in two or three subjects, and they must do well to get a place at university.
If you get a place, you have to pay tuition fees (money for teaching). Your education is not free of charge. Some students need a loan (money you borrow from a bank) to cover the cost of (pay for) university life. But some students don’t have to pay their tuition fees. Students at university are called undergraduates. A graduate is a person who holds a university degree.
University courses last (continue for) five years.
When people study one subject in great detail (often to find new information), we say they are doing research.
The head of department (also called a “faculty”, but less common in spoken English) at a university is a dean (university official).
Scholarship is grant of money towards education.
Grant is money given for a particular purpose, especially from public funds.
A university teacher gives a lecture on (geography, etc.) and the students take notes.
Students can do an (English, etc.) course in many colleges and universities. At the end of a course, you often have to take / do an exam. You hope to pass your exams. You don’t want to fail your exams.
If you pass your final exams at university, you get a diploma.
► What do we call:
1 the name we give students during this period at university?
2 the money some students receive if they get a place at university?
3 the study of the subject in great depth and detail, often to get new information?
4 the talks / lessons that students go to while they are at university?
5 a university official who heads a faculty?
1.11 Replace the underlined verbs with less formal verbs that have the same meaning in the context:
1 It is very difficult to obtain a place at university.
2 You have to pass exams before you can enter university.
3 He is studying physics, I think.
4 Did she receive a grant for her course?
5 The course continues for five years.
1.12 Fill the gaps with a suitable word:
1 My brother is 20. He is still …… university in York.
2 She has got a degree …… chemistry.
3 He’s …… research …… various types of world climate.
4 Who is the head in your ……?
1.13 Complete the following sentences:
1 Tyumen State University is one of the……
2 The University provides……
3 The library is proud of its……
4 The students have the opportunity……
5 Tyumen State University allows students……
6 Within the University there are……
7 TSU has extended its borders and it has……
8 The University began looking for……
9 The students have an opportunity to improve……
10 The development of international contacts allows……
11 The University takes part in……
12 Graduates of TSU work……
13 The professional knowledge and creative experience permit students……
1.14 Translate the following sentences into English:
1 ТГУ – это мощный образовательный центр в области.
2 Студенты имеют доступ к современным мультимедийным средствам.
3 Университетская библиотека гордится уникальной коллекцией редких книг.
4 Каждый год университет проводит конференции международного, областного и российского уровня.
5 Международные соглашения дают студентам возможность улучшать свои знания за рубежом.
6 Студенты принимают участие в международных проектах.
7 Существует много видов деятельности, которые охватывают все студенческие интересы.
8 Знания, полученные в университете, позволяют студентам успешно достигать своих целей.
9 ТГУ – это первый шаг в карьере многих людей.
1.15 Correspond the names in A with the following numbers in B:
A B
1 Institutes a) 16
2 Faculties b) 12
3 Specialities c) 1.5 million volumes
4 Students d) 4
5 Branches e) 1
6 Buildings f) 7
7 Computer classes g) 157
8 Sport Halls h) 460
9 Museums I) 76
10 Art Gallery j) 40,000
11 Library k) 5
12 Representative Centres l) 9
13 Departments m) 50
14 Professors n) 8
15 Candidates of Science o) 50
1.16 Read the sentences and decide which word A, B, or C best fits each space.
Model: The university provides …excellent … opportunity for education.
A) excellent B) beautiful C) heavy
1 Tyumen State University is a …… educational centre for the region.
A) powerful B) enormous C) strong
2 Tyumen’s Institute of Higher Education underwent a …… change.
A) huge B) considerable C) constant
3 The main buildings of the campus are located in the ..… centre of the city.
A) strange B) outside C) historical
4 Students have access to …(1)… computers, …(2).. lecture halls and classrooms.
(1) A) well-built B) up-to-date C) current
(2) A) spacious B) slightest C) impossible
5 Students can always use one of the 800 computers …… to the Internet.
A) condensed B) connected C) reserved
6 The University gives students …… to gain theoretical knowledge.
A) chance B) development C) projects
7 Tyumen State University offers educational …… in other cities and regions.
A) expeditions B) services C) celebrations
8 The University conducts a great deal of …… work.
A) problem B) protection C) research
9 The University takes part in different …… projects of the European Union.
A) international B) successful C) amusing
10 Students have an opportunity to …… their education abroad.
A) to increase B) to store C) to improve
11 The development of international contacts allows the students ..…their horizons.
A) to capture B) to widen C) to narrow
12 The professional knowledge gained at TSU let the students …… their life goals.
A) progress B) undergo C) achieve
1.17 Answer the questions:
1 When was Tyumen State University founded?
2 What is Tyumen State University now?
3 Where are the main buildings of the University located? How many of them do you know?
4 How many specialities does the University provide?
5 What is the teaching staff of the University?
6 What do the students have at their disposal?
7 How does TSU allow students to progress the education?
8 Who is a graduate?
9 Do the students get scholarships?
10 How many branches does the University have in other cities and regions?
11 When did the University begin looking for the international links?
12 What are the results of the development of these international contacts?
13 What are the major leisure activities existed at TSU?
14 How long does the course of study last?
15 What opportunities does TSU give to its students in their future life?
1.18 Read the text and guess what institutions are located in the sites described in the text. Choose the answer from the list below:
The Institute of State and Law / the Faculty of Biology / the Faculty of Chemistry / the Faculty of Physics / the Faculty of Geography and Ecology / the Institute of Mathematics / the University Administration Building / the Faculty of Philology / the Faculty of Psychology / the Faculty of Foreign Languages
1) Podaruevskaya Street was named in honour of Prokopy Ivanovitch Podaruev (1818-1900), a patron of the arts (меценат) and the mayor of Tyumen, now the street has another name. In this street, the University occupies a very remarkable old building made of red brick that was erected in 1901. Its architecture is notable for strict geometry of decoration. The interior of the building reflects the respect to academic process typical of pre-revolutionary Russia, and evokes self-respect, desire to study and to acquire knowledge. Beautiful cast-iron stairs with Masharov’s manufacture mark decorate it inside. There is a charming rosary in its premises. The building neighbours several historical monuments belonging to the 18th, 19th centuries and the beginning of the 20th century. Among them Znamensky Cathedral that was built in the 18th century, and nowadays is considered to be one of the most beautiful church buildings in Siberia.
2) The next site is Republic Street, former Tzarskaya Street. Here it is situated another university building, that was constructed in 1964. Nowadays it houses three faculties and the University Publishing house. This building faces the University Information Library Centre and Regional Centre of Internet Education Federation erected in 2001.
3) The former Spasskaya Street involves us into a journey along the buildings that house most of the University faculties, departments and institutes. At the corner of Perekopskaya Street (former Trusovsky Lane) and Lenin Street (former Spasskaya Street) there is another university complex. Students study in the building constructed in 1982. In 1995 the students of two faculties moved into the block designed purposefully for them. This complex neighbours both old buildings of Knyazev's house and Polish Catholic Cathedral of St. Jozeph. It is situated in the very historical part of Tyumen.
4) In 1999, at the corner of two streets, Chelyuskintsev and Lenin, at the very centre of the town, another university building, housing the popular Institute, opened its doors. The facade of this building presents a sort of a huge mirror wall that reflects splendid architectural monuments: Spassky Cathedral, the Palace of Children's Creative Activity, Yankel Shaichik's house. From the point of view of the interior planning, halls, corridors and lecture-halls of this Institute are the most remarkable among the whole of the University buildings.
5) Going down Dzerzhinsky Street in the direction to the Tura River you cannot fail to notice an amazing Burkov's House and a wooden two-storied house with a balcony. Both houses were built according to the "modernist' style, as well as the building of another faculty of Tyumen State University, the target of our stroll along Dzerzhinsky Street. From the very beginning, the rooms of this building were designed as classrooms. In 1914, it started as a private technical school. Nowadays, the students of one of the faculties study in this building.
6) Outside historical centre of Tyumen there is another University building that houses one more faculty. It is located in the suburb of Tyumen. It allows to have not only a site for the building itself constructed in 1980 but also a plot of land for an experimental hothouse. If you come into the building you will find yourself among green plants and beautiful flowers. There is also the taxidermy laboratory where you can see stuffed wild animals and birds (чучела зверей и птиц).
1.29 Speak about the University according to the following schemes:
T
yumen
Teacher’s Training Institute (1930)
T
yumen
State University (1973)
16
branches practice centres 9 representative centres
UNIT 2 THE FACULTY OF ECOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY
2.1 Say a few words about your studies:
a) where you study; b) what subjects you study; c) your lectures and seminars; d) how many classes you have every day and what they are;
e) how often you write research-papers (essays); f) how long your classes last.
2.2 Read the following words and word-combinations correctly:
Faculty, geography, Geoinformation Systems, Environmental Management, Applied Information Science, multimedia laboratories, the teaching staff, narrow specialization, knowledgeable, specialized courses, to acquire, scientific, specialists, candidate degree, glorious, dissertation, research, a graduate, to graduate, organization.