TOEFL Speaking Task 2

Campus Announcement: Starting next semester, the university will extend library hours to 24/5 (Sunday night through Friday night) to accommodate late-night study needs. To fund this, the library will reduce its print journal subscriptions by 20% and rely more on digital access. Additionally, a small hourly fee will be charged for using the 24-hour study rooms after midnight.

Student 1 (Tom): Did you see the announcement about the library? I'm really excited about the 24/5 hours. As a night owl, I often have to leave at midnight when I'm in the zone. Now I can study all night before my morning exams. Student 2 (Sarah): I see your point, but I'm concerned about the fee. After midnight, it's like $3 an hour, right? That could add up quickly for students on a budget. Plus, reducing print journals is a big loss for humanities majors like me—I often need physical copies for research, and digital versions aren't always available. Tom: That's true, but I think the fee is only for the dedicated study rooms, not the main reading areas. And digital access is actually more efficient—you can search and bookmark. The library is just adapting to modern needs. Sarah: Maybe, but not everyone has reliable internet off-campus, and the fee still feels unfair. I'd rather have fewer hours and keep the resources free and accessible.