Theme: University Policies, Community Service, Student Responsibilities, Mandatory Requirements, Time Management
Questions
Reading Passage:
Proposal to Implement a Mandatory Community Service Requirement
The university administration has proposed a new policy requiring all students to complete a certain number of community service hours before graduation. The administration believes that mandatory community service will benefit students by providing real-world experience, fostering a sense of civic duty, and enhancing the university’s reputation as an institution that values social responsibility. The proposed policy would require students to complete at least 30 hours of service over their four years at the university. Some examples of acceptable service activities include volunteering at local non-profits, participating in environmental clean-up projects, and tutoring underprivileged children.
Listening Script:
Prompt:
Summarize the main points of the reading passage and the listening script. Then, discuss the two students’ perspectives on the proposed mandatory community service requirement.
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Transcripts
Listening Script:
In a conversation between two students, they discuss the university’s proposed community service requirement.
Student A: Have you heard about the new proposal to make community service mandatory for all students? I think it’s a great idea! It would give us a chance to contribute to society and gain practical experience. Plus, it looks good on a resume. I think it’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Student B: I’m not so sure about that. While I understand the benefits, I don’t think it’s fair to force students to do community service. Many of us already have busy schedules with classes, part-time jobs, and other commitments. Adding a mandatory requirement could add unnecessary stress.
Student A: But don’t you think it’s important for students to learn the value of giving back to the community? Besides, 30 hours over four years isn’t that much. If you break it down, it’s less than an hour a month. I think everyone can manage that.
Student B: I get that, but what about students who are already volunteering or involved in other extracurricular activities? Shouldn’t they have the choice of how they spend their time? I think it should be encouraged, not required. Making it mandatory takes away the personal choice and could make it feel like a chore rather than a meaningful activity.
Sample Response:
The reading passage discusses a new proposal by the university administration to implement a mandatory community service requirement for all students. The administration believes this will provide valuable real-world experience, foster a sense of civic duty, and enhance the university’s reputation. The proposal requires students to complete 30 hours of community service over four years, with various activities qualifying, such as volunteering, participating in environmental projects, and tutoring.
In the listening passage, two students debate the proposed policy. The first student supports the idea, arguing that it offers a great opportunity for students to contribute to society and gain practical experience. They also believe that community service enhances a resume and the 30-hour requirement is manageable, equating to less than an hour a month. The second student disagrees, citing fairness and the potential stress it could add to students’ already busy schedules. They argue that while community service is valuable, it should be encouraged rather than mandated, as making it mandatory might turn it into a chore, thus diminishing its meaningfulness.
Overall, the reading passage emphasizes the benefits of mandatory community service, while the listening passage presents a debate with one student in favor and another against, highlighting both the positive aspects and potential drawbacks of the proposal. The first student focuses on the educational and societal benefits, whereas the second emphasizes personal freedom and the potential negative impact on students’ schedules.
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