1. Most big towns in Britain have both a university and a college of higher education. Here are 91 universities in Britain and 47 colleges of higher education.
2. English universities greatly differ from each other. Students apply1 to universities month before they take their A-levels2. The students are given a personal interview3 and the universities then decide which students they want. They offer them a place which depends on A-level results. The more popular the university, the higher the grades4 it will ask for.
3. Most British students choose to go to university a long way from their hometown: university is seen as a time to be independent, to live away from home and develop new interests
4. British students do not have to pay to go to university, but do need money to live away from home while they are studying. Some students whose parents do not earn a lot of money are given a grant from the local educational authority5. If students do not get a grant, parents have to pay for their children. Some students borrow money from the bank which must be paid back after they leave university. In theory the grant pays for rent, food, books, transport and socializing. In fact, the grant is not a lot of money. Students used to work6 during the holidays to earn more money, but it is now difficult to find such jobs.
5. Not all students study full time at university or college. Many people combine their studies with work. Some companies release their staff for training7 one or two days a week or for two months a year. Oxford and Cambridge are the oldest universities in Britain and they have the highest academic reputation.
Пояснения к тексту:
1. подавать заявление
2. экзамен на повышенном уровне по программе средней школы
3. собеседование
4. более высокий проходной бал
5. местный орган образования
6. работают
7. освобождают от работы для учебы
5. Прочитайте 4-й абзац и вопрос к нему. Из приведенных вариантов ответа укажите номер предложения, содержащего правильный ответ на поставленный вопрос:
What is grant?
1) … money borrowed from the bank.
2) … money for rent, food, books, transport and etc.
3) … money have to pay to go to university.