1. Words to be remembered (Texts: a, b).

acknowledge	advisor	anxiety
attention	avoidance	compatible
confide (in)	counsellor	determine
dilemma	endeavour	entail
evaluate	expectation	explicit
feedback	frustration	grade
handicap	individual	learning
level	manage	obvious
organize	perceive	power
qualified	recipe	reduce
reliable	result	review
self-esteem	style	subject to
trust	ultimate	unique
wish

2. Translate the sentences. Pay attention to the words in italics.

1. We thought John would do well, but he has succeeded beyond our expectations.

2. Is your computer compatible with my equipment?

3. Do social pressures make it hard for us to become individuals?

4. She is acknowledged as an expert on the subject.

5. The school has only been open for six months, so it's hard to evaluate its success.

6. Writing a term-paper entails a lot of work.

7. The critical report reviews were a blow to his self-esteem.

8. She made no endeavour to help us.

9. Our objective is to get higher education and to be a qualified specialist.

10. There’s been a lot of positive feedback on his report.

11. They were explicitly warned not to miss the classes.

12. She was in a dilemma as to whether to stay at the university or to get a job.

13. The pupil was subjected to depression.

14. I don’t trust his judgment.

15. The ultimate responsibility lies with the teacher.

16. Each person’s hair and fingerprints are unique.

17. The whole class shares the wish for this conflict to be settled peacefully.

3. Scan text a paying attention to the words in bold type.

Text A. What Role is for Teachers?

The role a teacher plays is quite complex and actually may consist of various sets of expectations, not all of which are necessarily compatible. When expectations are incompatible, role conflict is said to exist. A major source of role conflict for teachers derives from the fact that teachers are both civil servants and professionals. The expectations and norms for each are different. For example, civil servants are expected to treat all clients the same, while professionals are expected to treat all clients as an individual. As professionals, teachers acknowledge that every student is unique, with unique needs and interests. As civil servants, however, teachers must follow essentially the same procedures with all the students. The dilemma is obvious: How can a teacher treat all students the same and still serve their individual needs and interests?

Consider the problem of disciplining a handicapped student. If students talk out of turn or disturb students around them, should they be subject to the same rules as non-handicapped students?

Role conflicts also may result when teachers are expected to serve as advisors or counsellors for students. Effective counselling necessitates the development of trust. It may be difficult for students to confide in teachers when they perceive that doing so could get them into trouble.

Another example of a possible role conflict involves the expectation that teachers will serve both as instructors and evaluators. Evaluation entails making judgments about students’ performance, judgments that may affect their self-esteem. Being evaluated can evoke anxiety and frustration. Are teachers likely to be effective instructors when students are worried about how they would be graded?

It would be unfair to end this discussion without noting that role conflict is a dilemma for others besides teachers. Practically every professional employed in a large organization is confronted with numerous sets of conflicting expectations. But what is important is not avoidance of endeavours entailing possible role conflict, but awareness of such conflict and how to minimize its negative effects.

Comprehension Check 1