Listening 5 — In-class

1. Well, I agree up to a point.

2. I think that's a really valid point.

3. Well, I'm not so sure about that.

4. I think you're absolutely right.

5. Hmm, that's a bit hard to believe.

6. I think that's highly unlikely.

7. That seems doubtful to me.

8. I have to admit I don't like the sound of that at all.

A: So what did you think about the research?

B: I thought it was well thought out, although it did take three years to produce any results.

A: Yes, but that's to be expected given the age of the participants. I mean, they had to chart their progress over several years.

B: I suppose so.

A: But didn't you think the results were astonishing?

B: I know I did.

Yeah, me too. It's amazing to think that watching TV can have such a clearly demonstrated effect on children's obesity problems. It's quite alarming really.

A: I agree.

B: People were generally unimpressed by the findings though, which is typical when there's a suggestion that we change our behaviour.

A: Right, let's organise our presentation on the new science equipment, shall we?

B: Yes, I'm a bit worried it's overly long - we only have 10 minutes.

A: Why don't we go through each section then.

B: OK, what about the introduction? I think that's OK.

A: Hmm. It's not very exciting.

B: I don't think we should cut any of it though.

A: Of course, and we can still do it the same way, but maybe we should bring along some actual equipment?

B: Great idea, that would help grab their attention. Now, next we look at the benefits of this technology. We've got plenty about that.

A: I agree. In fact, some of the ones we've chosen are pretty obvious, I think, perhaps we could leave some out?

B: Agreed. And that would save some time.

A: Yes, now, when it comes to the negatives, I'd like to propose something a little different.

B: I like that section, it's always enjoyable hearing about technology going wrong!

A: Well, we've got a few thought-provoking quotes from people who've encountered specific problems. And we were planning on just reading them out but I think we should video them and play the recording instead.

B: Oh, that would be better. And if we use a variety of media, I think we'll get a higher mark.

A: Yes. That's what I was thinking.

B: OK, let's give it a try. Now, what about the conclusion? Should we include something else? It's pretty short at the moment.

A: Yes, but I think that's OK. There's not much more to say, really. We've already verified all our sources, so I don't think there's anything else left to do.

B: Well, I think I'll do an Internet search anyway, just to be sure we haven't missed anything.

A: OK, it would be good to be able to state that we have included all the very latest information.

B: Absolutely.

A: How are we going to get to the airport on Monday? Shall we get a taxi?

B: It would be nice and convenient but the fare is so expensive.

A: That's true. Well, if you want to save money, we could always take the bus.

B: It might be cheaper but the bus doesn't start running until 7 o'clock and we need to be at the airport by 6. I'll ask my sister if she can give us a lift.

A: That would be great if she could drive us.

B: Yes. I'm sure she won't mind.

A: So, what else have we got to do?

B: Well, we've gathered enough information. I don't think we need to find out any more.

A: You're right. Should we go and see Professor Smith, then? We could ask his advice.

B: Well, he could check it for us and make sure we've done enough. But I'd rather do that after we've put it all together. At the moment, we only have a lot of handwritten notes. I don't want to show him that.

A: OK, let's divide the material up and each put it on to a disc so that we can print off a nicely presented copy.