NARRATOR:
You will hear two students, Emma and Jack, planning an experiment on seed germination.
NARRATOR:
First, you have some time to look at questions 21 to 25.
NARRATOR:
Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 25.
EMMA:
Have you settled on a topic for the experiment?
JACK:
I want to investigate how seeds germinate, especially whether seed size and planting method affect the result.
EMMA:
Is that connected with your future plans?
JACK:
Eventually I may work in plant science, but that is not the immediate reason.
JACK:
There is an optional module in the third year about seed structure and function, and I may take it.
JACK:
If I do, I won't be doing the dissertation module.
EMMA:
Will the experiment fit into the time we have?
EMMA:
Germination can be slow.
JACK:
I check the schedule.
JACK:
If I begin this week, I can finish and analyze everything before the deadline.
JACK:
Several of the other possible experiments would take much longer.
EMMA:
At least it won't require unusual equipment.
EMMA:
The laboratory has plenty of what you need.
JACK:
I still need to speak to the tutor before I start.
JACK:
I'm fairly sure the aim is suitable, and the assignment is only a small part of the final mark.
EMMA:
Five percent, I think.
JACK:
What I really need to ask is whether another student has already chosen the same topic.
JACK:
We are supposed to avoid duplicating a project.
EMMA:
What have you found to read?
JACK:
I started with Graves' book because people recommend it.
JACK:
It contains recent material, including work on modified seeds, but it was far more theoretical than I expected and difficult to use for planning a practical experiment.
EMMA:
And the journal articles?
JACK:
The one by Lee Hall examines dormant seeds after fires.
JACK:
I knew the basic idea already, so the conclusion was not a shock.
JACK:
What impressed me was the careful statistical treatment of when the fires occurred and what proportion of seeds later grew.
JACK:
The helpful diagrams were in a different paper.
NARRATOR:
Before you hear the rest of the discussion, you have some time to look at questions 26 to 30.
NARRATOR:
Now listen and answer questions 26 to 30.
EMMA:
Let's set out the procedure.
EMMA:
What seeds will you use?
JACK:
Vegetable seeds should be easiest to obtain.
JACK:
I will choose about four different types, with a range of sizes, and use several of each.
EMMA:
Before planting them, you should measure the dimensions.
JACK:
Yes, and I'll weigh every seed as well, then record both measurements.
EMMA:
What about the planting conditions?
JACK:
The soil will be the same throughout.
JACK:
The variable will be depth, some seeds on the surface, some a few millimeters down, and others several centimeters below it.
EMMA:
Could you put several seeds in one pot?
JACK:
That might make it hard to identify them.
JACK:
I'll use a separate container for each seed and give everyone a clear label.
JACK:
Colors could help with the labels, but they are not what I am measuring.
EMMA:
How long will you wait?
JACK:
Roughly three weeks, depending on the weather.
JACK:
Then I'll note which seeds have appeared and measure the height of each plant.
EMMA:
After that, you can compare the results with the original seed measurements and planting depths.
JACK:
That's right, so...
NARRATOR:
That is the end of Part 3.
