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.

------------------------------

Great thanks to volunteer Ngoc Nguyen has contributed these explanations and question markings.

If you want to make a better world like this, please contact us at ieltsonlinetests@gmail.com