A Farewell to Arms

A Farewell to Arms is a 1957 American DeLuxe Color CinemaScope drama film directed by Charles Vidor. The screenplay by Ben Hecht, based in part on a 1930 play by Laurence Stallings, was the second feature film adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's 1929 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. It was the last film produced by David O. Selznick. An earlier film version, A Farewell to Arms starred Gary Cooper and Helen Hayes.

 Rock Hudson plays an American serving in the Italian Army during the "War to End All Wars". Jennifer Jones is his lover, a Red cross nurse. They have a torrid affair, which results in Jones' pregnancy. As the months pass, Hudson and Jones lose contact with one another, and Jones believes that Hudson has forgotten her. But a battle-weary Hudson finally makes it to Switzerland, where Jones is hospitalized. The baby is stillborn, and Jones dies shortly afterward, murmuring that her death is "a dirty trick."

The main thing, I‘d like to mention is the play of the actors who managed to feel their characters, their souls, mood and the way of thinking even. I am amazed by the way they took the message of the writer. However, sometimes the development of the love affair did not seem natural, they overacted.

I would like to mention the screenplay because I think it conveyed the atmosphere worse than the book. The relationship between Henry and Catherine developed quickly enough in the book but the screen writer made them lovers even faster. It seems strange for that period of time. The episodes from the book were cut and I do not see the reasonable reason. All in all, I did not enjoy the film because of the subdued events.

To conclude, the film helped me to imagine the main heroes, the events described in the book. I really enjoyed watching the film because I watch such “old” films rarely but always admire the work and skillfulness of the actors.

IN LOVE AND WAR

   This film is directed by Richard Attenborough, written by Allan Scott, Clancy Sigal and Anna Hamilton Phelan, based on the book "Hemingway in Love and War". Cast: Sandra Bullock (Agnes von Kurowsky), Chris O'Donnell (Ernest Hemingway), Mackenzie Astin (Harry Villard), Emilio Bonucci (Domenico Caracciolo) Ingrid Lacey ( Elsie ``Mac'' MacDonald).

   This romantic historical drama is based on the diaries of Agnes Von Kurowsky, who while serving as a nurse during World War I had a love affair with a young man who would later become one of the great literary figures of the 20th century, Ernest Hemingway. In 1918, 18-year-old Hemingway has volunteered to fight in the great war; while he goes into battle imagining it to be a lark, he soon discovers that the realities of warfare are far more grim, and during a shelling attack in Italy, his leg is severely wounded. Hemingway has taken a great deal of shrapnel, and the doctors at the field hospital decide that amputation would be the quickest and most effective way to deal with the injury. However, the idea of losing a leg horrifies Hemingway, and he pleads with Agnes (Sandra Bullock), the Austrian nurse looking after him, not to let the doctors cut off his limb. Moved by Hemingway's concern, Agnes convinces the doctors to pursue other treatments, and she looks after him during his long and difficult convalescence. Love and passion bloom between the young and naive soldier and the 26-year-old nurse, but while he's eager for her to return home with him as he follows his muse as a writer, she regards him not as the love of her life but as a passing fling and thinks that he's too young to marry. Agnes eventually sends Hemingway a "Dear John" letter; later Hemingway would use her as the basis for several characters in his novels and short stories, not always flatteringly.

   I would like to single out the theme. Examining the problem of the impact of war on human nature  in the film , the viewers draw a conclusion that war damages people not only physically but  also spiritually. The main character, Ernest Hemingway is depicted as a very enthusiastic, ambitious and optimistic young man at the very beginning of the film. This American ambulance driver, who serves in Italy,  is in search of adventures  and heroic deeds. His moral values are bravery, love and devotion. However, as soon as his faces his hardship of war his attitude to it starts to change as he himself. Death, pain and loss make it impossible for him to see the world as happily as he used to do. To crown it all, the betrayal of his beloved suppresses his romantic love and he starts to conceal his sufferings under the mask of hatred and fury. Therefore, we can say that war leaves a scar on the person’s soul and  causes  bitter disappointment in his values and ideals.

   I would like to note the acting. I think that Chris O'Donnell and Sandra Bullock were really good in their roles. I believed in their not love but passion. Their feelings, desires were clearly seen in their faces, voices. The last scene is a nice example of conveying of real feelings.

   In conclusion I would like to say that the film impressed me and opened Hemingway from a new side which I had not signed out earlier. Costumes and decorations created the atmosphere of the war and the born of love during the time of death was inspiring.

Higher Education in Britain and the USA

1. What are the admission requirements to the colleges and universities in the USA/Britain?

the USA: American high school students who want to study at a college or university have to take a standardized test, e.g. SAT or the ACT. Non-native speakers of the English language must take the TOEFL. Students also have to write an essay, to send a transcript and letters of reference.

Britain: entrance to British universities is via a strict selection process based on an interview. After the interview a potential student is offered a place on the basis of exam results. If the student does not get the grades specified in the offer, a place cannot be taken up. Some universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, have an entrance exam before the interview stage.

2. What are the three types of schools in higher education?

college, university, public institution

3. What degrees are offered by schools of higher learning in the USA/Britain? What are the requirements for these degrees?

the Associates’ degree (Am.E) is usually awarded at a community or junior college upon completion of 2 years of study

the Bachelor’s degree (the first degree that you get when you study at a university, it normally requires 3-4 years of academic study beyond the high school diploma): the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Education, the Bachelor of Fine Arts, the Bachelor of Divinity.

The Master’s degree (a higher degree in British and US universities, usually requiring 1 or 2 years of advanced study. It is between a bachelor’s degree and doctorate. Frequently a thesis is required or a final oral or written examination. Master’s degrees include: the Master of Arts, the Master of Science, the Master of Business and Administration). 

Doctorate (the Doctor’s degree) usually the Doctor of Philosophy the highest academic degree, it requires a minimum of 2 years of course work beyond the Master’s degree level, success in qualifying examination, proficiency in one or two foreign languages and completion of doctorate dissertation.

4. What is a credit in the US system of higher education? How many credits must an undergraduate student earn to receive a bachelor’s degree? How can they be earned?

American degrees, both undergraduate and graduate, are earned on the basis of the number of courses successfully taken. Each course earns “credits” or “units”, which are known as credit hours, semester hours (for schools on the semester system), quarter hours (for schools on the quarter system) or merely hours or credits. The number of credits earned by each course relates to the number of hours of classroom work involved, but does not necessarily correspond exactly. For instance, a course meeting three times a week for an hour (actually 50 minutes) each time may be expected to give a student three hours credit for the semester or term. On the other hand, an intensive seminar may meet once a week for two hours and also be a three-credit course. Two or three laboratory periods are usually considered to be equivalent to one class “hour”. The undergraduate student program, known as an “academic load”, is normally 15-17 units a semester, or 12 to 15 units a quarter. The graduate student’s normal load is 9-12 units.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is awarded on successful completion of a specified number of courses or units and the full degree requirement is usually stated as being 120 credits (about 4O courses) for institutions operating on a semester system, and 180 credits for a quarterly calendar.

5. What steps do students have to take to enroll in a college/university for admission? Speak about the exams they take – PSAT, SAT, ACT.

PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) – an examination that high school students take, mostly to practice for SAT examination.

SAT – can be taken two or three times (in the 11th and 12th grades), generally proceeded by PSAT (preliminary), a test to give students a warm-up exercise for the SAT and indicate their probable SAT scoring range.

ACT (the American College Testing program) – similar to SAT but scores social studies and natural studies. The ACT is taken when required by certain colleges or universities.

Both tests are widely used in the admission process of US colleges and universities. Their results are sent to the colleges or universities to which the students have applied. ACT is meant to be taken only once.

6. What financial assistance are applicants eligible for? What is college scholarship, grants, loan? Explain and bring out the essence of student financial aid.

Students whose families cannot afford to pay the full amount apply for financial aid. Many students receive a financial aid package which may be a combination of grants from the government, a scholarship, a student loan, and work-study.

A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further his or her education. Scholarships are awarded based upon various criteria, which usually reflect the values and purposes of the donor or founder of the award. Scholarship money is not required to be repaid.

Grants are often called “gift aid” because they are free money—financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid. Grants are often need-based. Grants can come from the federal government, state government, college or career school, or a private or nonprofit organization.

A student loan is designed to help students pay for university tuition, books, and living expenses. It may differ from other types of loans in that the interest rate may be substantially lower and the repayment schedule may be deferred while the student is still in education. It also differs in many countries in the strict laws regulating renegotiating and bankruptcy. 

7. What is a GPA (Grade Point Average)?

A grade point average is a numerical calculation, weighted by student contact hours for TAFE programs and credit points for higher education programs, of the mean of the grades received over a defined study period (e.g. semester/term), program or career.

The GPA has a number of uses, including:

• being a measure used to select students for prizes and scholarships

• providing the basis for eligibility for awarding degrees with honours and pass with distinction

• setting minimum entry levels for students articulating from TAFE to higher education programs

• providing a basis for eligibility for selection into research programs

• as a selection criterion or ranking tool for selection into undergraduate and postgraduate programs at other Australian universities.

8. What is the role of a student’s counselor? Specify the function of career development and job placement within a university.

Student counselors, also called guidance counselors, are professionals who help students at the high school or college level. Depending on your career goals and the setting you want to work in, an advanced degree might be needed to hold one of these positions.

9. What are the sources of funding for universities and colleges (both public and private)?

A public university is a university that is predominantly funded by public means through a national or subnational government, as opposed to private universities. Private universities are universities not operated by governments, although many receive tax breaks, public student loans, and grants. Depending on their location, private universities may be subject to government regulation. This is in contrast to public universities and national universities. Some universities are non-profit and some are for-profit means as business organization.

10. What is an undergraduate student? A graduate student?

An undergraduate student is one who is pursing either an associate's or bachelor's degree. A graduate student (also, grad student or grad in American English, or postgraduate student in British English) is an individual who has completed a bachelor's degree (B.A., B.S./B.Sc., or another flavor) and is pursuing further higher education, with the goal of achieving a master's degree (M.A., M.S./M.Sc., M.Ed., etc.) or doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., D.A., D.Sc., D.M.A., Th.D., etc.).

11. Are you for written or oral examinations? Which ones are more objective?

I prefer written exam and I think that it is very objective while oral one depends on many factors which may vary from the sdudent’s nervous tension to the teacher’s mood.

12. What examinations (oral or written) are more popular with Russian students? Describe the psychological types of students of your group. 

Written examinations are more popular.

14 Would you like to study in the USA or Great Britain? Why? Why not? What are the requirements for foreign students to study in the USA or Great Britain?

I would like to study in the USA. First thing you should do is decide what are you going to study, where, and in which university/school?When choosing the school you must make sure that it is on the SEVP (student and exchange visitor program) approved list of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

15. What aspects of American or British higher education system would you like to introduce into our system?

I think it is convenient to choose a list of subjects, the student is interested in, to specialize in them.

Higher Education. Laboratory Works.

MP3 AUDIO 5.1

1. You’ll hear five speakers talking about problems they or their relatives face while studying. Fill in the chart with the information given in the recording. Be especially precise with the column “Your solution to the problem”; here, you’re supposed to give your personal advice to avoid or ease the problems mentioned by the speakers.

Speaker	Problem	Signs of the Problem	Your Solution to the Problem
1	examination	the ability to learn	to develop process of studying and examination
2	preparing for medical school	tired face, sleepless nights etc.	to try to calm down and be sure in your knowledge
3	entering university	He lost his weight, he has big black rings under his eyes. He sleeps for 3 or 4 hours a day. He didn’t sleep at all during the last 3 or 4 days.	There are a lot of important things in the world, that’s why it’s necessary to agonize over exams and it isn’t necessary to get caught in an endless loop.
4	lack of confidence in knowledge	He never thought of himself like a highflyer, he never excepted such high results.	to stay cool, collect yourself and be ready for any kinds of results.
5	using technology during exams.	The results would be able to get much faster, 40% of all exams will be conducting electronically in a couple of years, online tests and registration will follow.	Computer technology may make the process of examination faster, that’s why it becomes more and more popular among universities.

2. Have you ever experienced problems while studying?  What were these problems like? How did you cope with them?

Of course, I experienced problems while studying, for example, sleepless night before exams, nervousness. It was the worst days in my life. Finally, I understood that my health is more important that good mark, I collected myself and didn’t think about bad results.

MP3 AUDIO 5.2

Listen to a talk given by a university advisor to a group of students and answer the following questions:

1.    What is the standard grading system in the USA?

Academic grading in the United States most commonly takes on the form of five letter grades. Historically, the grades were A, B, C, D, and F—A being the highest and F, denoting failure, the lowest.

2.    What are the ‘special grades’ that the speaker mentions in the recording?

They are satisfactory (S) and unsatisfactory (U) grades. It is not taken for all the courses at the university, as the majority prefer the standard letter grades.

3.      Comment on the standard grading system in your country?

In Russia we have a 5-grade system. The pupils get marks – 5 is exc, 4-good, 3-satisfactory, 2 – unsatisfactory. In fact there is such a mark as 1 – but it is not used very often.

4.      Do schools and colleges practice non-standard grading systems? What are they?

Yes, they do. Just as in the British and American colleges we have credit – non credit for some types of courses, but it is not the case with a secondary school.

5.      Give examples of other grading systems throughout the world? Which of them do you think are efficient for the students’ academic assessment?

Australia

In the land down under, many schools and universities use a “band” grading system which looks like this:

90–99.95% BAND 6

80–89% BAND 5

70–79% BAND 4

60–69% BAND 3

50–59% BAND 20–49% BAND 1

MP3 AUDIO 5.3

Listen to a talk by a student advisor on campus. Answer the following questions.

1.      What are the rules for dropping a course in the talk provided?

You can drop the course within the first three week of the semester. First, you need to get the signature of the professor whose course you want to drop on the official drop card/ Then you need to go to a student advisor on campus to get the signature of your adviser

2.      What warnings does the student advisor give?

First, You can not officially drop the course after the first three weeks of the semester. If you are having problems in a course and you decide to let it run if you want to drop the course – it is impossible to do so. Second, if you stop attending a course without going through the official drop procedures, the course will remain on your schedule and you will receive a failing grade.

3.      How can you avoid getting a failing grade, according to the recording?

It is important to understand these procedures and follow them. If you do so, you will not have any problems.

4.      What are the official drop procedures for the elective courses in your country?

Classes can be officially dropped during the first 20 percent of their scheduled meeting time.

MP3 AUDIO 5.4

Listen to a talk given on a college campus.

1.      What are the places of a college campus that the speaker mentions in the recording?

-The Library

-The Students’ Center: bookstore, post office, a bank, a theatre, a coffee shop, a travel agency, bowling alley

-The Administration complex: offices of the university administrators, the students’ records office

2.      Can you find the similar campus places in your college/university? What are other places that are worth mentioning? Characterize them briefly.

We can find the similar campus places in our institute. However, there is no theatre, travel agency and bowling alley. There are some other places which are worth mentioning.

 3. Pick out the places from the previous task and make a similar tour around your college/university to inform the freshmen about the campus.

We have a library with a reading room where students can take books or read them there. There are also 2 dormitories where students can live if their homes are far from out Institute. There is also a stadium for PE or individual activity. We have a canteen where every student can have a tasty dinner.

Dangerous Minds

     Dangerous Minds is a 1995 American drama film directed by John N. Smith, and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer. It is based on the autobiography My Posse Don't Do Homework by former U.S. Marine LouAnne Johnson, who took up a teaching position at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California, in 1989, where most of her students were African-American and Hispanic teenagers from East Palo Alto, a then-unincorporated town at the opposite end of the school district. The movie stars Michelle Pfeiffer as Louanne Johnson, Courtney B. Vance as George Grandey and others.

     Dangerous Minds is based on the true life experience of an inner city school teacher in Northern California. Michelle Pfeiffer stars as Louanne Johnson, the attractive ex-Marine going through a divorce, who is thrust into a classroom of "special students" who have driven a previous teacher to a mental breakdown. 

Ms. Johnson learns on the first day of class that power suits and briefcases will not gain the respect of this remote class of street wise adolescents. After consulting various books on asserting discipline, Ms. Johnson realizes that she will have to use all of her grit and determination to gain the trust of these rebellious youths. Ms. Johnson decides to toughen her image and tries to instill confidence in the class by telling them that they are all starting out with an A, and it is up to them to keep it. Befriended by fellow teacher Hal Griffiths (George Dzundza), Ms. Johnson refuses to give up. She uses her experience as a Marine to grab the attention of her class by demonstrating karate techniques. She teaches them about nouns and verbs by diagramming sentences about death on the streets. Much to the chagrin of school officials, she is allowed to continue these techniques. In order to teach her class about poetry, she resorts to the lyrics of the Bob Dylan song "Mr. Tambourine Man", that deals with theme of drug dealing. Ms. Johnson becomes involved in the lives of her students by visiting them at home, and taking an interest in their lives in a way they are unused to experiencing. She rewards them, when they show initiative to apply themselves in the classroom. She is eventually able to gain the respect and admiration of her students despite coming from very a different background and lifestyle. 

     This movie is a celebration of the triumph over ignorance and acceptance of a life of desperation and failure. Michelle Pfeiffer delivers her usual fine performance as Louanne Johnson. A notable performance is also given by Wade Ramirez as Emilio Ramirez, a Latino youth who walks a thin line between hope and self-destruction. 

     Speaking about the actors, I should say that cast of the film is perfect. To my mind,Michele Pfeiffer is excellent in her role. She was absorbed by her work. She gave her heart and her soul to these students. Day by day she became closer and closer to them. She was so resourceful and  found different ways in order to attract students. And later she succeeded. 

     In my topic I can’t but mention that success of the film depends on the director. I think, John N. Smith made a good job. He touched upon several educational problems in his film, created the realistic atmosphere of school.

     This film impressed me greatly. And now I believe that there are no problem children, there are problem teachers and parents who can’t give all necessities for their children. Everyone needs their own approach and it’s very important to find it. After watching this film my desire to become a teacher is even more. 

A MOVIE REVIEW

The Ron Clark Story

     The film called The Ron Clark Story has been released on the 13 of August in 2006. The genre of this film is drama and biography. The main character Ron Clark was played by the star Matthew Perry, who coped with his role perfectly. Ron Clark had a desire to move to New York and taught children from Harmlem, that is the setting of the story. 

     Let’s pass on to the plot of the film. Ron was the real life inspirational teacher who changed the lives of kids in Harlem. After a few years at a teaching gig, Clark made a drastic move and moved to New York. He had a strong desire to teach kids from Harmlem.  He was not received warmly. After some pretty nasty setbacks, the kids warmed up to him. The kids were finally able to see that Mr. Clark actually did care for them. He actually cared about them as people, and cared about their learning. The kids must now be prepared for the aptitude exams, which they had scored the lowest on for many years. Mr. Clark prepared them, believing they could truly do well. In addition to working as a teacher, Clark worked as a waiter downtown where he met a waitress. He fell in love with her. Finally, the children received excellent marks in the examination. 

     I want to pay special attention to the main character of the story. Ron Clark is a teacher from God. Ron Clark is an outstanding example of the underappreciated and underpaid teachers who quietly, selflessly ply their trade the world throughout. He is a model to follow for all teachers all over the world. He is an example of an ideal teacher. Matthew Perry is phenomenal in this role as Mr. Clark. The real Mr. Clark is an incredible person, and Matt really portrayed that well. 

     Also  I’d like to tell about the idea of this story. I quote: The problem isn't the kids. It's not even what they can achieve. The problem is what you expect them to achieve - Ron Clark. Everyone has its own features. The main aim of every teacher is to find these features and try to develop them.

     This film impressed me greatly. Ron Clark is an ideal teacher for me, he became my model to follow. And now I believe that there are no problem children, there are problem teachers and parents who can’t give all necessities for their children. Everyone needs their own approach and it’s very important to find it. After watching this film my desire to become a teacher is even more. 

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School Education in Britain and the USA

1. What types of schools do they have in the UK?

- primary school

-secondary school

- independent school

- private school

-  public school

- comprehensive school

- grammar school

-. mixed sex school

- selective school

- fee-paying school

- free school

2. When do children start/leave school?

Start: 5-7, leave: 16-18.

3. What are the stages of schooling according to age?

- Primary school (5-11)

- Secondary school (11-16)

- Sixth form (16-18)

4. What exams do pupils have to take?

SAT, GCSA, A-level. 

5. Do school leavers have to take entrance exams to go to university?

Yes, they do. They have to take A-level exam.

6. It is well known that there is no written constitution in the UK. Is there such a thing as a national curriculum?

Yes, there is a national curriculum in Britain. It was introduced in 1988, which set programmes of study in a range of subjects for all state schools in England and Wales.

7. How long should it take to complete full-time compulsory education?

11 years, from 5 to 16.

8. What should primary school and secondary school concentrate on?

Primary school: reading, writing, arithmetic. Secondary school: subjects which are introduced in the national curriculum. 

9. In what case can entrance exams be abandoned?

In case, when student doesn’t want to continue education or doesn’t have enough money to pay for education.

10. What should be admission requirements to primary and secondary school?

The age of students

11. What is the purpose of elite school education?

They provide children with good opportunities at work, better results during exams, etc.

12. What subjects should be an integral part of school curriculum? What subjects can be optional for university students?

An integral part: English, Mathematics, Science, a modern foreign language, Technology and Design, History, Geography, Music, Art, Physical Education.  Students can choose additional subjects for their studies, which are regarded to be optional.

13. What is the essence of private schooling in Russia?

In Russia private schooling is for children of rich parents. Such schools emphasize learning English and other skills.

14. What is a problem pupil?

A problem pupil is a pupil who has difficulties in studying, who plays truants, etc. 

15. What is your idea of a good teacher?

A good teacher is someone who is able to make you interested in a subject you had always been reluctant to study before. 

16. Looking back on your school days, what experiences can you describe as the most 1) memorable, 2) exciting, 3) painful?

My leaving from school is the most memorable, exciting and painful. I have never forgotten this day as it was my last day at school. It was exciting as there were a lot of fun, laugh and positive emotions. It was painful because I have never returned to school again.

17. How do you feel on the morning of an exam?

I feel nervous and panic.

18. In your opinion, which exam is easier to pass: oral or written?

Oral exam is easier because you can communicate with the examiner. 

19. Do you prefer to be the first to answer in an oral exam?

No, I don’t.

20. Do you use rough-work sheets in a written exam? Why?

Yes, I do. It helps me to remember materials better.

21. Do you feel uncomfortable if a teacher stands next to you during a written exam?

Yes, I do. I don’t like when somebody stands next to me and looks all my actions.

22. Do you think a crib can be of any use?

They are use during written exams.

23. Have you ever panicked during an exam?

Yes, I always feel panic during exams.

24. Do you think it is a way out to copy from other students?

Sometimes when you don’t have enough time to prepare it’s the only way. 

25. What is the most difficult thing about exams?

To learn a lot of information and to cope with panic.

26. What are the advantages and disadvantages of private schools (boarding schools, co-educational vs single-sex schools, school uniforms)?

Advantages of private schools: better job, better knowledge. Disadvantages: too expensive to pay

27. Is it a good idea for pupils to specialize in their “best” subjects at school?

Yes, it is. In their best subjects they can use all their skills. 

28. What’s the best age for children to start primary school? Why?

7 age is the best age< in me opinion. They are not too little and too old to start education. 

29. Should children stay at school until they are 18 or 19? 

No, they should choose their future profession and enter the university in start to work at 18 or 19. 

30. Is it a good idea for pupils to participate in the running of schools?

It’s a good idea as they fell that they are a part of a system and they become more independent. 

31. Are national and international exams necessary? What are the pros and cons of regular performance tests and continuous assessment by teachers and lecturers?

All exams are necessary. They help to see pupil’s progress and knowledge. Tests usually don’t reflect pupil’s knowledge as there is a big chance of luck. 

32. Can computers assess learning?

They are useful during tests and during written exams, not during oral exams.