Section 1: Listening

Try the following Listening examples. Remember that in the real test you will hear these parts, and you will not be allowed to write down any notes while you listen. You will hear each section once only.

In the following examples, the parts you would hear in the actual test are shown in red. The parts you would read in the actual test are shown in blue.

hear

read

M = man

W = woman

Part A: Short dialogues

In Part A you will hear several informal short dialogues with two speakers discussing some aspect of college life. These dialogues can be about social or academic life. You will be expected to recognize some idiomatic language that is common in North America. Sometimes each speaker will only speak once. Other times each speaker will take two turns. Each dialogue is followed by a multiple choice question with four choices.

Question types:

• What does the man/woman mean?
• What does the man/woman imply?
• What does "word from dialogue" refer to?
• What can be inferred from the dialogue?
• What are the speakers discussing?
• What is the man/woman's problem?

Example 1:

M: You'll never guess what I got on my Biology exam. W: You mean the one you were so sure that you failed last week? M: Yeah. I got the top mark in the class, and finally boosted my GPA. W: I guess all of your late night studying finally paid off. What does the woman mean?

A) The man paid for a tutor. B) The man didn't study during the day. C) The man worked hard for his grade. D) The man likes to socialize.

Explanation:

• Choice A is a literal distractor. In this case the word "paid" does not mean pay money. "Paid off" in this context means "was worth the effort". It is common to find this type of distractor after the question, "What does a person mean?"
• Choice B is a distractor known as opposites. When you hear something such as "late night" in a dialogue, you might find opposite information such as "during the day" in one of the answer choices. If there are two opposites among the choices, one of them is usually the correct choice.
• Choice D expects you to associate "late night" with socializing.

The correct answer is C.

Example 2:

M: I came home for a nap between classes and I slept right through my alarm. W: You look pretty worried about it. Did you miss an important class? M: Yeah. I missed the last class before the astronomy final. We were supposed to be getting exam hints. W: Why don't you bug Andrea for the notes. I have her number if you want it. What does the woman suggest the man do?

A) Ask Andrea about the computer virus. B) Call a classmate for the information. C) Number the pages of his astronomy notes. D) Ask her for a wake up call before the exam.

Explanation:

• Choice A uses the same word different meaning distractor. A "bug" is a computer virus. It also means "to pester or bother" someone.
• Choice C also contains a word with a different meaning. In the dialogue, "number" means phone number. In choice C it is a verb.
• Choice D associates "alarm" and "slept in" with "wake up".

The correct answer is B.

Example 3:

M: I'm trying out for the varsity football team next September. Do you think I have a chance? W: Not unless you start hitting the books as often as you go to the gym. My brother said you need a B average on your finals to even be considered. What does the woman imply?

A) The man is not fit enough for the team. B) It's too early to be considered for next September. C) The man's marks aren't good enough for tryouts. D) Her brother is the captain of the varsity team.

Part B/C: Conversations, Academic discussions, Mini-lectures

In Part B/C you will hear several longer listening passages that use formal and informal language. There are a few different types you should be prepared for. The first are called Long conversations. These are similar to Part A, except that they last at least a minute long. The topics are usually about college life. Academic Conversations are usually longer in length and have at least three speakers. These are typically conversations that would take place in a classroom or study session. Students, professors, and other campus workers speak on a certain subject. Mini Lectures involve only one speaker. These lectures test your ability to comprehend academic subject material spoken by a professor. You will hear topics on just about every type of subject, from Biology, to Art, to Geology. It is not necessary for you to learn any background material for this section. Everything you need to know to answer the questions will be stated in the lecture. There are many types of questions in this section. The questions are generally in the same order as the information presented.

Question types:

• What is the talk mainly about?
• What is the purpose of the lecture?
• "Wh" fact and detail questions
• Matching
• Sequence (put in order)
• Click on the picture or diagram
• What does the man/woman imply?
• What can be inferred?
• What will probably happen next?

Example 1: Casual conversation

M: I'm excited about going to the concert at the campus pub on Saturday. It's supposed to be the best show of the year. You're coming, aren't you? W: I wish I could, but I already promised Lisa that I would cover both of her night shifts at the movie store this weekend. M: Why did you do that? Did you forget about the concert? W: Actually, I really need the hours. Next semester is going to be really expensive. I have to buy a new psychology textbook that is going to cost me more than one hundred dollars. M: Have you looked in the used book store for it? I never buy my math textbooks new. W: That's what I would normally do, but it's a new edition this year. Some of the chapters are different, so I really need to buy the new one. M: That's too bad. I wish you could come to the concert. If it makes you feel any better, Matt won't be able to come either. W: Why is that? It's his favorite band! M: He has to go home for the weekend. His sister is getting married. Now get ready to answer the questions. 1. What are the speakers discussing?

A) Their plans for next semester B) Why the woman can't go to the concert C) Their favorite band D) A psychology class

Explanation:

• Choice A is incorrect because they are discussing a "book" from next semester not a "plan". This type of question wants you to find the main idea.
• Choice C is incorrect because it is Matt's favorite band. Matt is not one of the speakers.
• Choice D confuses psychology "class" and "textbook". Again, it is not the main idea.

The correct answer is B.

2. What will the woman do on Saturday?

A) Work at the bookstore. B) Go to the movies. C) Cover a friend's shift. D) Go to a concert.

Explanation:

• Choice A is mentioned but is not where she is going to work.
• Choice B is also mentioned, but she is going to work at a "movie store". The "movies" means the "cinema".
• Choice D is what she wants to do.

The correct answer is C.

3. What can be inferred from the conversation?

A) The woman never works on weekends. B) The man and woman take the same courses. C) Matt would like to go to the concert too. D) The new psychology book might sell out.

Explanation:

• Choice A is not mentioned. This may be true, but you can't be sure. In TOEFL you need the "best" answer.
• Choice B is incorrect because the man takes math and the woman takes psychology.
• Choice D is incorrect because this is not the woman's worry. She is worried about having enough money to buy the book.

The correct answer is C. (It's Matt's favorite band, so obviously he would like to go to the concert.)

Example 2: Academic discussion

M1 (professor): There is one more section I'd like to spend a few moments reviewing before we close our books for the day. Who here remembers the film we watched last month on hazardous wastes? W: You mean the one about computer and television monitors? Professor: Yes, that's the one Janette. In the film they discussed why some States are making it illegal to dump monitors into regular landfills. Can anyone remember the reason? Adam? M2: It's because of the cathode ray tubes, also known as CRT's, inside them. These tubes are high in lead content, and the lead can leak into the ground water. M1: Excellent. It's nice to know that some of you were listening. Does anyone remember the reason why manufacturers place lead in the CRT's of computer and TV monitors in the first place? W: The tubes are infused with lead in order to shield the viewer from harmful x-rays. There is no known alternative at this time, but I think the film said that researchers are working on it. M1: Yes, that's true. And why wasn't this a problem twenty years ago? Why is it suddenly a major concern? M2: That's simple. It's because every household in the US has at least four televisions. W: Not only that, but people are throwing out their TV's and computer monitors in order to keep up with upgrades. With the digital age upon us, this is going to pose even more of a problem. M1: So why can't these monitors just be recycled, Adam? M2: Well, unlike paper and plastics, there just aren't any services that provide this type of recycling. According to the film, a lot of companies that recognize the threat are storing their unused equipment in warehouses until some better solutions become available. M1: Yes, and this brings us to our next film. Janette would you mind dimming the lights? This film is titled Landfill Solutions. It deals with a number of products that can be recycled through new means. Now get ready to answer the questions. 1. What is the main topic of the discussion?

A) Harmful televisions B) A landfill concern C) Computer equipment D) Recycling films

Explanation:

• Choice A is incorrect because it is not the televisions that are harmful. It is the CRT's inside them that are harmful. In the discussion, the word "harmful" is used to describe the X-rays that the CRT's shield people from.
• Choice C is mentioned but is not the main topic. You will often find a choice that is too broad or too detailed to be the main topic.
• Choice D combines two things that are mentioned, making the choice illogical.

The correct answer is B.

2. What makes monitors hazardous to the environment?

A) SRT's B) X-rays C) Cathode ray tubes D) Landfills

Explanation:

• Choice A contains a similar sound distractor. C and S sound similar.
• Choice B is what makes monitors harmful to humans. The CRT's protect people from this hazard.
• Choice D confuses the "wh" question. If the question was reworded using "where" then the answer might be correct.

The correct answer is C.

3. According to Adam, why can't monitors be recycled?

A) They are too expensive to reuse. B) There are no companies that provide this service. C) People are too lazy to take them to recycling plants. D) Companies prefer to store them for future use.

Explanation:

• Choice A is not mentioned.
• Choice C could be true, but is not something Adam says. In the "according to" question, you cannot choose an answer just because it makes sense. It has to be mentioned by the speaker (in this case Adam).
• Choice D(storage) is mentioned, but not for the reason of "future use".

The correct answer is B.

4. What will the class do next?

A) Visit a landfill site. B) Dissect a computer monitor. C) Watch another film. D) Review the film about monitors.

Explanation:

• Choice A, B, and Dare all contradicted by the last sentence in the discussion. The professor talks about what the new film will be about. It is not one that they have seen before. The answer to this type of common question is always in the last line or two of the listening passage.

The correct answer is C.

Example 3: Mini-lecture

Now listen to part of a lecture from a gemology class. In last week's lesson about the difference between metals and gems, we discussed how pliable true gold is. Today we are going to be talking about the diamond, the hardest known natural mineral. As most of you know from our introductory chapter, diamonds are the transparent form of pure carbon. Carbon crystals form deep in the Earth's mantle when high temperatures and extreme pressure occur. The term "diamond" comes from the Greek word adamas, which means unconquerable. In the jewelry business, diamonds are valued according to a few categories, known as the 4 C's. The cost of a diamond depends on its carat, color, cut, and clarity. Besides Africa, there are few areas around the world with large diamond deposits. However, diamond replication is a new trend that threatens the multimillion dollar industry. Researchers have discovered a way to produce large volumes of diamonds by putting carbon under extreme heat and pressure. This process causes the carbon to crystallize into diamonds. Even the trained eye cannot detect the difference between a natural diamond and one that is manufactured in this way. While this innovation could devastate the jewelry industry, it could also turn the precious stone into a common semiconductor. Not only are diamonds incredible conductors of heat, they are also efficient electrical insulators. Tremendous heat can pass through a diamond without causing any significant damage. Now get ready to answer the questions. 1. What is the purpose of this lecture?

A) To compare diamonds and gold B) To discuss types of gems C) To discuss the formation of diamonds D) To review the elements of carbon

Explanation:

• Choice A is not the main purpose. Gold is only mentioned once at the beginning of the lecture.
• Choice B is incorrect because only one gem is discussed.
• Choice D is too specific.

The correct answer is C.

2. Which of the following is not one of the 4 C's used by the jewelry business?

A) Carbon B) Carat C) Color D) Cut

Explanation:

• Choices B, C, and D are named. Choice A is the only logical answer.

The correct answer is A.

3. Where do natural diamonds form?

A) In a manufacturing plant B) In an electrical insulator C) Deep in the Earth's mantle D) Alongside metals such as gold

Explanation:

• Choice A is the opposite. This is where non natural diamonds are formed.
• Choice B does not answer the question "where".
• Choice D is not mentioned.

The correct answer is C.

4. According to the professor, what are diamonds good for besides jewelry?

A) They can create heat. B) They can hold heat in. C) They can damage insulators. D) They can conduct electricity.

Explanation:

• Choice A has the incorrect verb "create". They hold heat.
• Choice C has the incorrect verb "damage". They create insulation.
• Choice D has the correct verb, but the incorrect noun. They conduct heat.

The correct answer is B.

Section 2 >