Understanding Tone and Attitude in Academic Discussions
Listen to the following conversation between a graduate student, Linda, and her professor, Dr. Smith, discussing Linda's thesis proposal:
Linda: Hi Dr. Smith, I wanted to talk to you about my thesis proposal. I'm really excited about the topic of renewable energy impact on local economies.
Dr. Smith: That's a relevant and timely topic, Linda! I'm glad you're passionate about it. However, you need to narrow it down a bit; it might be too broad as is.
Linda: I see your point. I was thinking about focusing specifically on wind energy in rural areas.
Dr. Smith: Yes, that sounds much more manageable. Have you considered the potential economic benefits? It could add a lot of value to your thesis.
Linda: Absolutely! I think it would help provide a clearer direction for my research.
Dr. Smith: Great! Also, remember to include some recent studies to support your arguments. It will add credibility.
Linda: Thank you for your guidance! I really appreciate your feedback.
Dr. Smith: You're welcome! I look forward to seeing how your proposal develops.
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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