You will hear a conversation about student thesis.
(knock at door)
Assistant: Come in please.
Man: Good afternoon. Oh, I am sorry. Is it Professor Lee’s office room?
Assistant: No. It is room 640. His new room number is 614 on the right of this corridor.
Man: Thanks a lot.
Assistant: You are welcome.
(knock at door)
Professor Lee: Come in please.
Man: Good afternoon, Professor Lee.
Professor Lee: Good afternoon. Come in please. I remember our tutorial time is at two o’clock. right?
Man: Really? Oh, I am so sorry. I remember it is at half past one.
So, I… I go to common room to wait for thirty minutes . OK?
Professor Lee: No, no. I am free now. Let’s begin.
Man: I am so sorry.
Professor Lee: That doesn’t matter. So, how about your work?
Man: In fact, Professor Lee, can I get an extension of time to hand in my work? I mean I hope to extend my thesis deadline.
Professor Lee: James, you know extension is usually given only for medical or accident reasons. So what’s your problem? You have a good beginning with your draft. Isn’t it right?
Man: Yes. While, I… I’m having too many reading materials to read. Too many?
Professor Lee: How many?
Man: Besides academic journals I have about 15 books to read next month. I don’t think I can finish them.
Professor Lee: Oh, darling, you do not need to read them all.
Man: What do you mean?
Professor Lee: I mean you can choose some parts of these books which can help your work.
Man: Really? Could you give me some suggestions ?
Professor Lee: Sure.
(5 seconds pause)
Professor Lee: Do you bring your reference book list?
Man: Yes. I take it.
Professor Lee: Let’s see. First, the book by Bayer, I think it is really worth reading.
Man: Read it all?
Professor Lee: Yes. The topic of the book is nearly the same field with you.
Man: OK… I’ll read Bayer’s book.
Professor Lee: The next author is Oliver.
Man: I heard that his argument is very strong. But the book is a little difficult .
Professor Lee: You are right. But I still recommend you to know about his argument which will give you a lot of help.
Man: Fine. Do you think I should read Billy’s book?
Professor Lee: About Billy, I have to say his work is very good, especially his research method, but you do not need to read it now.
Man: Right. The last author is Andrew. How about his book?
Professor Lee: In my opinion, the one by Andrew says the research findings – I mean his last part is very excellent, clear and persuasive.
Man: I agree with you. I am reading the book now.
Professor Lee: Great.
Man: How about others?
Professor Lee: I suggest you finish these books next month and then we will talk about others, OK?
Man: OK.
Professor Lee: Have you begun your research work?
Man: Yes.
Professor Lee: How are things going?
Man: That’s OK, except the research method.
Professor Lee: What’s wrong with the method?
Man: I have made some interviews.
Professor Lee: Yes.
Man: But I found that they couldn’t give me the data I need.
Professor Lee: Who are the interviewees?
Man: Some are our classmates and others are schoolmates .
Professor Lee: Oh, no. James. It’s better for you to interview some professionals.
Man: Do you think it is better for me to change another research method such as questionnaire?
Professor Lee: I don’t think you will have enough time to design it and then analyze your research data. That will waste you a lot of time.
Man: You are right.
Professor Lee: And pay attention to your reference.
Man: Reference books?
Professor Lee: No. I mean you should make clearly about what reference books you read and then write them after your thesis.
Man: OK. I will make them clear.
Professor Lee: Fine. I hope to see your work quickly.
Man: I hope too. Thanks for your help, Professor Lee.
Professor Lee: That’s OK. See you next time.
Man: See you.
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Great thanks to volunteer Ngoc Nguyen has contributed these explanations and question markings.
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