CEFR C1 • Academic English
Discussing a Research Proposal With a Supervisor: ESL Listening Dialogue (C1)
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.
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.
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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
- What is the problem with the original proposal?
- How does the supervisor suggest narrowing it down?
- 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.
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