D) to guess the meaning of the following words and word combinations without using the dictionary.

We; with; twenty; where.

Ex.4. Pronounce the words from the text containing the sound [r].

From; every; group; children; friends; everyday; experiences; rejected; ascription; residential; vary; writer; required; superior; necessary; refers; retardation.

Ex.5. Pronounce the words from the text containing the nasal sound [ŋ ].

Choosing; following; learning; labeling.

Ex.6. Pronounce the words from the text containing the voiced sound [ð ].

The; with; they; their; this; the; another; either; that;

these; them; thus; then.

Ex.7. Pronounce the words from the text containing the voiceless sound [Ө ].

Ethnic; both; health.

Ex.8. Pronounce the words from the text containing the sound [v].

Individuals; virtue; vary; visual.

TEXT

Scan through the text to understand its main ideas. Use the given vocabulary notes.

Vocabulary notes:

ascription – аскрипция, атрибуция, приписывание, определение, социальное происхождение

disability – бессилие, беспомощность, инвалидность, нетрудоспособность (People with disabilities(политкор.) – инвалиды)

disturbance – расстройство, патологическое отклонение, патология, дисфункция

enclave – анклав (территория, окруженная чужими владениями), замкнутая группа

identity – идентичность, личность, своеобразие, индивидуальность

impairment – ухудшение

inclusive – инклюзивный

label – ярлык, этикетка, клеймо

retardation – задержка, отставание

treatment – обращение, лечение, уход

A significant segment of the population in many countries is made up of exceptional individuals. Millions of individuals from every ethnic and socioeconomic group fall into one or more of the categories of exceptionality.

Nearly every day, educators come into contact with exceptional children and adults. They may be students in our classes, our professional colleagues, our friends and neighbors, or people we meet in our everyday experiences.

Exceptional people include both individuals with disabilities and gifted individuals. Some, particularly persons with disabilities, have been rejected by society. Because of their unique social and personal needs and special interests, many exceptional people become a part of a microculture composed of individuals with similar exceptionalities. For some, this cultural identity is by ascription; they have been labeled and forced into enclaves by virtue of the residential institutions where they live. Others live in the same communities by their own choosing.

Definitions for exceptional children vary slightly from one writer to another. The most typical is the following: exceptional children differ from the norm (either below or above) to such an extent that an individualized program of special education is required to meet these children's needs.

The term “exceptional children” includes children who experience difficulties in learning and children whose performance is so superior that special education is necessary to help them fulfill their potential. Thus “exceptional children” is an inclusive term that refers to children with learning and/or behavior problems, children with physical disabilities or sensory impairments, and children who are intellectually gifted or have a special talent.

This definition is specific to school-age children who are usually referred, tested to determine eligibility, and then placed in special education programs. Included in the process is the labeling of the child. At one end of the continuum are the gifted and talented children. At the other end are children with disabilities (some of whom may also be gifted).

Students with disabilities are categorized with labels such as an individual with mental retardation, with learning disabilities, with speech impairment, with visual impairment, with hearing impairment, with emotional disturbance (or behavioral disorders), and physical and health impairments.

(E.L. Meyen Exceptional children for today’s school. – Love Publishing Company, University of Kanzas, 1990. – 538 p.)

Одаренность - это высокий уровень способностей, определяющих успешность выполнения той или иной деятельности. Специалисты считают, что чем лучше развито абстрактное мышление ребенка, тем легче он приспосабливается к ситуации, вырабатывая самостоятельно такую стратегию поведения, которая скрывает проблему. В результате ни родители, ни педагоги не в состоянии сразу понять, что ребенку необходимо внимание.

Task 3. Use the expressions in the sentences of your own.

Is made up of; have been rejected by; by ascription; by virtue of; by their own choosing; the struggle for equal rights; differ from; to meet somebody's needs; to be categorized with labels.

Task 4. Explain the meaning of the following proverb. Use it in the situations of your own. Give the Russian equivalent.

Task 5. Discuss the problems. Choose one of the problems and make up a dialogue. (A newspaper reporter and a professional.)

1. Do you think that the labelling process is social? Give your reasons.

2. Disabled persons and gifted individuals. Do you think they have the same problems in the society?

3. Do you think we’ll help the disabled if they study together with other children (in so called “mainstream”)?

Colloquial phrases to use:

Could you clarify the idea; please characterize the system of special education; I’d like to know what organizations take part in; what do you think about; as far as I know; in my opinion; I suppose that; I’m very much obliged to you for the information.