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1. Read the letter first，and then discuss with your partner: what will you do after graduating from college, go to work or pursue your postgraduate study and why.

So great to receive your letter on May 1st, in which you inquired about my plan after graduation. Now, I am writing to illustrate it.

As is known to all, so many graduates are eager to set feet on their work-life roads. According to a survey by National Department of Education, more than six million college students will leave the so called “Ivory Tower” this year. It is clear that the competition of job-hunting will be extremely furious. On the contrary, it seems advisable for me to further my study and get a master’s degree. What makes me convinced is that a higher degree and better educational background will, undoubtedly, enable me to make full preparation for entering the society. Besides, if possible, I will get involved in social and practical activities in my spare time.

Taking all aspects into account, I choose to study as a postgraduate.

Many thanks for your concern. Best wishes!

2. First read the passage: We want education, but fees are too high. And then answer the following questions.

I am a student from a poor village in Anhui Province. This summer my younger sister took the senior middle school entrance examination and did well in it. But she was forced to give up the opportunity because of the high tuition fee—6 000 yuan. It is surprisingly high for a peasant family, almost equal to a whole year’s income.

The high tuition fees are not an exception in my hometown but a common phenomenon throughout the country.

This year the recruiting capacity of higher education increased. A larger number of high school graduates get opportunities to enter college. But unfortunately the fees rise dramatically at the same time. The average tuition fee for freshman for an academic year is about 3 500 yuan, almost twice as much as two years ago.

High school graduates, especially those from poor areas, have to particularly take tuition fees into consideration when choosing their ideal colleges and universities. Manystudents from poor areas are bound to suffer. They are on the edge of being cut out completely.

The enlargement of college admission capacity is adopted as a tentative means to increase domestic demand. But I believe that only by lowering tuition can domestic demand be increased.

Considering the status quo of education in our country, emphasis on keeping pace with international standards should be coordinated with facing the needs of the countryside. If great efforts are not taken to reduce educational costs, our nation’s education will become ‘elite education’ serving a small group of people instead of growing into ‘mass education’ benefiting the majority of the people.

from http://alastairclark.com/2009/03/week-07-we-wanteducation-but-fees-are-too-high/

1) What do you think is the nature of the issue under discussion?

2) Do you agree with the author when he claimed that lowering tuition is the only way to meet domestic demand for tertiary education? Why or why not? Give further evidence to support your answer.

3) Compare the possible consequences of the two different practices, namely, low tuition but more equal opportunity for the poor as against high tuition but limited enrolment skewed to the rich only.

3. You will watch “Postgraduate, a Passion for Knowledge” first. And then answer the following questions:

1) What are the reasons for some people to be postgraduate students?

2) How to be a successful postgraduate student?

3) Will you choose the University of Winchester to pursue your postgraduate study? And Why?

A: Could you tell me your educational background?

B: Sure. Where shall I begin?

A: Where did you go to university?

B: I went to the University of Ohio, in America.

A: What degree did you get?

B: I got a bachelor’s degree.

A: What was your major?

B: I majored in English and minored in Chinese.

A: What was your G.P.A?

B: I graduated with honors and I had a 3.9.

A: Do you plan to pursue further education?

B: Yes. I’d like to be a postgraduate studying in international relations.

A: When do you think you will do that?

B: After I have 3-4 years of work experience.

A: You look stressed out. What’s up?

B: I’m dealing with my graduate school application. It’s a real hassle.

A: Alright, so what’s the problem?

B: The whole process is driving me nuts. All these forms, transcripts, personal statements …all sorts of stuff.

A: I understand. I’ve been through all this. It’s tedious but you just have to deal with it one thing at a time. Is there anything in particular I can help you with?

B: Yeah, would you mind having a look at my personal statement? I’ve started it but I just don’t know how to continue it.

A: Certainly. Let me see … Emm …

B: It’s bad, isn’t it? Oh I knew it was!

A: No, its’ not really bad. All it needs is a bit of structuring and a little organization.

B: What do you mean by that?

A: You see, the whole thing seems a bit too loose. You’ve made enough detailed descriptions of things you’ve done, but what exactly is the point you’re trying to make?

B: Actually, I don’t know either. I’m completely lost there.

A: I can see that. But you’ve got to bear in mind that this very piece of writing is going to change your life completely. So you must make yourself stand out from the crowd.

B: So how do I do that?

A: The first thing is to be clear about the message you want to put across in the essay. Think about what you hope to get out of the program and what your career plans are.

B: I think I have a pretty clear picture about those.

A: Good, then carefully select the content to fit with the message. And make sure you mention details that highlight your achievements and show you in a positive light.

B: That’s easy. See, I’ve written them down already. I said I’m lively and bright, I’m very responsible, and one of the best students in my class.

A: Those statements are quite vague. You have to back them up with examples of things you have actually done or achieved.

B: But how? I mean, what sort of things?

A: For example, for your academic achievements you should mention actual projects you’vecompleted. If you say you’re responsible you should mention something you’ve actually been responsible for.

B: So I just throw in all these achievements and examples and that’s it.

A: Well, you don’t just throw these things in. I told you, you need to arrange the material into a sensible order, you know, give it a skeleton, a good structure.

B: OK, thanks a lot. I think I can go on now.

A: Alright. Let me know if you want any more help.

sophomore 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　undergraduate student

graduate student/postgraduate student 　　　　　master’s degree

doctor student/doctor candidate 　　　　　　　　　　post doctor student

alumni/alumnus 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　teaching fellow

tutor/mentor/director/supervisor 　　　　　　　　　　faculty

take the course 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　drop the course

requirement/required course/compulsory 　　　　　　　　seminar

credit 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　advanced course

homework/assignment/project 　　　　　　　　　　　　　deadline

1. Please answer the following questions by making a conversation with your partner:

1) Will you pursue your postgraduate study here in China or abroad? And why?

2) What do you want to major in?

3) Why do you choose this major?

4) Do you want to pursue your doctor degree after your graduate study?

2. Role-play: Student A will interview student B about two of the following topics:

1) More and more students choose to go to another country for their graduate study. Do you think the benefits outweigh the problems associated with it? What effects does it bring about?

2) Money for postgraduate research is limited. Therefore some people think financial support from governments should be only provided for scientific research rather than research for less useful subjects. Do you agree or disagree?

3) In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of being a postgraduate?

4) How will you support your graduate study?

B.Socio-Communicative Skills

Verbal communication refers to the communication which is carried out in either oral or written form with the use of words. Nonverbal communication refers to the communication through one’s voice quality, facial expressions, gestures, bodily movement, attitudes towards space and time, and so on.

To achieve successful conversations, it is necessary to learn the skills of both the verbal and nonverbal communication.

Our choice of color, clothing, hairstyles, and other factors affecting appearance are also considered a means of nonverbal communication. Research on color psychology has demonstrated that different colors can invoke different moods. Appearance can also alterphysiological reactions, judgment, and interpretations.

? Deciding on what to wear can be influenced on the job role or indeed industry. If in doubt try to imagine what the interviewer would be wearing and mirror accordingly. Not every job interviewer will expect you to wear a suit of some kind. Even so you still need to look sharp. Research the company’s dress code and step it up a notch for the interview.

? For man, a two-piece suit is always the best and safest choice. Don’t combine a suit jacket with pants that don’t match. Keep it conservative. Trend towards darker colors. Consider a solid striped tie. A man needs a belt. You should never consider going without one. Belts should ideally match your shoe color. Avoid huge buckles. Consider dark shoes. Black lace ups are best. Your shoes should be polished and not in disrepair. Ideally you want to be cleanly shaven. Many experts seem to believe that mustaches and beards may be a drawback. In any case you need to look clean. Be sure that any facial hair is well trimmed and presentable.

? For woman, consider a two-piece matched suit. Suggested colors include navy, dark grey, brown, black. Avoid dressing provocative. Be your garment contrasts well with your outfit. Avoid heavily laced or ruffled items. Consider cotton or silk. Avoid bright lipstick colors. Avoid excessive jewelry. Consider a pair of earrings, wrist watch and wedding band if applicable. Less is more and will promote a professional image.

Please prepare a short speech about one of the following topics, and pay attention to your appearance.

1) My first job interview

3) The first class of my teaching career

4) My first meeting with my mother-in-law

Learn the following conversations and make conversations with your partners based on the situations given below.

1) A: Well, I’d like to be going now, I think. I don’t want to get caught in the rush hour.

B: Hmm…the buses are so crowded then, aren’t they? Will it take you long to get home?

A: Well, at this time of day it takes about half an hour. But during the rush hour it can take up to an hour.

B: Oh, that’s terrible… Well, it’s been really lovely to see you again. Do come round again when you have time.

A: Yes, I will. I’ll give you a ring.

B: Fine. I’ll look forward to that.

A: Give my best regards to your husband.

B: Yes, I will. He will be sorry to have missed you.

A: Well, I’ll see you then.

B: Yes, thanks for coming. Bye.

2) A: Well, I just wanted to know if you were feeling better.

B: Hmm… thank you. As I said, I’m feeling much better than before, and should be back at work next week.

A: Well, that’s good. I think I’ll go back home now.

B: So soon? Oh, thanks for coming. I really appreciate your concern.

B: Yes, sure. See you, then.

Now, make conversations of making farewells based on the following situations by using the expressions above:

1) Imagine Alex is with friends. It’s getting late and Alex decides to go home.

2) You’re having coffee with a friend and suddenly realize you’ have to go now, or you’ll miss your train.

3) You and your friend are at a party and have decided it’s time to leave. You say…

4) One of your roommates will study abroad. Say goodbye to him/her.

1. Prepare for the interview.

After you pass the postgraduate examination, you will be interviewed. Work with your partner to be the interviewer and interviewee respectively and practice the following questions:

1) Reasons for you to pursue your graduate study

2) Your plans in the postgraduate study

3) Introduce your family

4) Introduce the university you graduated from

2. During the interview, the most important part is to make a self-introduction. Read the following example and then practice your own self-introduction.

Good morning. I am glad to be here for this interview. First let me introduce myself. My name is…, 24. I come from…, the capital of… Province. I graduated from the… department of …University in July, 2001. In the past two years I have been preparing for the postgraduate examination while I have been teaching…in NO.…middle School and I was a head-teacher of a class in junior grade two. Now all my hard work has got a result since I have a chance to be interviewed by you. I am open-minded, quick in thought and very fond of history. In my spare time, I have broad interests like many other young people. I like reading books, especially those about… Frequently I exchange with other people by making comments in the forum on line. In addition, during my college years, I was once a Net-bar technician. So, I have a comparative good command of network application. I am able to operate the computer well. I am skillful in searching for information in Internet. I am a football fan for years. Italian team is my favorite.

I always believe that one will easily lag behind unless he keeps on learning .Of course, if I am given a chance to study… in this famous University, I will spare no effort to master a good command of…

3. At first read the following information and then discuss with your partner. Which occupations will have the most job openings in 2018 in China and for those occupations a graduate degree will be required.

Experts Predict Where the Jobs Will Be in 2018

Government economists estimate which occupations will have the most job openings between 2008 and 2018. Openings occur because new jobs are created and because workers retire or leave the field for other reasons. Check out the top10 occupations:

Occupations with the Most Job Openings: Graduate Degree Required

Occupation　　　　　　　　　　Total Job Openings 2008–2018

Postsecondary teachers　　　　　553 000

Doctors and surgeons　　　　　　261 000

Lawyers　　　　　　　　　　　　240 000

Clergy　　　　　　　　　　　　218 000

Pharmacists　　　　　　　　　　　106 000

Educational, vocational, and school counselors　　　94 000

Physical therapists　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　79 000

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists　　　　　　　66 000

Mental health and substance abuse social workers　　　　61 000

Instructional coordinators　　　　　　　　　　　　　61 000

1. Give a short summary after reading the following extracted part of a passage, and then list some differences between postgraduate study and undergraduate study.

The postgraduate experience differs from the undergraduate one in a number of ways,both academic and social, and, you are right to suspect that postgraduate life, away from lectures, will lack the atmosphere that’s created when large numbers of freshmen get together, mostly on their first living-away-from-home experience. But that doesn’t mean that postgraduates can’t establish friendships, inside and outside their academic area, that sustain them through two or three years, even if their research activities are largely lone pursuits.

Many universities recognize the special nature of life as a researcher and put in place structures to help these students link up. The University of Birmingham, for example, has a doctoral researcher community, which lays on events such as guest speaker evenings, which provide a way for students to mix on a variety of levels. The degree of community-feel mixing at faculty level will depend on the nature of the subject (compare practical disciplines with largely reading-based areas, for example) and on the size of the postgraduate community within any department.

So the best advice I can give you, before you finalize your choice of university, is to chat to someone who has trodden a similar research route at a university you’re considering. Only they will really be able to say what the experience was like.

1) __________________________________________________________________

2) __________________________________________________________________

3) __________________________________________________________________

4) __________________________________________________________________

5) __________________________________________________________________

6) __________________________________________________________________

fromhttp://www.independent.co.uk/student/postgraduate/postgraduate-study/postgraduate-que ries-quotwill-studying-be-a-lonely-time-is-doing-a-phd-a-logical-step-upquot-2316877.html

2. Read the notice and then work with your partner to discuss the following questions.

We are looking for volunteers to help at the International Conference on Globalization, which is to take place on this campus on Jan. 16th, 2010. This conference will attract over 200business, academic, and governmental leaders from 50 countries. Volunteers will have the opportunity to gain exposure and knowledge as well as network with leaders and experts all over the world. Individuals with excellent language skills in English, French or Spanish are encouraged to sign up. Those who have communication skills and experiences in inter-cultural communication will be preferred. If you are interested in joining this program to help us with the conference, please email to volunteer-4-conference@yahoo.com.cn with your phone number and time available.

1) Will you volunteer to help in this conference? Why or why not?

2) What are your advantages to help you to be the volunteer?

3. Group work. Read the following short passage first and then discuss what’s life will be in the future within group.

I often dream about what the world will be like one hundred years from now. I’m sure it will have changed a lot. For example, I think many people will be living in space at that time and that’ll be very exciting. In fact, I imagine that all the advanced countries will have established space cities by then, including our country. On Earth, in my opinion, most people will be communicating by video phones and cars can fly above the road just like planes.

As for my country, I bet life will have also changed in many ways. First of all, the population will be decreasing. People will have fewer children and everyone will be rich and living comfortably. I also think most of the environmental and transportation problems of today’s big cities will have been solved. Many people will work in the city and live in the countryside. In fact, I think life in my country will be a lot healthier. If I’m lucky, maybe I’ll still be living at that time.

Then what will your dream future be like?

Write a letter to your best friend Li Ming, congratulating him on accepting admission to a postgraduate program. Do not sign your own name at the end of the letter. Use “Wang Hua”instead. Do not write the address.