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Listen to an Academic Talk Test #042
Listen to an Academic Talk
1. What is the professor's main point?
A) The internet has created new types of third places.
B) Third places are important for building community.
C) Workplaces are becoming more socially interactive.
D) People spend too much time in their homes.
2. According to the professor, what is a primary characteristic of a third place?
A) It is a location where people work.
B) It requires a formal membership to join.
C) It serves as a space for informal social interaction.
D) It is typically located far from people's homes.
3. What does the professor imply about a town with no cafes or public parks?
A) Its residents may have fewer opportunities for social connection.
B) Its residents probably work longer hours.
C) Its local economy is likely very strong.
D) It must have excellent online community forums.
4. Why does the professor mention "social isolation"?
A) To describe a common reason people go to third places
B) To question the conclusions of sociologist Ray Oldenburg
C) To highlight a negative consequence of the decline of third places
D) To explain why some people prefer to stay at home
Professor: We often think about our social lives as revolving around home and work. But sociologist Ray Oldenburg introduced a crucial third category he called "third places." These are social environments separate from the home—our "first place"—and the workplace—our "second place."
Third places are anchors of community life. Think of cafes, public libraries, parks, or even barbershops. They are places where people can gather, interact, and build relationships informally. A key characteristic of a third place is that it is on neutral ground; people are free to come and go as they please.
Conversation is the main activity, fostering a sense of community and connection among regulars. However, there's a growing concern that modern urban design and digital lifestyles are causing these vital community hubs to disappear, which could lead to greater social isolation for many individuals.
Third places are anchors of community life. Think of cafes, public libraries, parks, or even barbershops. They are places where people can gather, interact, and build relationships informally. A key characteristic of a third place is that it is on neutral ground; people are free to come and go as they please.
Conversation is the main activity, fostering a sense of community and connection among regulars. However, there's a growing concern that modern urban design and digital lifestyles are causing these vital community hubs to disappear, which could lead to greater social isolation for many individuals.
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