TOEFL

TOFL Listening

You will learn and practice 10 skills for listening Skill 1: Focus on the last time Skill 2: Choose answers with synonyms Skill 3: Avoid similar sounds Skill 4: Draw conclusion about who, what, where Skill 5: Listen for who and what in passives Skill 6: Listen for who and what with multiple nouns Skill 7: Listen for negative expressions Skill 8: Listen for double negative expressions Skill 9: Listen for almost negative expressions Skill 10: Listen for negative with comparatives

SKILL 1: (FOCUS ON THE LAST LINE)

The short dialogues involve conversations between two people, each followed by a question. It is important to understand that the answer to this type of question is most often (but not always!) found in the last line of the conversation. On the recording, you hear: (man) Billy really made a big mistake this time. (woman) Yes, he forgot to turn in his research paper. (narrator) What does the woman say about Billy? In your test book, you read: (A) It was the first time he made a mistake. (B) He forgot to write his paper. (C) He turned in the paper in the wrong place. (D) He didn’t remember to submit his assignment. The last line of this dialogue indicates that Billy forgot to turn in his research paper, and this means that he didn’t remember to submit it. The best answer is therefore answer (D).

STRATEGY

Be ready to focus on the last line of the dialogue because it probably contains the answer. Repeat the last line in your minds as you read through the answer in the text.

Listen to the firs line of the dialogue. If you understand it, that’s good. If you don’t understand it, don’t worry because it probably does not contain the answer.

The last line of the dialogue probably contains the answer to the question

EXERCISE 1:

In this exercise, you should focus on the second line of the conversation, read the question, and then choose the best answer to that question. Remember that you can probably answer the question easily with only the second line.

(woman) Was anyone at home at Barb’s house when you went there to deliver the package? (man) I rang the bell, but no one answered. (narrator) What does the man imply? (A) Barb answered the bell. (B) The house was probably empty. (C) The bell wasn’t in the house. (D) The house doesn’t have a bell.

(man) Can you tell me if today’s matinee is a comedy, romance, or western? (woman) I have no idea. (narrator) What does the woman mean? (A) She has strong ideas about movies. (B) She prefers comedies over westerns and romances. (C) She doesn’t like today’s matinee. (D) She does not know.

(woman) You just got back from the interview for the internship. How do you think it went? (man) I think it’s highly unlikely that I got the job. (narrator) What does the man suggest? (A) It’s unlikely that he’ll go to the interview. (B) He thinks he’ll be recommended for a high-level job. (C) The interview was apparently quite unsuccessful. (D) He had an excellent interview.

SKILL 2: (choose answers with synonyms)

Often the correct answer in Listening Part A is an answer that contains synonyms (words with similar meanings but different sounds) for key words in the conversation. On the recording you hear: (woman ) : Why is Barbara feeling so happy? (man) : She just started working in a real estate agency. (woman) : What does the man say about Barbara? In your test book, you read: (A) She always liked her work in travel agency (B) She began a new job (C) She just bought some real estate. (D) She bought a real estate agency Analysis: In this conversation, the key word started means began and key word working means job. So the best answer to the question is (B).

STRATEGY

If you see synonyms for the key words in a particular answer, then you have probably found the correct answer.

As you listen to the second line of the conversation, focus on hey words in that line.

EXERCISE 2:

In this exercise, underline key words in the last line of each short dialogue. Then underline synonyms for these keywords in the answers, and choose the best answer to each question. Remember that the best answer is probably the answer that contains syn- onyms for the key words in the last line of the dialogue.

(man) We're planning to leave for the trip at about 2:00. (woman) Couldn't we leave before noon? (narrator) What does the woman ask? (A) If they could leave at noon (B) Ifit is possible to go by 12:00 (C) Why can't they leave at noon (D) If they could leave the room

(woman) Did you see the manager about the job in the bookstore? (man) Yes, and I also had to fill out an application. (narrator) What does the man mean? (A) He got a job as bookstore manager. (B) The bookstore was not accepting applications. (C) He saw a book about how to apply for jobs. (D) It was necessary to complete a form.

(man) Was the concert well-received? (woman) The audience applauded for a long time after the performance. (narrator) What does the woman say about the concert? (A) The performance went on for a long time. (B) There was applause throughout the performance. (C) The people clapped on and on after the concert. (D) The audience waited for a long time for the concert to begin.

SKILL 3: (Avoid Similar Sounds)

Often the incorrect answers in Listening Skill 3 are answers that contain words with similar sounds but very different meanings from what you hear in the recording program. You should definitely avoid these answer. On the recording you hear. (man) : Why couldn't Mark come with us? (woman) : He was searching for a new apartment. (man) : What does the woman say about Mark? In your test book, you read: (A) He was in the apartment office. (B) He was looking for a place to live (C) He was working on his research project (D) He had an appointment at church Analysis: The key words in the second line of the conversation are searching and apartment. The answer (C) and (D) the words research and church sound like search, so these answers are incorrect. in answers (A) and (D), the words department and appointment sound like apartment, the these answers are incorrect. The best answer is (B).

STRATEGY

Identify the words in the answers that contain similar sound, and do not choose these answers.Identify the words in the answers that contain similar sound, and do not choose these answers.

Identify the key words in the second line of the conversation.

EXERCISE 3:

In this exercise, underline key words in the last line of each short dialogue. Then underline words with sounds similar to these key words in the answers, and choose the best answer to each question. Remember that the best answer is probably the answer that does not contain words with sounds that are similar to the sounds of the key words in the last line of the dialogue.

(woman : Di they get the news over they wanted? (Man) : No. They lacked the money. (Narrator) : What does the woman mean? (A) They locked the map in a car (B) They looked many times in the car (C) It cost a lot of money when the car leaked oil (D) They didn't have enough money to buy another car

(Woman) : I heard that Sally just moved into a new, big house near the beach. (Man) : But, Sally doesn't have a cent! (Narrator) : What does the man mean? (A) Sally has no sense of responsibility (B) Sally sent her friend to the house. (C) Sally has no money (D) Sally is on the set with her.

(Man) : Have you finished packing yet? (Woman) : You should call the porter to get the suitcases. (Narrator) : What does the woman mean? (A) it's important to pack the suitcases (B) They need help carrying their bags (C) The man should pack his suit in case he needs it (D) The suitcases are quite portable

SKILL 4: (Draw Conclusions about WHO, WHAT, WHERE)

It is common in Listening Skill 4 to ask you to draw some kind to conclusion. In this type of question the answer is not clearly stated; instead you must draw a conclusion based on clues given in the conversation. One kind of conclusion that is common in this part of the test is to ask you to determine: Who the speaker is, based on the clues given in the conversation. on the recording, you hear: (woman) Can you tell me what assignments I missed when I was absent from your class? (man) You missed one homework assignment and a quiz. (Narrator) Who is the man? In your test book, you read: (A) A newspaper editor (B) A police officer (C) A teacher (D) A student Analysis: From the second line of the conversation, the clues are homework and quiz. It tells that the man is probably a teacher. Therefor the correct answer is (A).

CONCLUSIONS ABOUT WHO, WHAT AND WHERE

It is common for you to be asked to draw one of the following conclusion in Listening Part A:

1. WHO is probably talking?
2. WHAT will she/he probably do next?
3. WHERE does the conversation probably take place?

EXERCISE 4:

In this exercise, read each short dialogue and question, underline the clues that help you answer the question, and then choose the best answer. You will have to draw conclusions about who, what, and where.

(woman) : Have you deposited your paycheck yet? (man) : No, but that's next on my list of errands. (narrator) : What will the man probably do? (A) Earn his paycheck (B) Write a check for a deposit on an apartment (C) Go to a bank (D) Make a list of errands to run

(man) : I'd like to deposit this check in my account, please. (woman): Would you like any cash back? (narrator): Who is the woman? (A) A store clerk (B) A Bank Teller (C) An Accountant (D) A Waitress

(man) Did you get the bread, eggs, and milk? (woman) Now we need to stand in line at the checkout counter. (narrator) Where does the conversation probably take places? (A) In a restaurant (B) At a library (C) On a farm (D) In a market

SKILL 5: (Listen For Who and What in Passives)

It is sometimes difficult to understand who and what is doing the action in a passive sentence. This problem is often tested in Listening Skill 5 On the recording you hear: (man) : Did Sally go to the bank this morning? (woman) : Yes, she did. She got a new checking account. (Narrator) : What does the woman imply? In your test book, you read: (A) Sally wrote several checks (B) Sally wanted to check up on the bank. (C) A new checking account was opened (D) Sally checked on the balance in her account Analysis: In the conversation, the woman uses an active sentence that means that Sally opened a checing account. Because the woman uses active sentence, so the answer is in passive sentence that is a checking account was opened to express the same idea.So, the best answer is (C).

PASSIVE STATEMENTS

1. If the dialogue contains an active statement, the answer to the question is often a passive statement.
2. If the dialogue contains a passive statement, the answer to the question is often an active statement.

NOTE: Check carefully who or what is doing the action in these questions.

EXERCISE 5:

In this exercise each of the correct answers is either a passive restatement of an active sentence or an active restatement of a passive sentence. Read each short dialogue and underline the key active or passive statement. Then read the question and choose the best answer to the question. Be careful about who and what with these passives.

(Man) : Have you been talking good care of the lawn? (Woman) : I watered it only this morning. (Narrator) : What does the woman mean? (A) She drank some water on the lawn this morning (B) She waited for him on the lawn this morning. (C) The lawn has already been watered today. (D) She wanted a new lawn this morning

(Woman) : Alice needs to pay her tuition today. (Man) : But her tuition has already been paid. (Narrator) : What does the man imply? (A) Alice's education has been paid (B) Alice's tuition needs to be paid (C) Alice has already paid her fees. (D) Alice has already received the money

(man) : Did you hear the news about the child who was lost in the park? (woman) : Yes, and I heard that she was just found. (Narrator) : What does the woman mean? (A) Someone located the girl (B) She heard about the new park from the child (C) The child found her loss pet (D) The child was the last one in the park

SKILL 6: (Listen For Who & What With Multiple Nouns)

When there is more than one noun in a sentence in Listening Skill 6, it is common for the answers to confuse which noun does what. On the recording, you hear: (man) : Do you know who is in the band now? (woman) : I heard that Mara replaced Robert in the band. (narrator): What does the woman say about the band? In your test book, you read: (A) Robert became a new member of the band (B) Robert took Mara's place in the band. (C) Mara didn't have a place in the band. (D) Mara took Robert's place in the band. Analysis: In the woman's response to the man's question, she says "Mara replaced Robers". It means that Mara is in the band, and Robert is not. Therefore, the best answer is (D).

WHO AND WHAT WITH MULTIPLE NOUNS

1. When there are multiple nouns in a sentence, it is common for the answers to confuse which noun does what.

EXERCISE 6:

In this exercise, underline the confusing nouns in each short dialogue. Then, read the question and choose the best answer to that question. Remember to think very carefully about who is doing what.

(man) : Why is Paul going back home this summer? (woman) : He's returning to Vermont for his sister's wedding. (narrator) : What does the woman mean? (A) Paul is getting married this summer. (B) Paul's sister is returning from Vermont to get married (C) Paul will be there when his sister gets married this summer (D) Paul's sister is coming to his wedding in Vermont

(man) : Why is Bill not at work this week? (woman) : His doctor made him take a week off (narrator) : What does the woman mean? (A) The doctor decided to take some time off from work. (B) The doctor told Bill he wasn't too weak to work. (C) Bill was mad when the doctor took some time off (D) Bill took a vacation on his doctor's orders.

Skill 7: (LISTEN FOR NEGATIVE EXPRESSION)

Negative expressions are very common in the short dialogues, and the most common kind of correct response to a negative statement is a positive statement containing a word with an opposite meaning. Example On the recording, you hear: man: How did they get to their grandmother? House in Maine in only five hours? women: They didn’t drive slowly on the trip to Maine. narrator: What does the woman say about the trip? In your test book, you read: A. They drove rather quickly. B. They couldn’t have driven more slowly. C. They wanted to travel slowly to Maine. D. They didn’t drive to Maine. The correct answer is answer (A). if they didn’t drive slowly to Maine, this means that they drove rather quickly. Notice that the correct answer uses quickly, the opposite of slowly. The answers that use slowly are not correct.

TYPES OF NEGATIVE EXPRESSIONS

Expression Example Correct AnswerRegular negative: not or n’t Tom is not sad not sad = happy about the results. Other negatives: nobody, Nobody arrived on time. nobody …. on time = none, nothing, never Sal never works hard. latenever works hard = lazy Negative prefixes: The patient was insane. insane = not sane = Cazy un-, in-, dis-

EXERCISE 7:

In this exercise, underline the negative in the second line of each short conversation. Then read the question and choose the best answer to that question. Remember that the best answer is one that uses an opposite meaning.

(man) Were you pleased with last week’s convention? (woman) Nothing went as planned. (narrator) What does the woman mean? (A) The convention was disorganized. (B) She didn’t plan to attend the convention. (C) She planned the convention last week. (D) She wasn’t pleased with the last week of the convention.

(man) I can’t seem to get the door unlocked. (woman) That isn’t the right key for the door. (narrator) What does the woman mean? (A) The key in the drawer is on the right. (B) The man should write the message on the door. (C) The man has the wrong key. (D) The right key isn’t in the drawer.

(woman) Are you planning to go to college next year? (man) I’m really unsure about the idea. (narrator) What does the man mean? (A) He definitely wants to go to college. (B) He is certain about his plans. (C) He’s hesitant about attending college. (D) His idea is to go to college.

Skill 8: (LISTEN FOR DOUBLE NEGATIVE EXPRESSION)

It is possible for two negative ideas to appear in one sentence, and the result can be quite confusing. On the recording, you hear: man: I can’t believe the news that I heard about the concert. women: Well, it isn’t impossible for the concert to take place. narrator: What does the woman say about the concert? In your test book, you read: A. There’s no possibility that the concert will take place. B. The concert will definitely not take place. C. The concert might take place D. The concert can’t take place. The correct answer to this question is answer (C). If it isn’t impossible for the concert to take place, then it is possible, and the modal might indicates possibility.

TYPES OF NEGATIVE EXPRESSIONS

Expression Example Correct Answer negative word(e.g., not, no, He didn't like the did not like unclean office= none) and negative prefix unclean office. liked clean office (e.g., in-, un-, dis-, two negative verbs It isn't snowing, so they Implies that they would go are not going to the if it were snowing mountains. neither or not... either Sue didn't like the movie, both did not like the movie and neither did Mark.

EXERCISE 8:

In this exercise, underline the negative in the last line of each short dialogue. Then read the questions and choose the best answer to that question. Remember that two negatives can make the sentence positive.

(woman) How was your history exam? (man) I didn't study enough, so i didn't do well. (narrator) What does the man mean? (A) He studied a lot and passed. (B) He failed in spite of his effort. (C) He got a good grade even though he didn't study. (D) His grade was poor because of inadequate preparation.

(man) Paula, you worked so hard setting up the field trip. (woman) I hope no one's unhappy with the arrangements. (narrator) What does Paula mean? (A) She hopes everyone will be pleased. (B) She knows no one is happy with what she has done. (C) She's arranged to take a trip because she's unhappy. (D) Everyone's happy with the condition of the field

(man) Were your friends able to get tickets for the concert? (woman) Marck couldn't get tickets for the concert, and neither could Paul. (narrator) What does the woman mean? (A) Although Mark couldn't get noth tickets, Paul did. (B) Both were unable to obtain tickets. (C) Neither Mark nor Paul wanted to go to the concert. (D) Mark tried to get tickets, but Paul didn't.

Skill 9: (LISTEN FOR “ALMOST NEGATIVE” EXPRESSIONS)

Certain expressions in English have “almost negative” meanings. These expressions are common on the TOEFL test and need to be reviewed. On the recording, you hear: (woman) Were you able to pay the electric bill? (man) I had barely enough money. (narrator) What does the man imply? In your test book, you read: (A) He had plenty of money for the bill. (B) He did not have enough money for the bill. (C) He paid the bill but has no money left. (D) He was unable to pay the bill. In the man’s statement, the word enough indicates that there was enough, so he did pay the bill. However, it was barely enough, so he almost did not have enough and certainly has no money left. The correct answer is therefore answer (C).

COMMON “ALMOST NEGATIVE” EXPRESSIONS

Meaning Expression Example almost none hardly, barely, There is hardly any scarcely, only food in the refrigerator. almost never rarely, seldom He rarely drives to work.

EXERCISE 9:

In this exercise, underline the “almost negative” expression in the second line of each short conversation. Then read the question and choose the best answer. Remember the best answer is one that means that is true but it is almost not true.

(woman) How much time did Sam spend on his paper for economics class? (man) Sam has seldom taken so much time on a research paper. (narrator) What does the man mean? (A) Sam usually spends this much time on his schoolwork. (B) Sam has rarely worked so hard. (C) Sam took too much time on this paper. (D) Sam should’ve worked harder on this paper.

(man) I hear that Mona’s been offered the manager’s job. (woman) But she has hardly any work experience! (narrator) What does the woman say about Mona? (A) Mona hasn’t worked hard. (B) Mona’s experience has been hard. (C) Mona’s job as manager is hard. (D) Mona hasn’t worked for very long.

(woman) Does Steve usually park his car there? (man) Only one has he parked his car in that lot. (narrator) What does the man mean? (A) He parks his car there once in a while. (B) He’s parked his car there a lot. (C) He only leaves his car there for short periods of time. (D) He left his car there on just one occasion.

Skill 10: (LISTEN FOR NEGATIVE WITH COMPARATIVES)

Negative can be used with comparatives in the short dialogues of the TOEFL test. A sentence with a negative and comparative has a superlative, or very strong, meaning. Example On the recording, you hear: woman: What do you think of the new student in math class? man: No one is more intelligent than she is. narrator: What does the man say about the new student? In your test book or on the computer screen, you read: A. She is not very smart. B. He is smarter than she is. C. Other students are smarter than she is. D. She is the smartest student in the class. The man responds to the woman’s question with the negative No and the comparative more intelligent, and this combination has a superlative meaning, the smartest. The best answer is therefore answer (D).

COMPARATIVES WITH NEGATIVE

Comparative Example Meaning More No one is more She is the most beautiful. beautiful than she is. -er He couldn't be happier He is extremely happy.

EXERCISE 10:

In this exercise, underline the negative and the comparative in the second line of each short dialogue. Then read the question and choose the best answer to that question. Remember that the best answer is one that expresses a superlative, or very strong, idea.

(woman) What did you think of Mike he when you first met him? (man) He couldn't have been more (narrator) What does the man mean? (A) Mike was extremely friendly when met him. (B) Mike could have met him sooner. unfriendly. (C) Mike didn't seem to like him at all. (D) When he met Mike, he didn't have a friend.

(woman) Have you gotten over your cold (man) I couldn't be feeling any better (narrator) What does the man mean? (A) He's feeling terrific. yet? (B) He felt a lot worse today. (C) He's not feeling too well today. today. (D) He's a bit better today.

(man) Did you see Theresa's grade on the math exam? It unbelievable! (woman) No one else could have done better (narrator) What does the woman mean? (A) Theresa could've gotten a higher grade. (B) Anyone could get a good grade. (C) Theresa got the highest grade. (D) A high grade is impossible for anyone.