Conversation One
W: Could you tell me how big a class is?
M: In this department, a class could be as small as 5 students or as large as over 200. The largest classes are lecture classes, usually in introductory courses at the undergraduate level. The normal size of a class is around 20 to 40 students who meet 3 times a week for about one hour or twice a week for about one hour and a half.
W: In what forms are classes given?
M: Generally speaking, classes are given in three formats---lectures, seminars and laboratory work. Lecture courses usually include two lecture sessions and one discussion group per week. Lectures are given by professors who will talk on specific topic for one class period. Students have little chance to ask questions. Discussions are conducted by postgraduates and provide the opportunity for questions about the lecture topics.
W: How about seminars?
M: Seminars involve a small group of students and place more responsibility on them. The professor leading a seminar may assign projects, post questions, make suggestions or describe specific cases that demand a solution. Students are free to exchange their ideas. The seminar challenges students’ reasoning and organizing abilities.
W: And laboratory work?
M: Laboratory work gives students opportunities to develop their skills with the use of certain tools or sophisticated lab equipment and to improve their lab techniques.
W: They all sound interesting to me. Do you know how we’re assessed?
M: Some professors give quizzes or short examinations during the course to test on a particular aspect of the subject. Other course examinations are mid-term exams and final exams, which include multiple-choice questions, short answer questions and essay questions. Research papers are another form of examination. Have I made myself clear to you?
W: Yes. I understand now. Thank you. Dr. Wilson.
M: You’re welcome.
Questions 19 to 21 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
19. Which of the following is true of a big class?
20. What can be learnt from this dialogue about the course formats?
21. Which of the following is true about the professors’ evaluation of students’ work?
Conversation Two
M: Oh, hi, Maria, long time no see! How have you been?
W: Oh, not bad. And you?
M: Oh. I’m doing okay, but school has been really hard these days, and I haven’t had time to relax.
W: By the way, what’s your major anyway?
M: Hotel management.
W: Well, what do you want to do after you graduate?
M: Uh... I haven’t decided for sure, but I think I’d like to work for a hotel or travel agency in this area. How about you?
W: 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 to computer science. With the right skills, landing a job in the computer industry shouldn’t be as difficult.
M: So do you have a part-time job to support yourself through school?
W: Well, fortunately for me, I received a four-year academic scholarship that pays for all of my tuition and books.
M: Wow, that’s great.
W: Yeah. How about you? Are you working your way through school?
M: Yeah. I work three times a week at a restaurant near campus.
W: Oh. What do you do there?
M: I’m a cook.
W: How do you like your job?
M: It’s okay. The other workers are friendly, and the pay isn’t bad.
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