Reading passage

The university library has announced a change in its operating hours. Starting next semester, the library will open at 8:00 AM instead of 7:00 AM and will close at 11:00 PM instead of midnight. The adjustment aims to optimize staff availability and reduce energy costs during early mornings and late nights. This change is expected to affect students who have early classes or prefer to study late at night. The administration believes this will also help maintain a safer environment on campus during non-peak hours.

Listening transcript

Student A: Hey, did you see the notice about the library hours changing next semester?

Student B: Yeah, I saw that. Honestly, I think it's a bad idea.

Student A: Really? Why do you think so?

Student B: Well, for one, I have early classes, and I usually go to the library before they start. Opening at 8:00 AM means I won't have time to do that anymore.

Student A: I guess that's true. But isn't it safer not having it open so late?

Student B: Maybe, but a lot of students, including me, like to study late at night. The library is a quiet place to focus. Also, I think they could explore other ways to save energy, like using energy-efficient lighting instead of cutting hours.

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 reading passage announces that the university library will change its hours next semester, opening at 8 AM and closing at 11 PM. In the conversation, the student disagrees with this change. They believe the later opening time is inconvenient for students with early classes who study beforehand. Additionally, the student argues that many prefer studying late at night for focus and suggests alternative energy-saving measures, like better lighting, instead of reducing library hours. Their main concerns are about losing valuable study time and the impact on student routines.