TOEFL Listening Practice: Student-Professor Conversation on Research Topics (Full Transcript)

Speaker 1: Prepare for the TOEFL Listening section with this sample conversation. Listen to the conversation, answer the questions about it, check your score at the end of the video, review the conversation to understand the correct answers. Subscribe for more TOEFL Listening practice with conversations. ♪♪♪

Speaker 2: I'm struggling to narrow down my research topic for the sociology project. Any suggestions?

Speaker 3: What about examining the effects of social media on interpersonal relationships among adolescents?

Speaker 2: That sounds interesting. Can you tell me more about it?

Speaker 3: Social media is a timely and relevant topic, especially considering its pervasive influence on young people's lives. You could investigate how social media usage affects the quality of friendships, romantic relationships, and family dynamics among adolescents.

Speaker 2: That's a fascinating angle. I could conduct surveys or interviews to gather data on adolescents' social media habits and their perceptions of interpersonal relationships.

Speaker 3: Exactly. You may also want to consider incorporating theories from sociology and psychology to provide theoretical frameworks for your analysis.

Speaker 2: I hadn't thought about integrating theories into my research. Can you recommend any specific ones?

Speaker 3: Certainly. Social exchange theory, for example, could be useful for understanding how individuals weigh the costs and benefits of their social interactions on social media platforms.

Speaker 2: That sounds like a valuable perspective to incorporate into my research.

Speaker 3: Additionally, consider the ethical implications of your research, especially when working with adolescent participants. Ensure that you obtain informed consent and protect their privacy and confidentiality throughout the study.

Speaker 2: Of course. Ethical considerations are crucial. I'll prioritize ethical guidelines in designing and conducting my research.

Speaker 3: Excellent. Remember to stay flexible with your research design and methodology as you delve deeper into the topic. New insights may emerge that require adjustments to your approach.

Speaker 2: I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for your guidance, Professor. I feel more confident about moving forward with my research proposal now.

Speaker 3: You're welcome. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance.

Speaker 2: I will. Thanks again, Professor.

Speaker 4: 1. What is the main purpose of the conversation between the student and the professor? 2. What research topic does the professor suggest to the student? 3. Based on the conversation, what can be inferred about the student's interest in the suggested research topic? 4. How does the professor suggest the student approach the research topic? 5. How does the professor advise the student to incorporate theories into the research?

Speaker 1: 6. How did it go? Were you able to answer the questions correctly? Like, comment, and subscribe for more TOEFL listening practice.