# Discussing a Research Proposal With a Supervisor: ESL Listening Dialogue (C1)

> Free C1 ESL listening dialogue. A PhD student and supervisor refine the scope of a research proposal. Script, vocabulary, questions and AI audio.

Canonical: https://zenmic.com/esl/dialogues/research-supervisor/
Last updated: 2026-10-20

CEFR C1 • Academic English

A C1 English listening dialogue. A PhD student and supervisor refine the scope of a research proposal. Use it for listening practice, role play or homework, and generate the audio in a US, UK or Australian accent.

Opens the Studio with this script loaded and a voice for each speaker. Change any line or accent, then generate the MP3 for your class. No sign-up needed to try.

## Dialogue Script (2 speakers)

Supervisor: I've read your proposal, Amira. The topic is fascinating, but the scope is far too broad. Amira: I was worried about that. I wanted to cover urban migration across all of South Asia. Supervisor: In three years, that simply isn't feasible. You'd end up with shallow data everywhere. Amira: So I should narrow it down to one country? Supervisor: I'd go further. One city, and one group, say young women moving for factory work. Amira: That would let me do in-depth interviews rather than just surveys. Supervisor: Exactly. A mixed methodology: a short survey for context, then qualitative interviews. Amira: That feels much more manageable. Should I rewrite the research questions first? Supervisor: Yes. Send me a revised draft in two weeks, and we'll discuss it.

Want your own version? The AI writes a fresh script and casts a voice for every speaker. [Make a New One Like This →](https://zenmic.com/studio/?template=esl-listening-dialogue&topic=C1+listening+dialogue%3A+Discussing+a+Research+Proposal+With+a+Supervisor.+A+PhD+student+and+supervisor+refine+the+scope+of+a+research+proposal.)

## Key Vocabulary

scope

The range of things a study covers.

feasible

Possible to do in practice.

methodology

The methods used in research.

to narrow down

To make something smaller and more focused.

## Comprehension Questions

1. What is the problem with the original proposal?
2. How does the supervisor suggest narrowing it down?
3. What methodology do they agree on?

Tip: after you generate the audio, open its **Lesson view** for a printable transcript, vocabulary list and quiz with answers.

## How to Use It in Class

- **Before listening:** pre-teach the key vocabulary and ask students to predict what happens.
- **First listen:** students answer the comprehension questions without the script.
- **Second listen:** give out the script and have students underline useful phrases.
- **Speaking:** pairs role-play the dialogue, then change one detail and improvise.

## More C1 Dialogues

[📚 C1 Academic Seminar Debate Two students debate whether university education should be free.](https://zenmic.com/esl/dialogues/academic-debate/) [🤖 C1 Debating AI in the Workplace Two professionals discuss whether AI will replace or empower workers.](https://zenmic.com/esl/dialogues/ai-at-work/) [🎙️ C1 A Media Interview With a CEO A journalist challenges a CEO about a product recall.](https://zenmic.com/esl/dialogues/media-interview/) [🗣️ C1 Networking and Small Talk at a Conference Two professionals strike up a conversation between sessions and swap contacts.](https://zenmic.com/esl/dialogues/conference-small-talk/)

[← All ESL listening dialogues](https://zenmic.com/esl/dialogues/)

## Need This at a Different Level?

Change the level, the situation or the target words. ZenMic writes a new dialogue and voices it in a minute.

[Make a Custom Dialogue →](https://zenmic.com/studio/?template=esl-listening-dialogue&topic=C1+listening+dialogue%3A+Discussing+a+Research+Proposal+With+a+Supervisor.+A+PhD+student+and+supervisor+refine+the+scope+of+a+research+proposal.)