Passage #1: Answer Key
1. B (Gist-Purpose)
A seems like the correct answer at first because the conversation starts with the student and professor talking about the student’s paper, but then the student says that she wants to talk to the professor about the student exchange program. She then reveals that she wants to study specifically in Guatemala. So B is the correct answer. She says:
”– Speaking of real-world applications… that’s sort of what I wanted to talk to you about… the student exchange program.
– Oh sure absolutely. Are you thinking of going somewhere? That’s a great program.
– Well, I have a couple of places in mind… but I really have my heart set on Guatemala.”
2. B, C (Detail)
In the beginning, the professor mentions that Christy wrote her paper about farming practices on $10 a day, but Christy does not say this is a reason she wants to go to Guatemala, so A is not correct. Also, D is not correct because she says that she knows a little bit of Spanish, but not that she necessarily wants to learn more. Instead, she says she wants to go to Guatemala because she has already done research on it and it has the agricultural, economic, and environmental conditions that she wants to continue studying.
“ -I think Guatemala would be the most relevant place for me… it would be perfect to go there so I can do some research about my ideas.
-I can see where you’re coming from Christy. I think you have some good reasons. I hate to tell you this, but the exchange program in Guatemala is only for Spanish majors, and the Spanish department is usually pretty strict about that. Nooo, there has to be some way I can go. I’ve already done so much research about it. Guatemala is perfect for my research. It has the exact type of agricultural practices, economy, and environmental conditions I want to study and explore.”
3. A (Detail)
A is the correct answer. C and D are never mentioned in the conversation. The professor says explicitly that the program in Guatemala is only for Spanish majors, therefore Christy technically cannot go. In addition, the professor mentions twice that the Spanish department generally does not let students who are not Spanish majors go on the trip. Even though the Spanish department is in charge, the reason she cannot go is that she is not a Spanish major, which is why B is incorrect. He says:
”– I can see where you’re coming from Christy. I think you have some good reasons. I hate to tell you this, but the exchange program in Guatemala is only for Spanish majors, and the Spanish department is usually pretty strict about that.
– Nooo, there has to be some way I can go. I’ve already done so much research about it. Guatemala is perfect for my research. It has the exact type of agricultural practices, economy, and environmental conditions I want to study and explore.
– You make a fair argument, but have you thought of other places? I really wouldn’t want you to get your hopes up, since it’s a program run by the Spanish department and I can’t remember the last time a student was able to go who wasn’t a Spanish major.”
4. B, C (Detail)
Near the end of the conversation, when the professor agrees to talk to the Spanish department, he tells Christy why he thinks it could be a good idea for her to go to Guatemala. He says:
“Look, I want you to have the opportunity to go, and I agree that it could be an ideal place for your research. Since you are very passionate about going, I will talk to the person in charge of the situation and see if they can find a way to accommodate you”
So B and C are the correct answers. D is not correct because the professor never mentions that Christy knowing some Spanish will help her situation. Choice A is never mentioned or implied.
5. B (Understanding the Function)
D looks like it could be the correct answer, but the reason for the question is not out of curiosity. The professor agrees with Christy that she has good reasons to go to Guatemala. He says:
“You make a fair argument, but have you thought of other places?” Having already told Christy she probably will not be able to go to Guatemala because she is not a Spanish major, the professor wants to see if Christy has any other options in mind. Therefore, B is the best option.