20. Give the English equivalents of the following words and word combina- федеральный стандарт образования; учебные и образователь-
ные программы; универсальные требования; начальная школа;
средняя школа; считается более престижным; самый известный;
довольно дорогое; первый курс; второй курс; третий курс; четвер-
тый курс; общеобразовательные предметы; специализация; сте-
пень бакалавра; степень магистра
21. Agree or disagree:
1. The system of education in the USA works according to the national
standard.
2. Admission to elementary and high schools is free.
3. State universities are more prestigious than private ones.
4. The course in a typical American university lasts five or sit years.
5. Sophomore is the second year in a university.
6. The specialization begins at the first year of studies in a university.

Certainly, let's address each part of your question in detail.

20. English Equivalents of Russian Educational Terms:

1. Федеральный стандарт образования - "Federal Education Standard."
2. Учебные и образовательные программы - "Educational and Training Programs."
3. Универсальные требования - "Universal Requirements."
4. Начальная школа - "Elementary School."
5. Средняя школа - "Middle School" or "High School" (depending on the context; in the U.S., middle school typically covers grades 6-8 and high school covers grades 9-12).
6. Считается более престижным - "Considered More Prestigious."
7. Самый известный - "The Most Famous."
8. Довольно дорогое - "Quite Expensive."
9. Первый курс - "First Year" or "Freshman Year" (in the context of university).
10. Второй курс - "Second Year" or "Sophomore Year."
11. Третий курс - "Third Year" or "Junior Year."
12. Четвертый курс - "Fourth Year" or "Senior Year."
13. Общеобразовательные предметы - "General Education Subjects."
14. Специализация - "Specialization" or "Major."
15. Степень бакалавра - "Bachelor's Degree."
16. Степень магистра - "Master's Degree."

21. Statements about the U.S. Education System:

1. The system of education in the USA works according to the national standard.

   • Disagree. The U.S. education system is more decentralized compared to many other countries. While there are federal guidelines and standards, such as the Common Core State Standards in some states, education is primarily governed at the state and local levels. Each state has its own standards and regulations.

2. Admission to elementary and high schools is free.

   • Agree, with nuances. Public elementary and high schools in the USA are free for residents of their respective districts. However, there are also private schools which charge tuition.

3. State universities are more prestigious than private ones.

   • Disagree. Prestige in universities in the U.S. is not necessarily tied to whether they are state or private institutions. There are prestigious universities in both categories. For example, private institutions like Harvard or Stanford are very prestigious, as are state universities like the University of California, Berkeley.

4. The course in a typical American university lasts five or six years.

   • Disagree. The typical undergraduate program in an American university is designed to be completed in four years. However, some students may take longer, and some specialized programs (like architecture or engineering) may have a five-year curriculum.

5. Sophomore is the second year in a university.

   • Agree. In American universities, the second year is indeed referred to as the "Sophomore" year.

6. The specialization begins at the first year of studies in a university.

   • Disagree, generally. In most American universities, students typically declare their major or specialization at the end of their second year (sophomore year). The first year is usually focused on general education requirements.

These responses should provide a clear and detailed understanding of the educational terms and concepts in question.