1. In the primary schools the first two years are mainly taken up with learning to read, write and do simple arithmetic.

2. More time is given to such subjects as mathematics and science.

3. Most of them have two sides.

4. The leavers of this school receive the General Certificate of Education.

5. Moscow is larger than St. Petersburg.

6. John is shorter than William.

7. Henry is the tallest of all.

8. This summer is hotter than last summer.

9. December 22 is the shortest day of the year.

10. I came home later than usual yesterday.

Exercise 4. Read the text, rewrite it and translate into Russian

Schooling in England

       Every child in Great Britain between the ages of five and sixteen years must attend school. There are three main types of educational institutions: primary schools, secondary schools and universities. Morning school begins at nine o’clock and lasts for three hours until twelve o’clock noon. Afternoon school begins at two o’clock and lasts for two and a half hours until half past four. School is open five days a week. On Saturdays and Sundays there are no lessons.                          In the primary schools, where children study from five to eleven years, the first two years are mainly taken up with learning to read, write and do simple arithmetic. In addition, the children draw, paint, model and sing. The first two years of the primary school are called the Infant school.                            At seven the pupils are transferred to the Junior school which is usually situated in another section of the same building. At this age level the following subjects appear in the study programme: English, history, geography, nature study, music and others. At the age of eleven the pupils finish the primary school and continue their education at one of the secondary schools.                          There are different types of secondary schools in England. On leaving the primary school a pupil may go either to a secondary Modern, Technical, Grammar or Comprehensive school.

   The Secondary Modern School is attended by pupils between the ages of eleven and sixteen. It is a state school which has a practical trend. Such courses as secretarial, trade and commerce, agriculture, gardening, cooking are taught there. These schools are usually well equipped with workshops for woodwork, metalwork, cooking, etc.

       On leaving this school the pupils who wish to continue their education may attend evening classes which prepare them for entering a college or a university. The Secondary Technical School gives a general technical education. It is attended by those pupils who are more mechanically inclined. The pupils have the opportunity to try their hand at the machines in the workshops. More time is given to such subjects as mathematics and science. In other words, this school gives a good foundation to work in the fields of industry and agriculture.                               The Secondary Grammar School is attended by the pupils between the ages of eleven and sixteen or eighteen. Some of them are state schools and some are private or independent schools. Most of them have two sides: a classical side, specializing in ancient languages (Greek and Latin), history and philosophy, and a modern side, specializing in modern languages, natural science and geography. The leavers of this school receive the General Certificate of Education. On receiving this certificate a pupil may either leave the school or continue his studies for another two years in what is called the “Sixth Form” to receive the same certificate but at the advanced level. In order to enter a university a boy or a girl must pass examinations in five subjects, two of which must at least be at the advanced level.

       Among the private schools there are some very old and famous ones, such as Eton, Harrow, Rugby, etc. The fees at these schools are rather high, so usually rich parents send their children there.

       Comprehensive schools are state schools which combine three types of schools: grammar school, secondary modern school and technical school. The pupils study there according to the general programme till the age of thirteen or fifteen, after that they have special courses depending on their inclination. The number of comprehensive schools is rather great and it is constantly growing.