Comprehensive reading 3 the university of oxford

The University of Oxford (informally Oxford University or simply Oxford) is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is also regarded as one of the world’s leading academic institutions. The university traces its roots back to at least the end of the 12th century, although the exact date of foundation remains unclear.

The university’s formal head is the Chancellor, though as with most British universities, the Chancellor is a titular figure, rather than someone involved with the day-to-day running of the university. Elected by the members of Convocation, a body comprising all graduates of the university, the Chancellor holds office until death. The Vice-Chancellor is the de facto head of the University. Five Pro-Vice-Chancellors have specific responsibilities for Education; Research; Planning and Resources; Development and External Affairs; and Personnel and Equal Opportunities. The University Council is the executive policy-forming body, which consists of the Vice-Chancellor as well as heads of departments and other members elected by Congregation, in addition to observers from the Union. There are 38 colleges of the University of Oxford and six Permanent Private Halls, each with its own internal structure and activities. All students, and most academic staff, are affiliated with a college. The heads of Oxford colleges are known by various titles, according to the college, including warden, provost, principal, president, rector, master, or dean. The colleges join as the Conference of Colleges to discuss policy and to deal with the central University administration. Teaching members of the colleges (fellows and tutors) are collectively and familiarly known as dons (though the term is rarely used by members of the university itself). In addition to residential and dining facilities, the colleges provide social, cultural, and recreational activities for their members.

The admission process for undergraduates is undertaken by the individual colleges, working with each other to ensure that the best students gain a place at the University regardless of whether they are accepted by their preferred college. Selection is based on achieved and predicted exam results; candidate-submitted written work; interviews, which are held between applicants and college tutors; and, in some subjects, written admission tests prior to interview. Personal statements and school references are also considered.

There are many famous Oxonians, as alumni of the University are known.

Task 6. Choose the right answer to the following questions.

1. Which century does the University of Oxford date back to?

1. The 12^th.

2. The 13^th.

3. The 14^thcentury.

2. What kind of figure is the Chancellor?

1. Involved with the day-to-day running.

2. University’s formal head.

3. A department’s head.

3. Who is the University’s de facto head?

1. Chancellor.

2. Pro-Vice-Chancellor.

3. Vice-Chancellor.

4. What kind of facilities do the colleges provide?

1. Residential and dining ones.

2. Social, cultural and recreational activities.

3. All of them.

5. Are there many famous graduates of the University?

1. Yes.

2. No.

3. Doesn’t say.

Task 7. Answer the following questions and use them to speak about the system of higher education in the UK.

1. When do pupils take their A-level exams?

2. How do universities select students?

3. What are grants and loans aimed at?

4. How many terms are there in one academic year?

5. What degrees can students get? Speak about each type in detail.

6. What facilities are offered to students in the UK?

Task 8. Match the words to synonyms.

postgraduates university Chancellor de facto titular tutor candidate to graduate to be located title admission

name President real fellow academic institution to be situated to get acceptance applicant formal alumni living survival