Answers to questions "Higher Education in Britain and the USA"

1. Britain:
    In order to be admitted to British colleges or universities, must pass three "A-levels" and have GCSE with a minimum grade "C". Students have to apply to university for a year before their graduation and before their exams results. An application form  which consists of personal information of a student, recommendations from school teachers and presumptive exam scores is applied through UCAS (University and College Admission Service). Also students must fill in an application form from UCAS where they are to indicate up to six variants of colleges or universities students prefer to enter.

   The USA:
   Requirements in brief:
1. a high-school diploma
2. results of Scholastic Aptitude Test
3. knowledge of English
4. teachers' recomendations
5. particapation in social activities

2. Universities in Britain are divided into three types: the old universities (Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh Universities), 19th century universities, such as London and Manchester universities, and the new universities. Some years ago there were also polytechnics. After graduating from polytechnic a student got a degree, but
it was not a university degree. 31 formers polytechnics were given university status in 1992.

3.  Associate's degree. An associate's degree study takes two years to complete. The associate's degree student learns the basics of a field of study. Students graduating with associate's degrees qualify for entry into careers such as dental hygienists, computer technicians and paralegals.
    Bachelor's degree. Earning a bachelor's degree takes four or five years, depending on your speciality. Bachelor's degree students study a broad range of liberal arts classes, including academic writing, history and sociology. A student majoring in a particular subject focuses his studies on that subject. Such professions as accountants, engineers and journalists need bachelor's degrees.
    Master's degree. Traditionally, a master's degree student specializes in one specific aspect of a field of study, working to make a contribution to that field. Professional master's programs are designed to help students to gain the skills necessary for a career in a new field, rather than to specialize in a current field.
     Doctor of Philisophy degree. A doctorate's degree allows students to be engaged deeper into a small area of a field. The doctorate's degree is based on scholarly paper or dissertation. The student writes his dissertation based on his research over the course of study. Doctorate's degrees take as long to finish as it takes the student to finish his research, write his dissertation and defend his research and knowledge.

5. The SAT test is an aptitude and reasoning test used by most colleges for admission purposes. It can be taken 2 or 3 times. This test has math and verbal sections, as well as a writing section that includes an essay. Numerous testing locations are provided and include public and private high schools, as well as community college locations.
   The ACT is a test that colleges may use in the admissions process. In most cases, colleges will accept either SAT or ACT scores--however some Midwestern colleges prefer the ACT. The ACT test measures knowledge in four subject areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
   The PSAT can be taken by 8th – 11th grade students. The PSAT test is the qualifier for National Merit Scholarship consideration, and only 11th graders are considered for these scholarships.  Taking  the PSAT in the 10th grade year is basically for practice only. No consideration will be given to a 10th grader for qualifying for a National Merit Scholarship no matter how well the student does on the test. The PSAT test has three sections--Math, Verbal/Critical Reasoning, and Writing.

6. Student financial aid is funding that is intended to help students pay education-related expenses including tuition, room and board, books, and supplies for education at a college, university, or private school. Financial aid may be classified into two types based on the criteria through which the financial aid is awarded: merit-based or need-based. Merit-based financial aid includes scholarships awarded by the college or university and those awarded by outside organizations. Merit-based scholarships are typically awarded for outstanding academic achievements and maximum SAT or ACT scores, although some merit scholarships can be awarded for special talents, leadership potential and other personal characteristics. Merit scholarships are sometimes awarded without regard for the financial need of the applicant. At many colleges, every admitted student is automatically considered for merit scholarships. At other institutions, a separate application process is required.

7. GPA is the average grade earned by a student, it is calculated by taking the number of grade points a student earned in a given period of time divided by the total number of credits taken.

  

Laboratory work

MP3 5.1

#1.

Speaker	Problem	Signs of the Problem	Your solution to the problem
1	Examination	an ability to learn and an ability to think in proper way	individual approach to the preparation to exams
2	Praparation to exams	tired face, sleepless nights, weekends, full dedication to study	change of activity, relaxation, necessary mood and attitude to exams
3	Acceptance to university	loss of weight, big black rings under eyes, sleepless nights and days,	relaxation, healthy lifestyle, correct preparation to entrance examinations.
4	Marks or score	uncertainty	self-reliance
5	Assessment	getting results is too long, association with exams.	on-line assessment, usage of technologies

#2. 

Certainly I experienced problems while my studying. My biggest problem is inability to start learning, I mean it's difficult for me to start doing something. When I realized what volume of tasks I have to do, I lose all my wish and will to start working. This problem especailly disturbs me when the matter concerns my preparation to exams. I constantly put off my affairs and finally I have to do them at the last moment that badly affects the quality of my tasks. In order to cope with this problem I make a list of my tasks and try to complete them one by one. I tick my tasks which have been done and it inspires me to complete others. 

#3.

   Difficulties that students faces during their studying are various, but the most common, I think, are huge volume of tasks and loading, getting more freedom and certainly preparation to exams. All of these problems cause special stresses and can badly influence the quality of their studying. 

   The first problem students face at once after their entrance an university is a freedom which means an absense of control. Students used to being under control at schools feel that study in university is much easier than in school and lose their responsibility. In universities students are supposed to be quite responsible for their study and able to organize it. But frequently it's not so.

   Other problem is a huge loading. It occurs when students are not ready to accept it. They don't expect it and at the beginning it can become a serious problem that can adversely affect the quality of the further studying. In order to avoid it, students also should be able to plan their activity.

   Preparation to exams is the largest stress for students. It also depends on students and their ability to organize themselves. On the whole studying in universities is a travel of hardships and every hardship which you manage to overcome is an another step to a success. 

MP 3. 5.2    

1. This is a standard letter grading system: A, B, C, D or F. It is used for most courses at universities.

2. There are satisfactory (S) and unsatisfactory (U) grades. It is used for electives and some special courses. 

3. In Russia the following academic graging system is used: 

    5, "Excellent" denotes highest distinction and excellent knowledge of a subject

    4, "Good" denotes good knowledge of a subject

    3, "Satisfactory" sometimes translated as "Fair", denotes a creditable or passing grade

    2, "Unsatisfactory" denotes hardly any knowledge, below average, the first level of failing

    1, "Very Poor" the lowest possible grade, denotes complete failure, and is very rarely used

5.  Here are some interesting facts about grading systems used around the world.

Denmark

In 2007, Denmark replaced its age-old 13-scale grading system with a simpler, 7-step-scale system. They did this to begin to conform to a European standard called the ECTS scale, but also because 13 possible grades makes for a lot more work for teachers. Here’s how the old 13-scale used to work:

13 – given for the exceptionally independent and excellent performance.

11 – given for the independent and excellent performance

10 – given for the excellent but not particularly independent performance

9 – given for the good performance, a little above average

8 – given for the average performance

7 – given for the mediocre performance, slightly below average

6 – given for the just acceptable performance

5 – given for the hesitant and not satisfactory performance

03 – given for the very hesitant, very insufficient and unsatisfactory performance

00 – given for the completely unacceptable performance

Australia

Many schools and universities use a “band” grading system which looks like this:

90–99.95% BAND 6

80–89% BAND 5

70–79% BAND 4

60–69% BAND 3

50–59% BAND 2

0–49% BAND 1

MP3. 5.3

1. According to the official policy you can drop the course in the first three weeks of the semester. You have to get a signature of the professor of a course you want to drop for an official drop-card. Then you must get a signature of your advisor. 

2. There are some warnings: you can't unofficially drop your course after three weeks of the semester. Also if you stop attending your course without going through official dropping procedure you will receive a failing grade. 

3. In order to avoid getting a failing grade you should follow the official dropping procedure.

4. There is no special procedure. You are supposed to inform your proffesor about it. 

MP3. 5.4

1. These are following places: the library, a book store, a post office, a bank a theatre, a coffee-shop, a travel agency, a bowling, an adminictration complex.

2. Other places which are worth mentioning is a canteen, where student may eat, a reading room, where they can read and prepare to their study, and a hostel where nonresident students live. 

Film Review 2

   I'd like to tell about film which is called "Dangerous Minds". This is a drama film which was shot by John Smith in 1995 in the USA. It is based on the autobiography "My Posse Don't Do Homework" by former U.S. Marine LouAnne Johnson, who took up a teaching position at Carlmont High School in Belmont. Starring Michelle Pfeiffer, George Dzundza, Courtney B. Vance, Robin Bartlett Carla Nichols and others, the film received both negative and positive criticism.

   The plot is about Louanne Johnson who is an ex-marine. She has recently separated from her husband. Her friend, a teacher, helped her to be hired as an English teacher in a high-school in a poor area. She is going to teach problem students from lower-class, who are involved in gang warfare and drug pushing. At first no one takes her seriously, but then she manages to motivate students for studing by very extraordinary methods such as teaching them karate, Bob Dylan's poetry that definitely is not a part of the curriculum. Besides her unusual teaching, Johnson tries to help her students with their problems. She manages to see in one of her students, Callie, a huge potential in English poetry and help her not to give up her study in spite of she becomes pregnant. Johnson also helps other her student, Raul, to believe in himself instilling confidence and self-respect in him by means of constant encouragements. She also tries to help her most troublesome student, who was finally killed. Trying to protect him from criminals, Johnson receives a huge respect from his girlfriend. Finally Louanne Johnson becomes a significant figure in the life of class, so that students don't want to let her go

   So, the film is difficult from the psichological point of view. There are several moments which seem hard, such as fight of students or the death of Emilio. The film shows the typical life of teenagers from problem neighbourhood and the typical situation in American schools from such areas. But i'd like to mark especially a directing of the film. John Smith managed to make it so realistical by means of usage of obscene language, difficult characters and their destinies and unexpected turning points, such as death of one of the main characters.

   Moreover I'd like to mark acting of the film. Michelle Pfeiffer was brilliant in the main role. She managed to play a teacher who is anxious about her class, who really saw in them not only clever and capable students, but true personalities with their own inner world, feelings and troubles.  I liked the most the moment of the film when Mrs. Johnson knew about the death of Emilio, who seemed never to begin to respect her. However she began to cry really accepting this new of his death as a death of someone who was really dear to her. It was touching.

   All in all, the film certainly impresses. This is another film that proves once again that to believe and not to give up are the main features of a teacher.  

Film Review

Name: The Ron Clark Story
Cast: Matthew Perry, Ernie Hudson, Brandon Smith, Micah Stephen Williams, Hannah Hodson and others
Director: Randa Haines
Genre: Television Film
Setting: the USA

Synopsis: 
Ron Clark is a young teacher in public school in his native town North Carolina. Enthusiastic and full of energy he is famous for his innovative methods in teaching. His life changes when Clark has to leave his small town and move to New York where he was offered to work in Harlem school, being more precisely in a disadvantaged class where lots of problem children study. Clark intends to improve their test scores, their marks and even wants to make this class one of the best. But it turns out to be not so easy, every student in this class has his or her problem, and Clark's main aim becomes to teach children to cope with their problems and make them believe in themselves. Not giving up his attempts Clark managed to improve students' level in schooling, helped them to got the highest test score and even made them the best class not in Harlem but in the city.

Review:
I think this is a kind of  "must see" movie. This is a great example that shows what the true teacher should be. The protagonist of Matthew Perry possessed the main features of the teaching profession. These are faithfulness in his methods and belief in his students. This film is about an inspiration, about an ability to light up the hearts.

Speaking of the film in general, I can say that the plot is not original. There are a lot of films with the same theme, for example "The Principle" with James Belushi in the main role or "Detechment" and others. But this film differs from others with its touching atmosphere which is created by means of actors' playing. Matthew Perry does a great job of portraying Ron Clark. Watching his performance I really believe that his charactor will manage to achieve the aims. The creators of the film give the audience an honest view of how so many of us tend to give up when we feel beat down by the system. But only those who are able to hope can recieve the results.

I don't regret that I spent my time whatching this movie. This film should be recommended to children ecpecially, because it's necessary for them to understand that all children have the same opportunities but all of them have different potential. Just need to encourage him or her to bring it about and use it with benefit, and this is their teachers who can help them to do it.  

Laboratory works

Schools and colleges

№1. 

England	The USA	Australia
Primary school (age 5)	Elementory sch. (age 6)	Primary sch. (till 11)
Secondary sch. (age 11-16) GCSE (age 16)	Junior-high sch. (age 11)	Intermediate sch. (11-13)
Sixth form (age 16) A-level (age 18)	Senior-high sch. (age 14)	High sch.  (age 13)
University	University	University

№2. 1. Before they start school, very young children in Britain may go to a nursery school where they play with other children and learn to socialize.

2.    British children start primary school at the age of 5 and move to a secondary school at 11 or 13. At the age of 18 or 19 they may go on to high education at a university, polytechnic or college.

3.    At the age of 16, British pupils take GCSE exams. They may stay on at school to take A-level two years later when they are in the sixth form.

4.    A British school or university year is divided into three terms: in America the year is divided into two terms.

5.    In Britain, private boarding schools are known as public schools – in the USA, this term refers to the normal kind or state schools.

6.    At the end of a university course, graduates are awarded a degree - probably a BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSc (Bachelor of Science) or Bed (Bachelor  of Education); post-graduates can take a further course or do research and write a thesis in the hope of getting an MA (Master of arts) or a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy).

№ 3. Russian Education is provided predominantly be the state and is regulated by the Ministry of Education and Science. Education in Russia is compulsory up to the 9th form inclusive. The stages of compulsory schooling in Russia are: primary education for children aged from 6 to 10, and secondary education for children from 10 to 15. After finishing the 9th form (age 15) students can go on to a vocational school (PTU or technicums) which offer programmes of academic subjects and a programme of training in a technical field. But if students wish to go on in higher education they must stay at school for two more years. After finishing these two years (age 17) students can enter a university. All applicants must take competitive exams. Higher education in Russia usually offer a 5-years programme of academic subjects for students in a variety of fields. Students also can enter a graduate course and write a thesis in order to receive a condidate's degree or a doctoral degree. 

   Speaking of school exams it's necessary to note that after finishing primary and a part of secondary education (which is called basic general education) children at the age of 15 participate in final examinations and then they are awarded the Certificate of Basic General Education which allows them to be admitted to either further secondary school or to vocational education. And after finishing the secondary general education students must pass the State Final Examinations after which they receive the Certificate of Secondary General Education. It allows them to enter a university. 

First Day at School

№ 1. 

Laurie Lee	Paul Pennyfeather
Bewildered (смущенный) Panicky Scary Obnoxious (неприятный) Angry Grumpy (сердитый) Uptight (встревоженный)	Worried Nervous Relieved Panicky Victorious Obnoxious

№2. Laurie Lee.

Bewildered: When his sisters surrounded him in order to prepare him for school

Panicky: When his sisters carried the boy to the road.

Scary: When his sisters said him that those boys who don't go to school are put in boxes and turnes to rabbits.

Obnoxious, angry, grumpy: When Laurie understood that there was no present promised at school and he did not want to come back there. 

Uptight: When his sisters said him that it was his first day at school and Laurie wanted to stay at home. 

Paul Pennyfeather.

Worried, Panicky: Whem he knew that he must to teach boys.

Panicky: When he entered the class dumb with a terror.

Nervous: when boys began to say him "good morning" one by one. 

Obnoxious: When a boy began to cry.

Victorious: When he managed to establish a silence in the class.

Relieved: When he shouted at boys.

№3. One of the main aspects in schooling is the authority of teachers. 

№4. I experience what is a new school in 5th form when my family moved from a village to the town. Although I was transfered to other school together with my sister nevertheless I felt discomfort and loneliness. My first day at a new school was a little bit straind. Firstly nobody paied attention to us. I sat together with my sister and spoke only to her. Secondly on the lessons everything was unusual for me, because in a rural school where i studied before, they teach a little bit differently than in urban one. Finally at the first day of my schooling there was English lesson which I had never studied before in contrast to my new classmaters. I didn't know how to go to this lesson. I was so worried because I was afraid that everybody would be laughing at me as I didn't understand anything in Englissh. But to my surprise it turned out to be easy. I understood many things in my first lesson and then I began to feel confidence in my further study at a new school.

Live and Learn

№1. Students may stay away from school for different reasons. It may be peer pressure, problems in the family; children also may play truant when they are hard to study, when they feel themselves "outcast", when they have problems in school such as problem relationships with teachers or classmaters.

№2. 1.C

        2. C

        3. A

        4. B

        5. B

        6. C

        7. A

№ 3. 1. More interesting lessons: Modern children are very difficult to surprise and rouse their interest. School routine discouriges them from studing. I think most of school lessons should impress pupils thus motivate them to study.

        2. More responsible parents. Unfortunatelly today parents don't participate in the school life of their children or do it very seldom. I think a constant parents'control makes children be more responsibble. But this case depends on a level of parents' authority.

        3. Teaching students to respect school. Certainly a combating truancy should begin with a school itself. Besides parents' control, children schould be controled in the school.

       4. Police involvement. Perhaps, police involvement seems the most effective way in combating truancy, but as for me it's only makes worse the situation. Students begin to perceive a school negatively.

       5. Strict punishment. It also will have a negative influence on children. Having received some strict punishment a child begins to misbehave more and more, and as a revange he or she will begin to play truant. 

MP3 Audio 3.4.

№ 1. 

	Public schools	State schools
Cost Quality of education Increased life chances	quite expensive have better instructors and facilities connections: employers look for people first at public schools	free have a mix of students students from state schools are not the first when some employees are required.

№2. The education system in your country/ the ed. system in the UK:

Similarities: Both in Russia and Britain there are primary and secondary education. Both in Russia and Britain children may leave school in order to get a vocational education or to pass special exams in order to continue their further school education twoo years more.

Differences: In Britain children pass exams (SAT) after each stage of school. In Russia they pass it after secondary school. In Britain public (private) schools are widely spread, not as in Russia. British children begin to choose their exams subjects for GCSE and prepare for them in 3d or 4th form. 

Wearing school uniforms:

In Russia it's not compulsory. In Britain it's compulsory mostly in public schools. 

School Education in Britain and the USA (Questions)

1. There are several typese of school in the UK:
comprehensive school, grammar school, secondary modern school,

2. Children start primary school at the age of 5 and can leave school either at the age of 16 (secondary school) or at the age of 18 (sixth form).

3. At first British children go to nursery school at 2, then they go to primary school which is devided into infant school (from 5 to 7) and junior school (from 7 to 11), then they go to secondary school at the age of 11. At the age of 16 they can leave school and go to vocational school or college or they can continue it in sixth form till 18. and after that enter a high education.

4. Pupils have to take such exams as SAT (Standard Assessment Test) at ages 7, 11 and 14 after infant sch., junior sch., and secondary sch. correspondingly. At the age of 16 they have to pass GCSE. At the age of 18 (after sixth form) pupils must pass A-level in order to go to university.

5. Yes they do, they have to choose 3 or 4 subjects for their A-leval examinations.

6. Yes there is. National Curriculum sets programmes of study in a range of subjects for all state schools in Britain.

7. Full-time compulsory education takes 11 years.

8. Primary school concentrates on the comprehensive development of pupils (art, sports, social activities), secondary school concentrates on basic educationfor all subjects.

9. In case of introduction of standardized external testing entrance exams can be abandoned.

11. The purpose os elite school education is to prepare students for high education and provide them with a well-paid job.

12. Integral subjects for school curriculum are English, methematics and science. Optional subjects for university should be these ones that are not connected with student's main speciality.

13. The essence of private schooling in Russia is to provide students with deep knowledge in a particular field for getting their further education and a well-paid job.

14. A problem pupil is a pupil who has problems with his or her school progress.

15. A good teacher is a teacher who is well-educated, qualified and has perfect knowledge, who is participate in the life of his students.

16. The most memorable school experience for me was my first day at a new school. Although I was transfered to other school together with my sister nevertheless I felt discomfort and loneliness. My first day at a new school was a little bit straind. Firstly nobody paied attention to us. I sat together with my sister and spoke only to her. Secondly on the lessons everything was unusual for me, because in a rural school where i studied before, they teach a little bit differently than in urban one. Finally at the first day of my schooling there was English lesson which I had never studied before in contrast to my new classmaters. I didn't know how to go to this lesson. I was so worried because I was afraid that everybody would be laughing at me as I didn't understand anything in Englissh. But to my surprise it turned out to be easy. I understood many things in my first lesson and then I began to feel confidence in my further study at a new school.

The most exciting moments in my schooling were my geometry lessons. I hated mathematics but I was fond of geometry. It was very exciting to learn it and get good marks. Moreover nobody in my class liked it and therefore I was always asked to help in it.

The most painful moment in my schooling was an accidient with a teacher who behaved rudely towards me when I stayed in the crowd of students before a school dressing room.

17. On the morning of an exam i usually feel very worried because I'm never sure in my skills and knowledges.

18. Written exam is easier to pass because when you write you are tete-a-tete with your own thoughts and it help to concetrete.

19. No i don't. I never prefer to be the first in an exam, because for me it's important to make up my mind to take exam.

20. No I don't because I am not able to use them. It requires a special knack.

21. Yes I do.

22. Yes i think cribs can be of any use, they help to organize your knowledge in a logical order, single out the basic things from general.

23. Yes I always panick in my exams when I begin to realize that the time presses.

24. No I don't think so because everybodt can be mistaken.

25. The most difficult thing for me is to cram for exams. It takes a lot of time and thus it requires a huge will-power, especially at the beginning.

26. Advantages of boarding schools: they help to become self-dependent since childhood
      Disadvantages: stress for children because they are too far from their home, parents.

      Advantage of school uniform: it teaches children to dicipline
      Disadvantage: not all parents have stable financial conditions or income in order tu buy school uniforms.

27. Yes it's a good idea because sinse childhood pupils can clarify themself with their future profession and begin to prepare for it beforehand.

29. Yes i think it's a good age in order to determine your further occupation.

28. The best age for primary school is 6-7.

30. Yes it's good idea because pupils shloud be broadly educated and all-round.

31. Certainly national and international exams are necessary in order to reveal students' level of education.

32. No i think  it is a bad idea to use computers in assessment of students. To my mind only a human can evaluates students' knowledge logically.

Individual Reading. "The Moon and Sixpence" by S. Maugham. (chapters 52- 58)

When the author arrived to London, he met with Mrs. Strckland again. After her sister's death she received an inheritance and lived very well. In her cozy living room reproductions of Strickland hang, and she behaved as if she and her husband had a great relationship. Speaking to Mrs. Strickland, the author recalled the son of Strickland and Ata, as if he saw him on a fishing schooner. And above him the author saw a thick blue sky, stars, and, the water wilderness of the Pacific Ocean as far as the eye can see.

Individual Reading. "The Moon and Sixpence" by Maugham. (chapters 46 - 51)

Some times later the author knew that Strickland died from leprosy. Having learnd of his illness, he wanted to go to the forest, but his wife Ate didnt let him. They lived together, not talking to people. They lived together, not talking to people. Despite his blindness (it was the last stage of leprosy), Strickland continued to work, drawing on the walls of the house. This murals were only seen by a doctor when he came to see the patient, but he did not find him alive. The doctor was shocked.  His works conveyed something great, sensual and passionate, as if it was made by human hands, penetrated into the depths of nature and discovered it frightening and wonderful mystery.

The author understood: Strickland got what he wanted: he expelled a demon, that for many years owned his soul by means of this painting. Before his death the artist ordered his wife to burn the house. 

Individual Reading. "The Moon and Sixpence" by S. Maugham. (Chapters 35- 45)

Strickland and the author met again. The former finally showed the later his paintings. They made a strong and strange impression on him. The author felt in them an incredible effort to express something, the desire to get free of the force, which holds an artist. When the fate threw the author to Tahiti, where Strickland spent the last years of his life, he asked about the artist of all locals who knew him. He was told how Strickland, withou tmoney and job, being hungry, lived in a doss house in Marseilles. Strickland hired out as  a worker on a ship bound for Australia but came to Tahiti. Residents of the island,considering him to be a vagabond thought it was not interested in his "pictures". And now they regreted that at the time missed the opportunity to buy paintings for pennies. Old Tahitian, an owner of the hotel, where the author lived, told him how she found Strickland's wife - native Ata, her distant relative. Immediately after the wedding, Strickland and Ata went into the woods, where Ata had a small piece of land, and the following three years were the happiest of the artist's life. Ata did not bother him, did everything he ordered her and brought their child ...

Review 4.

"The Great Getsby."

Director: Baz Luhrmann
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton.

Synopsis:
This movie is a screen version of the novel of the same name by American writer Scott Fitzgerald who had crrated his famous mesterpiece in the middle of the 1920s. The main character Nick Carraway comes to New York in the early 20th century. It is the time of the introduced "dry law", gradually decomposing moral, incomparable jazz and at the same time it's a period of a prosperous crime. Carraway follows his father's advice -  to learn not to judge people. However, he is fascinated by the mysterious past and luxurious present lifestyle of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Carraway appeares in the circle of Getsby's friends, but he becomes a witness to obsession and tragedy...

Review:
Any film adaptation possesses some kind of the fascination that lies in seeing how the director has perceived the source material, with some new interpretation. "The Great Gatsby" has exactly the same fascination. Beautiful, dizzy, amazing but at the same time very profound plot from the point of view of outstanding director Luhrmann will not leave indifferent viewers. Luhrmann created vivid 1920s backdrops: everybody sing and dance that conveys an unique atmosphere of jazz, the Age of  jazz. There are black-and-white footage and depthless digital panoramas of New York,  hyper-real street scenes through which Gatsby roars in his sports car. All of these create a great impression of mad rhythm of 1920s.

The cast is wonderful, especially Leonardo DiCaprio who performed his role perfectly. And Mulligan's Daisy has gentleness and charm in her image. Their initial meeting over tea in Nick's cottage, has some charge, and DiCaprio and Mulligan handle it well.

In general the film is worth to watch. The classics is always the classics, even in the modern intepretation. 

Rendering 16 (music)

The article "Still Young, Even at 50" was published on the website of  The New York Times newspaper by Vivien Schweitzer on May 28, 2013. It reports about New York Youth Symphony at Carnegie Hall.

Speaking of the symphony it's neccessary to note that since 1984, it has awarded commissions to 102 composers age 30 and under, whose works have won three Pulitzer Prizes and the Grawemeyer Award, among other accolades. Those commissioned by the ensemble include Michael Torke, Aaron Jay Kernis, Augusta Read Thomas, Kevin Puts and Derek Bermel.

As part of this impressive commitment to music by living composers, the Youth Symphony — which offers tuition-free instruction to talented musicians ages 12 to 22 — presents a new piece at each of its Carnegie Hall concerts. On Sunday afternoon it was the premiere of John Glover’s “Natural Systems,” performed as part of the orchestra’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.

Rendering 15 (music)

The article "New York Grand Opera Cancels Central Park Performances" was published by Allan Kozinn on the website of The New York Times newspaper on May 13, 2013. This artical reports about course of events that are connected with a cancellation of the New York Grand Opera.

It was revealed that he conductor Vincent La Selva has canceled this year’s season which was to have opened with Verdi’s “Aida” on Wednesday. The reason he gave was the increasing unpredictability of the weather. Speaking of this situation Vincent noted that the weather spoiled his performances in recent years. He had to cancel a number of performances in recent summers due to heavy rainstorms. For this reason he have decided to plan indoor performances and will not present a season in Central Park this summer.

Speaking of this situation it's neccessary to note that Mr. La Selva’s decision to stop the outdoor series will leave a small but significant gap in New York’s operatic life. The company’s projects have included a complete chronological traversal of Verdi’s 28 operas, all presented fully staged and without cuts, as well as most of the Puccini operas. And although recent seasons have included only two productions, in the company’s early years it offered five, as well as performances in all of New York’s boroughs and on Long Island and in New Jersey. Mr. La Selva estimated that between three million and four million listeners have attended the company’s performances.

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The article "Denmark's folksy ballad wins Eurovision" was published on the website of Euronews on May 19. The article reports about winner of Eurovision Song Contest 2013, Emmelie de Forest from Denmark.
Before the contest, she had been the favourite, and now it's necessary to note that this is third Eurovision win for Denmark.

It's interesting to note that the song was made up by Emmelie. She believed in it and won. In Copenhagen, the news of the victory of Emmeli was greeted with glee. The Danes pined large hopes on Emmelie. She went to school for gifted children and since 14 years she have been appearing on stage.

There are no appraisals from the reporter concerning Emmelie's victory, but as for me the representative from Denmark sang with dignity. Emmelie de Forest's song deserved the title of the best song of Europe in 2013.     

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The article "George Benson - Inspiration: a Tribute to Nat King Cole- exclusive album stream" was published on the website of the Telegraph on May 31, 2013. It reports about Grammy Award-winning guitarist and singer George Benson who released his new album Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole.

The reporter writes about Benson, a Americam musician who is most famous as a jazz guitarist and about his interest in the creative work of other American musician Nathaniel Adams Coles, known professionally as Nat King Cole. According to Benson's acknowledgement, Cole was indeed one of his biggest inspirations for him as for a young musician getting started in his career. It was revealed that at the age of eight, Benson recorded a version of Cole's song "Mona Lisa" under the moniker Little Georgie Benson.

Benson's dream to work with songs of his idol came true. He recorded an album, dediceted to Cole, with the help of the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra. In interview Benson expressed his critical view that Cole put his heart into everything he did. And Benson in his turn got the same approach to his own music from him.

In conclusion the reporter writes tha Benson has been sharing his love for the music of Nat King Cole through his live concerts called An Unforgettable Tribute to Nat King Cole for several years.       

Individual Reading. "The Moon and Sixpence" by S. Maugham (Chapters 24 - 34)

Shortly before Christmas Dirk Sroeve learnd that Strickland became seriously ill. Dirk brought him to his own home and together with his wife Blanche he helped Strickland to restore him to health. Some times later, Blanche fell in love with Strickland and left Dirk for the sake of the artist. Strickland in turn felt nothing towards Blanche, because the only sense of his life was painting. Strickland used her as a nude sitter, but when he was bored with her, he left her.

It hurted Blanche seriously,  she couldn't stand it. But at the same time she couldn't come back to her husband. Not having found the right solution of such situation, Blanche made the decision to commit suicide.

Dirk Stroeve was shoked. He couldn't believe in it. Blanche didn't die, but she lay in hospital being near death. Stoeve forgave her. He often visited her in hospital, but Blance didn't want to speak to him. One day she died and Dirk, broken-hearted, returned home to Holland forever.   

Individual Reading. "The Moon and Sixpence" by S. Maugham (Chapters 12-23)

On the author's arrival in Paris, he learnd that Strickland lived alone in the cheapest room of the poorest hotel. The author asked him to come back. Strickland in turn confessed that his deed was terrible and immoral, however he cared of neither his family nor the social opinion. He intended to devote his life to himself. Strickland wanted to become the true artist. The author realized that an irresistible force captured a soul of the artist and he went mad.

Meanwhile Mrs. Strickland was deeply insulted that her husband left her for the sake of the art. Nevertheless she was ready to forgive him and awaited him. But for the sake of her own reputation she continued to keep the rumour about Strickland's romance with his beloved.

Five years later the author went to Paris again. There he met his old friend Dirk Stroeve, a writer and artist. Dirk told the author about Strickland, he saw his art works and considered him to be the artist of genius. Dirk helped him with money because Strickland often starved. The author learnd that Strickland didn't care about means of subsistence. He was only obsessed by his drawings. Moreover he even didn't sell and exhibit his pictures. 

Individual Reading. "The Moon and Sixpence" by S. Maugham (Chapters 1-11)

The author writes about an artist who had a very extraordinary life-story. Charlse Strickland is the artist who had no success in his art activity during his life. Some people considered him to be a good family man, others didn't miss an opportunity to present him in a bad light and as an immoral "monster" who left his family. The author knew Strickland closer than others. He was attracted to the original personality of the artist and watched carefully his life.

The author being a young writer and having his first literary success was invited to breakfast by Mrs. Strickland, a wife of Charlse Strickland. Her husband didn't attend such events: he prefered to be alone. Suddenly the tradition of Mrs. Strickland's breakfasts was interrupted. The author tried to learn what's up and knew that Strickland left his wife and went to Paris. Mrs. Strickland was confident that her husband ran off with a young female singer. She asked the author to follow him and persuade him to return to his family.  

Review 3.

Argo.

Cast: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman.
Director: Ben Affleck


Synopsis: The film is based on true events. It tells about special service's operation to rescue six American diplomats from the Islamists in Teheran. On the eve of the political coup in Iran the country's political leader seeking refuge finds it in the embassy of the USA. Furious Iranian people require his extradition and on this occasion organize a meeting near American embassy. Islamists capture the embassy, but six american diplomats manage to escape and hide in a private house of Canadian Ambassador. Then a CIA expert Tony Mendez suggests a rescue plan that is included in a fake shooting of film. Resorting to the help of his friend makeup man who helps to create a fictitious film studio, find an appropriate script and even invite a respectable Hollywood director, Mednez goes to Teheran in order to acquaint six diplomats with an affair. After their acceptance of the plan, the operation named "Argo" begins...

Review:
"Argo" is a true-story drama that tackles an incendiary period in the history of US-Iranian relations. Set during the 1979 hostage crisis, in which local revolutionaries seized Tehran’s US Embassy, Argo tells the story of six Americans who managed to escape. Holed up in the Canadian ambassador’s house, their only hope to survive is the CIA expert Tony Mendez.

'Argo" is tense, exciting and often darkly comic, that recreates a historical event with vivid attention to detail. At first sight it seems to be a boring political drama that can be appreciated only by lovers. But the film is not devoid of action and exciting scenes, that we can see at the second part of film. 

Rendering 11 (cinema).

The article "McConaughey in Mississippi Mud" was published on the website of Euronews on April 24 and reports about film that participated in the Cannes Film Festival but left with no awards. This is "Mud" with Matthew McConaughey in the main role. The film directed by Jeff Nichols is about two boys who find a man named Mud hiding out on an island in the Mississippi.

As for plot, the main character, played by Matthew McConaughey, killed a man in Texas and bounty hunters are on his tail. He says he is planning to meet and escape with the love of his life – Juniper, played by Reese Witherspoon – who is waiting for him in town. Sceptical but intrigued, the boys agree to help him only to find out that Mud’s seemingly wild tales are coming true.

This story is about alien, a modern Robinson.  But the main character is a dreamer and an aristocrat of the heart as he is described by McConaughey. He still knows that true and first love exists and it doesn’t matter if the person receiving it turns away from it or tells you to go home.

It's necessary to note that the script for "Mud" was written by McConaughey himself. The film took part in different festivals. 

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The article "Golden Eagle-2013: Who won the main Russian Cinema Award" was published on the site of Woman.ru by Nino Takaishvili. The arcticle reports about the Golden Eagle Award Ceremony which was held for the 11th time in Moscow under The National Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of Russia.
Speaking of a venue of the ceremony, it's necessary to point out that the first film studio of  "Mosfilm" remains the traditional place where all Russian cinema gathers. This time there was no exception.
Like in previous time, one of the main figures at the ceremony was Nikita Mihalkov, the inspirer of the Golden Eagle Award, whose daughter Ann Mihalkova won the Best Actress Award for "Lubov s akcentom"
It was revealed that the masters of ceremony became Ann Snatkina who was pregnant and her husbend Victor Vasilyev whose role as a host was his first one.
There is no reason to doubt that this year's Golden Eagle ceremony was very interesting. It's interesting to note that the main shtick of the event was an unusual movie presentation. The shtick consisted in funny children's talking about each of films.
Speaking about concrete facts it's necessary to emphasize that among the award winners were Danila Kozlovsky who got the Best Actor, Irina Rosanova who got the Best Female Role on Television, and Andrey Proshkin who won the Best Director for his movie "Orda". It also was revealed that the main Golden Eagle prize went to Karen Shakhnazarov and his film "Beliy Tigr".
In conclusion the author gives no judgments concerning the ceremony, but as for me the Golden Eagle Award is one of the most significant event in the world of Russian cinema. 

Rendering 9(cinema): Kustendorf Film Festival.

The article dedicated to Kustendorf Film Festival was published on the site of International Radio Serbia by reporter Tihana Pavicevic on December 18, 2012.  The article covers the course of events taking place in the town of Drvengrad on the Morka Gora, Serbia.
Speaking of the Festival, it is necessary to note that this year’s “Kustendorf” is being held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, because this festival represents a big chance for young and unknown authors. It was revealed that 28 films of young authors from 18 countries will compete for the prizes. It should be recalled that there are three ones-Golden, Silver and Bronze Egg.
There is every reason to believe that the Festival's program is expected to be rich and enthralling because it comprises lots of interesting parts such as “Retrospective of the greats” which will be dedicated to one of most significant directors of our days – Zhang Yimou, “New authors”, which will let the audience see debut full feature films of the authors who are conquering the film world by their specific cinematographic expression and the retrospective exhibition “Krzysztof Kieslowski: signs and memory”, dedicated to one of most important Polish directors.
Moreover, the author emphizes that an unavoidable segment of the film and music festival on the Mokra Gora mountain is the “Evergreen” program, which always reminds us of some of the most important film works from the past. This year, it will feature the film “Diving suit and the butterfly” of Julian Schnabel, with the attendance of photography director Janusz Kaminsky, one of the festival guests and member of the jury for the best camera work.
Speaking about movie program, the author names some concrete films which the visitors can see. These are the great discovery of this year’s Venice film festival “She does not want to sleep alone” of young Mexican director Natalie Beristein, “Nonfootball” of Russian maker Constantine Smirnoff, as well as “Simply” of Sonia Karpunina, who was the winner of the “Kustendorf” competition program in 2011.
In conclussion the author assumes that like in previous years the 6th Kustendorf Film Festival will make Drvengrad very special and bring the special atmosphere of high art to this little town.
As for me, I can say for sure that this festival has a great importance not only for Serbia but for the world cinematography as well, because it gives a great chance for those who want to reach success in the world of cinema.

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The article "Richard Griffiths: "a supersized man with a supersized talent"" was published on the website of The Telegraph by Paul Gent on March 29, 2013. The author covers a tragic event about death of British actor Richard Griffiths, best known as the mean-spirited Uncle Vernon in the Harry Potter films. It's necessary to mention that Richard Griffiths died at the age of 65 because of complications after heart surgery. The author presents his condolences in his article and covers the actor's most notable works, especially on the stage.

Speaking of Richard's stage works, it's necessary to note that he has had triumphs in "The Sunshine Boys" and two Alan Bennett plays, "The Habit of Art", in which he played WH Auden, and "The History Boys".  The author distinguish such play as "The History Boys" that cemented his place in the pantheon of national treasures. He notes that this Richard's performance as the inspirational teacher Hector was an astonishing achievement.  It was revealed that for this role he deservedly received an Olivier award in London and a Tony on Broadway.

The author expresses his critical view about this actor; he claims that Richard Griffiths was the sort of actor who brings a smile of pleasure to the audience’s face as soon as they see him. He was a supersized man with a supersized talent.

Review #2

"Finding Neverland"

Director: Marc Forster.
Cast: Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Freddie Highmore, Radha Mitchell, Julie Christie, Dustin Hoffman.

Synopsis:
This film tells us about Scottish playwriter J. M. Barrie, the author of the legendary "Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Never Grew Up" and his close friendship with a poor family, Mrs. Sylvia Davies and her sons. Trying to restrain a sense of a great disappointment after failure of his play, Mr. Barrie walks in the garden where he meets the Davieses. Sinse then Barrie gets attached to this family and begins to spend a lot of time with Mrs. Davies's sons. Being in a very bad state of health, Mrs. Davies has to bring up her four sons alone almost with no support, as her husband died. The appearence of Mr. Barrie changes this family's life, especially the life of one of four sons, a little Peter, who shrunk into his shell after his farther's death. Having no care about social norms of high society that Barrie belongs to, about gossip and his friends'disapprovals, and even about his own reputation of a decent married man, Mr. Barrie does his best for this family. Barrie becomes for the boys who needed father someone more and he will never leave them whatever happens...

Review:
"Finding Neverland" is a very beautiful, kind and touching film. A simple plot, amazing and beautiful scenes when the main character begins to imagine, lots of funny moments and the famous children's fairy tale about Peter Pen makes the impression that this movie is rather fo children. But it's not exactly so. This film possesses a very deep sense and it allows to watch it in the family circle.

This film is not exactly about love, happiness, kindness. But certainly these human qualities are praised in this film. This film is about childhood, but it is interpreted like a beautiful place where love, happiness and kindness reign. This film is about life, life that never ends. Childhood is the "Neverland" where time goes forever, where life has no end and where there is no death - the main reason of unhappiness. Children fly away like Petrer Pan in this "Neverland" in order to stop the time, never grow up and never grow old that means never die.

Mr. Barrie was a man who created such Neverland for Mrs. Davies' children. Death took away their father and now it is going to take their mother. Mr. Barrie understood this inevitability and realized that children can't bear it again. He understood it because he himself experienced the death of his brother when he was a child. He knew how difficult it is to overcome the consequences of death: his mother after his brother's death also almost died and Barrie did his best in order to bring his mother back to life. Mr. Barrie life stoped at this moment and he stayed a child forever. That's why he understood Sylvia's sons and that's why he wanted to help them to overcome it. He wrote the play about a boy who never grew up that we know as Peter Pan and  devoted it to these poor children. This play became that fairyland for them which helped to accept their mother's death steadfastly.

The cast of movie is wonderful. A duet of such world-renowned and very talented actors as Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet was perfect. Their performance was undoubtedly brilliant. Speaking about young actors, I'd like to distinguish Freddie Highmore. I think his role is psychologically difficult. Highmore's character is a child who faces a great injustice of life and he has to accept this injustice in spite of his too fragile child's psyche. But he doesn't want to accept it and therefore he protests. And this protest is expressed in his spite and unbelief to adults. As for me, Freddie managed this role perfectly. The last scene when Highmore's character finally cries makes viewers also cry.

To sum up, "Fnding Neverland" is worth to watch at least because of its atmosphere of infinite kindness. Unfortunatelly today there are so few really kind movies. People need kindness. And this particular film is a chance to get it. 

Pleasure Reading. "Sister Carrie" by Theodore Dreiser (Conclusion).

Hurtswood confessed Carrie to his deception, but he promissed her not  to leave her. Hurtswood asked Carrie to stay with him. They left Chicago and got married under flse names. Soon Hurtswood's theft of money was exposed and he had to return money. However he was allowed to return in America where he managed to put in order his own business.

Meanwhile Carrie made acquaintance with interesting people. Her life was improved again. She visited theatre and restaurants, met with inventor Bob Ems who was also interested in her. But their acquaintance didn't last long. Ems in turn became the ideal of men for Carrie.

After three years Hurtswood had problems again. His business didn't make a profit and his business partner cenceled a contract. Hurtswood had to look for a new job, but his attempts failed. He and Carrie tried to save money but they were short of them catastrophically. Then Hurtswood began to play poker in order to earn money but he lost the last ones.

Carrie understood their difficult situation and decided to test her strength on the stage again. This time she was lucky. She became an actress of corps de ballet. Gradually Carrie became successful and famous. She left Hurtswood who appeared at the bottom of his life. Eventually he commited suicide because he was unable to bear the poverty.

Carrie met Drouet again. The later wanted them to be together again, but Carrie was interested in him no longer. Carrie staied with Ems who returned to America after his success in his inventions. Being a successful actress Carrie was not needy. Nevertheless she fell into apathy because everything seemed her unreal and false. 

Pleasure Reading. Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser. (Chapters 23-27)

Being seized with doubts about Carrie's fidelity, Drouet intended to find out the truth concerning her relationships with Hurtswood. It was difficult for him to start. But when he finally did it, the matter took a bad turn. Blaming Carrie for her betrayal, Drouet deeply offended her and the later in turn blamed him for such a bad outcome of events. They quarreled and in a burst of anger Drouet told Carrie that Hurtswood was a married man. It was a heavy blow for Carrie, she made a decision never to meet him again. Drouet left Carrie but he hoped to make it up with her.

As for Hurtswood, he also had some problem. His wife also blaming him for betrayal laid down conditions: he must do everything what she wants otherwise she can sploil his reputation. She attached lawyers to this affair. Moreover Hurtswood's fortune belonged to her. Hurtswood was evicted from his own house and he had to live in hotels. He thought Carrie to be the only happy thing in the dark line of his life, but the later didn't make herself felt. Hurtswood began to suspect that Carrie learned about his wife.

Meanwhile, Carrie started looking for a job again. She was alone again and she didn't know what to do. She  was conscience-sricken toward Drouet. He was kind to her and he didn't turn out her from house, but she couldn't forgive him for his selfishness. Looking for a job, Carrie tried to get fixed up as an actress, but she failed.

Hurtswood spent all his time in deep thought about his situation. His wife blackmailed him and Carrie sent a letter where she wrote about her awareness of his marriage and about their parting. Trying to divert his attention from his problems, Hortswood drunk in his bar. At night, checking everything before closing the bar, Hortswood suddenly found out a huge amount of money which belonged to his boss. Hurtswood tried not to yield to temptation to take the money and thus to forget about all his troubles, but he faild, he stole the money and came to Carrie. Having lied that Drouet got hurt, Hurtswood enticed her from house and with no explanation took her to the station in order to leave Chicago.

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The article "UK playwright plans shaw drawing on Anders Breivik's Norway killings" was published by Vanessa Thorpe on the website of The Guardian on March 24, 2013. This article reports about controversial play of one of Britain's acclaimed writers for the stage, David Greig, based on mass murders in Norway committed in 2011 by Anders Breivik. It was revealed that the play will be called "The Events" and it will be premiered this summer at Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre, before it travels to London for a run at the Young Vic.

Speaking of the play, it's necessary to note that according to Greig, this show is to examine the limits of human empathy. Researching the project the author of the play visited the country three months after the atrocity that took away the lives of 77 people and spoke to people who had been affected as well as to a journalist who revealed that he had been at school with Breivik and was able to give Greig detailed information.

It's also interesting to notice that Greig decided to creat such a controversial play because he was most interested in how Norwegian society was feeling. Greig has a critical view that Breivik's violence was done to an entire society. Norway seems to him to be a poster boy for the liberal west. In proportional terms Greig presumed that the Norwegian murders were akin to the 9/11 attacks on New York. But Americans responded one way, and Norway responded with democracy. So the playwriter wanted to look at whether trying to understand a crime of this nature is really the best way.

As for plot of this play, Greig's story centres on a woman, described as being "at the centre of the events", who has to try to decide on her response to the impact of a politically and racially motivated mass murder. The writer decided not to name Breivik in the show and to relocate the atrocity to his native Scotland.

The author of the article gives nor appraisals nor comments to British writer's play. As for me, I think that such a controversial production requires a very delicate approach. Mass murders of 2011 are severe tragedy for Norwegians. So what's the point in carrying back?

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The article "James Bruke-Dunsmore, the actor who weaves his own thorny crown" was published by David Twistorn-Davies on the website of The Telegraph on March 24, 2013. The author covers an interesting aspect of professional occupation of British actor James Bruke-Dunsmore. This aspect concerns his playing as a Jesus in Passion plays.

Giving a hictorical reference the aurthor notes that Passion plays performed by laymen were a popular feature of the medieval church until suppressed at the Reformation. However, such plays have been creeping back in recent years, perhaps, as the journalist Malcolm Muggeridge once said, because people are looking for God anywhere except in church.

It was revealed tha tthis Easter, at least 15 performances are being planned by amateur groups around the country. They will draw their casts from volunteers with widely different backgrounds: members of local churches, Christmas-only churchgoers, even people uncertain about exactly who Jesus was. And in several performances the actor James Bruke-Dunsmore will be involved. Firstly James will play Jesus on Good Friday in Trafalgar Square. It was revealed that he will arrive on a donkey, and perform with another 78 players mingling with the audience until Jesus and the two thieves are crucified, usually in awed silence. The following day, James will perform it twice in Guildford High Street; and on Easter Sunday, he will watch the production he has directed at St Peter’s Church in Brighton.

Speaking of the actor, the author notes that James has been playing Jesus Christ in 57 separate productions during the 16 years. The author also emphasizes that two things struck him when he interviewed James. The first one is that he is an unspectacularly, unthreateningly Christian. James has written and edited 32 scripts based on the four Gospels, particularly that of St John. He gives some 40 talks a year to schools, in which he emphasises the importance of pupils feeling, not just studying, the words. And the second striking thing about James is his distinct resemblance to the Christ portrayed by the great religious painters, in those large works to be found in churches and museums, and on those small cards designed to be slipped into prayer books.

It's interesting to note that one consequence of it is that James Bruke-Dunsmore is often the first choice for casting directors looking for a Jesus.

In conclusion the author gives no comments, but there are reasons to believe that he was impressed by such an astonishing person as James Bruke-Dunsmore. As for me I think it's great that an actor can find such image in which he is able to expose all his artistic potential and realize himself entirely as an actor.

    

Pleasure Reading. Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser. (Chapters 16-22).

Drouet was a member of a secret order in which favour he was working. So this order for the sake of improvement of its economic prosperity made a decision to organize a play. Drouet was asked to find a young woman for one of the main roles in this play. His decision fell upon Carrie.

As for Carrie, she was afraid to accept his suggestion in view of her shyness, but after long persuasions of Drouet she agreed.  Furthermore, Carrie dreamed to become an actress and it was her chance. Carrie rapidly got into the role and Drouet’s praises and admiration instilled confidence in her. Moreover Hurtswood supported this idea and promised her to be at the play. Hurtswood as an influential person in the city did his best in order to attract the social attention to this play.

After successful rehearsals Carrie was inspired and became confident in her success. But in the day of performance all her confidence vanished and the beginning of the play failed. Hurtswood sent Drouet to cheer up her and after that Carrie regained her spirit and finished the play perfectly striking the audience. Hurtswood and Drouet loved her even more and each of them desired to own her. Hurtswood suffered that he couldn’t to admire her openly and hated Drouet that he could.  During their next meeting Hurtswood begged Carrie to leave Drouet and she promised him to do it.

Meanwhile, Drouet began to suspect that something was wrong. He couldn’t recognize former Carrie who saw him as an object of adoration. Carrie stopped to admire him and share some events and plans. So he learned from housemaid that Hurstwood frequently visited Carrie during his absence, but Carrie told him about it nothing.

Moreover Hurtswood’s family relationships also began to ruin. His wife, Mrs. Hurtswood, cold and circumspect woman began to suspect his husband in unfaithfulness. Some of evidences from Hurtswood’s friends made Mrs. Hurtswood think out a plan of revenge. 

Pleasure Reading. Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser. (Chapters 11-15).

After acquaintance of Hurtswood, Carrie’s life with Drouet began to be a burden on her. She began to see selfishness in him. Drouet often went away as a travelling salesman leaving her alone with her sad thought about her home and wrong behavior. And the only man who began to pay attention to her was Hurtswood. Hurtswood in turn fell in love with Carrie and was full of decision to conquer her from Drouet. He didn’t see his friend as a serious rival. He also saw Drouet as a frivolous man who wasn’t ready to serious relationships.  As evidence, Hurtswood noted him in the company of another woman while Carrie was alone in home.

Hurtswood began to act. Firstly he invited Carrie and Drouet at the theatre trying to make a good impression upon Carrie. Then he began to visit to Drouet’s house regularly and when the later once again went on his business, Hurtswood began to call Carrie for a walk. And during one of such walks, he made a declaration of his love to her. As for Carrie, she was impressed by this assured and noble man. He seemed her different from Drouet who indeed cared about his own vanity. Carrie saw an attentive man in Hurtswood. Her love to him appeared to be mutual. And when Drouet came back, Carrie and Hurtswood became already secret beloveds.

But they became to be often seen together and gossip began to spread…

Finally Hurtswood could bear this conspiracy no longer and suggested Carrie leaving Drouet.

Rendering 5 (Theatre)

The article "Purple Heart, Gate Theatre, Nitting Hill, review" was published by Dominic Cavendish on the website of The Telegraph on March 14, 2013. This article covers the UK premiere production of Bruce Norris' play "The Purple Heart" at the Gate Theatre.

It was revealed that Bruce Norris usually gets the hell out of theatres as soon as performance of one of his plays is over lest he overhear. Speaking of the play, the author expresses his critical view concerning its plot. A big "So what?" hangs over the evening, which Norris rustled up, at speed in 2002, as war with Iraq loomed. Analysing the scenario of the play, it's neccessary to note that Norris still struggles to  flesh out it.

In conclusion the author gives his own appraisal of the play. He assumes that even with the kick of a creepy twist, the drama as a whole feels like one of  throwaway amusements. 

Rendering 4 (art)

Richard Dorment, The Telegraph's journalist, published a quiet interesting article entitled "George Bellows, Modern American Life, Royal Academy, review" on the newspaper's website on March 11, 2013. The author takes a critical view about works of American painter George Bellows and tries to determine his position in a contemporary American art at length of the article.

Speaking of the artist's paintings, it necassary to note that they probe beneath the surface of American life. Dwelling on his picture "Stag at Sharkey's" which depicts two sinewy boxers hurling themselves at each other like stags locked in mortal combat, Richard Dorment maintains that Bellows hits a nerve of Americans because this picture looks at the violence and racism at the heart of American society. Analyzing this painting, it's necessary to emphasize that boxing was illegal in New York untill 1911 and in order to circumvent the ban matches were held behind closed doors. It should be noted that Bellows did not approve or disapprove of boxing and according to his own words he was “just painting two men trying to kill each other”. Anyway there is grneral feeling to believe that Americans were shocked both by the near-nudity of the boxers and by the brutality of the subject.

Analyzing another Bellows' picture "North River" the author maintains that in contrast to 19th American landscape painters who focused on awe-inspiring natural phenomena like the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls  George Bellows painted the man-made equivalent. He found beauty in tugboats butting through the icy waters of the rain-sodden East River. He also painted Manhattan under snow and the lovely sight of the Palisades rising up on the Jersey side of the Hudson and some pretty views of summer fetes in Central Park. But in resolute terms the author claims that for all his superb craftsmanship, these subjects don’t have quite the edge of superb studies of working-class and poor New Yorkers.

In conclussion the author makes it clear that George Bellows' works  certainly take a weighty position in American art. Moreover he shares an opinion of a contemporary American critic who once described Bellows as “an adherent of the 'wallop’ in painting”.

As for me,  I think George Bellows is one of such painters who can expose the vices of their own nations. I completely approve of the phrase “an adherent of the 'wallop’ in painting”. Bellows' pictures certainly break the traditional vision of art.