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Listen to a conversation. Take notes on the problem presented and the possible solutions suggested.
debate – a discussion in which people offer different views on a topic
conference – a large meeting about a particular subject
letdown – to disappoint
eager – excited
coach – to train someone in a new skill
Listening:
View the transcriptM: Hey, Mary, do you have a minute?
W: Sure, Michael, what's up?
M: I have a problem and I need to talk it over. I was hoping I could get your advice.
W: Oh, OK.
M: So, I'm supposed to be in a team debate this weekend, with my debate club. But the thing is, I got a last-minute invitation to attend a national debate conference, and I'd really love to go.
W: Hmm. That's tough. So, I guess your first option is to just go to your team debate. I mean, you don't want to let your team down, right? And I know you've talked about how you're friends with all of your team members. They might be mad if you don't go to the debate.
M: Right ... but I'm just so eager to go to this conference. I mean, it is a really good opportunity to learn more about debating.
W: Well... in that case, perhaps you should go to the conference. Look at it this way: if you're going to learn a lot, then you could go to the conference, come back, and coach your team members about all of the new things you learned. Then your team might be even better.
M: Good point, but I really do feel like I would be letting my team down. They are really counting on me.
W: Right.
M: See, I just feel like either option is going to disappoint someone.
W: Well, you'll just have to decide whether you want to be the one disappointed or whether you want to risk disappointing your team.
M: I know. I'll think about it. Thanks for the advice.
Read the prompt below.
The speakers discuss two possible solutions to the man's problem. Describe the problem. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why.
Look again at your notes from the listening. Decide which solution sounds best and why.
Listening:
Write down your opinion on the best solution.
Notes for the Response
Deliver your response, including all the facts and using necessary transitions.
Listen to two sample responses. Note any useful ideas and expressions that could improve your response.
Notes for the Response
Listening:
Opinion 1
The man has to choose between participating in a team debate or attending a national debate conference. I think he should go to the conference. First of all, it is an excellent opportunity. If he goes, he could learn a lot and become a better debater for his team. Second, he says his teammates are friends, so they should understand that this is important to him. Next time, he will be there and the team will be even better, so they should understand that it would help the team.
Opinion 2
The man has to choose between participating in a team debate or attending a national debate conference. I think he should stay and attend the team debate. First of all, his team is counting on him. If they expect him to be there and they are his friends, then it is important for him to honor his commitments. Second, he can always go to another conference. Next time, he can plan ahead to attend the conference, so that he does not create a conflict in his schedule like this time.
Now give your response to the prompt again, incorporating useful expressions from the sample, while also paying attention to your pronunciation and intonation. Record your time.
