I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]

Whether you are trying to get an online MBA or just going to a local college, there are a number of things you have to consider including location, cost, and the reputation of school. What factor is most important to you?

HELPFUL TIP: If you’re interested in a university degree, you might be able to get one online in your field. Many universities offer such programs.

II. Listening Exercises [Top]

First, listen to the conversation by pressing the “Play Audio” button, and answer the questions. Press the “Final Score” button to check your quiz.

1. What does the man want to do after he graduates?

A. He wants to become a teacher.

B. He hopes to go on to graduate school.

C. He’d like to work at a hotel.
2. What is the woman majoring in?

A. history

B. French

C. computer science

3. How does the woman pay for college?

A. She has a part-time job.

B. She received a scholarship.

C. Her parents are paying for it.

4. Where does the man work part-time?

A. at a bakery

B. in a library

C. at a restaurant

5. What thing did the man NOT say about his job?

A. His co-workers are friendly.

B. He works long hours.

C. The pay is okay.

Score =
Correct answers:


Maria: Oh, hi Dave. Long time, no see!
Dave: Hi Maria. I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I’d drop by.

Maria: Come on in. [Thanks.] Take a seat. Would you like anything to drink? I have Sprite or orange juice.

Dave: Sprite would be fine. Uh, so, how have you been?

Maria: Oh, not bad. And you?

Dave: Oh, I’m doing okay, but school has been really hectic these days, and I haven’t had time to relax.

Maria: By the way, what’s your major anyway?

Dave: Hotel management.

Maria: Well, what do you want to do once you graduate?

Dave: Uh… I haven’t decided for sure, but I think I’d like to work for a hotel or travel agency in this area. How about you?

Maria: Well, when I first started college, I wanted to major in French, but I realized I might have a hard time finding a job using the language, so I changed majors to computer science. [Oh]. With the right skills, landing a job in the computer industry shouldn’t be as difficult.

Dave: So, do you have a part-time job to support yourself through school?

Maria: Well, fortunately for me, I received a four-year academic scholarship [Wow] that pays for all of my tuition and books.

Dave: Wow. That’s great.

Maria: Yeah. How about you? Are you working your way through school?

Dave: Yeah. I work three times a week at a restaurant near campus.

Maria: Oh. What do you do there?

Dave: I’m a cook.

Maria: How do you like your job?

Dave: It’s okay. The other workers are friendly, and the pay isn’t bad.

Key Vocabulary [Top]

  • hectic (adjective): very busy
    – Life is always very hectic when you’re trying to work and go to school at the same time.
  • major (noun): course of study
    – I’m thinking about majoring in computer science next year.
  • land (a job) (verb): to secure, win, or get a job
    – It is becoming increasingly difficult to land a job in the field of language teaching.
  • work (your way) through (school) (verb): think through, in this case, work while going to school to support yourself
    – Since my parents had no money, I had no choice but to work myself through school
    – Sometimes we just have to work through many new experiences before we understand the language and culture.

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