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General Listening Quiz

“College Graduation”

Level: Topic: Speakers: Length:
easy college studies man – woman 00:55

Pre-Listening Exercise

How long does it take to graduate from college in your country? Explain. 

Speak Up, Take a Stand! Instructions for Getting the Conversation Started

These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.

  • In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.

  • In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?

  • For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and self-assess your progress.

    1. Everyone should try to graduate from college.
    2. A graduation ceremony is an important event.
    3. You don’t need a college degree to be successful.
    4. Graduating from college is harder for some people than others.
    5. Families should celebrate when someone graduates.
    6. Wearing a cap and gown makes graduation feel special.
    7. Some students feel sad when college ends.
    8. The most important part of graduation is getting a job afterward.
    9. It’s better to graduate with good grades than to finish quickly.
    10. College graduation should be a goal for all young people.

Idioms

pass with flying colors” = pass a class or test with high marks
Many students passed the test with flying colors.”

drop out of school” = stop attending school; quit school
My sister dropped out of school because she didn’t have money to pay for tuition.”

Listening Exercise

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

Post-Listening Exercise

How do people find a job before or after they graduate from college? Do colleges in your country help students find jobs, or are students responsible for getting a job on their own? 

Online Investigation

Use the Internet to find out how much college tuition costs at one or more of these schools for one year (two semesters of classes):

  • University of Utah (where I teach)
  • Harvard University
  • Stanford University
  • Princeton University
  • Columbia University
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