NARRATOR：

Now listen to two students discussing the letter.

MALE STUDENT：

Did you see this letter, Molly?

FEMALE STUDENT：

Yeah, but I don't agree with him.

MALE STUDENT：

Why not?

FEMALE STUDENT：

Well, it might have some educational benefit for the people doing it,

but overall, for the other students who are actually taking the classes, it wouldn't be good.

MALE STUDENT：

How come?

FEMALE STUDENT：

Because anyone who is taking the class for a grade... for credit... puts in a lot of time preparing for it, doing the reading and assignments...

whereas people who aren't,

they might not be as well prepared...

and that would affect the quality of the class discussion.

MALE STUDENT：

You mean the discussions wouldn't be at a very high level?

FEMALE STUDENT：

Right, because people who aren't taking the class for a grade would be asking really basic questions...

they'll be slowing down the class discussion by taking time to discuss basic stuff that was already covered in the reading assignments.

MALE STUDENT：

That's a good point. I can see how that might happen.

FEMALE STUDENT：

Plus, he's wrong about the work it requires for the professor.

MALE STUDENT：

But it's true the professor doesn't have to grade anything.

FEMALE STUDENT：

Sure, but there are lots of other, little things that can add up to more work...

like they'd have to prepare extra handouts for the class,

learn extra names... and, well, possibly stay after class to answer those students' questions.

MALE STUDENT：

Yeah, I guess that's all extra work.

FEMALE STUDENT：

Absolutely.All these little things add up...

and require the professor's attention.