Terminate, finish, close, complete, conclude, end (окончить)

a) Read the explanation to see the difference:

These words are alike in meaning to reach the end of a task or activity. Finish and complete mean to bring to an anticipated end by doing all things necessary or appropriate to achieving that end. Although the two words may be used as exact synonyms, complete suggests the fulfillment of an assigned task and is therefore not always an appropriate substitute for finish. E.g. An author may complete or finish his novel; a reader might finish it, but one would not say that he completed it.

Close and conclude emphasizes the final stages that complete an action.

End and terminate are more general in meaning. An action may be ended or terminated before it is completed. In addition, both of these words carry more of a sense of finality by suggesting a definite cut off point.

b) Translate the following sentences where these synonyms are used:

1 A passing mark admits students to a preparatory first year at a university, which terminates in another more rigorous examination.2. In the USA there is a nation wide assumption that students who have completed secondary school should have at least two years of university education. 3. The completion of certain numbers of courses with passing grades leads to the “bachelor’s” degree. Majority of students complete four years of study for a degree and substantial numbers go on for one or three years of post graduate study

c) Choose the appropriate:

1. It is necessary to.... secondary education to match university entrance requirements.

a) terminate b) complete c) finish d) finalize

2. The report should be... by the end of thee week.

a) terminate b) complete c) finish d) finalize

3. The studies will be...for you if you do not obtain passing grades.

a) terminate b) complete c) finish d) finalize

4. Many students who... high school make a lot of efforts to be admitted to the University.

a) terminate b) complete c) finish d) finalize