4. Evening Computer Classes May Be Added
Author
admin
Reading (45 seconds)
Evening Computer Classes May Be Added
The computer department is considering offering evening classes in the fall. The proposal to add the classes is a response to student complaints that daytime computer classes have become increasingly overcrowded and there are no longer enough computers available. The department has decided that despite some added expense, the most cost-effective way of addressing this problem is by adding computer classes in the evening. It is hoped that this change will decrease the number of students enrolled in day classes and thus guarantee individual access to computers for all students in computer classes.
Listening
Preparation time: 30 seconds
speaking time: 1 minute
Texts
M: I just don’t think this will work.
W: Why not?
M: Because it’s not gonna solve the problem. Students are busy at night, I mean, we have jobs, families, clubs, social events, most of us already have something to do every single night of the week.
W: I see your point. I sure couldn’t fit anything in my schedule during the week. I’ve got swimming practice most nights.
M: Right. And as far as the expense goes, I think they are going about the wrong way. I mean, it costs money to hire more teachers in keeping the academic building open later, which is a lot more expensive than just simply buying more computers.
W: More computers?
M: That’s right. Computer prices have come way down in the past few the years, so the department won’t have to spend this much now as they did in the past. Besides, the computer department classrooms, you know, the rooms themselves, they are actually very big. There’s plenty of space to add more computers.
Explanation
Reading part summary
The announcement in the reading passage: The computer department is considering offering evening classes in the fall.
The first reason: Evening classes would solve the problem of overcrowding and shortages of computers in daytime classes.
The second reason: Implementing evening classes presents a strategic and cost-effective solution to address the challenges of overcrowding and computer shortages.
Listening part summary
The female student’s opposition: The man holds reservations regarding the viability of this proposal.
The first reason: Given their busy schedules, which often include work commitments, club activities, and social events, many students would likely opt against enrolling in evening computer classes.
The second reason: Incorporating evening computer classes would entail significant expenses, as it would necessitate the hiring of additional teachers—a costlier option compared to expanding the computer inventory, especially considering the ample space available in classrooms for accommodating more computers.
(Sample answer)
The reading passage pertains to an announcement proposing the consideration of offering evening classes in the computer department during the fall semester.
In the ensuing conversation, the man expresses skepticism towards the viability of this proposition.
His initial contention rests upon the observation that students typically find their schedules increasingly occupied during the evenings, with commitments ranging from employment obligations to participation in extracurricular activities or social engagements. Consequently, the potential for enrollment in evening computer classes may be hampered.
His subsequent argument delves into the financial implications associated with introducing evening classes. He posits that the requirement to hire additional teaching staff would engender significant costs, surpassing the expenses incurred through the procurement of additional computer equipment. Hence, he advocates for a more financially pragmatic approach, favoring the expansion of technological resources over the augmentation of teaching personnel.
Evening Computer Classes May Be Added
The computer department is considering offering evening classes in the fall. The proposal to add the classes is a response to student complaints that daytime computer classes have become increasingly overcrowded and there are no longer enough computers available. The department has decided that despite some added expense, the most cost-effective way of addressing this problem is by adding computer classes in the evening. It is hoped that this change will decrease the number of students enrolled in day classes and thus guarantee individual access to computers for all students in computer classes.
Listening
Preparation time: 30 seconds
speaking time: 1 minute
Texts
M: I just don’t think this will work.
W: Why not?
M: Because it’s not gonna solve the problem. Students are busy at night, I mean, we have jobs, families, clubs, social events, most of us already have something to do every single night of the week.
W: I see your point. I sure couldn’t fit anything in my schedule during the week. I’ve got swimming practice most nights.
M: Right. And as far as the expense goes, I think they are going about the wrong way. I mean, it costs money to hire more teachers in keeping the academic building open later, which is a lot more expensive than just simply buying more computers.
W: More computers?
M: That’s right. Computer prices have come way down in the past few the years, so the department won’t have to spend this much now as they did in the past. Besides, the computer department classrooms, you know, the rooms themselves, they are actually very big. There’s plenty of space to add more computers.
Explanation
Reading part summary
The announcement in the reading passage: The computer department is considering offering evening classes in the fall.
The first reason: Evening classes would solve the problem of overcrowding and shortages of computers in daytime classes.
The second reason: Implementing evening classes presents a strategic and cost-effective solution to address the challenges of overcrowding and computer shortages.
Listening part summary
The female student’s opposition: The man holds reservations regarding the viability of this proposal.
The first reason: Given their busy schedules, which often include work commitments, club activities, and social events, many students would likely opt against enrolling in evening computer classes.
The second reason: Incorporating evening computer classes would entail significant expenses, as it would necessitate the hiring of additional teachers—a costlier option compared to expanding the computer inventory, especially considering the ample space available in classrooms for accommodating more computers.
(Sample answer)
The reading passage pertains to an announcement proposing the consideration of offering evening classes in the computer department during the fall semester.
In the ensuing conversation, the man expresses skepticism towards the viability of this proposition.
His initial contention rests upon the observation that students typically find their schedules increasingly occupied during the evenings, with commitments ranging from employment obligations to participation in extracurricular activities or social engagements. Consequently, the potential for enrollment in evening computer classes may be hampered.
His subsequent argument delves into the financial implications associated with introducing evening classes. He posits that the requirement to hire additional teaching staff would engender significant costs, surpassing the expenses incurred through the procurement of additional computer equipment. Hence, he advocates for a more financially pragmatic approach, favoring the expansion of technological resources over the augmentation of teaching personnel.