Analyzing Tone and Attitude in Lecture Feedback
Listening Passage:
Speaker 1: You know, I was really looking forward to the university’s guest lecture series this semester, but to be honest, the first few speakers just didn’t deliver at all. They seemed more interested in their own credentials than in engaging the audience, and some of their ideas were simply outdated.
Speaker 2: I completely agree. That last speaker on social media marketing, for instance, had some pretty dubious claims. I expected fresh insights, but what we got felt recycled. It was a bit embarrassing, honestly.
Speaker 1: Exactly! I just wish they would choose speakers who are not only knowledgeable but also dynamic. Otherwise, people are going to lose interest quickly.
Speaker 2: Right? It’s so crucial for speakers to connect with their audience. Otherwise, it’s just a monologue and not an engaging lecture.
Speaker 1: And you know what really bothered me? The last speaker seemed surprised by the lack of enthusiasm in the room, as if he thought he was doing a stellar job. The disconnect was almost palpable.
Speaker 2: It really was! They need to realize that engagement is a two-way street. Without that connection, it just feels like a slog to sit through.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.
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