General Listening Quiz

“College Life”

Level:	Topic:	Speakers:	Length:
easy	school life	man – woman	01:25

Pre-Listening Exercise

Whether you are trying to get an online MBA or just going to a local college, there are a number of things you have to consider including location, cost, and the reputation of school. What factor is most important to you?

Idioms

“a walking encyclopedia” = someone who seems to know everything
“My roommate would do well on a trivia game show. He’s a walking encyclopedia.”

“have the right stuff” = have the needed skills to succeed
“Susan has the right stuff to get into any school she chooses.”

Listening Exercise

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

What does the man want to do after he graduates?

He wants to become a teacher.

He wants to work at a hotel.

He hopes to go on to graduate school.

Dave: Uh... I haven't decided for sure, but I think I'd like to work for a hotel or travel agency in this area.

What is the woman's major?

French

history

computer science

Maria: Well, when I first started college, I wanted to major in French, but I realized I might have a hard time finding a job using the language, so I changed majors to computer science. [Oh]. With the right skills, landing a job in the computer industry shouldn't be as difficult.

How does the woman pay for college?

She has a part-time job.

Her parents are paying for it

She received a scholarship.

Maria: Well, fortunately for me, I received a four-year academic scholarship [Wow] that pays for all of my tuition and books.

Where does the man work part-time?

in a library

at a restaurant

at a bakery

Dave: Yeah. I work three times a week at a restaurant near campus.

What thing did the man NOT say about his job?

The pay is okay.

He works long hours.

His co-workers are friendly.

Dave: It's okay. The other workers are friendly, and the pay isn't bad.

Vocabulary Practice

Do the vocabulary quizzes using the words from the conversation for more practice:

Post-Listening Exercise

Interview another student about the topics below and report your findings to the class:

online education programs and graduate schools
entrance requirements and exams
classroom environment
teacher-student relationship
student housing
part-time employment
club activities

Online Investigation

Finding the right school for you can be a long process. What advertising techniques do colleges and universities use to get the attention of students? What things are important to you when you choose a school?

Compare the Web sites of two schools that interest you. Think about the classes, the cost of tuition, the experience of the teaching staff, and finally the learning/cultural opportunities in the local community where you want to study.

See Listening Script

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