College Students - Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab

Level	Topic	Speakers	Length
Intermediate	Meeting People	Man – Woman	01:39

Two people standing in front of a university building

Pre-Listening Exercise

Introducing yourself to others is important, whether it be to a pen friend (pen pal), a friend you meet online, or through a common acquaintance. So, what are some common topics of conversation when you meet people for the first time?

Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!

These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, exploring ideas, and sharing opinions.

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?
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.
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.

1. College students today have it harder than past generations.
2. Social life is just as important as academics for college students.
3. College students rely too much on technology to study.
4. Working part-time helps students more than it hurts them.
5. College students should be required to take classes outside their major.
6. Mental health services are more important for students than sports programs.
7. College students learn more from friends than from professors.
8. Most students go to college mainly for the degree, not for the learning.
9. College should prepare students for jobs, not just general knowledge.
10. College students today are less independent than students in the past.

Listening Exercise

Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)

Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Here are some words and expressions that appear in the recording:

on the tip of one’s tongue (idiom): to be at the point of remembering something
– Oh, what is her name again? It’s on the tip of my tongue, but I just can’t remember it.
memorable (adjective): worth remembering
– College graduation was a really memorable experience for me.
major (verb, also noun): have as your main field of study
– My brother wants to major in education.
overseas (adverb): in a foreign country, especially one across the sea
– My family lived overseas for several years.
mull over (verb): think over
– My brother wants to mull over different job offers before he makes a decision.

Post-Listening Exercise

Make a list of topics of conversation that are appropriate and inappropriate when meeting people for the first time? Talk with other international students and try to identify which of these rules are culture-specific and which are universal from culture to culture.

Online Investigation

Friendships are important, and joining clubs on campus can be a great way to meet people.

Use the internet to search a college website of your choice and find information about two or three clubs or organizations that you can join to meet people.

What is the name of the club or organization?
How often do they meet?
What activities do they do?
How much does it cost to join?

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See Listening Script

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General Listening Quiz