Reading Passage

The university library will extend its operating hours starting next semester. The new schedule will be from 8:00 AM to midnight, seven days a week. This change aims to provide students with more flexibility and convenience, especially during exam periods. The decision was made following feedback from student surveys and a review of library usage patterns. The university hopes that the extended hours will better accommodate students’ diverse study habits and schedules.

Listening Transcript

Emma: Hey, did you hear about the library’s new hours? I think it’s awesome! Finally, we can study later in the library if we need to.

Jake: Yeah, I saw the announcement. I’m not sure if it’s really that beneficial, though. I mean, do we really need the library open until midnight?

Emma: Well, think about it. Some of us have classes and part-time jobs during the day. It’s hard to find quiet time to study. Plus, during exams, the library gets so crowded. With these new hours, we can spread out our study time more.

Jake: I get that, but won’t it cost more to keep it open longer? I heard they might reduce other services to cover the expenses.

Emma: Maybe, but I think it’s worth it. Having the library open late is a huge help for night owls like me who work better in the evening. It’s all about giving students more options, right?

Speaking Task Instruction

The reading passage describes a campus policy or announcement. The student in the conversation expresses an opinion about it and gives reasons. Summarize the announcement and explain the student’s opinion and reasons. Preparation time: 30 seconds, Response time: 60 seconds.

Sample Student Response

The university announced that the library will extend its hours to be open from 8 AM to midnight daily. In the conversation, Emma supports this change. She argues that extended hours will benefit students with busy schedules, such as those with classes or jobs during the day, as it provides more time to study. She also mentions that the library tends to be crowded during exams, and longer hours allow students to study at different times, reducing crowding. Emma believes that the extended hours are worth any potential additional costs because it provides more flexibility for students who study better in the evening.