Now, listen to two students discussing the letter.
Woman: Hey, dan, what about this letter? You think it would help?
Man: Oh, definitely! The problem is student assistants have to work at other jobs to make money, so thereal jobs always come first.
Woman: What do you mean?
Man: I mean, like one of my friends was working for a show last year as a production assistant, and he didn't show up for play rehearsal one night because his boss for his other job, his real job, told him he had to stay late at work. He had no choice.
Woman: So if he had been paid to do the show…
Man: Then he wouldn't even needed the other job. It wouldn't have gotten in the way because helping out with the play would have been his main job.
Woman: I guess that's true. But what about the training thing? Is that necessary?
Man: Oh, absolutely! You know, the equipment that assistants have to operate now is a lot more complicated than it used to be. You really need to know what you're doing, so you don't mess up.
Woman: Yeah, especially on the night of the performance.
Man: But having someone professional show them what to do, you know, someone who knows all about the latest equipment, show them step by step how to work it.
Woman: I see what you mean. Man: Not only would their skills improve, but the plays would be better too.
The man expresses his opinion of the student's proposal. Briefly summarize the proposal. Then state his opinion and explain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.
In the reading, a student proposes that the university's theater department should pay the assistants who help out with plays and also give them special training. Because those paid assistants would be more motivated to provide help and also they will be able to operate stage equipment more effectively with better training.
In a conversation, the man totally agrees with this proposal. Because, for one thing, many play assistants have other jobs, their main jobs, that pay them. So, if time conflicts occur, their real jobs always come first. Just like his friend who assisted at the theater department last year. He couldn’t make to one of the rehearsals just because the boss of his real job asked him to stay late at work.
For another, the equipment that assistants need to operate is a lot more complicated than before. But with better training from professional guys, those assistants won't be more able to mess things up. The performance will also be better.
