TOEFL
Conversation: Asking a professor for more time
Listen to a Conversation. Read the questions first, then play the recording. The transcript appears after you submit.
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Student: Professor Hayes, do you have a minute? It’s about the research paper.
Professor: Sure, come in. What’s up?
Student: I’m having trouble finding enough sources for my topic — the history of the town’s railway station. The library only has two books on it.
Professor: Have you tried the city archives? They keep old newspapers and planning documents. That’s where most of the material would be.
Student: I didn’t know they were open to students.
Professor: They are, but you need to book an appointment, usually a week ahead. Given that, I can give you an extra week for the paper.
Student: That would really help. Should I change my topic, though?
Professor: No, I’d keep it. A topic with few books is actually a chance to use primary sources, which will make your paper stronger.
1.Why does the student go to see the professor?
2.What does the professor suggest?
3.Why does the professor give the student extra time?
4.What is the professor’s opinion of the student’s topic?
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KitWren is independent and not affiliated with ETS. This is original practice written by KitWren, modelled on the task types introduced in January 2026; it is not official TOEFL material. Any score shown is an educational estimate — not an official TOEFL score. Check ets.org for the current test format.