In this section of the test, you will be able to demonstrate your ability to speak about a variety of topics. You will answer six questions by recording your response. Answer each of the questions as completely as possible.
In questions 1 and 2, you will first hear a statement or question about familiar topics. You will then speak about these topics. Your response will be scored on your ability to speak clearly and coherently about the topics.
In questions 3 and 4, you will first read a short text. You will then listen to a talk on the same topic.
You will be asked a question about what you have read and heard. You will need to combine appropriate information from the text and the talk to provide a complete answer to the question. Your response will be scored on your ability to speak clearly and coherently and on your ability to accurately convey information about what you read and heard.
In questions 5 and 6, you will listen to part of a conversation or a lecture. You will be asked a question about what you heard. Your response will be scored on your ability to speak clearly and coherently and on your ability to accurately convey information about what you heard.
You may take notes while you read and while you listen to the conversations and lectures. You may use your notes to help prepare your response.
Listen carefully to the directions for each question. For each question you will be given a short time to prepare your response. When the preparation time is up, you will be told to begin your response.
START
1. Please listen carefully.
Describe a skill you have that will be important for your success in the modern world, and explain why this skill is so important. Include details and examples to support your explanation.
Preparation time: 15 seconds
Response time: 45 seconds
You may begin to prepare your response after the beep. Ptease begin speaking after the beep.
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START
2. Please listen carefully.
Some people work for a business, and some people work in their own business. Which would you prefer to do and why? Include details and examples in your explanation.
Preparation time: 15 seconds
Response time: 45 seconds
You may begin to prepare your response after the beep. Please begin speaking after the beep.
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START
3. Please listen carefully.
The University of the Rockies Financial Aid Office has posted information about work-study grants. You will have 45 seconds to read the announcement. Begin reading now.
PAUSE II (for 45 seconds)
Reading Time: 45 seconds
Financial Aid Office Announcement
The Work-Study Program gives undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to earn money on campus to pay for their education-related expenses. The pay is based on minimum wage, but can be higher, based on the job requirements. Students can earn up to $3,000 per year depending on financial need. To be eligible for consideration in the program, a student must be registered as a full-time student and must be able to demonstrate financial need. To obtain more information or to apply for one of the listed jobs, contact the Financial Aid Office in Buxley Hall.
Now listen to two students as they discuss the announcement.
Now get ready to answer the question.
The woman expresses her desire for a work-study job. State the requirements necessary for taking part in the program and explain the advantages discussed.
Preparation time: 30 seconds
Response time: 60 seconds
You may begin to prepare your response after the beep. Please begin speaking after the beep.
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START
4. Please listen carefully.
Read the passage about symbiotic relationships. You have 45 seconds to read the passage. Begin reading now.
PAUSE II (for 45 seconds)
Reading Time: 45 seconds
Symbiotic Relationships
Symbiosis refers to an intimate relationship between two organisms. This term does not indicate whether the relationship is beneficial or harmful to the organisms involved. Mutual symbiosis, or mutualism, occurs when both species gain some benefit from the relationship, whereas parasitism consists of a relationship in which one of the organisms benefits, while the other one is harmed. A third symbiotic relationship is that of commensalism. In commensalism, the relationship is beneficial to one of the organisms while the other neither benefits nor is harmed. A commensal organism can be either obligate or facultative. The obligate commensal cannot survive without its symbiotic partner. The facultative commensal can be found either living with its symbiotic partner or on its own.
Now listen to part of a lecture on this topic in a biology class.
Now get ready to answer the question.
The professor gives two examples of symbiotic relationships that change. Explain both examples in terms of what the original symbiotic relationship was and what symbiotic relationship it became.
Preparation time: 30 seconds
Response time: 60 seconds
You may begin to prepare your response after the beep. Please begin speaking after the beep.
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START
5. Please listen carefully.
Listen to a conversation between two students.
Now get ready to answer the question.
The students discuss the man's options. Describe his problem. Then state which of the options you prefer and explain why.
Preparation time: 20 seconds
Response time: 60 seconds
You may begin to prepare your response after the beep. Please begin speaking after the beep.
STOP ■
START
6. Please listen carefully.
Listen to part of a lecture in a cultural studies class.
Now get ready to answer the question.
Using points and examples from the lecture, explain how the media has contributed to misconceptions about the real world.
Preparation time: 20 seconds
Response time: 60 seconds
You may begin to prepare your response after the beep. Please begin speaking after the beep.