The present manual is designed for Russian Basic Course students in the concluding phase (Term III), as well as for those taking Refresher, Intermediate and Advanced courses. It comprises materials on 30 everyday conversational topics. Each topic includes the following sections: Topical Vocabulary, Questions, Tasks and a List of Topics for Oral Presentation.
The Topical Vocabulary section lists numerous vocabulary items and phrases subdivided into smaller groups related to the topic with their English translations. They may be used either for selective study guided by the instructor, for individual student needs, or for reference.
The Questions section has two parts: (A) Vocabulary Questions and (B) Topical Questions. Part (B) is followed by 'Sample Answers to Topical Questions'. The vocabulary questions are intended to activate the topical vocabulary orally. The topical questions stimulate the learner to communicate his ideas on the given topic. They are very often of a personalized character. Sometimes they appeal to the learner's knowledge of the given situation in both the USA and in Russia. Such questions are usually provided with sample answers, whereby the learner can find information on the issue which will add to his area studies expertise.
The Dialogues section comprises several short conversations illustrative of the topic. They are supplied with words for substitution, and can be practiced in pairs, either verbatim or with certain substitutional changes.
The Tasks section requires the students to conduct conversations on given situations, read, answer questions, express their own opinions on certain issues and conduct interviews. The situations are given in English and some of them are supplied with key words. The materials for discussion allow the learners to express various points of view, and therefore can be used to stimulate discussion in class. The interview assignment can be used to extract information about various aspects of life in Russia. The learner acts as an interviewer with the instructor as an interviewee. When answering the interviewer's questions, the instructor can resort to language somewhat above the learner's level. The task 'Relate the information you obtained to your editor, either in English, or in Russian', can help determine how much of the information was understood by the learner.
The concluding Topics for Oral Presentations can be used as homework assignments to be presented and discussed in class.