Understanding Purposes of Speech in Academic Dialogue
Listen to the following conversation between a university student and a professor discussing the upcoming project on environmental science:
Student: Hello, Professor Smith, I wanted to speak with you about the project we have coming up. I’m a bit anxious about it, to be honest.
Professor: Hi, I’m glad you came to talk to me! It’s completely normal to feel that way. Could you tell me specifically what’s troubling you?
Student: Well, I’m not sure about how to narrow down my topic. There are so many aspects of environmental science, and I want to choose something impactful.
Professor: That’s a great point! Focusing on a specific area can really help your research. Have you thought about looking into local conservation efforts? It might allow you to see the practical applications of your studies.
Student: That sounds interesting! I hadn’t considered that yet. Would it be appropriate to discuss it further during your office hours?
Professor: Absolutely! I’m available Tuesday and Thursday afternoons if you want to come by. It’s important to ensure you feel supported in your research.
Student: Thank you, I appreciate your guidance. I’ll definitely take you up on that.
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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