Understanding Tone and Attitude in a Debate Discussion
Listening Passage:
Student: Hi, Professor Lee! I wanted to talk about the recent debate on climate change. I found the arguments a bit polarizing.
Professor Lee: Absolutely, the discussions can get intense. But I think it’s necessary to explore all aspects seriously. How did you feel about the counterarguments?
Student: I appreciated them, but at times, they seemed to dismiss the scientific consensus. It felt like some speakers were trying to provoke rather than educate.
Professor Lee: That’s a valid observation. Some people may prioritize sensationalism over factual discussion.
Student: Exactly! It’s frustrating because real issues are being overshadowed by emotional rhetoric.
Professor Lee: Yes, and understanding biases in such debates is key to having a balanced view.
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.