Text 1 My Studies

My name is Jack. I am a first year student of the Mining School. So I am a future mining engineer. After finishing high school in my native town I made my mind to become an engineer. To tell the truth, it was not an easy thing to decide what way to choose but my parents helped me have the right choice. I became interested in Earth sciences: Geology, Geography, Physics and Mathematics my parents advised me to fill in the application form and apply for a place in the local Mining school.

I am sure that mining engineering provides students with a broad background in science and technology, and a lot of practical training. As I was fond of natural sciences at school, took part in different scientific conferences in physics and chemistry I chose to study full time to get the qualification in mining engineering.

The Mining school I study at offers a wide range of engineering qualifications in geology and mining industry. The course of studies combine applied sciences, practical skills, and technical know-how. A mining engineer, for example, studies physics, mathematics, and mine surveying to understand the principles of mine planning, learns how to find faults with mine equipment, and acquires a great deal of knowledge about mining techniques and the minerals from different fields of knowledge, such as mineralogy and geology. So I want the best choice of career, I try to study the theory and practice and get as much knowledge as I can. We are going to have much practical training at a mine in summer as it is useful to get on-the-job training.

Besides in some time I will study economy and management as the mining engineer may also work in supervision and management, or as an equipment and mineral salesperson. I study a number of Humanities such as psychology and philosophy, the mother tongue and foreign languages to improve my scientific background and communication skills.

Our Mining school also provides post graduate course in mining engineering and geology. So I have got an opportunity to carry out a research and focus on the subject I am most interested in.

Very often I go to the library to read scientific literature and prepare for practical classes. I have to work much to become a good specialist. But don’t think that I am learning and cramming all the time. I have got some hobbies as I am keen on playing basketball and football. So I spend much time in the gym as I go in for sports. I play for our football team. At the week end I meet with my friends and we go to the cinema or theatre, have fun and relax.

Vocabulary Notes:

A first year student, syn. a freshman – первокурсник

Full time / part time studies / course – очная/ заочная формы обучения

To make smb.’s mind = to decide

To change one’s mind – изменить свое/ чье-либо решение

Keen, adj. – сильно желающий, страстно увлекающийся; to be keen on – увлекаться чем-либо

Ex. 8 Answer the questions

1. What sciences one should study well to enter a mining school?

2. What does mining engineering provide students with?

3. What skills does a mining engineer obtain when studying at a mining school?

4. Is it necessary to have practical training in mining?

5. Why should a mining engineer learn foreign languages?

6. Should mining students go in for sports? Why? What kind of sports are you interested in?

Ex. 9 Read and reproduce the dialogue. Give your own pro and contra becoming a mining engineer

• Good morning, Mr. Johnson! I am Jack Foster and got here to know more about my chances to enter your Technical School.

• Good morning, Mr. Forster. I’ll be glad to answer all your questions concerning the application procedure and studies here. What department are you interested most?

• First of all, I’d like to know more about mining department. What job opportunities do I have? What subjects should I learn better? How many exams do I have to take to enter the school? I was good at Physics and Math at school, so I’d like to choose one of the engineering professions…

• To begin with, mining engineers consistently earn more than most other engineers. Of course, in mining as in any other industry, there are ups and downs. The skilled survive; the incompetent suffer. Mining engineers are sought after the world over, both in the extractive industries and in exploration, tunnelling and civil engineering.

• But still, I doubt if I am competent enough to enter your school… On the one hand, mining engineers earn much, but from the other hand, it’s a very difficult job and studying here demands much effort.

• But you’ve said that you were good at natural science and math at school! You are to fill in special application forms, take three examinations in Math, Physics, and the English language. Then you’ll get an invitation letter to come for a personal interview with the Dean of the Mining Department and other members of the Teaching Stuff for. Tell about yourself: your interests and hobbies, what sports you go in for. After the interview you’ll get an invitation letter to join the students of our school. That’s all.

• Oh! Thank you very much for having informed me. My school scores are high indeed and I was in the school football team. Besides, I’m fond of travelling! I guess, Mining is a real challenge for me.

• Good luck then, Jack. Of course, mining is a challenge but this is a noble occupation for those who likes to answer challenges like this.

Ex. 10 Read the text. Give a summary of it using the following words and expressions:

First of all…, to begin with, the text is about…, the text (article) gives us some information about…, I’d like to point out that…, the main point / idea of the text (article) is …, the text (article) informs us …, it would be useful/ interesting/ curious to know/ learn that…, in a word, in conclusion…, I’d like to say that…