This section measures your ability to understand conversations and lectures in English. Listen to each conversation and lecture

Narrator
Listen to a conversation between a student and a counselor at the university counseling center.
Student
Hi, thanks for seeing me on such short notice.
Counselor
No problem. How can I help?
Student
Well, I think I might’ve made a mistake coming to this school.
Counselor
What makes you say that?
Student
I’m a little overwhelmed by the size of this place. I come from a small town. There were only 75 of us in my high school graduating class. Everyone knew everyone; we all grew up together.
Counselor
So it’s a bit of a culture shock for you, being one of 15,000 students on a big campus in an unfamiliar city.
Student
That’s an understatement. I just can’t get comfortable in class, or in the dorms, you know, socially.
Counselor
Hmm, well—let’s start with your academics. Tell me about your classes.
Student
I’m taking mostly introductory courses, and some are taught in these huge lecture halls.
Counselor
And you’re having trouble keeping pace with the material?
Student
No, in fact, I got an A on my first economics paper. It’s just that, it’s so impersonal. I’m not used to it.
Counselor
Are all your classes impersonal?
Student
Nah ... It’s just that, for example, in sociology yesterday, the professor asked a question. So I raised my hand .. . several of us raised our hands . .. and I kept my hand up because I did the reading and knew the answer. But the professor just answered his own question and continued with the lecture.
Counselor
Well, in a big room, it’s possible he didn’t notice you. Maybe he was trying to save time. In either case, I wouldn’t take it personally.
Student
I suppose. But I just don’t know how to, you know, distinguish myself.
Counselor
Why not stop by his office during office hours?
Student
That wouldn’t seem right, y’know . . . taking time from other students who need help.
Counselor
Don’t say that. That’s what office hours are for. There’s no reason you couldn’t pop in to say hi, to, uh, to make yourself known. If you’re learning a lot in class, let the professor know. Wouldn’t you appreciate positive feedback if you were a professor?
Student
You’re right. That’s a good idea.
Counselor
OK, uh, let’s turn to your social life. How’s it going in the dorms?
Student
I don’t have much in common with my roommate or anyone else I’ve met so far. Everyone’s into sports, and I’m more artsy, you know, into music. I play the cello.
Counselor
Ahhh. Have you been playing long?
Student
Since age 10. It’s a big part of my life. At home, I was the youngest member of our community orchestra.
Counselor
You’re not going to believe this! There’s a string quartet on campus—all students. And it so happens the cellist graduated last year. They’ve been searching high and low for a replacement, someone with experience. Would you be interested in auditioning?
Student
Absolutely! I wanted to get my academic work settled before pursuing my music here, but I think this would be a good thing for me. I guess if I really want to fit in here, I should find people who love music as much as I do. Thank you!
Counselor
My pleasure.