Campus conversations
Campus conversations: identify the problem, the solution and what the student will do next.
In this lesson you will
- Identify the purpose of a conversation
- Follow problem → options → decision
- Answer ‘what will the student do next?’
Learn
Conversations happen on campus: a student with a professor, librarian, adviser or classmate. They usually follow problem → discussion of options → decision/next step.
Purpose: Why does the student go to see the professor? — usually stated early: I wanted to ask about…
Options and rejection: like IELTS distractors, several options may be mentioned and rejected. Listen for actually, the problem is, in that case, what I’d suggest.
Next step: often at the end: I’ll go to the registrar’s office this afternoon.
Examples
- Purpose: “I wanted to ask whether I could change my presentation date.”
- Rejection: “The Thursday slot is full, actually.”
- Next step: “I’ll email the TA today.”
Vocabulary
adviser
a staff member who helps students plan
extension
extra time for a deadline
registrar
the office that manages student records
slot
a time in a schedule
TA
teaching assistant
Practice
Where is the purpose usually stated?
Listening: A student and a professor
Audio isn’t available in this browser — read the transcript instead.
Student: Hi, Professor Lin. I wanted to ask about the field trip on Saturday.
Professor: Of course. Is there a problem?
Student: I have a family wedding that day. Is there any way I could still get credit?
Professor: Well, the trip is required, but there’s a second group going to the same site on the following Wednesday.
Student: Wednesday… I have a lab that morning, actually.
Professor: It leaves at one in the afternoon.
Student: Oh, then that works. How do I sign up?
Professor: Email my teaching assistant, Omar, and he’ll add you to the list.
Student: Great, I’ll do it right after class.
1.Why does the student visit the professor?
2.Why can’t she go on Saturday?
3.Why does the Wednesday trip work after all?
4.What will the student do next?
5.The field trip is optional.
Lesson quiz
Conversations usually follow…
Review
Key points
- Purpose early.
- Problem → options → decision.
- Listen for rejections.
- Next step at the end.
What you learned
- ✓ I follow campus conversations.
- ✓ I identify purpose and outcome.
- ✓ I predict next steps.