Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- excessive / ɛkˈsɛsɪv / (adj) – being greater than the normal amount
Example:The teacher disciplined the students for their excessive talking during class.
- rowdy / ˈraʊdi / (adj) – noisy
Example:I couldn’t stand rowdy children.
- hefty / ˈhɛfti / (adj) – very large
Example:Parents struggle to pay the hefty school fees.
- impose / ɪmˈpoʊz / (v) – to put something into effect in a forceful way
Example:The school will impose punishments for students caught cheating.
- courtesy / ˈkɚtəsi / (n) – the quality of being polite or respectful
Example:The elderly man asked his daughter to teach his rude grandson courtesy.
Article
Read the text below.
University of Bristol (UoB) students who create excessive noise will be asked to pay a fine.
Statistics revealed that complaints about general noise and rowdy house parties hosted by students have increased by 52% and 24% during the academic years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, respectively. Many residents have expressed distress over disturbances that students and their activities caused.
As a result of the disturbances, UoB came up with a new rule requiring students who reside in a property that received a noise complaint to pay a $120 fine if misbehavior is proven. Aside from a $300 fine for repeated offenses, an additional $64 will be charged to shoulder attendance fees for a behavior awareness seminar. The fines will be gathered into a community fund used for activities that encourage students to engage in their community.
Since the new rule’s implementation, UoB students expressed mixed reactions about it. One student said that the fine is hefty and could discourage excessive noise and loud parties. Meanwhile, another student commented that fines might not have a significant impact because house party organizers might begin imposing party entrance fees. Another student also said that the university should teach students the importance of courtesy instead of implementing fines.
Discussions about student noise started with “The Noise Pages,” a website that allows Bristol residents to report complaints. Andrew Waller, “The Noise Pages” creator, wrote that the website aims to help Bristol residents respond to noise. In the website, Waller emphasized the importance of having UoB students understand the local rules and their university’s guide to community living to promote better relationship with the community.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
• Do you agree with UoB’s implementation of the fine? Why or why not?
• What do you think are other ways to control or prevent noise caused by students’ house parties? Discuss.
Discussion B
• Why is it important to teach courtesy to students?
• What strategies can teachers use to teach courtesy to students?
