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Listen to an Academic Talk Test #018
Listen to an Academic Talk
1. What is the main topic of the lecture?
A) The design of modern suburban communities
B) The difference between work life and home life
C) A sociological concept for community spaces
D) How to increase productivity at work
2. Which of the following does the professor mention as an example of a third place?
A) A family home
B) A workplace office
C) A public library
D) A shopping mall
3. What does the professor imply about communities that lack third places?
A) They are generally safer and more private.
B) Their residents may have weaker social bonds.
C) They often have better-funded public services.
D) Their residents tend to work longer hours.
4. Why does the professor first mention home and work?
A) To introduce the main topic by contrast
B) To argue that they are not important
C) To suggest people spend too much time there
D) To list all the places a person might go
Professor: We're all familiar with our "first place"—home—and our "second place"—work or school. But today I want to introduce the concept of "third places," a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg.
Third places are public spaces that host the regular, voluntary, and informal gatherings of individuals. They are the anchors of community life. Examples include cafes, public libraries, barbershops, and parks.
These are places where you can relax and have conversations, places that foster a sense of belonging and social connection outside of your immediate family and colleagues. For a location to be a true third place, it must be accessible, welcoming, and a leveler—meaning a person's economic or social status doesn't matter.
A potential problem in many modern suburbs is the lack of these vital community-building spaces.
Third places are public spaces that host the regular, voluntary, and informal gatherings of individuals. They are the anchors of community life. Examples include cafes, public libraries, barbershops, and parks.
These are places where you can relax and have conversations, places that foster a sense of belonging and social connection outside of your immediate family and colleagues. For a location to be a true third place, it must be accessible, welcoming, and a leveler—meaning a person's economic or social status doesn't matter.
A potential problem in many modern suburbs is the lack of these vital community-building spaces.
Highlights
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