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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.

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.
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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

  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.

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