Template #3: summarize an option question The third type of task requires you to read a brief passage and listen to a conversation about it. You’ll then have to summarize the opinion or position given in the conversation. This task is different from the first two in that it has both reading and listening elements. While reading the passage, you most likely won’t need to take notes. The passage will usually discuss some sot of campus life issue. While listening to the conversation, pay attention to the speaker’s opinion or attitude about the reading. You should pay particular attention to the reasons the speaker give for his or her position. Write them down if you can. Here’s an example. Read the following announcement form the university president. Due to recent budget constraints, the university has decided to close the computer labs during weekends and reduce their operating hours during the week from 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. to 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. These changes are necessary in order to compensate for an unexpected budget shortfall. Without these cutbacks, the school would be forced to reduce service in other important areas, such as the library and the cafeteria. Now listen to two students discuss the announcement. Woman: Did you hear the announcement? They’re cutting back the computer lab hours! Man: Yeah, but it’s better that they cut down there than at the library or the cafeteria. W: Maybe for you, but I don’t have a computer. I use the computer lab a lost. Plus, I need to have access to a computer for my economics class. M: Well, they’ll still be open during the week. W: I know. But I get most of my work done during the weekend. The labs are usually empty then. They’ll probably be filled with students now. It’s going to make it really hard for me to get all my class work done. M: Hmm. I didn’t really think of it. The woman offer her opinion of the announcement. State what her opinion is and what reasons she give for having that view. State opinion | The woman believes that the decision to reduce the hours of the computer lab is a bad idea. | Reason #1 | Her first reason for claiming this is that she needs a computer for her class work. | Detail for reason #1 | The woman states that she doesn’t have a computer and that some of classes require her to use one. | Reason #2 | Also, the woman claims it will be harder to complete all of her work. | Detail for reason #2 | According to the woman, the best time to do work is on the weekends. Now she fears that the labs will be too full during the week. |
As you can see, all you have to do is basically repeat the reasons given by the speaker. You won’t be required to do anything else. Now, it’s your turn to try the template with the following example. Give yourself 30 seconds to prepare your response and 60 seconds to respond. Read the following announcement from the president of a university. Effective immediately, the university is instituting a new policy on off-campus visitors. Any guests are now required to register with campus security and obtain a guest pass which must be worn at all times. This new policy is necessary in order to keep all the students safe and to increase campus safety’s knowledge of who is on campus. Now listen to the following conversation about the announcement. Man: I think the university’s new policy is great. Woman: Really? I think it’s going to be annoying. I have some friends visiting, and they’re going to have to spend all this time registering. And what if they lose their passes? M: True. But that’s a minor inconvenience. It’s worth it if the campus is safer. Remember that vandalism that took place at the library was done by someone from off-campus. W: I still think the school is overreacting. One bad thing happens, and they go and change the policy. M: No, there have been other incidents. A couple months ago, there were some things stolen from one of the dorms. And the students reported seeing a suspicious figure. W: I guess you’re right. The man give his opinion on the announcement. State the man’s opinion and provide the reasons he gives for holding it. State opinion | | Reason #1 | | Detail for reason #1 | | Reason #2 | | Detail for reason #2 | |
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