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Read the passage below. While reading, try to guess what the conversation will be about.
From the Music Department
The music department has canceled the planned morning section of Music Theory (MT 102) for the upcoming semester. The department had intended to add an additional section of this popular class. However, the department had to cancel its plan after being unable to find a professor. There are not enough professors available to teach all of the sections. Second, there is not enough vacant space available in the music building in the morning for one more section.
Write down the main idea and key points in note form, using keywords and key phrases only. Restate the passage in your own words.
section – a class that meets at a particular time
upcoming – happening in the near future
intend – to plan to do something
additional – extra
vacant – empty
Reading:
Now listen to a related conversation. Take notes on the man's opinion.
hire – to ask someone to work for you
repeatedly – many times; often
hold – to organize or arrange something
consult – to ask for advice from someone
express – to articulate a feeling or opinion
Listening:
View the transcriptM: I can't believe they are canceling the extra section of Music Theory. I was so excited when I heard they were finally opening up a morning section. I was planning to take that class.
W: Yeah, I've heard it's great.
M: Right, but I don't get it. I mean, why can't they just hire another professor to teach it? The music department has been growing, and it's about time the university hires another professor. Otherwise, they're going to have problems like this repeatedly. If students can't take the classes they want, they might not want to attend this university.
W: I know. They have to start hiring new professors sometime.
M: The other thing I don't understand is why they can't hold the class in another building. It's a music theory class. You can study theory in any classroom so long as it has a sound system, and most large classrooms do. It's not like you need to be in the music building since you don't need any instruments for the class. I know for a fact that there are a few empty classrooms in the Humanities building in the mornings.
W: Right. Do you think there's anything we can do about it?
M: Well, it sounds like the university has its mind made up, but maybe we could consult the head of the music department and express our concerns.
Read and think about the prompt below.
The man expresses his opinion of the announcement made by the university's music department. State his opinion and explain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.
WITHOUT looking at the original reading passage, review your notes from the reading and listening passages. Select the information you think is important.
Reading:
Listening:
Try to fill in the blanks of the sample response below using your notes.
Notes for the Response
- Opinion: The university should not cancel the music theory class.
- Reason 1: The university should hire more professors to attract students.
- Detail: The music department has been growing quickly.
- Reason 2: Another building can be used to hold the class.
- Detail: The class can be held in any building because it does not require instruments.
Deliver your response, including all the facts and using necessary transitions.
Listen to a sample response. Write down any useful expressions that could improve your response.
Reading:
Listening:
The man does not agree with the university's plans to cancel the morning section of the music theory class. He thinks it is a bad idea, first, because he thinks the university needs to hire more professors. He believes that if the university does not hire more professors, students may not want to attend the university. Second, he does not understand why the class cannot be held in another building. He says that a music theory class does not need to be held in the crowded music building because it does not require instruments. He knows that there are classrooms available in another building in the mornings.
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.
