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Unit 06
Campus English & Everyday Expressions
25 words and phrases for TOEFL conversations and announcements
Campus Words and Expressions
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| syllabus | a document listing the topics, readings and assignments of a course | The reading list is in the syllabus. |
| office hours | times when a professor is available to meet students | Come to my office hours if you're confused. |
| teaching assistant (TA) | a graduate student who helps teach a course | The TA leads the Friday discussion section. |
| elective | a course that students choose rather than one that is required | I'm taking photography as an elective. |
| prerequisite | a course you must complete before taking another | Biology 101 is a prerequisite for this class. |
| drop a class | stop taking a course after registering for it | You can drop a class without penalty in the first two weeks. |
| extension | extra time given to finish work | She asked for an extension on her essay. |
| registrar | the office that keeps student records and handles enrolment | Ask the registrar for a copy of your transcript. |
| transcript | an official record of a student's courses and grades | Graduate schools require an official transcript. |
| dorm | a building where students live | My dorm is right next to the library. |
| tuition | the money paid for teaching at a college | Tuition went up again this year. |
| financial aid | money given or lent to students to pay for their studies | Most students here receive some financial aid. |
| midterm | an exam in the middle of a term | The midterm covers chapters one to five. |
| pull an all-nighter | stay awake all night to study or work | I had to pull an all-nighter to finish the project. |
| I'm swamped | I have far too much work to do | I'm swamped this week — can we meet next Monday? |
| cut it close | leave very little time to do something | Leaving at 8:50 for a nine o'clock exam is cutting it close. |
| fall behind | fail to keep up with work or progress | If you miss classes, you will fall behind. |
| catch up | reach the same level as others after falling behind | I need to catch up on my reading this weekend. |
| sign up for | register to take part in something | Did you sign up for the chess club? |
| hand in | give work to a teacher | Please hand in your lab reports by Friday. |
| push back | move to a later time | The deadline has been pushed back a week. |
| on second thought | used when you change your mind | On second thought, let's meet at the café. |
| that makes sense | that is logical and easy to understand | Oh, that makes sense now — thanks for explaining. |
| I'm not sure I follow | I don't fully understand what you mean | Sorry, I'm not sure I follow — could you explain again? |
| no wonder | it is not surprising | You studied all night? No wonder you're tired. |