LISTENING

Paper-based TOEFL Computer-based TOEFL Paper-based TOEFL Computer-based TOEFL

  In Part A of the Listening section, you will hear
short conversations between two people. In
some of the conversations, each person speaks
only once. In other conversations, one or both
PART A of the people speak more than once. Each
conversation is followed by one question about
it.
 Each question in this part has four answer
choices.
EXAMPLE
  In Part B of the Listening section, you will hear
several longer conversations and talks. Each
conversation or talk is followed by several
questions. The conversations, talks, and
questions will not be repeated.
PART B  The conversations and talks are about a variety
of topics. You do not need special knowledge of
the topics to answer the questions correctly.
Rather, you should answer each question on
the basis of what is stated or implied by the
speakers in the conversations or talks
EXAMPLE
PART C
TALKS and
Lecturers
 1. Details.
Specific facts stated in a conversation.
 In some short conversations, you will hear all of
the information that you need to answer the
Types problem correctly. You will not need to draw
Problems in conclusions. When you hear a conversation
between two speakers, you must remember the
Short details that were stated.
Conversations
 2. Idiomatic Expressions.
Words and phrases that are characteristic of a particular
language with meanings that are usually different from the
meanings of each of the words used alone.
In some short conversations, you will hear idiomatic
expressions, such as "to kill time," which means to wait.
Types When you hear a conversation between two speakers, you
must listen for the idiomatic expressions.
Problems in You will be expected to recognize them and restate the
Short idiom or identify the feelings or attitudes of the speaker.
Conversations
 3. Suggestions.
Is a Recommendation
In some short conversations, you will hear words and
phrases that make a suggestion, such as "you should," "why
don't you," or "why not."
Types When you hear the words and phrases that introduce a
Problems in suggestion, you must be able to recognize and remember
what the speaker suggested, and who made the suggestion.
Short
Conversations
 4. Assumptions
a statement accepted as true without proof or
demonstration.
In some short conversations, an assumption is proven false,
and the speaker or speakers who had made the assumption
express surprise.
Types When you hear a conversation between two speakers, you
must be able to recognize remarks that register surprise,
Problems in and draw conclusions about the assumptions that the
Short speaker may have made.
Conversations
 5. Predictions
is a guess about the future based on evidence from the
present.
In some short conversations, you will be asked to make
predictions about the future activities of the speakers
involved
Types
When you hear a conversation between two speakers, you
Problems in must listen for evidence from which you may draw a logical
Short conclusion about their future activities
Conversations
 6. Implications
Implied means suggested, but not stated. In many ways,
implied conversations are like prediction conversations.
In some short conversations, you will hear words and
phrases or intonations that will suggest how the speakers
felt, what kind of work or activity they were involved in, or
Types where the conversation may have taken place.
When you hear a conversation between two speakers, you
Problems in must listen for information that will help you draw a
Short conclusion about the situation.
Conversations
 7. Problems
is a situation that requires discussion or solution.
In some short conversations, you will hear the speakers
discuss a problem.
When you hear a discussion between two speakers, you
Types must be able to identify what the problem is. This may be
Problems in more difficult because different aspects of the problem will
also be included in the conversation.
Short
Conversations
 8. Topics
A topic is a main theme in a conversation or in a piece of
writing.
In some short conversations, the speakers will discuss a
particular topic.
Types When you hear a conversation, you must be able to identify
Problems in the main topic from among several secondary themes that
support the topic.
Short
Conversations
 9. Academic Conversations
Academic conversations are conversations between
students and professors or other academic personnel on a
college or university campus.
In some longer conversations, you will hear an academic
Types of conversation between two speakers.
Problems in When you hear a conversation, you must be able to
Longer summarize the main ideas. You may also be asked to recall
important details.
Conversations
EXAMPLE
 10. Class Discussion
Class discussions are conversations that occur in
classrooms.
In some talks, you will hear a class discussion between two,
three, or more speakers.
Types of
When you hear a discussion, you must be able to summarize
Problems in the important ideas. You will usually NOT be required to
Talks and remember small details.
Lectures It will help you to audit some college classes.
 11. Academic Talks
Academic talks are short talks that provide orientation to
academic courses and procedures.
In some talks, you will hear academic talks on a variety of
Types of college and university topics.
Problems in When you hear a talk, you must be able to summarize the
main ideas. You must also be able to answer questions
Talks and about important details. You will usually not be asked to
Lectures remember minor details.
 12. Lecturers
Lectures are short talks that provide information about academic
subjects. They are like short lectures that might be heard in a
college classroom.
In some talks, you will hear academic information in a short
Types of lecture.
Problems in When you hear a lecture, you must be able to summarize the
Talks and important ideas. You must also be able to answer questions that
begin with the following words: who, what, when, where, why?
Lectures It will help you to listen to documentary programs on radio and
television. Programs on educational broadcasting networks are
especially helpful. Listen carefully. Ask yourself questions to test
your ability to remember the information.