Listening comprehension 1

W: Professor White, I hope I’m not interrupting, but you wanted to see me?
M: Oh, hello, Susan. Yes, yes. Come right in. Well, the reason I wanted to talk to you was that while you’re presenting your linguistics project in class the other day, I was thinking you’re a perfect candidate for the Deans Undergraduate Research Fund.
W: Emm... Professor, I am really not sure what that is.
M: Undergraduate Research Fundis... It is a mouth for…, I suppose... OK, here is the thing. Every year the school has a pool of money to fund a number of research projects of undergraduate students, because as you can imagine, in-depth research often requires monetary support.
W: I would like to expand on my research.
M: Good. First, a panel of professors reviews the applicants for the grant, and then they decide which project should be funded. A lot of money could be used for travel expenses to attend a conference for example, or things like supplies, research equipment, resources that are necessary to conduct the research.
W: I see.
M: Right. And I think you should apply for this grant. Your project is definitely eligible and you can expand it if you haven’t necessary resources. So does it sound like something you would be interested in?
W: Oh, yeah, sounds great! I thought the topic I work on was very interesting and it is certainly relevant to my linguistics major. I assume it we’ll also look good when I try to get into a graduate school, but how do I apply for the grant?
M: It is pretty straightforward. A brief description of your proposed project and an estimated budget —how much you need to spend and what you intend to spend it on. Also a glowing letter of recommendation from our linguistics professor wouldn’t hurt, which I’ve been more than happy to write up for you.
W: OK, cool! I’m pretty clear on how to carry out my project, but I’m not sure where I can find more information on the subject.
M: Well, I’ve already thought of that. There is this private library at university in Boston. By the way, because I graduated from that school, I can get you access to it, no problem. You see, the library houseslots of unpublished documents that are relevant to your topic.
W: So I can put that on the application for the grant that I plan on using material from that library for my research and figure a trip to Boston into my budget?
M: Exactly. I really think judging from your work in class and the relevance and clarity of this project, you really have a good chance of getting the funding.
W: OK, I’ll definitely apply then.
M: The sooner, the better. It is due in a few of weeks. And I’ll get that letter written up right away.

Q1: What is Susan most probably?
Q2: What is Susan talking about with Professor White?
Q3: Who will decide which project should be funded?
Q4: Which of the following cannot be covered by the research fund?
Q5: Apart from a brief description of the proposed project and a letter of recommendation, what else is needed for a plan for the grant?

【解析】

本對話選自校園日常生活，相對簡單。主要內容是教授與學生談論如何申請學校的研究項目。文章一開篇談到教授為什么認為學生是該研究項目最合適的人選，緊接著學生針對自己對該項目不清楚的一些地方進行了詢問。教授給出了詳盡的思路：包括申請材料準備、項目計劃、項目目標、預算等；他還指出自己能幫忙從他的母校獲取資料以及給學生寫推薦信。總體而言，在一問一答的對話中，抓聽時，注意聽問題的答案是關鍵！