TOEFL Speaking Task 2

Campus Announcement: Starting next semester, the university library will extend its hours during finals week from 10 PM to midnight. The extended hours will provide additional study space for students preparing for exams. However, to cover the costs of staffing and utilities, the library will charge a small fee of $2 per hour for use of the extended hours, which students can pay with their student ID cards.

M: Did you see the announcement about the library staying open later during finals? I think it's a great idea. W: Really? I'm not so sure. The fee bothers me. M: But think about it—the library is always packed during finals. Extra time means more chances to get a quiet spot. I'd happily pay a few bucks to avoid studying in my noisy dorm. W: I guess, but I already pay tuition. Why should I pay extra for something that should be part of the library service? M: Well, the fee covers real costs like hiring more staff and electricity. It's not like they're making a profit. Plus, if you study for two hours, it's only $4—less than a coffee. W: True, but what about students who can't afford it? They might feel forced to leave early. M: The announcement says they can still use the library until 10 PM for free. The extra time is just an option. Most students can plan around it. W: I see your point. I guess it's a reasonable trade-off, but I still wish it were free. M: Fair enough. But for me, the convenience outweighs the cost.