| Level | Topic | Speakers | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | Tape Recording | Man | 01:22 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
Write down as many different types of resources and services you can find at a library (e.g., magazines, copy service, etc.). If you had to write a research paper on African lions, what steps would you take to find information at the library (without using the internet)?
- It’s faster to find good information online than in a library.
- Libraries are more reliable than the Internet for academic research.
- Most students don’t need libraries anymore.
- Searching online teaches better research skills than using a library.
- Libraries are quieter and better for studying than home.
- Online sources are often more up to date than books in libraries.
- Using both online sources and libraries is the best approach.
- It’s easier to get distracted online than in a library.
- Library staff are more helpful than search engines.
- Digital libraries will eventually replace physical libraries.
Idioms
“thumb through” = look casually at
“I thumbed through a number of books related to my research topic, but I didn’t find what I needed.”
“bite off more than you can chew” = try to do more than you can accomplish
“I think you’ve bit off more than you can chew in this case. Trying to write a research paper on the history of civilization in one week is really impossible.”
Listening Exercise
Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Post-Listening Exercise
What online libraries and resources have you used instead of visiting a library at your school or in the local community?