Possible Course Change — REAL IELTS EXAM TEST 39 — IELTS Test

REAL IELTS EXAM TEST 39

Possible Course Change

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(0:01) Now turn to section 3 on page 5. (0:07) Section 3. (0:09) You will hear a student talking to a tutor at her college (0:12) about the possibility of changing her course. (0:17) First you have some time to look at questions 21 to 24 on page 5. (0:37) Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 24. (0:45) Ah, hello.
Do come in.
(0:47) Thanks. (0:47) I understand you wanted to see me about changing courses.
(0:52) Yes, that's right. (0:53) Well, that's fine. Do sit down.
(0:56) Oh, thank you. (0:57) Now, you're Sally Lehman? (0:59) That's it. (1:01) Right then, Sally.
And what course are you doing at the present?
(1:05) It's Economic History. (1:07) Uh-huh. And when did you start? (1:09) Last September.
(1:11) Right, good. (1:12) Now, of course, we'll have the chance to talk through any problems you've been having in a moment, (1:18) but let me just make a note of what courses you might be interested in changing to. (1:23) Well, there are several that I've thought about, but what I'd like to do most is Politics.
(1:29) Well, that is a very popular course. (1:32) I know. And there might not be places, but... (1:34) Sure, I'll certainly take a note of that.
But what about another option?
(1:39) Well, I had thought of changing course completely and trying Business Studies, (1:44) but then I realised it wasn't really me, so I thought of Philosophy. (1:52) Before you hear the rest of the discussion, you have some time to look at questions 25 to 30 on page 5. (2:19) Now listen and answer questions 25 to 30. (2:26) Right, well, that's useful to know, but if at all possible, (2:31) it is good to talk through the problems you're having at the moment (2:34) and see if there's any way we can help or that you can help yourself.
(2:38) After all, with all the effort that you've put in already, (2:41) it would be a pity to have to start all over again. (2:44) Oh no, I realise that. And actually, I would like to have a go at staying with Economic History.
(2:49) Good. Yeah, well, let's see. Let's talk through some of the problems you've been having.
(2:56) What would you say was your major difficulty on the course? (3:00) I think I'd have to say the worst thing is that I find the lectures difficult. (3:05) Aha. And how have you tried to overcome this? (3:11) Well, I did try recording lectures, you know.
(3:13) Yes, that's a good idea. And did you find it helped? (3:17) To a certain extent, but... (3:20) Well, I would certainly continue with that strategy, (3:23) but you might also like to try getting together with other fellow students (3:27) to discuss lectures in what we call a discussion group. (3:31) Yeah, I've heard of some of my course mates doing that.
(3:35) I could certainly ask if I could join. (3:37) Good. I'm sure you'd find it a help.
And any other problems?
(3:42) Well, this really worried me at the beginning. (3:45) The fact that there are not enough tutorials. (3:48) Not enough tutorials.
Did you talk to your tutor about it?
(3:52) Yeah, that was what I thought was the best strategy. (3:55) It's what all the student handbooks say. (3:58) Yeah.
And what was the outcome?
(4:00) Well, really, just that she's very busy (4:02) and I have to fit in tutorials when she's available, which is really difficult. (4:07) I agree. It must seem that way.
(4:09) Why don't you try arranging meetings in advance? (4:13) Well, I can certainly give it a go. (4:15) Yeah. (4:16) But I suppose the thing that's been really upsetting me recently (4:19) is my bad assignment grade.
(4:23) How many have you had back? (4:24) Just the one. (4:26) Well, you could say it was early days yet. (4:29) Well, for the last assignment, which we've just handed in, (4:32) I did more background reading.
(4:34) And did you feel that helped? (4:36) Oh, yes, I think so. (4:38) Well, another strategy might be visiting student services. (4:44) They offer a lot of advice on assignment preparation.
(4:47) Well, I didn't want to bother them. (4:49) That's their job. It'd be well worth trying.
(4:52) OK. I'll certainly look into that. (4:55) Now, what I've done here is to keep a record of our discussions (4:59) and suggested strategies.
(5:02) And what we normally do is to ask you to try out our suggestions for a while (5:06) and then come back to discuss the situation, see whether it's improved. (5:11) And if not, then we can start thinking seriously about those alternative courses. (5:16) So you'd like me to come back? (5:18) Yes.
Let's say in a month's time.
(5:21) OK. (5:23) That'd be on 17th February at 3.30. Is that all right? (5:28) Yeah, sure.
And will I meet with you?
(5:31) I'm afraid I'll be on leave at that time. (5:33) But I'll leave this record on file and you'll be meeting our senior advisor. (5:38) Senior advisor.
OK, fine.
(5:42) Lovely. Well, I do hope things improve, Sally, (5:45) and that the change won't be necessary.
(5:47) And if it is, well, we can think about that later. (5:50) OK? (5:52) OK. Thanks very much.
(5:54) Pleasure. Good luck. (5:59) That is the end of Section 3. (6:02) You now have half a minute to check your answers.

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