Mary:  Hey Alexis, I am glad you decided to come over to my house to study for our upcoming exam.  The sociology test seems to be very difficult.  I have studied all the materials, but I am still not confident about my performance this Friday.

Alexis:  Yes, this test is going to be hard, but since you have covered all the materials, you

should be adequately prepared.  I have read all the chapters, but I have not studied the notes from the lectures.  Let’s do a review starting from chapter one and then we will work our way up through chapter three.  Does that sound OK to you?

Mary:  That sounds like a good idea.  Let’s start!

Alexis:  Well, in chapter one, the book covers the three fundamental points of view on sociology. Do you know what these three points of view are?

Mary:  Yes, I think I do.  They are the Functionalist, the Conflict, and the Interactionist perspectives.  Is that right?

Alexis:  Yes!  You got it!  Good job!

Mary:  Thanks, Alexis!  But what does each perspective believe?

Alexis:  Well, you know what the Functionalist Perspective talks about.  It is the easiest to remember.

Mary:  Oh yes!  That one talks about how everyone has a function in society.  It states that everyone has a function in life where their collective actions will be put together for the benefit of society.

Alexis:  That is correct!  No need to ask, but I think you understand very well what the other two perspectives are all about, right?

Mary:  Yes, I can explain very precisely what they are. There is no need for me to do a review on them.  Let’s finish the other chapters.

Alexis:  Well, how about you quiz me on chapter two.

Mary:  Sure.  Well, in chapter two, the book discusses Max Weber.  Who was Max Weber and what was his opinion on the issue of organization?

Alexis:  Well, Max Weber was one of the founders of the modern study of sociology. He believed that organizing requires communication, coordination, and control.

Mary:  That is correct!  You are doing really well too, Alexis!

Alexis:  Thanks Mary!  I feel pretty good about chapter two.  Let’s take a break right now and we will finish going over the main parts of chapter three when we come back.

Mary:  Chapter three is the most difficult chapter. I have read the chapter twice on top of reviewing all my lecture notes, and it is still quite confusing. Maybe I just made a big deal out of nothing.

Alexis: Chapter three covers quite a few different concepts. It might be better for us to write down each concept and then carefully do a comparison of their similarities and differences. I bet our teacher will ask us to write a short essay on each concept as part of the exam.

Mary: Do you think so? I better get myself prepared since we only have an hour to finish the exam. I am never good at writing as I always have difficulties putting my thoughts on paper. I have worked so hard to overcome this problem, but I still have not improved much. Maybe, I have a tendency of over analyzing things.

Alexis: I do not think that is your problem. It is probably a case of anxiety. Try to relax and take it easy. Things get worse when you do not have control of yourself.

Mary: I know, I know. However, I cannot help it. It is good that you suggested we take a break. I need to have a clear mind when we start on chapter three. Let’s go find something to eat and listen to some soothing music for a while.

Alexis: OK, Mary.

Expressions used in the conversation

Come over to somebody’s house

Upcoming exam

I am not confident about

Be adequately prepared

Work one’s way up

You got it!

 Good job!

Precisely

Quiz somebody

 That’s correct!

Feel good about something

Take a break

School of thoughts

It might be better to

As part of the exam

Putting one’s thoughts on paper