!!

'j Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension 3

[!J Sample Listening Comprehension Test

This section tests your ability to comprehend spoken English. It is divided into three parts, each
with its own directions. You are not permitted to turn the page during the reading of the
directions or to take notes at any time.

Part A
Directions: Each item in this part consists of a brief conversation involving two speakers.
Following each conversation, a third voice will ask a question. You will hear the conversations and
questions only once, and they will not be written out.
When you have heard each conversation and question, read the four answer choices and select
the one-(A), (B), (C), or (D)-that best answers the question based on what is directly stated or
on what can be inferred. Then fill in the space on your answer sheet that matches the letter of the
answer that you have selected.
Here is an example.
You will hear:

Sample Answer

You will read: (A) Open the window.

(B) Move the chair.
(C) Leave the room.
(D) Take a seat.

From the conversation you fmd out that the woman thinks the man should put the chair over by
the window. The best answer to the question "What does the woman think the man should do?" is
(B), "Move the chair." You should fill in (B) on your answer sheet.

8
4 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension
1. (A) It's brand new.
(B) She just repaired it.
(C) Someone painted it.
(D) It's just been sold.
2. (A) Give the woman cash.
(B) Go to his car.
(C) Return some merchandise.
(D) Use his credit card.
3. (A) He shouldn't have thrown away the
list.
(B) He doesn't have to read alI the books.
(C) All of the books on the list are
required.
(D) Some of the books are available now.
4. (A) She enjoyed it very much.
(B) She thOUght it was too long.
(C) She thought it was boring.
(D) She only liked the ending.
5. (A) Either a pen or pencil can be used.
(B) It's not necessary to fill out the form.
(C) She doesn't have either a pen or a
pencil.
(D) A pen is better than a pencil.
6. (A) The software isn't convenient to use.
(B) He's not familiar with the software.
(C) Using the software is simple.
(D) He wishes he'd bought that software.
7. (A) The man ordered it, but it hasn't
arrived yet.
(B) It isn't working.
(C) Someone else is using it.
(D) The man doesn't know how to operate
it.
8. (A) What time his brother called.
(B) Where to meet his brother.
(C) Why his brother called.
(D) When to meet his brother.
9. (A) He left on a long trip yesterday.
(B) His letter arrived unexpectedly.
(C) He seemed to be sad yesterday.
(D) The letter he sent was very funny.
10. (A) It's on the wrong floor.
(B) There are too many bedrooms.
(C) It's too small.
(D) The rent is too high.
Cij.i.';'i."UjUijiW!t-.

[IJ[IJ[IJ[IJ[IJ[IJ[IJ[IJ[IJ[IJ[IJ[IJ
11. (A) He'll probably give the man another
grade.
(B) He doesn't teach chemistry anymore.
(C) He rarely changes his grades.
(D) He'll probably retire soon.
12. (A) She mailed the grades to her students.
(B) She left the students' tests in her office.
(C) She can't get into her office.
CD) She put a list of grades on the door.
13. (A) He should get something for his friends
to eat.
(B) There isn't time for him to go out now.
(C) The game won't be played today.
(D) He should have invited his friends to
the game.
14. (A) His class has been canceled.
(B) He shouldn't drop the class.
(C) An earlier class would be better for
him.
CD) He doesn't need to study political
science.
15. (A) Sitting in other seats.
(B) Going home.
(C) Turning up the music.
(D) Asking the usher for a refund.
Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension 5
16. (A) He has a good excuse for being late.
(B) He's been feeling very weak recently.
(C) He's stiII waiting to be contacted.
(D) He doesn't take responsibility for
errors.
17. (A) She doesn't have her camera.
(B) The sun hasn't set yet.
(C) There isn't any film in the camera.
(D) Her camera is broken.
18. (A) He got on the wrong bus.
(B) He's afraid he'll be late for his flight.
(C) He's sorry he took a bus instead of
flying.
(D) He had to wait for the bus.
19. (A) The meeting will have to be
rescheduled.
(B) She doesn't care whom the board picks
as dean.
(C) She's not sure where the meeting will
be.
(D) The board will not choose a dean this
month.
20. (A) He's upset about the card game.
(B) He's getting ready for the game.
(C) He knocked over the card table.
(D) He sat down to have dinner.
@.i.';'(.',UjU§!ii@V.
6 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension
[I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I]
21. (A) They wish they hadn't paid attention
to Harvey.
(B) They asked for some information about
Harvey.
(C) Harvey told them not to ignore him.
(0) Only Harvey could give them any
assistance.
22. (A) Most of the audience joined in the
performance.
(B) Some people don't enjoy performing.
(C) Not many people were in the audience.
(D) A few people didn't like the
performance.
23. (A) A hotel room.
(B) The man's family.
(C) A reasonable offer.
(0) The man's schedule.
24. (A) He must change his syllabus.
(B) The woman cannot take his class.
(C) He has extra copies of the syllabus.
(D) Some students are not on his list.
25. (A) It's inconvenient for him to go to
Mount Pleasant Street.
(B) Those antique stores aren't very nice.
(C) There are many inexpensive shops on
Mount Pleasant Street.
(0) The antiques in those stores are a little
expensive.
26. (A) He's gone to San Diego many times.
(B) He's attended a lot of conferences.
(C) He has already gotten enough
information.
(D) He's living in San Diego now.
27. (A) He once drove in a race.
(B) He's going to the races soon.
(C) He drives quite fast.
(D) He's thinking about a new car.
28. (A) The bowls are stacked on the shelves.
(B) This soup is no worse than the other
brands.
(C) The new bowls are very attractive.
(D) He plans to stock up on this soup.
29. (A) Peter wouldn't be favored in the
match.
(B) The match had already been played.
(C) The match wouldn't be played.
(0) Peter would win the match.
30. (A) He hasn't fmished working on the
bookshelves.
(B) The tools have been misplaced.
(C) He's not very good with tools.
(0) The tools have already been returned.
@,i.",t,',Ujii43'.S t•t- .
 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension 7

[I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I]
Part B

Directions: This part of the test consists of extended conversations between two speakers. After
each of these conversations, there are a number of questions. You will hear each conversation and
question only once, and the questions are not written out.
When you have heard the questions, read the four answer choices and select the one-(A),
(B), (C), or (D)-that best answers the question based on what is directly stated or on what can
be inferred. Then fill in the space on your answer sheet that matches the letter of the answer that
you have selected.
Don't forget: during actual exams, taking notes or writing in your test book is not permitted.

8
8 Section 1 • Guide to listening Comprehension
ITJITJITJITJITJITJITJITJITJITJITJITJ
31. (A) Student and advisor.
(B) Museum curator and visitor.
(C) Manager and job applicant.
(D) Professor and teaching assistant.
32. (A) In a few weeks.
(B) Next year.
(C) In three years.
(D) In four years.
33. (A) Change her major.
(B) Make a quick decision.
(C) Take elective courses in art history.
(D) Work full time at a museum.
34. (A) She couldn't get airline reservations.
(B) She can't find an important book.
(C) She's been studying too much.
(D) She doesn't have a car.
35. (A) Amounts of money.
(B) Names of riders.
(C) Types of cars.
(D) Regions of the United States.
36. (A) Information about places to visit.
(B) Help with expenses and driving.
(C) Plane reservations.
(0) A used car.
37. (A) In the campus cinema.
(B) Next door to the Student Union
building.
(C) In a travel agent's office.
(D) On the second floor of the Student
Union building.
w.,.",t.i';Ui U43.!Wt--'
 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension 9

[I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I]
Part C

Directions: This part of the test consists of several talks, each given by a single speaker. After
each of these talks, there are a number of questions. You will hear each talk and question only
once, and the questions are not written out.
When you have heard each question, read the four answer choices and select the one-(A),
(B), (C), or (D)-that best answers the question based on what is directly stated or on what can be
inferred. Then fill in the space on your answer sheet that matches the letter of the answer that you
have selected.
Here is an example.
You will hear:

Now here is a sample question.

You will hear:
Sample Answer
CDCD . . CB
You will read: (A) Philosophy.
(B) Meteorology.
(C) Astronomy.
(D) Photography.

The lecture concerns a lunar eclipse, a topic that would typically be discussed in an astronomy
class. The choice that best answers the question "In what course is this lecture probably being
given?" is (C), "Astronomy." You should fill in (C) on your answer sheet.
Here is another sample question.
You will hear:
Sample Answer
. . CDCDCB
You will read: (A) The Earth's shadow moves across the Moon.
(B) Clouds block the view of the Moon.
(C) The Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun.
(D) The Sun can be observed without special equipment.

From the lecture you learn that a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves between the Sun and
the Moon and the shadow of the Earth passes across the Moon. The choice that best answers the
question "According to the speaker, which of the following occurs during a lunar eclipse?" is (A),
"The Earth's shadow moves across the Moon."
Don't forget: during actual exams, taking notes or writing in your test book is not permitted.

8
10 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension

ITJITJITJITJITJITJITJITJITJITJITJITJ
38. (A) An airplane. 45. (A) Walk up 898 steps.
(B) A satellite. (B) Take the elevator to the top.
(C) A fireworks display. (C) Come down on the elevator.
(D) A flying saucer. (D) Walk down the stairs.
39. (A) To change tires. 46. (A) They jumped over it.
(B) To avoid the danger. (B) They took pictures of it.
(C) To get a hotel room. (C) They wrote their names on it.
(D) To change drivers. (D) They touched it.
40. (A) From the news on the radio. 47. (A) Music appreciation.
(B) From a newspaper. (B) American history.
(C) From his mother. (C) Dance.
(D) From the news on television. (D) Geography.
41. (A) It burned up in the upper atmosphere. 48. (A) They were an important part of the
(B) It injured a woman as she was daily lives of the people of the frontier.
sleeping. (B) They were all extremely old.
(C) It caused damage to a parked car. (C) They were all written as theme songs
(D) It broke into pieces before striking the for political campaigns.
ground. (D) They were primarily written as dance
42. (A) Frightened. music.
(B) Upset. 49. (A) They weren't as enduring.
(C) Fortunate. (B) They were harder to sing and play.
(D) Relieved. (C) They were livelier.
43. (A) On board a bus. (D) They weren't concerned with politiCS.
(B) At the top of the Washington 50. (A) Sing songs.
Monument. (B) Look at some sheet music.
(C) On an elevator. (C) Go to a dance.
(D) At the Lincoln Memorial. (D) Listen to a recording.
44. (A) Four years.
(B) Thirty-six years.
(C) Forty years.
(D) Forty-eight years.

THIS IS THE END OF THE SAMPLE LISTENING COMPREHENSION TEST.

STOP WORK ON THIS TEST.

PAR T A

Dialogs

About Dialogs

The first part of the Listening Comprehension section consists of spoken dialogs (conversations)
between two speakers. A third speaker asks a question about what was said or implied in the
conversation. You must decide which of the four answer choices printed in your test book is the best
answer for the question you hear and then mark that choice on your answer sheet. Between each of
the dialogs is a twelve-second pause. There are thirty dialogs.

Sample Item
You will hear:
Ml: Do you think I should leave this chair against the wall or put it
somewhere else?
F1 : Over by the window, I'd say.
M2: What does the woman think the man should do?
You will read:
(A) Open the window.
(8) Move the chair.
(C) Leave the room.
(D) Take a seat.
The woman indicates that she thinks the man should put the chair over by the
window rather than leave it where it is. In other words, he should move it. The best
11
12 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension

answer is therefore (B).

Note: M1 = first male voice
M2 = second male voice
F1 = first female voice
F2 = second male voice

The Dialogs

Most of the dialogs in Part A involve a man and a woman. A few involve two men or two women.
Each speaker usually speaks one or two sentences. Many dialogs (about 25%) are about facets of life
at American universities: attending classes, talking to professors, writing research papers, taking
tests. Other dialogs are about more general activities: shopping in grocery stores, looking for
hoUSing, taking vacations, going to meetings and parties. The tone of the dialogs is informal. Idioms,
first names, contractions (I'm, doesn't, can't) are often heard. Some of the items test your ability to
understand various language functions. For example, you must be able to determine if a speaker is
agreeing or disagreeing with the other speaker, or if one speaker is accepting or rejecting the other
speaker's offer.

The Questions

Most of the questions about the dialogs focus on what the second speaker says. However, it is usually
necessary to understand the entire dialog in order to choose the correct answer. For example, in the
Sample Item, it is not clear what the woman means when she says "Over by the window" unless you
understand what the man says first. One or two questions in each test may focus instead on what the
first speaker says.

Co
1. Meaning questions These are the most
common questions (about 50%). They ask
for a restatement of what the second
speaker or both speakers say. They may be
general questions or ask what the speakers
say ahout some specific topic. They often
follow dialogs that contain idioms.
2. Inference questions These are the second
most common Part A questions (about
20%). The answers for these questions are
not directly stated in the dialog, but they
can he inferred (concluded) from what the
speakers say.
3. Questions about suggestions Generally,
the first speaker talks about a prohlem or
asks for advice. The second speaker makes
a suggestion for solving the problem.
4. Questions about future actions These ask
what one or hoth of the speakers will do
next or in the near future, or what one or
hoth are planning to do.
"What does the man/woman mean?"
"What do the speakers say about ---?"
"What does the man/woman imply?"
"What can be inferred from the conversation
about - - - ? "
"What can be concluded from the conversation
about---?"
"What does the woman suggest the man do?"
"What does the man suggest they do?"
"What does the woman suggest?"
"What does the woman think the man should
do?"
"What will the man do?"
"What will they probably do next?"
"What are the speakers planning to do?"
 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension 13

5. Topic questions These ask about the "What are they talking about?"
subject of the dialog. "What are they discussing?"
6. Questions about opinions These ask how "How does the man/woman feel about ---?"
one or both of the speakers feel about some "What is their opinion of ---?"
topic.
7. Questions about assumptions These ask "What had the man assumed about ---?"
what the second speaker thought "What had the woman previously assumed?"
(assumed) before he or she spoke to the
first speaker.
8. Questions about questions The first "What does the man want to know?"
speaker makes a statement; the second
speaker asks a question to get more
information.
9. Questions about time These ask when a "When is this conversation taking place?"
conversation is taking place or when an "When will the - - - take place?"
event the speakers mention in the
conversation will take place.
10. Questions about reasons These ask why "Why did the man/woman ---?"
one or both of the speakers did something.
11. Questions about problems These ask "What problem is the man having?"
about some trouble one or both of the "What is the problem?"
speakers are having.
12. Questions about activities These ask "What are the speakers probably doing?"
what one or both of the speakers are doing.

Note: Two types of questions that were commonly asked about dialogs in the past are seldom or
never asked about in the new-format test. These are location questions ("Where does this
conversation probably take place?") and occupation questions ("What is the man's occupation?" or
"Who is the man?").

The Answer Choices

All four of the answer choices are logical answers for the question, but only one-the key-is correct
according to the dialog. However, as in all parts of the TOEFL, not all of the answer choices are
equally attractive. You can often eliminate one or two choices easily even if you are not sure which
answer is correct and so make a better guess.
Correct answers are seldom stated word for word by either of the speakers. Correct answers
often contain synonyms (words with the same meaning) for words in the dialogs and use different
sentence structures.
Grammatically, there are three types of answer choices:
1. Complete sentences (about 75%)
2. Incomplete sentences, usually beginning with verb forms-most often the simple form of the
verb (about 20%)
3. Short noun or prepositional phrases
The form of the answer choice can sometimes help you guess what the question will be, and you can
therefore focus your listening.
14 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension
Meaning questions:
"What does the man mean?"
Questions about inferences:
"What does the woman imply about the
article?"
Questions about suggestions:
"What does the woman suggest John do?"
"What does the man suggest?"
Questions about future actions:
"What will the speakers probably do next?"
Topic questions:
"What are the speakers discussing?"
Questions about opinions:
"What was their opinion of the play?"
"How does the man feel about the
announcement he heard?"
Questions about assumptions:
"What had the man assumed about Kathy?"
Questions about questions:
"What does the woman ask about Professor
Tolbert?"
"What does the man ask about the
department store?"
Questions about time:
"When will the man play the piano?"
Questions about reasons:
"Why did Jerry miss the party?"
"Why did Linda talk to Professor Delgado?"
Complete sentences:
(A) He prefers coffee to tea.
(B) He'd like some lemon in his tea.
Complete sentences:
(A) She will probably read it today.
(B) She wasn't able to find it in the library.
Incomplete sentences beginning with simple
forms of verbs or -ing forms:
(A) Call his cousin.
(B) Take his cousin home.
(A) Taking a bus to campus.
(B) Walking to class.
Incomplete sentences beginning with simple
forms of verbs:
(A) Park their car.
(B) Get some gasoline.
Noun phrases:
(A) The man's new schedule.
(B) A homework assignment.
Complete sentences or adjective phrases:
(A) They didn't enjoy it very much.
(B) They liked it more than they thought
they would.
(A) Angry.
(B) Enthusiastic.
Complete sentences often containing the
auxiliary verb would or had:
(A) She had already finished the paper.
(B) She wouldn't finish the research on time.
Incomplete sentences beginning with the word
if or one of the wh- words or noun phrases:
(A) If she is still in her office.
(B) Where her office is.
(A) Its location.
(B) Its hours of operation.
Prepositional phrases of time:
(A) At noon.
(B) Before the ceremony.
Complete sentences or incomplete sentences
beginning with infinitives (to + simple form):
(A) He didn't receive an invitation.
(B) He had other plans for the evening.
(A) To ask him about a grade.
(B) To explain why she missed class.
 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension 15

QU..ti()n
Questions about problems: Complete sentences:
"What problem did the man have?" (A) He didn't bring enough money for the
tickets.
(B) There were no tickets available.
Questions about activities: Incomplete sentences beginning with -ing
"What are they probably doing?" verbs:
(A) Buying groceries.
(B) Cooking breakfast.

The test writers sometimes make it more difficult to pick the correct answer by using sound-alike
words, homonyms, words with multiple meaning, and other techniques. You'll practice avoiding
these traps in this part of the Guide.

• Be familiar with the directions for Part A.

• Remember that the answer for the question is generally contained in what the second
speaker says.
• If you are not sure of the answer, eliminate as many answer choices as you can.
• After you have chosen an answer, use the remaining time to preview the choices for the next
item. If the answer choices are long, just skim over them quickly. Try to anticipate what the
question will be by the form of the answer choices.
• If you don't understand all or part of a conversation, guess and go on.
 18 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension

LESSON 2
DIALOGS WITII SOUND CONFUSION

Some of the items in Part A involve a confusion between words that have similar sounds. Here's how
they work: one of the speakers uses a word or phrase that sounds like a word or phrase in one or
more of the answer choices. If you don't hear the word clearly, you might incorrectly choose an
option with a sound-alike word or phrase.

Sample Item
You will hear:
Ml: I've never had this type of fruit before. I don't even know what
to do with it.
Fl: You just have to peel it and eat it.
M2: What does the woman mean?
You will read:
(A) She doesn't feel like eating fruit.
(B) The man should take the pill before eating.
(C) The fruit shouldn't be eaten until it's been peeled.
(D) She isn't familiar with this type of fruit either.

The word feel in choice (A) sounds like the word peel in the dialog. In a different
way, the word pill in choice (B) also sounds like the word peel. Notice that choice
(C)-the correct answer-and choice (D) do not contain sound-alike words.

Many sound-alike expressions in Part A are minimal pairs. Minimal pairs are two words that are
pronounced alike except for one vowel sound (peel and pill, lack and lake, point and paint) or one
consonant sound (peel andfeel, vine and wine, mop and mob).
Another sound problem involves two words that sound like one word, such as mark it and
market, sent her and center, in tents and intense.
A third type of sound problem involves one word that sounds like part of a longer word, such as
nation and imagination, mind and remind, give andforgive.
Hint: If an answer choice contains a word that sounds like a word in the spoken
sentence, that choice is probably wrong. For example, if you hear the word spell and
you read the word spill in an answer choice, you can eliminate that choice.
When you're taking Part A during an actual exam, you can use the context of the dialogs to help
you solve problems with sound confusion. If you hear and understand all of the dialog, you won't
have much trouble eliminating choices involving sound-alike words. However, if you only understand
part of a dialog or if you "mis-hear" one or two words, you may easily choose an incorrect answer.

Exercise 2.1

Focus: Discriminating between sound-alike words in dialogs and answer choices.

Directions: Listen to the dialogs. Decide which of the two choices, (A) or CB), best answers the
question, and mark the appropriate blank. The first one is done as an example.
-4J)) Now start the audio.
 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension 19

1. (A) _ _ Get in a different lane. 8. (A)_._ Its taste has improved.

(B)~ Stand in another line. (B) ____ It tastes slightly bitter.
2. (A) _ _ Go down the slide. How much the ticket cost.
9. (A) ____
(B) _ _ Play on the sled. (B) ___ What Ellen might win.

3. (A) _ _ Put them in a file. 10. (A) _ _ _ It's been chipped.

(B) _ _ Throw them in a pile. <..B) _ _ There's a ship inside it.
4. (A) _ _ _
He can't shut his suitcase. 11. (A) _ _ He tripped in the aisle.
(B) _ _ His suitcase doesn't fit in the (B) _ _ He slipped in some oil.
closet. 12. (A) _ _ For its fast horses.
5. (A) ____ She made bread from whole (B) _ _ For its natural resources.
wheat.
13. (A) _ _ Thinking about the decision.
(B) __ --- She baked some white bread.
(B) _ _ Arguing about the issue.
6. (A) _____ It's being audio.
(B) __
14. (A) _ _ The color is too bright.
Brenda is typing it. (B) _ _ It doesn't fit around the neck.
7. (A) _ _ _ Emily bought new clothes.
(B) _ _ 15. (A) _ _ Wrote his name on the paper.
Emily recently moved. (B) _ _ Told his students to write a
paper.

Exercise 2.2

Focus: Identifying sound-alike expressions in answer choices and choosing correct answers.
Directions: Listen to the dialogs. Each dialog contains a word or phrase that sounds like a word or
phrase in two of the answer choices. Underline these words. Underline only those words with
similar sounds, not words that are exactly the same. Then mark the answer choice that has the same
meaning as the spoken sentence. (The correct answer will not contain any sound-alike words.) The
first one is done as an example.
l1li))) Now start the audio. If necessary, repeat this exercise to make sure that you have underlined all
the sound-alike words.

1. (A) ___ She went to the center with her friend.

(B) ~ She wrote her friend a letter.
(C) ___ She told her friend to call her later.
2. (A) ___ He has an appointment with the president.
(B) _ _ _ He was just appointed vice-president.
(C) _ _ _ He's unhappy because he lost the election.
3. (A) ___ It is a study of the life of plants.
(B) _ _ _ It concerns the breeding of cattle.
(C) ___ It deals with life on Earth.
4. (A) ___ They can't leave until the rain is over.
(B) _ _ _ Their drain has stopped up.
(C) ___ He shouldn't board the train until it completely stops.
5. (A) ___ He offered his help to Darlene.
(B) ___ He made an offer to Darlene's sister.
(C) ___ When Darlene was gone, he missed her.
 20 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension

6. (A) ____ _ Get a copy made.

(R) Buy some cough drops.
L (C) Eat in the coffee shop.
7. (A) He didn't hear what the woman said.
(B) He can lend the man a pen.
'--.-- (C i He had a pain behind his ear.
8. (A; The food in this town isn't very good.
(ll) _._ She needed boots when she left home.
(C The flooding in her neighborhood was severe.
9. (AI She's been weakened by the sickness.
,
>
'
(B! She was awakened by the coughing.
(C) , She missed class because of her cough.
10. (A) Evaluate the texts.
(B) Correct the exams.
(C) __ Collect the tests.
II. (A) __ His apartment is more comfortable now.
(B) __ He recently bought a new van.
(C) He's been feeling fine lately.
12. (A) _ _ Her name is not on the list.
(B) ___ The lease is difficult to read.
(C) ___ The lawyer told her to call the police.
 62 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension

LESSON 12
ANSWERING OVERVIEW QUESnONS ABOUT EXTENDED CONVERSATIONS

After each extended conversation in Part B, there are four to five questions. Usually the first and
sometimes the last question are overview questions. To answer these questions, you need an
understanding of the whole conversation rather than of any specific point.

Overview Questions for the Extended Conversations

• What is the main topic of this conversation?
• What are these people primarily discussing?
• Where does this conversation take place?
• When does this conversation take place?
• What is the relationship between the speakers?
• What is the man's/woman's occupation?
• What is one speaker's attitude toward the other speaker?
Main topic questions must correctly summarize the conversation. Incorrect answers for these
questions are too general, too specific, or incorrect according to the conversation.
Although these questions require an overall understanding of the conversations, the first few
sentences often "set the scene." In other words, the opening lines of the talk establish the time, place,
and main topic. Read the opening lines of the extended conversation given below:
Ml: (Answering phone) Hello?
Fl: Hi, Rod, this is Rita-I'm in your nine o'clock class. I missed class because of a cold, and I
was wondering if I could borrow your notes.
Ml: I don't know if you could read my notes-I have terrible handwriting. But I can tell you what
happened. Professor Phillips went over the material in Chapter 4, about different types of
stars in our galaxy. And she talked about what the mid-term exam is going to be like.
Fl: Uh-oh, you better tell me all about the mid-term-I really need to do well on it.
From this portion of a conversation, we learn that
· .. both of the speakers are students
· .. they are probably taking a course in astronomy
· .. the class is about halfway over (because they are taking mid-term exams)
· .. the rest of the talk will probably deal with the material that will be on the examination
Not all conversations begin with so much detail. However, it is important to concentrate on the
opening lines to learn this kind of information.

Exercise 12

Focus: Listening to the opening lines of extended conversations, and answering overview questions
about the topics, settings, and speakers.
Directions: Listen to the conversations and the questions about them. Then mark the answer
choice-(A), (B), or (C)-that correctly completes the sentence. The first one is done as an example.
-4))) Now start the audio.
1. ___ (A) Methods of predicting earthquakes.
~ (B) Ways to improve the man's presentation.
___ (C) The many new uses of computer graphics.
2. ___ (A) Statistics.
_ _ _ (B) Computer science.
~ (C) Geology.
 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension 63

3. ___ (A) A language teacher and a student.

___ (B) A dean and a teacher.
_ _ _ (C) A teacher and an assistant.

4. _ _ (A) The language of the deaf.

_ _ _ (B) Methods of teaching German.
___ (C) Communication networks.
5. ___ (A) Professor Quinn's approach to teaching.
_ _ _ (B) The process of getting a student identification card.
___ (C) Procedures for checking out reserve material.
6. ___ (A) At a university library.
_ _ (B) In a psychology class.
_ _ (C) In a laboratory.
7. _ _ (A) To ask for a job.
_ _ _ (B) To get some advice.
___ (C) To discuss medical research.
8. ___ (A) Academic advisor.
_ _ _ (B) Physician.
___ (C) Administrator.
9. _ _ (A) Helpful.
___ (B) Discouraging.
___ (C) Inconsiderate.
10. ___ (A) The art of raising dogs.
_ _ (B) A softball game.
_ _ (C) A dogsled race.
11. ___ (A) An archaeologist.
_ _ _ (B) An anthropologist.
___ (C) A university student.
12. ___ (A) Their plans for the coming school year.
___ (B) Tina's volunteer position.
_ (C) Tina's trip to Europe.
13._ (A) A clerk at a bookstore.
__ (B) A librarian .
. .0 "_ _ (C) A publisher's sales officer.
14. ___ (A) Before the spring term begins.
_ __ (B) In the middle of the spring term.
_0.00_(C) After the spring term ends.
15. _ _ (A) In Nicholson Hall.
___ (B) In the Graduate Admissions Office.
___ (C) In the Financial Aid Office.
16. ___ (A) Requirements for graduate admission.
___ (B) Directions to another office.
___ (C) The woman's need for a scholarship.
 64 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension

LESSON 13
ANSWERING DETAIL QUESTIONS ABOUT
EXTENDED CONVERSATIONS

Most of the questions in Part B are detail questions that require an understanding of specific points
in the conversation. A majority of these questions are factual questions, asking what, where,
when, why, and how much. To answer the question, you need to listen carefully.
Other questions are inference questions. As previously explained, the answers to inference
questions are not directly stated, but are suggested by information in the lecture. Many of these
questions begin, "What do the speakers imply about ..." or "What can be inferred from the
conversation about ..."
Remember that the order of detail questions follows the order of the conversation. In other
words, the first detail question will be about something mentioned early in the conversation while
the last one is about something mentioned near the end of the conversation.
If anything in the conversation is emphasized, it will probably be asked about. In other words, if
something one speaker says is repeated by the second speaker, or if one speaker talks about
something in an emphatic tone of voice, there will probably be a question about that information, as
in this section of a conversation:
Ml: My project for my film-making class took me six weeks to finish.
F1: Six weeks! I can hardly believe it. Doesn't the teacher realize you have other
classes too?
You can be fairly sure that there will be a question such as this: "How long did the man's project
take to complete?"

Exercise 13.1

Focus: Answering detail and inference questions based on specitk points in short portions of
extended conversations.
Directions: You will hear three extended conversations, each one divided into several short
portions. After each portion, there will be a number of questions based on that part of the talk. Mark
the best answer choice-(A), (B), or (C)-for each question. The first one is done as an example.
l1li))) Now start the audio.
l. _ _ (A) A doctor.
.___ (B) A newspaper.
~ (C) A magazine.

2. ___ (A) It's too tiring.

___ (B) It can cause injuries.
____ (C) It's not demanding enough.
3. _ _ (A) Downhill skiing.
_ _ (B) Jogging.
___ (C) Cross-country skiing.
4. _ . _ (A) It doesn't require much snow
____ (B) It is a recently developed sport.
___ (C) It can be done in flat areas .
.:;. ___ (A) Use a cross-country ski machine.
___ (B) Travel to ski resorts.
___ (C) Take up jogging.
 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension 65

6. ___ (A) The expense.

___ (B) The weather conditions.
_ _ (C) The danger.
7. ___ (A) He stayed up most of the night.
___ (B) He's been studying all morning.
___ (C) He took an exam last night.
S. ___ (A) It was an improvement.
_ _ _ (B) It was disappointing.
___ (C) It was unfair.
9. ___ (A) Undergraduate students.
___ (B) Teachers.
___ (C) Graduate students.
lO. ___ (A) She learned how to do research.
___ (B) She was prepared for her sociology test.
___ (C) She learned teaching techniques.
11. ___ (A) Basic scientific research.
___ (B) Business management.
_ _ (C) Test-taking skills.
12. ___ (A) In the library.
___ (B) In the Physics Tower.
_ _ _ (C) In Staunton Hall.

13. ___ (A) Study for his next exam.

_ _ _ (B) Go to the Study Skills Center.
___ (C) Get some sleep.
14. ____ (A) To buy something at an auction.
____ (B) To pay for employees' salaries.
___ (C) To improve their broadcasts.
15. ____ (A) Apply for a job at the station.
____ (B) Donate his services for the station's auction.
___ (C) Direct the construction of a new tower.
16. ___ (A) She must work on her own research project.
_ _ (B) She has to help her parents.
___ (C) She must study for exams.
17. ___ (A) They seldom attend auctions.
_ _ _ (B) They might bid on the man's services.
___ (C) They use the library often.

Exercise 13.2

Focus: Answering detail and inference questions based on specific points in complete extended
conversations.
Directions: You will hear four extended conversations. After each conversation, there will be a
number of questions based on it. Mark the best answer choice-(A), (B), or (C)-for each question.
The first one is done as an example .
.-))) Now start the audio.
66 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension

1. _ _ (A) North of Los Angeles.

~ (B) Between Los Angeles and San Diego.
_ _ (C) East of San Diego.
2. ___ (A) They are a type of insect.
___ (B) They are a kind of fish.
___ (C) They are a type of bird.
3. ___ (A) In March.
___ (B) In early summer.
_ _ _ (C) In October.

4. ___ (A) About 200 miles.

_ _ (B) About 1,000 miles.
_ _ (C) About 7,000 miles.
5. ___ (A) The swallows' arrival.
_ _ (B) The parade.
___ (C) The swallows' departure.
6. ___ (A) Only during the first week of classes.
___ (B) Whenever students ask for them.
_ _ _ (C) Only in the afternoon.

7. _ _ (A) A tour gUide.

___ (B) A classroom.
_ _ (C) A map.
8. ___ (A) In the Science Building.
___ (B) In the Student Center Building.
___ (C) In the University Recreation Center.
9. ___ (A) A test in a composition class.
_ _ (B) A road test.
___ (C) The written test for her driver's license.
10. ___ (A) He drove too fast.
___ (B) He couldn't park well.
___ (C) He made an improper turn.
11. ___ (A) Drive her to the test site.
_ _ (B) Help her get ready for the road test.
___ (C) Sell her a car.
12. ___ (A) It doesn't belong to her.
___ (B) She's not a licensed driver.
___ (C) It isn't running right.
 74 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension

LESSON 15
ANSWERING OVERVIEW QUESTIONS ABOUT MINI-TALKS

After each talk in Part C, there are three or four questions. Usually the first question is an overview
question. To answer this type of question, you need an understanding of the whole talk rather than of
any specific point.

Overview Questions for the ilfini-Talks

• What is the main idea/main point/main topic of the lecture?
• What is the purpose of this talk?
• Where was this lecture given?
• When was this talk given?
• In what course was this lecture given?
• What is the speaker's occupation?
• Who is the audience for this talk?
Main idea, main topic, and main point questions must correctly summarize the talk. Incorrect answers
for these questions are usually too general, too specific, or incorrect according to the lecture.
Although these questions require an overall understanding of the talks, the first few sentences
often "set the scene." In other words, the opening lines of the talk frequently establish the time, place,
and main topic. Read the opening lines of the Mini-Talk given below:
Good morning, everyone. As you probably know, this class is a continuation of a course that began
last term. Last term we focused on American writers of the nineteenth century. Today we'll begin
our study of twentieth-century novelists with a look at Ernest Hemingway.
From this introduction, we know that
· .. the speaker is a teacher
· .. the audience is a group of students
· .. the course is in American literature
· .. the talk will concern Ernest Hemingway
Not all talks will begin with so much detail. However, it is important to concentrate on the
opening lines to learn this kind of information.

Exercise 15

Focus: Listening to the opening lines of Mini-Talks and answering overview questions about the main
ideas, speakers and audiences, settings, and so on.
Directions: Listen to the introductions and the questions about them. Then mark the answer
choice-(A), (B), or (C)-that correctly completes the sentence. The first one is done as an example.
-4»)) Now start the audio.
1. ___ (A) A teacher. 3. ___ (A) To explain the traditions of
~ (B) A tour guide. handball.
___ (C) A photographer. ___ (B) To give information about the
rules of tennis.
2. ___ (A) A description of the wildlife
___ (C) To discuss the rules of handball.
preserve.
___ (B) Advice about outdoor 4. ___ (A) At the end of a tournament.
photography. ___ (B) Before an exhibition game.
___ (C) The scientillc classillcation of ___ (C) During a game.
buffaloes.
 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension 75

5. ___ (A) Factory workers. 14. ___ (A) The fundamentals of skiing.
_ _ _ (B) Visitors to a factory. _ _ _ (B) Championship skiers.
___ (C) Management trainees. ___ (C) The development of ski resorts.
6. _~ (A) The process of canning soft 15. _ _ (A) Law.
drinks. ___ (B) Economics.
_ _ _ (B) Management-labor teamwork. _ _ _ (C) Classical languages.
___ (C) The life cycle of plants.
16. ___ CA) A few weeks after the beginning
7. ___ (A) The physical rewards of of class.
dancing. ___ (B) In the first class meeting.
_ _ _ (B) The importance of the program _ _ _ (C) During the final exam.
to the university.
17. _ _ (A) On a boat.
___ (C) The disadvantages of being in
_ _ _ (B) At an aquarium.
the program.
_ _ (C) On a plane.
S. ___ (A) Director of a dance program.
IS. ___ (A) The habits of whales.
_ _ (B) Professor of psychology.
_ _ (B) Types of whales.
_ _ (C) Athletics coach.
_ _ _. (C) Efforts to protect whales.
9. _ _ (A) A host at a party.
19. ___ CA) Students who own bicycles.
___ (B) The president of a society.
_ _ _ (B) New members of the campus
___ (C) The captain of a ship.
police force.
10. ___ (A) The role of the State Historical _ _ _ (C) Pedestrians concerned about
Society. safety.
_~ (B) The history of New England.
20. ___ (A) To descrihe some recent
___ (C) The story of some shipwrecks.
accidents.
11. ___ (A) Composition. ~ _ (B) To introduce a new program.
___ (B) Fine arts. ___ (C) To provide safety and security
___ (C) Architecture. hints.
12. ___ (A) The use of blueprints.
___ (B) Methods of organization.
_ _ (C) Editing papers.
13. ___ (A) Experienced skiers.
___ (B) Ski instructors.
___ (0 Beginning skiers.
 76 Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension

LESSON 16
ANSWERING DETAll. QUESTIONS ABOUT MINI-TALKS

Most of the questions about Part C talks are detail questions that ask about specific points in the
talk. The majority of these questions are factual questions, asking about facts, reasons, places, or
dates mentioned by the speaker. This type of question often begins, "According to the speaker, ..."
Incorrect answers are often mentioned at some point in the talk but are not appropriate answers
to the questions as asked.
You are not permitted to take written notes while listening to the lecture.
A few questions about the Part C talks are inference questions. Many of these questions begin,
"What does the speaker imply about ..." or "What can be inferred from the lecture about ..."
As in Part B, if a speaker emphasizes a point in the lecture by going back to it or repeating it,
there will probably be a question about it.
M: ... Now, in the days of the California Gold Rush, the journey by ship from the East Coast to
San Francisco took about six months. Can you imagine that-gold-seekers spent six months
at sea just getting to California!
There will almost certainly be a question about how long it took to get from the East Coast to San
Francisco during the Gold Rush.

Exercise 16.1

Focus: Answering detail and inference questions based on specific points in Part C talks.
Directions: You will hear three talks, each one divided into several short portions. After each
portion, there will be a number of questions based on that part of the talk. Mark the best answer
choice-(A), (B), or (C)-for each question. The first one is done as an example.
-4))) Now start the audio.
Talk A Talk B
1. ___ (A) It covers some difficult topics. 7. ___ (A) They have such impressive
~ (B) It's unlike other biology appetites.
courses. ___ (B) They sometimes walk on two
_ _ _ (C) It has never been offered by this legs.
department. _ _ (C) They frequently attack people.
2. ___ (A) By visiting a coral reef. 8. ___ (A) They will eat anything except
___ (B) By going to the library. plants.
___ (C) By going to a farm. _ _ (B) They eat only honey.
___ (C) They aren't limited to a few
3. _ _ (A) Diving.
types of food.
_ _ (B) Photography.
_ _ (C) Biology. 9. _ _ (A) Five feet.
_ _ _ (B) Ten feet.
4. _ _ (A) As harmful.
___ (C) Fifteen feet.
___ (B) As easily damaged.
_ _ _ (C) As frightening. 10. _ _ (A) In Alaska.
___ (B) In Yellowstone National Park.
5. ___ (A) Transportation.
___ (C) Allover the United States.
_ _ (B) Housing.
___ (C) Basic equipment. 11. _ _ (A) The kodiak bear.
___ (B) The grizzly bear.
6. _ _ (A) Traveling by ship.
_ _ (C) The black bear.
___ (B) Trying to get financial aid.
___ (C) Applying to another university.