Charlotte Bronte was the most admired of the Bronte sisters in her lifetime. Her four published novels, which are in part autobiographical, are still widely read today.
Born in Thornton, Yorkshire, in 1816, Charlotte Bronte was the third daughter of Patrick Bronte, a clergyman of Irish descent, and Maria Branwell. In 1820 they moved to Haworth. After the death of Charlotte's mother in 1821, her mother's sister, Elizabeth, came to look after the family, and the children, five daughters and a son.
Children read a lot and created the fantasy worlds of Angria and Gondol, writing stories and news-papers for these imaginary places. In 1824, the four eldest girls were sent to Cowan Bridge school, which Charlotte described as Lowood in Jane Eyre. Its poor conditions caused the deaths of Maria and Elizabeth and damaged Charlotte's health. The time Charlotte spent at her second school, Roehead, was far happier.
Here she made one or two lifelong friends, who appear in her novels. She later returned here as a teacher but gave up the post to set up her own school at Haworth with Emily. To get further qualifications the two sisters went to Brussels, where Charlotte fell hopelessly in love with M. Heger, later described in her novel Villette. Her first novel, The Professor, was not published, but she went on to write Jane Eyre, which was very successful. Charlotte refused three offers of marriage but in 1854 she agreed to marry her father's curate, A. B. Nicholls. The marriage was not long because she died the following year.
Monday, 19 December 2011
Education abroad
There are 46 universities in Britain. Good "A" Level results in at least two subjects are necessary to enter one. However, good exam passes alone are not enough. Universities choose their students after interviews, and competition for places at university is fierce. For all British citizens a place at university brings with it a grant from their Local Education authority.
The grants cover tuition fees and some of the living expenses.
When the time comes to pick a college, 18 and 19 year-olds usually choose one as far away from home as possible! So, many students in northern and Scottish universities come from the south of England and vice versa. It is very unusual for university students to live at home.
Although parents may be a little sad to see this happen, they usually approve of the move, and see it as a necessary part of becoming an adult.
Anyway, the three university terms are only ten weeks each, and during vacation times families are reunited.
When they first arrive at college, first year students are called "freshers". A fresher's life can be exciting but terrifying for the first week, because many freshers feel homesick for the first week.
During the first week, all the clubs and societies try to persuade the new students to join their society. The freshers are told that it is important for them to come into contact with many activities during their time at university.
At college students have lectures and seminars. Once or twice a term, students have a tutorial. This means that they see a tutor alone to discuss their work and their progress. In Oxford and Cambridge, and some other universities, the study system is based entirely around such tutorials which take place once a week. Attending lectures is optional for "Oxbridge" students!
The grants cover tuition fees and some of the living expenses.
When the time comes to pick a college, 18 and 19 year-olds usually choose one as far away from home as possible! So, many students in northern and Scottish universities come from the south of England and vice versa. It is very unusual for university students to live at home.
Although parents may be a little sad to see this happen, they usually approve of the move, and see it as a necessary part of becoming an adult.
Anyway, the three university terms are only ten weeks each, and during vacation times families are reunited.
When they first arrive at college, first year students are called "freshers". A fresher's life can be exciting but terrifying for the first week, because many freshers feel homesick for the first week.
During the first week, all the clubs and societies try to persuade the new students to join their society. The freshers are told that it is important for them to come into contact with many activities during their time at university.
At college students have lectures and seminars. Once or twice a term, students have a tutorial. This means that they see a tutor alone to discuss their work and their progress. In Oxford and Cambridge, and some other universities, the study system is based entirely around such tutorials which take place once a week. Attending lectures is optional for "Oxbridge" students!
Monday, 19 July 2010
Sayings about sport
From cricket
on a sticky wicket: in a difficult situation on oil easy wicket: in a fortunate situation
play with a straight bet: do something in an honest and straight¬forward way
it's not cricket: it is not the proper or fair way of doing something (cricket is supposed to be the perfect example of the concept of "fair play")
off one's own bat: without help from anyone else
From boxing
saved by the bell: saved from a bad or dangerous situation by a sudden event
on the ropes: in a weak position; close to defeat or failure floored: defeated or confused in an argument or discussion throw in the towel: admit defeat
From horse-racing and riding
first past the post: the winner
to be given free rein: to be allowed to do exactly what one wants, without restrictions
in the saddle: in control (in modern times, the expression "in the driving seat" is often used instead)
From other sports or sport in general
team player: somebody who is good at co-operating with other people in groups
run with the pack: have no individual principles but just blindly
follow the majority
win hands down: win easily
go to the dogs: start to lead an aimless and self-destructive life a safe pair of hands: a reliable person
on a sticky wicket: in a difficult situation on oil easy wicket: in a fortunate situation
play with a straight bet: do something in an honest and straight¬forward way
it's not cricket: it is not the proper or fair way of doing something (cricket is supposed to be the perfect example of the concept of "fair play")
off one's own bat: without help from anyone else
From boxing
saved by the bell: saved from a bad or dangerous situation by a sudden event
on the ropes: in a weak position; close to defeat or failure floored: defeated or confused in an argument or discussion throw in the towel: admit defeat
From horse-racing and riding
first past the post: the winner
to be given free rein: to be allowed to do exactly what one wants, without restrictions
in the saddle: in control (in modern times, the expression "in the driving seat" is often used instead)
From other sports or sport in general
team player: somebody who is good at co-operating with other people in groups
run with the pack: have no individual principles but just blindly
follow the majority
win hands down: win easily
go to the dogs: start to lead an aimless and self-destructive life a safe pair of hands: a reliable person