II. Answer these questions and discuss them with your classmates

1. When does compulsory school begin?

2. What kind of exam do students have to take when they are 16?

3. How do private schools differ from the regular ones?

4. What do state schools provide their pupils with?

5. How long do students study for a degree?

My university. North Caucasus Federal University

I study at North Caucasus Federal University in Stavropol. It was organized on the basis of North Caucasus State Technical University and Stavropol State University in 2012. The main goal of NCFU is to train and prepare competent specialists for the national economy in many branches of industry. Its numerous labs are equipped with modern machinery & instruments to provide a high level of training. Today about 30.000 students attend 10 institutes.

These institutes are: Institute of Construction, Transport and Engineering,

Oil &Gas Institute,Institute of Life Sciences, Information Technologies and Telecommunications Institute, Institute of Electric Power Engineering, Electronics and Nano-technologies, Institute of Economics and Management, Institute of Law, Education and Social Sciences Institute, Institute of Humanities, Institute of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

There are about 3000 highly qualified teachers at our University. Among them 254 professors & doctors of science, 7 academicians, 956 associate professors & candidates of science.

Many students study by correspondence at our University at different institutes. They come to University twice a year for their session. But for full day students the academic year begins in September and lasts 10 months till July. There are 2 terms and the students take examinations twice a year. During the terms students have to attend lectures, to carry out laboratory tests and practical training. Most part of study time is devoted to the basic subjects.

The first-year/second year students study mathematics, physics, chemistry, foreign languages, elements of machines, history, philosophy, economics, mechanical drawing, strength of materials etc. From the second year they start to study special subjects and carry out research works in their student scientific societies. Many students get student grants, the sum which depends on their successes in studies. There are 10 hostels in our university and the students from other towns & villages can live there paying a small quantity of money for rent.

The students take an active part in the public life of our University; they issue wall newspapers, give concerts, take part in different conferences & meetings, sport competitions. I’m proud to study at this famous University in the North Caucasus.

Task 2