NarratorListen to part of a conversation between two students.Now get ready to

Narrator
Listen to part of a conversation between two students.
Maggie Hey, Jim, what a coincidence to see you here! Long time no see!
Jim Yeah, me too. Hey, just as old friends, I gotta tell you...you don’t look that well. Are you sick or something?
Maggie Well, not really. Seems really serious?
Jim Um, not that bad. But...what’s wrong?
Maggie Guess what? It’s the same old story of an overworked undergraduate student. I am up to my neck on one project.
Jim How did you end up like this? Is the timeframe limited or it’s near the deadline?
Maggie Actually I am working on a project that has to be done by the end of this month.
Jim Oh, that’s it. Can’t you speak to your professor about that?
Maggie About what? The project or something else?
Jim Of course the project. Maybe he would allow an extension and you will then have some breathing space. Maggie Fat chance. You’ve never met him, right? Jim Exactly. What is he like?
Maggie You know, my professor is one of those workaholic types and he expects everyone that works with him has to be the same way. You know, sometimes he sleeps four hours a night but can still keep going during the day.
Jim Wow, sounds like your professor is really nuts. I don’t mind working hard, but not to the point of killing myself. Hope you can get your project done without any hitches.
Maggie What about you? I heard the faculty building is being constructed on campus. A big project it seems by the looks of things, and it’s nearly completed, I think.
Jim Well, not quite there yet. They still have not decided whether they should move there or not.
Maggie What’s the Department Dean’s opinion?
Jim He wants me to mark papers and do some administration work for them. I have to make a decision by the end of this week.
Maggie That is a tough decision, isn’t it? I would jump on the offer if I had one. To work with some of these academic types must be interesting.
Jim Sure it is. I would not think twice if I didn’t have such a heavy load this semester. Besides, my girlfriend isn’t keen on me always spending time at school.
Maggie I can understand how she feels. Maybe you can ask for a light load. Perhaps you should request to work only on certain days.
Jim That’s true. Then I wouldn’t have to work under a workaholic professor any more.
Maggie Hey, Jim. Do you think I have any chance of getting some work there?
Jim Hmm...are you serious about working there? I thought you were joking.
Now get ready to answer the questions. You may use your notes to help you answer.
6. What is the main topic of the discussion?
7. What decision does the man need to make?
8. What would Jim’s girlfriend prefer him to do?
9. What can be inferred about the woman’s work intention?
Listen again to part of the conversation. Then answer the question.
Maggie
Hey, Jim. Do you think I have any chance of getting some work there?
Jim
Hmm...are you serious about working there? I thought you were joking.
10. Why does Jim say this?
Jim
I thought you were joking.