[originaltext]W: Well, I must admit my husband and I would’ve felt much happier

W: Well, I must admit my husband and I would’ve felt much happier if he’d chosen to do something else. Perhaps it’s still not too late for him to change his mind. You know, I could get him a good job with my own firm if he had a science degree. You know, and future possibilities... a great salary. opportunities to make a difference in the community, and supporting...
M: From what I know of him, Mrs. Harris, I don’t think he’s the sort of boy to change his mind, not in a hurry, at any rate. In any case, I think you ought to let him decide. Let him focus on his strengths and stick to what he is good at. If he enjoys art, don’t force a science major, or it will probably prove disastrous and he will end up changing later anyway.
W: But an artist, headmaster, what’s he going to live on?
M: Making a career as an artist isn’t easy, of course. But William’s always been interested in painting: you know that, and this field will give him the opportunity to live out his dream. It would be a good idea if you had a talk with your Art Master Mr. Simms. He can tell you more about the possibilities than I can. I know he thinks very highly of William’s work, though you’d better not tell William that I’ve said so.
W: I suppose I shouldn’t worry so much, headmaster. But I can’t say I like the idea—painting pictures and that, it doesn’t seem like real work to me.
M: On second thoughts, I think the best thing would be for me to have a word with Mr. Simms first and find out what he thinks of William’s chances of being accepted at art school. It’s a very liberal training, you know, not just painting pictures.
W: No, of course not. Thank you very much for your advice, headmaster. I’d be grateful if you let me know what Mr. Simms says.
M: I’ll do that, Mrs. Harris, and in the mean time, don’t worry about William. He’ll be all right so long as he does as well as he’s doing at present.
6. Why does Mrs. Harris want her son William to be a science degree holder?
7. What can we learn form the conversation?
8. What do we learn about the headmaster’s opinion?
9. According to the conversation, what do we learn about William’s art talent?
10. What does the headmaster suggest Mrs. Harris do at the end of the conversation?