A conversation between a student and a university advisor
Listen to audio recording and answer the questions
0 / 0
Narrator
Listen to a conversation between a student and a university advisor. The student is trying to decide where to go to school next year.
Advisor: Now, then, Mr., uh, Vickstad. How can I help you?
Student: Well, I'm thinking about transferring, but I'm, I'm not sure ... I was hoping you could help me make a decision.
A: I'll try. Where are you thinking of transferring to? And why do you want to leave Kryptos U?
S: Um...I'm thinking of going to Central University, because it's in my hometown. I've uh, been kind of homesick here this year, and I haven't made many friends...I just feel so lonely. So, I thought that uh, maybe, it'd be better to be closer to my parents and friends and all.
A: I see. And would you keep the same major if you transferred? What is it...business administration?
S: Yeah, I would. The credits I've earned here will transfer to Central. I've already checked.
A: May I ask why you chose to come to Kryptos University in the first place?
S: Sure. Um, well, the main reason is you have a great business school. And the second reason is that I...I wanted to get away from home.
A: You're right, Mr. Vickstad, we do have an excellent business school. But, so does Central. The thing is, you've got almost a year under your belt here now. At Central, you'll be starting from scratch.
S: Yeah, I know that. But I'm a little bit familiar with Central, 'cuz I had older friends who went there, and I visited it before I came here.
A: You know, freshman year is usually the hardest. I remember how homesick I was my first year. I'll tell you, I was ready to pack it in after the first two weeks. But the longer I stayed, the more comfortable I felt. By senior year, I was glad I chose to stay.
S: Really? Did it get a lot better your sophomore year?
A: Yes, it did. You might well find the same is true for you. Also, even though your credits here will transfer, you will have to take extra courses, because Central has different requirements. You'll probably have to go to school for an extra year.
S: Hmm...I hadn't thought about that. I'll have to check into it. Maybe I should give it one more year. I mean, it's probably good for me to learn to live away from my family and friends, right? It'll make me stronger in the future.
A: You can always move back there after you graduate. Of course, by that time you may not want to!
S: Thank you for all your help. I guess I'll find out the exact transfer requirements. You've given me a lot to think about.
A: Don't mention it. If you feel like you want to talk more, don't hesitate to come back and see me.
Why is the student talking to the advisor?
a
To try and determine the best subject for him to major in.
b
To ask about the advisor's experiences as an undergraduate.
c
To get advice about transferring to a different university.
d
To decide which classes would be best to take next quarter.
Which of these statements about the student's experience are true?
a
He is senior at Kryptos Univeristy.
b
He is majoring in business administration.
c
He wanted to go to a school close to home.
d
He has made lots of friends at Kryptos.
Why does the advisor say this: "I was ready to pack it in after the first two weeks"?
a
To show that she emphasizes with the student's feelings.
b
To make the student feel foolish about wanting to leave.
c
To demonstrate how brave he was for staying in school.
d
To illustrate an example of his poor decision-making.
What will the student have to do if he transfers?
a
Send educational records.
b
Take extra courses.
c
Change majors.
d
Visit his friends.
What will most likely happen next?
a
The advisor will call the students' parents.
b
The student will search for more information.
c
The student will move back to his hometown.
d
The advisor will do research in the lab.
A conversation between a university student and an employee in the university registrar's office
Listen to audio recording and answer the questions
0 / 0
Narrator
Listen to a conversation between a university student and an employee in the university registrar's office.
S: Hi, I've got a question about registering for the special geology field seminar in spring quarter.
E: OK. You know that registration for that class is limited to 15 students, don't you? And that you have to have passed Geology 302 as a prerequisite?
S: Yes, I know. Uh, the thing is, I'm taking Geology 302 this quarter. I expect, er, I think I'll pass it no problem. I mean, I'm getting an A-minus in it so far. I really want to take the seminar next quarter. Can I register now, and still be eligible to take it when, er, if I pass 302?
E: Hmm...interesting question. Well, registration for spring classes does not begin for another two weeks. Technically, you're supposed to have passed 302 before you register. But what you could do is sign up for the seminar, and, um, wait and see if the class fills before your 302 grade is recorded. If the seminar doesn't fill, you'll be eligible as soon as your Geology 302 grade becomes official, and then you'd be assured of a place in the field seminar. Or, you could wait until your 302 grade is in, and then see if there are openings left for the seminar.
S: I see. Um, and then if I [false start] if the class is full and I can't get in, when can I, uh, when is the next chance to take it? Will it be offered in the summer? Or next fall?
E: That depends on the professor. Let's see...right now it's not on the summer schedule, but that could change. We don't finalize summer classes until the middle of spring term. If there are enough students who want to take it then, it might be offered. The geology seminar is not held in fall and winter terms -- at least not usually -- because it takes place in the mountains.
S: OK. So, uh...shoot! What can I do? You're saying that I can't register for two more weeks, right? And then if I [false start] -- when I do register, I have to wait until my 302 grade comes in? But even then I might, er, not be able to take the seminar?
E: Yep, you've got it! Sorry, but that's the best I can do for you.
S: If I don't get into the spring seminar, does my name automatically go to the top of the waiting list for the next time the class is offered?
E: No, I'm afraid not. You can register only during approved registration periods -- these begin, uh, one week after the end of the current term. If we let you register too far in advance, it wouldn't be fair to other students. Some classes would be full years ahead.
S: Yeah, I know. Thanks for your help. I really want to take that seminar this spring. Is there, uh, any other way you can think of that I could be sure of getting in?
E: [sighs]. Not offhand. I suppose that maybe you could talk to your Geology 302 professor, or to the professor who's going to teach the field seminar, and see if they'll pre-approve you. But the field seminar is very popular, so uh, I'm not sure if they will.
S: Hey, it's worth a try. Who's going to teach the field seminar?
E: That would be Professor Bronson. Do you know who he is? His office is in Johnson Hall, um, number 302.
S: I don't know him, but I have a friend who's taken his class. I'll talk to my 302 professor, and then maybe have him write a note or something that I can take to Professor Bronson. Um, thanks again for your time.
E: You're welcome. Good luck!
Why does the student visit the registrar's office?
a
To inquire about changing his class schedule
b
To double-check his number of science credits
c
To ask about registering for a special class
d
To update his mailing address and phone number
What is a prerequisite for taking the spring geology seminar?
a
Getting special permission from a geology professor
b
Earning a passing grade in a specific geology class
c
Being a junior or senior with at least 20 science credits
d
Signing up as soon as spring registration begins
Why does the employee mean when he says this: Not offhand.
a
He does not understand the student's question.
b
His hand is tired and he needs to take a break.
c
There is no other way for the student to get what he wants.
d
He does not have a quick answer for the student.
What can be inferred about the student?
a
He is not used to taking "no" for an answer.
b
He does not want to major in geology.
c
He plans to go home for the summer.
d
He wants to work for the university.
Based on the conversation, which of the following statements is NOT true?
a
The student has passed Geology 302.
b
The student is an upperclassman.
c
The student wants to take a summer seminar.
d
Professor Bronson will teach the geology seminar in the summer.
More TOEFL Listening Lessons
Ready for more practice for the TOEFL listening section? Increase your score with these lessons: