Task 5. Film review

Choose one of the films given below and write a film review. Follow the plan:
Introduction:
- Mention the title of the film,
- type of the film,
- the year of film release and the country,
- the names of director and leading actors,
- main characters,
- what the story is about
Main body:
- name main points of the plot
- write your comments about the acting, plot, sound effects, etc.
Conclusion:
- Recommendations

The Butterfly Circus
The USA, 2009, short independent drama film
The director - Joshua Weigel
The leading actors: Nick Vujicic (Will), Eduardo Verástegui (Mendez), Doug Jones (Otto), Matthew Allmen (George), Connor Rosen (Sammy), Lexi Pearl (Anna), Bob Yerkes (Poppy)

Most (The Bridge)
The Czech Republic, 2003, short drama film
The director - Bobby Garabedian
The leading actors: Vladimir Javorsky (Bridge operator, father), Ladislav Ondrej (son),  Linda Rybova (young woman)
http://tuzame.ru/korotkometrajnie/444-most.html

French roast
France, 2009, computer-animated short film
The director - Fabrice O. Joubert

Task 4. Report

Write about culture and traditions of a non-speaking English country. Use different web-sites or other sources, and after your report make a list of the sources, you used. 

Remake the text if it contains difficult structure of the sentences or difficult words, make the text easy for understanding and perception.

Examples of essays

Professional mobility: is it a demand or suggestion to be successful in your profession?

        

          The concept “professional mobility” is met more frequently nowadays owing to the quick changes in all spheres of social life. Everyone is interested in specialists, who can live in intensively altering conditions. Such an ability to adapt to the up-to-date events and develop oneself together with the fast changing world is called mobility. Professional mobility is a narrower concept. It implies a quick adaptation to innovations  concerning your sphere of profession, wide knowledge in them and ability to apply them correctly. If one follows the up-to-date information and innovations, it makes this person be  a well-educated and called-for specialist. That is a key to success in a job.

      The reasons for professional mobility are the following: social order of the society, personal understanding of professional mobility and personal or social needs.

         Social order of the society is of a great significance. The rapid increase of globalization and informatization of the society influence the labour market relations and dictate new demands to a specialist in every sphere of profession. One, that is necessary, is to be technologically educated.

         Personal understanding of professional mobility is a very important reason. Each person wants to gain success in his/her career. To correspond to demands of world labour market he/she should always be in the course of up-to-date events and educate himself/herself. This begets the concept of life-long education, that is rather actual nowadays. It helps to stay in a high rank among all specialists of your profession and be called-for.

         Personal or social needs influence greatly the level of professionalism. In order to get a high salary, have a high status and get opportunities to travel abroad on work, specialists should follow the present events and be many-sided people, because during their career they may communicate not only with specialists from their sphere, but from others too.

          To be professionally mobile seems to be a demand to be successful in your career. If you are a well-educated person and you can talk not only about your profession but are able to support a discussion on any topic, so you gain respect and attention not only from your colleagues, but from specialists of different occupations.

Voting

I worked at a polling place during the last local election. As the registration officer, I expected to be completely busy throughout the day. At times I was. However, according to the local area’s population, there were not nearly enough people voting. Obviously, not everyone who could vote actually did. This is acceptable to some extent. Low voter turnout is not such a crime. But when voter turnout dips dangerously low at less than 20%, it becomes a serious problem. The fact that this is a continuing and growing trend makes it critical. A solution to this problem is compulsory voting.

The history of democracy proves that compelling people to vote has worked before. In Ancient Athens, where democracy began, all male citizens over 18 years of age had to attend the Assembly. It was their duty to have their say and cast their vote. If a citizen did not attend or was late, he was marked with red dye and charged a fine. Why such Draconian tactics? People often led busy lives with other concerns. They needed to be reminded to participate in government matters. Therefore, I argue that having consequences for not voting could persuade people to become more involved.

There are many countries in the world that have mandatory voting laws. Some of these countries include Australia, Singapore, and Brazil. Consequences for not voting can vary from prison sentences, community service, to fines. Each community or country chooses which option works best for them. When people know that they have to vote, they become more informed about the candidates and the issues at hand.

Of course, the most important question to consider when discussing mandatory voting is whether or not voting is important at all. Does it matter if only a few people decide who a nation’s leaders should be? The answer to that question should be an overwhelming yes. It does matter. If only a few people select leaders, that makes a country into an oligarchy. Democracy means “power in the hands of the people” and this means all the people. The true meaning of democracy explains that citizens have both rights and responsibilities to their community. Voting is a part of civil responsibilities that must be fulfilled in a working democracy.

In closing, voting is a necessity. Compulsory voting is a way to make voting better. If it works for other countries, it can work for ours as well.

Task 3. Essay

Choose a problematic topic and view it in your essay. OBSERVE THE STRUCTURE AND RULES.

Basic essay structure:

1. Introduction:

- Is written in ONE PARAGRAPH (абзац).

- Leads the reader from the general views or positions on the analyzed topics to the specific narrow theme of the essay.

- Defines or explains key terms if necessary.

-  Includes a thesis statement (the main argument - the author's main idea or proposition (предложение, утверждение).

2. Body:

-  May have as many body paragraphs as it is necessary to prove the author’s argument of the thesis statement. 

- One body paragraph gives one reason or explanation of your main argument.

- Each body paragraph must be connected to following one with a logical link. Don't be chaotic in your thoughts.

3. Conclusion:

- Is written in one paragraph.
-  Always deals with summing up, repeats a thesis statement, expressed in different words.
- Does not contain the introduction of new material.

Task 2. Informal letter - Travelling

Write a letter to your friends, classmates, readers or someone else about your travelling to a foreign country (if you had any). If not, imagine, what country you want to visit and tell about your imaginary travelling.

Follow the plan:
1. Write where and when you were. Explain shortly your choice of a country.
2. Write where you lived (hotel, bungalow, at friends, at relatives, etc.).
3. What you ate (national dishes, fast food, fruits, etc.)
4. What cultural events you saw or would like to see - no more than three. Tell some words about each event (holidays, ceremonies, festivals, carnivals, ect.)

Use photos, pictures, videos to brighten your letter.

P.S. Comment on letters of your classmates, express your impressions.

Task 1. Write a job application letter.

Choose one of the following job advertisements and write an application letter.
Read theory below.

Observe the requirements and format.

Pay attention to vocabulary and grammar.

Landscape Architect

Company

Brusseau Design Group, LLC

Location

35 West Blvd

 Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

The Brusseau Design Group, LLC, is seeking a confident, motivated Landscape Architect who can design creatively, convey their design intent (замысел, желание) through graphic and verbal communication, prepare construction plans and specifications and observe construction in the field.​  This position will offer the candidate the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the profession of Landscape Architecture.​

Candidates should possess:

Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture

A minimum of 5 -7 years experience

Strong computer skills including experience with AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, MS Word, MS Excel and Sketch-Up

Experience with all aspects of design development, construction documents and construction observation is preferable.​

Personal Trainer

Location

56^th Street, Overland Park, KS

“Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation” is a spacious, well-equipped, Overland Park-based physical therapy facility.​

We are looking for an articulate, personable, compassionate personal trainer who is interested in subleasing (сдать в аренду часть чего-либо третьему лицу) space from us on a per visit basis.​ We are interested in building a long-term relationship with the right candidate that may evolve into (перейти на) a full-time position with benefits, if interested.​

Requirements are a Bachelor’s Degree in a health/​fitness related field, CPR/​AED certification.

Please call Daniel Lorenz at (913) 911-2461 for more information.

Reporter

Location

67 Sunset Lane, Porterville, CA 93257

The Porterville Recorder is seeking a fulltime general assignment reporter to provide daily content for the print and web editions, including news and feature stories, and breaking news.​ We will hire a journalist who is accurate and fast, and possesses strong writing and critical-thinking skills.​ Proficiency in AP style and grammar expected, as is the ability to take photos and video.​ Newspaper writing experience is a plus.​

Please call editor Rick Elkins at (945) 324-1189 for more information. 

P.S. Don't forget to write in your application letter places where you studied (universities) and where you worked, if it is required in a job ad. Your can invent the names of universities and companies, workplaces, and you addresses and contact information, it is not necessary that this information should be real.

Examples of job application letters

Example #1:

Rebecca Brock

6123 Farrington Road

Apt. G11

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

January 11, 2005

   

David Jones

Taylor, Inc.

694 Rockstar Lane

Durham, NC 27708

Dear Mr. Jones:

     I am seeking a position in your engineering department where I may use my training in computer sciences to solve engineering problems. Although I do not know if you have a current opening, I would like to be a part of the department that developed the Internet Selection System.

     I expect to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from North Carolina State University in June, when I will have completed the Computer Systems Engineering Program. Since September 2000, I have been participating, through the University, in the Professional Training Program at Computer Systems International in Raleigh. In the program I was assigned to several staff sections as an apprentice. Most recently, I have been a programmer trainee in the Engineering Department and have gained a great deal of experience in computer applications. Details of the academic courses I have taken are contained in the enclosed resume.

     I look forward to hearing from you soon. I can be contacted at my office (910-666-4110 ext. 232) or via email (Bok@aol.com).

Sincerely, 
Rebecca Brock

Example #2

Albert Martinez

45 Luzon Ave.

Mariveles, Bataan

July 31, 2008

Ms. Carol Swing

Personnel Manager

East West Engineering Firm

Makati City

Dear Ms. Swing:

      I would like you to consider my qualifications for the position of Production Engineer with your company. I have been employed by Mitsumi Incorporated for four years. As Assistant Production Engineer, I have responsible for modernizing Mitsumi’s assembly line, and the result has been a 45% increase in output. Details about my employment and Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering are provided in the enclosed resume.

    May I have an interview with you to discuss your position and my qualifications? My address and phone number are listed on the resume.

Sincerely yours,

Albert Martinez

Examples #3

Alex Wilson

36 Mininova Avenue
 Brooklyn NY 11288

 April 11, 2009

 Ms. Heather Thompson
 Director of Campus Relations
 AMC Corporation 
 14 West Fifth Street
 Albany, NY 10056

 Dear Ms. Thompson, 

      I am interested in applying for the Sales Executive position recently advertised in The New York Times. The marketing skills I have developed from my past work experience and educational background support my candidacy for the announced position. 

      As you can see from my resume, the internship I had with XYZ Corporation, provided me an opportunity to gain practical experience with account maintenance and cold-calling new accounts. I have also worked as a waiter for the past four years, learning firsthand how to effectively deal with customers and their demands. I have been formally commended by management several times and have been rewarded with the title of "Employee of the Month" several times. 

      I would like to have an opportunity to discuss your specific needs and my overall abilities regarding the announced position. You can contact me at (718) 234-6767. You can email me at alex.wilson@___mail.com. Thanking you for considering me for this position. 

 Sincerely, 
 Alex Wilson.

Theory about Job Application Letter

A job application letter is written to an organization where you are applying for a particular job position. 

This type of letter has to be short (no more than one side of A4 format) and concise (лаконичный).

Formal language has to be used as this letter is a professional document (no slang, no informal words, no grammatical mistakes). 

The successful job application letter accomplishes three tasks: 

- it catches the reader's attention favorably, 

- it convinces the reader that you are a qualified candidate for the job, 

- it requests (просить, запрашивать) an interview.

Contents of the letter: 

1. Top left hand corner - Applicant's name, address, and date 

2. Under the applicant's information - Name and position (должность) of a job advertiser, organization's name, and organization's address 

3. Begin your letter by giving proper salutations (приветствия) like:

Dear Mr./Ms._______ (if you know the name of a job advertiser)

Dear Sir or Madam or Dear Sirs (if you don't know the name of a job advertiser)

4. In the first paragraph, write the purpose of sending the letter along with some references (ссылки): Mention how you learned about the job opportunity and which position you are applying for. Briefly say why the job is of specific interest for you.

5. The second paragraph talks about the additional details you wish to convey (сообщать) to the reader. Give a brief introduction of your career profile.  Draw connections from your past experiences and education to the specific skills required for the job you are seeking.

6. In the third paragraph, request the reader to take some action, like calling you for an interview, meeting, reading your application thoroughly, etc. Indicate how you can be contacted (write your telephone number or e-mail).

7. For your closing line you should follow this conventional approach.

"Yours sincerely" if your letter was sent to a named person.

"Yours faithfully" if you did not know the person's name.

8. Finish off the letter by adding your name and signature.

Helpful phrases for writing a job application letter:

a) State your purpose/reason for writing:

"I would like to apply . . ."

 b) State the post/position for which you want to apply:

" . . .for the position of Research Technician . . ."

c) Cite (ссылаться) the source and the date/issue from which you learned about the job:

"which was advertised recently in the Ocober 10th issue of the New Scientist . .."

d) Briefly include your current job, length of employment and any duties and responsibilities which might be relevant to the job:

"I am presently employed as a . . . and have held this position for the last three years."

e) Point out your highest academic qualification:

"As you will note from my CV, I hold a master's degree in . . . from the University of Turku, where I specialised in . . ."

f) Mention any earlier experience  or special skills which could be valuble to the employer:

 "I have also  had experience in . . .while working as a ...  in a work study programme at . . ."

 ". . . and am familiar with . . . / have much experience in using . . ."

g) Emphasise the benefits (выгоды) to the employer of hiring you, and mention any reasons why the job would be beneficial to you (this shows that your motivation is not purely financial!):

 "I believe that my knowledge of . . .  would be of great value/benefit to this position . . ."

 "I feel that this position would give me the opportunity to further develop my skills in the field of . . ."

h) Mention your willingness or ability to come for an interview or to give more information:

"I would be pleased to attend an interview at any time which is convenient to you. I can be contacted at the telephone number given at any time /during office hours / after 5 p.m."

 "I would be happy to provide any further details you may require."

i) Finally, indicate your interest in getting a reply even if it isn't what you'd hoped for:

"I look forward to hearing from you (soon)."