Film Review (A Farewell to Arms)

The film I’ve recently watched is “A Farewell to Arms”. It is a 1957 American drama film, based in part on a 1930 play by Laurence Stallings, the second feature film adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's 1929 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. The director of this film is Charles Vidor. The film stars are Rock Hudson, Jennifer Jones, Elaine Stritch. 

This film is based on the World War I experiences of the writer Ernest Hemingway. Let me pass on to the plot of the film. A young American Frederic Henry joins the Italian army as an ambulance driver. On the front, he is seriously wounded and sent to a hospital in Milan. Coming back, Henry falls in love with the nurse Catherine Barkley. Some time later Catherine reveals that she is pregnant but refuses to marry Frederic, fearing that she will be sent back to England. So Henry deserts from the army and they flee to Switzerland in a boat. They lead a quiet life in the mountains waiting the birth of their child. Finally both Catherine and the child die. 

Speaking about the actors, I should say that the cast of this film is perfect. The actors who were invited to take part in this film did their best to make this film successful. As for the main characters, Rock Hudson and Jennifer Jones were excellent in their roles. They could create the atmosphere of real love. I believed their feelings. Especially Jennifer Jones was excellent at portraying a devoted nurse.

In my topic I can’t but mention that success of the film depends on the director. I think, Charles Vidor made a good job. He could transferred the feelings and emotions which the author wanted to show. 

As for me, I liked this film. It impressed me greatly. In spite of the fact this film have much in common with the book 'A Farewell to Arms' I hoped the end of the film would be different from the novel. To my mind this film is worth watching.

Film Review (In Love and War)

The film I’ve recently watched is "In Love and War". It  is a 1996 romance drama film based on the book, Hemingway in Love and War by Henry S. Villard and James Nagel. The director of this film is Richard Attenborough. The film stars are Mackenzie Astin, Chris O'Donnell, Sandra Bullock and others.

This film is based on the World War I experiences of the writer Ernest Hemingway. Let me pass on to the plot of the film. The main character was a young soldier who was wounded and sent to military hospital. There he was nursed by Agnes von Kurowsky. They fell in love with each other but very soon they separated. 

Speaking about the actors, I should say that the cast of this film is perfect. The actors who were invited to take part in this film did their best to make this film successful. As for the main characters, Chris O'Donnell and Sandra Bullock were excellent in their roles. They could create the atmosphere of real love. I believed their feelings.

In my topic I can’t but mention that success of the film depends on the director. I think, Richard Attenborough made a good job. He touched upon very serious problem - the problem of war and how the war destroyed love of the main characters. As we know, Ernest Hemingway wrote a lot of stories based on this theme. To my mind Richard Attenborough could transferred the feelings and emotions which the author wanted to show. He demonstrated a lot of grey, dirty colors to make the viewer feel sorrow. In general Richard Attenborough could create the atmosphere of war.

As for me, I liked this film. It impressed me greatly. In spite of the fact this film doesn’t have much in common with the book 'A Farewell to Arms' I think it is worth watching. "In Love and War" is closely connected with the personal life of one of the most successful American writers.  

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(Higher Education in Britain and the USA)

1. American students who want to study at a college or university have to take a standardized test ( SAT or ACT). Each college has its own application form and every student has to send an official list of all the subjects which he had studied and the  letters of reference.

2. Three types of schools in higher education are universities, teacher-training colleges and polytechnics.

3. In Britain:

A first degree, which is usually an honours degree, generally takes three years. Most courses end with exams called finals. Results are given as classes (= grades): a first is the highest class, seconds are often split between upper second and lower second, and below that is a third. Graduates may add the letters BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BSc (Bachelor of Science) after their name. Some graduates go on to study for a further degree, often a master’s degree or a doctorate.
In the USA: Students are given grades at the end of each course. The highest grade is A; the lowest is F, which means that the student has failed the course and will not get credit for taking it. To check a student’s overall progress, the university calculates a grade point average (GPA). Students who finish their degree with a high GPA may be awarded Latin honours, of which the highest is summa cum laude.

4. The student’s work is given a mark. “A” is the highest mark and “F” is the lowest one. A bachelor's degree in most areas can require between 124 to 128 college credits particular to a specific program of study. Every student can earn it in four years.

5. 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) is 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.  Students in Britain formerly had their tuition fees paid by the state and received a government grant to help pay their living expenses. Now, they receive only a loan towards their expenses, and from 1999 most will also have to pay £1 000 a year towards tuition fees.

7. Grade Point Average (GPA) is  an average academic score for a student in a US high school, college or university. The highest grade A receives 4 points, В is 3, С is 2, D is 1 and F is 0.

8. School counselors help students in the areas of academic achievement, personal and social development, career development.

10. A public university is a university that is predominantly funded by public means through a national or subnational government. Private universities are universities not operated by governments, although many receive tax breaks, public student loans, and grants.

11. Undergraduate is a student who is doing a university course for a Bachelor's degree.

Graduate is a person who has completed a university degree course.

12. Speaking about the best way to examine a student, in my opinion, it’s rather difficult to say what is better. I think oral examinations are not always the best way to check the knowledge, because sometimes students may simply forget everything they know due to their anxiety. To my mind written exams are more objective.

13. As for our university, the oral exams are more popular. In spite of the fact that this procedure is more nervous for students, it’s a good way to check his knowledge.

14. I think it would be unreasonable to give up such an opportunity to study abroad. As for students who have graduated from a high school in a country where English is not the official language they must take a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  

15. I think it will be great to allow students to choose a list of major subjects, which are more interesting for them.

 

Laboratory Works

Laboratory Work 5.1

1.

Speaker	Problem	Signs of the Problem	Your Solution to the Problem
1	examination	to assess the ability to learn: this type of exam or learning license would be more useful for students, employers and society in general. It shows which candidates are good at, engineering, but it also shows actually which can think as an engineer.	To my mind the traditional ways of assessment will be more effective. It includes theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
2	preparation for exam	tired face, sleepless nights etc.	Parents should support their children, help them with the choice.
3	exhaustion during the preparation for entrance exams	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.	This period is the hardest and most nervous and children should remember about their health. So they need to sleep 7-8 hours, to eat fresh food and to spend some time outdoors.
4	the lack of confidence while writing the exam	He never thought of himself like a highflyer, he never excepted such high results.	Many students are not sure in their knowledge. It’s very important to be ready for any results.
5	modern technology as a test checker	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.	I think, modern technology is very useful. It helps people to save a lot of time, while checking test.

2. Of course, I have some problems while studying. The main problem is my nervousness. It’s very difficult for me to cope with it, but step by step I try not to take everything to heart.

3. The contemporary university students face a lot of difficulties. One of the most serious problems is the lack of time for preparing exams. Usually they have only 3 or 4 day to understand and to learn by heart all information. To my mind these problems occur not only on the first year of studying, they appear from time to time during the whole students' high education. So students are always nervous and they are on the edge of their abilities. Sometimes their psyche can’t stand this strain and it affects their health. It’s very important for parents to notice it and support their children. 

Laboratory Work 5.2

1. The standard grading system in the USA is a standard letter system of A, B, C, D and F.

2. The special grades are 'satisfactory' - (S) and 'unsatisfactory' (U).

3.  In Russia we have a 5-grade system: 5 - excellent, 4 - good, 3 - satisfactory, 2 – unsatisfactory.

4.  In the British and in the USA colleges have credits, when during the semester students have to collect scores.

5. 

Ukraine

There is a 12-step grading system: 12-10 – excellent, 10-7 – good, 7-2 – satisfactory and 1 - bad.

Japan

There are grades on a scale from 0–100:  90-100 - Excellent (AA, or T); 80-89 – A; 70-79 – B; 60-69 – C; 0-59 - Fail (E or F).

Laboratory Work 5.3

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

2. A student can’t drop the course within the first three week of the semester, but if a student stops attending a course without going through the official drop procedures, the course will remain on his schedule and he will receive a failing grade.

3. According to the recording, you will not have any problems if you follow the procedure.

4. Elective courses are obligatory. All students have to attend these courses and they can't drop them.

Laboratory Work 5.4

1. The speaker mentioned library, students' centre (bookstore, post office, a bank, a theatre, a coffee shop, a travel agency) and administration complex (offices of the university administrators, the students’ records office).

2. I can find some similar campus places in our institute. As for the places, which are worth mentioning, they are cafeteria (a place, where students eat), a concert hall (a hall for important performances and events), a hall of residence (a place, where students from other cities live) and parking (a place where people park their cars).

3. In our Institute, we have a big concert hall for important performances and events. A large library, equipped with computers plays a great role in the students’ life. There they can prepare their homework and to take interesting books. Also there are two halls of residence on the territory of campus for the students from other cities. In our institute we have a cafeteria which is very popular among all students.  

Film Review (Dangerous Minds)

The film I’ve recently watched is “Dangerous Minds”. It is a 1995 American drama film based on the autobiography "My Posse Don't Do Homework" by former U.S. Marine LouAnne Johnson. The director of this film is John N. Smith. The film stars are Michelle Pfeiffer, George Dzundza,  Courtney B. Vance and others.

This film is based on the true-life story of LouAnne Johnson, who was a teacher at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California, in 1989, where most of her students were African-American and Hispanic teenagers from East Palo Alto. Let me pass on to the plot of the film. LouAnne Johnson, retired U.S. Marine, wanted to be a teacher at Parkmont High School in California. She was given a class of problem teens. At first it was rather difficult for her to explain them anything. But step by step this woman could find a special approach to everyone. She tried to motivate them by giving them all an A grade from the beginning of the year, and arguing that the only thing required of them was that they maintain it. In order to introduce them to poetry, LouAnne used the lyrics of Bob Dylan to teach symbolism and metaphor. She rewarded the students, using candy bars, a trip to a park. When LouAnne understood that the life of one of her students was in danger she tried to protect him. At the end of the year, she announced to the class that she wouldn’t teach them in the future but the students refused to let her leave.

Speaking about the actors, I should say that the cast of this film is perfect. The actors who were invited to take part in this film did their best to make this film successful. As for the main actress, Michelle Pfeiffer was excellent in her role. Her character talked a lot about choices. She showed that everything we do is our choice.

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.

As for me, I liked this film. It impressed me greatly. I can say that it is a fascinating story, telling about the school problems. This film teachers us that every child is unique and is worth of respect. So it is worth watching for all people.

Film Review (The Ron Clark Story)

The film I’ve recently watched is “The Ron Clark Story”. It is a 2006 television film based on the real educator Ron Clark. The director of this film is Randa Haines. The film stars are Matthew Perry, Brandon Mychal Smith, Hannah Hodson and others. As for the genre of the film, it is a drama. The setting of the film is Harlem, New York.  

This film is based on the true-life story of Ron Clark.  Let me pass on to the plot of the film. Ron Clark was a teacher who moved to New York. He got a job in Harlem public school, where he had to teach problem sixth-grade children. He tried to do best for the pupils, helped with their homework. It was really a battle between Clark and these children, but he always was sure in his actions. He found very creative ways to teach children he could cope with all obstacles.  In the end, this problem class got the highest average in the state and Ron Clark was regarded by his students as their best teacher.

 Speaking about the actors, I should say that the cast of this film is perfect. The actors who were invited to take part in this film did their best to make this film successful. As for the main actor, Matthew Perry was excellent in his role as Clark. I know him as a comedy actor for role as Chandler Bing on the popular television sitcom Friends. I think he also was perfect in this drama. He was full of determination to help these problem children. His character got a class with poor marks and a poor motivation. In my opinion, Ron Clark did everything as a teacher, tried to gain respect from both teachers and pupils. His main principles were: to be a family, respect each other, dream big and take risks.

In my topic I can’t but mention that success of the film depends on the director. I think, Randa Haines made a good job. She touched upon several educational problems in her film, created the realistic atmosphere of school.

As for me, I liked this film. It impressed me greatly. I can say that it is a fascinating story, telling about the school problems. The film shows the useful methods of teaching. So it is worth watching for all people.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(School Education in Britain and the USA)

1. In the UK they have: primary schools, secondary schools, independent school, private school, grammar school, preparatory school, comprehensive school, secondary modern school.

2. Children start school from the age of 3 or 4. It is not compulsory. All children are in full-time education from the age of 5 to 16, but they can continue their education and leave school at 18.

3. Preschool education: 2-3 age;

Primary education: 5-11 age;

Secondary education: 11-16 age;

Sixth form college 16-18 age.

4. Standard Assessment Test at the age of 7, 11, 14.

GCSE at 16.

A-levels at 18.

5. Yes, they do. School leavers have to take entrance exams to go to university. It is A-level exam.

6. Yes, there is. In 1988 the Education Reform Act introduced a National Curriculum, for children ages 5-16.

7. It takes 11 years to complete full-time compulsory education (from 5 to 16).

8. Primary school concentrates on: reading, writing and 'rithmetic.
Secondary school concentrates on subjects, which are introduced in the national curriculum. It is very important to give children the chance to study as many subjects as possible.

9. Entrance exams can be abandoned if the student doesn’t want to enter the institute or don’t have enough money for the institute.

10. Admission requirements to primary and secondary school are the age of children.

11. Elite schools have high standards for admissions. They provide firm knowledge and give pupils the better education.

12. National Curriculum consists of 10 foundation subjects: 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 (Religious Education, Technology and Design).

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

14. The main pupil’s problem is truant. It has some reasons: when a child is not interested in school and education; when he has some problems with his teachers.

15. As for me, I think, a good teacher is a person who knows his subject perfectly. He should be respectful and honest.

16. Looking back on my school days, I can say that there was one day which was at the same time as the most memorable, exciting and painful. It was my last bell. In that day I realized that I would never be in my classroom, with my school friends and teachers.

17. Usually on the morning of an exam I was really nervous. I'm worried about everything.

18. To my mind, written exam is easier to pass, because you worry less. You don’t see your teacher and there are only you, a pen and a piece of paper.

19. I prefer to be one of the first, because I think I worry less.

20. Yes, I use rough-work sheets in a written exam. I prefer to check my work and when I rewrite it, this method helps me to find some mistakes.

21. Yes, I do. It prevents me to concentrate.

22. Sometimes crib is useful, but when we want to know our  real knowledge, there is no use in a crib.

23. Yes, I have, but I could concentrate and pull myself togethert.

24. I don't think it is a way out to copy from other students.

25. I think the most difficult thing about exams is to learn a great amount of information.

26. Advantages of private schools: profound knowledge, better results, better instructors, students of such school have more opportunities in their life.

Disadvantages: public schools are very expensive, children live in boarding schools.

27. Pupils should improve their abilities in what they are good. However, other subjects should also be taken in order to grow a well-developed person.

28. I think the best age for children to start primary school is the age of 6-7. The physical and mental development of the children is appropriate.

29. I think, it’s a good age to enter the adult life.

30. To my mind, it’s a good idea for pupils because in that way they began to feel that they are a part of the system.

31. I think they both are necessary. They reflect the general knowledge of the student. But as for the tests, I think they don’t give the full objective information about the knowledge of the students.

32. Of course, but only when we talk about tests, because they give an objective result.

Laboratory Work 4

1. Two people are discussing the advantages and disadvantages of public and state schooling. As for the cost, state schools are free, while public ones are very expensive. Speaking about the quality of education, in public school the instructors are better. Also students of such school have more opportunities in their life. As for state school, there are different types of people and a connection with them is more interesting. To my mind, I agree with the fact that students from public school can do better chance in their life.

2. Nowadays wearing school uniform is an important point in education but it has some advantages and disadvantages.

On the one hand, when pupils can wear what they like, in many cases they put on tops, short skirts, make bright haircuts and make-up. As for the boys, jeans and T-shirts become their casual clothes. Also the pupils, whose families haven’t prosperity, wear poor clothes and they are often laughed at.

On the other hand, the pupils wearing school uniform are more tidy and neat. The uniform rubs the difference between pupils. All of them are in the same style. It’s a good point when the school can choose the uniform they like. It’s always pleasant to see the pupils in official style.

In conclusion, I’d like to say that it’s important to make a habit for pupils to put on school uniform. It learns them to official clothes because in the future employers will demand to wear such clothes in any season. 

Laboratory Work 3

1. In my opinion, children stay away from school for many reasons. The main reason is the influence of bad company. When a child makes friends with such company he tries to behave like them and sometimes this example has a negative influence on his studying at school. This problem has a connection with his family, if the parents don’t pay much attention to him. Also it’s boring for him to go to school, he prefers to spend this time in the street.

To my mind, the cause of student’s truancy is an unlearned lesson or a difficult test.

2.

1. c
2. c

3. a
4. a
5. a
6. c
7. b

3. In my opinion, the most effective things in combating truancy are more responsible parenting, more interesting lessons and strict punishment. I think that responsible parents take care of their children, keep under control their learning and sometimes they call the form-master to check their marks and attendance. Some children are afraid of punishment and in that way they try not to create the reasons for it. It’s common truth that when the lessons are interesting, pupils are always at school. It’s a great motivation for them.

Film Review (The Great Gatsby)

Cast:
Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby
Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway
Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan
Joel Edgerton as Tom Buchanan
Isla Fisher as Myrtle Wilson
Elizabeth Debicki as Jordan Baker
Adelaide Clemens as Catherine
Jason Clarke as George Wilson
Amitabh Bachchan as Meyer Wolfsheim
Max Cullen as Owl Eyes
Brendan Maclean as Klipspringer
Jack Thompson as Nick Carraway's Doctor, Walter Perkins
Gemma Ward as Languid Girl
Callan McAuliffe as Young Jay Gatsby
Gus Murray as Teddy Barton
Stephen James King as Nelson

The Great Gatsby is a 2013 romantic drama film. An adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel of the same name, the film was co-written and directed by Baz Luhrmann, and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher and Jason Clarke. It follows the life and times of millionaire Jay Gatsby and his neighbor Nick, who recounts his encounter with Gatsby at the height of the Roaring Twenties. The film was released on May 10, 2013 in 3D.

The narrator Nick Carraway was in the hospital and the doctor adviced him to write about everithing that have happened in his life. Nick said that when he came to New York City his neigbour was a very mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby. With the new friend, Nick was involved in the life of luxury, illusion, love and lie. But one day Nick became the witness of the terrible tragedy and his life changed again.

The actors who were invited to take part in this film did their best to make this film successful. As for the main actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire, to my mind, they deserve the best praise. Their acting was really perfect.

As for me, I liked this film. It impressed me greatly. I can say that it is a fascinating story, telling about the complicated human relationships.

Rendering №16 (Music)

http://www.euronews.com/2013/04/25/sound-mixes-with-art-to-reinvigorate-the-centre-of-athens/

The article was published on the website euronews.com on April 25, 2013. The article reports that “Silent Space Stand Still” has brought a combination of sound and art to the centre of Athens and the organisers took over a former mosque in the Greek capital, now the home of the museum of Greek Folk Art.

According to this article, since the end of March, four artists have each opened their week-long residence with a live presentation. It is dialogue of sound resonating through the site and its history, connecting those inside with the fabric of the building.

This extract is said that the exhibition’s curators said that they got in touch with the Greek Ministry of Culture, and found this wonderful mosque in the centre of Athens. No one really knows it is here. But it was built to reflect sound and that is what our exhibition is all about. Firstly, Tarek Atoui is an electro-acoustic musician, sound artist and computer programmer. Perched above one of the busiest squares in Athens, he listens, reacts, improvises and performs with his environment in real-time, creating a synergy between the instrument, the sound produced and the physical context. Secondly, everybody are going to see a performance of electro-acoustic and electronic music, that is pretty much dealing with the notion of instrument. Moreover, this is the first time that a sound installation has been housed in a mosque in Athens. The curator of the Museum of Greek Folk Art tells the story about this museum. In addition to, they think it is excellent for museums to interact with art and the audience, to open up their surroundings to music and sound once again, because this one was built for that.

In this article the author gives the information that Turk Cevdet Erek’s new work ‘Same to Different’ is an exploration of the links that bind all things. Instead of being an architectural symbol of power or control, the mosque’s dome is transformed into a simple covering, embracing and encompassing everything underneath.

The author comes to the conclusion that the performance was a combination of a lecture, sounds, personal memories and objects that create sounds. They have been working on creating some materials for this improvisation.

As for me, the combination of sounds and art is always interesting for art-lovers. It’s a unique decision and it attracts a lot of visitors.

Rendering №15 (Music)

http://www.euronews.com/2013/05/06/thank-you-for-the-music/

The article was published on the website euronews.com on May 6, 2013. The article reports about legend musicians ABBA.

According to this article, almost 40 years after they shot to fame by winning the Eurovision song contest, ABBA’s very own museum is opening in Stockholm.

This extract is said that it traces their careers from their early days all the way to when they became Sweden’s biggest band in the 1970s and early 1980s. The article describes that there are the guitars, the drums the mixing tables and the studio in this museum. Moreover, they have all that classical memorabilia. But then we wanted to add something more to make it a really fun experience. In addition to, everybody can become the fifth member of ABBA here by entering the stage where they are in hologramme illusions, while at the same time your performance is being filmed and put on your ticket and homepage because each ticket to ABBA the museum is connected to an individual ABBA home page.

In this article the author gives the idea that a museum dedicated to Sweden’s most famous musical export dates back to 2008. But it was really when former ABBA member, Bjorn Ulvaeus got involved in the project that things took off.

The author comes to the conclusion that museums are about dead people usually. ABBA the museum officially opens its doors to the public on May 7. For fans, there will be plenty of time to say thank you for the music.

As for me, this famouse band is honored that the museum will be open nowadays. They are talented and became popular all over the world.

Rendering №14 (Music)

http://www.euronews.com/2013/05/03/guitarist-with-heavy-metal-band-slayer-jeff-hanneman-dies/

The article was published on the website euronews.com on May 3, 2013. The article reports that Guitarist with heavy-metal band Slayer, Jeff Hanneman, dies.

According to this article, his death may be connected to a spider bite that almost cost him his arm.

This extract is said that after being bitten, the musician had developed necrotizing fasciitis, the flesh-eating disease which attacks subcutaneous tissue. The article describes that Hanneman had recently begun writing songs with Slayer in anticipation of recording a new album. Firstly, Slayer were known as one of the “big four” thrash metal groups of 1980s along with Anthrax, Megadeth and Metallica. Next, the thrash metal genre was distinct for its extremely fast tempo, big double-bass drums and dark themes, often dealing with Satanism, war and serial killers. Secondly, music website Allmusic.com said the band’s trademark “full-throttle velocity, wildly chaotic guitar solos, and powerful musical chops paint an effectively chilling sonic background for their obsessive chronicling of the dark side.” In addition to, Hanneman was best known as a writer of the songs “Raining Blood” and “Angel of Death” from the 1986 album “Reign of Blood,” which was considered a landmark of the genre.

In this article the author gives the information that he was survived by his wife Kathryn and three siblings.

The author comes to the conclusion that Jeff Hanneman would always be a metal god. A true master, he gave energy and excitement to millions, and would continue to.

As for me, I can say that talented musicians are always in our memory and when we listen to their music again and again it remained us about these people.