TOEFL Listening Practice 1
Part 1: Listen and Choose a Response
1. Audio:
“If you’re waiting for Professor Lin, you might want to get comfortable. He’s… rarely early.”
A. Great, I’ll email him the homework.
B. Yes, he always starts class exactly on time.
C. I think I left my keys in the classroom.
D. Oh really? Then I’ll just come back later.
Correct: D
Explanation: The speaker implies the professor is usually late. The natural response is to leave or come back later.
2. Audio:
“You finished the lab report already? That was… fast.”
A. I know, I probably rushed it too much.
B. Yes, I haven’t started writing it yet.
C. No, I don’t like doing experiments.
D. I think I’ll submit it next month.
Correct: A
Explanation: Tone suggests surprise or skepticism. The best response acknowledges possibly finishing too quickly.
3. Audio:
“You’re still working on that? I thought you said it’d only take an hour.”
A. No, I never work in the library.
B. I don’t know where the printer is.
C. Yeah… I underestimated it.
D. I’m leaving for lunch now.
Correct: C
Explanation: The speaker implies the listener misjudged the time. The response should admit that.
4. Audio:
“Hmm… interesting choice of font for a research paper.”
A. I can change it to something more formal.
B. Yes, this is my favorite movie.
C. I forgot to bring my calculator.
D. I think the meeting is downstairs.
Correct: A
Explanation: Tone suggests disapproval. The appropriate response is to offer to change the font.
5. Audio:
“You haven’t seen the email yet? It was sent hours ago.”
A. Yes, I read it yesterday.
B. Sorry, I’ll check it right now
C. No, I don’t use my phone for music.
D. I left the book in my dorm.
Correct: B
Explanation: The implied meaning: the listener should check the email immediately.
6. Audio:
“Oh, you’re done organizing the files? I didn’t think you’d finish today.”
A. Well, it took longer than I expected.
B. Yes, I haven’t even started.
C. No, the files are still missing.
D. I think I lost my student ID.
Correct: A
Explanation: The speaker is surprised. The best response acknowledges the effort and time.
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Part 2: Listen to a Conversation
Conversation 1 — Campus Life: Lost Item
Audio script :
Woman: Hey, did you happen to see a blue notebook in the study lounge earlier? I think I left mine there this morning.
Man: Hmm… was it on the table near the windows?
Woman: Yes! I was reviewing my biology notes before class.
Man: Ah, then I think I know what happened. A maintenance worker came in to clean, and he moved a pile of books and notebooks to the shelf by the door.
Woman: Oh no… I thought I lost it. I have all my midterm notes in there.
Man: Don’t worry. I saw the worker put everything together neatly. It should still be there.
Woman: Thanks. I’ll go check right now.
Man: Good luck. If it’s not there, try the lost-and-found in the student center. They usually pick up items left in common areas.
Woman: Will do. Thanks again!
Questions
- What does the man suggest the woman do?
A. Ask the biology professor for help
B. Check the shelf by the door in the study lounge
C. Look for the maintenance worker
D. Go home and search her room - What does the man imply about the maintenance worker?
A. He accidentally took the notebook home
B. He often throws away old notebooks
C. He moved the woman’s notebook to another spot
D. He reported the notebook to the lost-and-found office
Answers + Explanations
- B — Check the shelf by the door in the study lounge.
→ The man says the worker moved the books “to the shelf by the door,” so he suggests she check there first. - C — He moved the woman’s notebook to another spot.
→ The man explains that the worker “moved a pile of books and notebooks,” which implies the notebook was relocated, not lost.
Conversation 2 — Course Registration Issue
Audio script:
Man: Hi, Professor Lee. Do you have a moment? I’m having trouble registering for your research methods course.
Professor: Sure, what seems to be the issue?
Man: The online system says the class is full, but I need it to graduate this semester.
Professor: Ah, yes… the class reached its limit yesterday. But I do reserve a few seats for graduating seniors.
Man: Really? That would be great.
Professor: Before I can add you, I need to confirm that you’ve completed the prerequisite course—Statistics 201.
Man: Yes, I finished it last semester.
Professor: Perfect. In that case, send me an email with your student ID, and I’ll manually add you to the class by this afternoon.
Man: Thank you so much!
Questions
- Why does the man speak with the professor?
A. To ask for help with a homework assignment
B. To request a prerequisite waiver
C. To solve a problem with course registration
D. To discuss his graduation project - What does the professor say he will do?
A. Increase the class size
B. Add the man to the class manually
C. Contact the registrar’s office
D. Allow the man to skip the prerequisite
Answers + Explanations
- C — To solve a problem with course registration.
→ The man says he “can’t register because the class is full.” - B — Add the man to the class manually.
→ The professor says: “I’ll manually add you to the class by this afternoon,” after receiving his ID.
Conversation 3 — Health Center Appointment
Audio script:
Woman: Hi, I’m calling to check if there are any available appointments at the student health center today.
Receptionist: Today? Let me check… We’re fully booked for regular checkups, but we do have a walk-in slot for minor illnesses at 3:30.
Woman: Oh good. I’ve been feeling dizzy since yesterday, so I just want to get it checked.
Receptionist: Dizziness—okay, that qualifies. You’ll need to arrive ten minutes early to fill out a short form.
Woman: Sure. Do I need to bring anything?
Receptionist: Just your student ID. If you’ve taken any medication, please list it on the form.
Woman: Got it. Thank you!
Receptionist: You’re welcome. See you at 3:20.
Questions
- Why is the woman contacting the health center?
A. To reschedule a missed appointment
B. To ask about clinic hours
C. To check for an available appointment
D. To request a prescription refill - What is the receptionist’s requirement for the woman?
A. Arrive exactly at 3:30
B. Bring her student ID
C. Pay a fee in advance
D. Call again to confirm
Answers + Explanations
- C — To check for an available appointment.
→ She asks if there are “any available appointments today.” - B — Bring her student ID.
→ The receptionist says: “Just your student ID.”
Part 3: Listen to an Announcement
Announcement 1: Campus Shuttle Change
Audio script :
“Attention students: Due to ongoing road repairs near the west entrance, the campus shuttle will temporarily follow a different route for the next two weeks. Instead of stopping at West Hall, the shuttle will stop in front of the Student Recreation Center. Please plan extra travel time and check the updated schedule posted on the university website.”
13. What is the main purpose of the announcement?
A. To warn students about shuttle fees
B. To inform students about a route change
C. To cancel shuttle service
D. To announce new parking rules
13. Answer: B
Explanation: The announcement tells students the shuttle will “follow a different route,” so the main purpose is to inform them of this change.
14. What should students do according to the announcement?
A. Avoid using the shuttle altogether
B. Take the shuttle from West Hall as usual
C. Allow more time for their commute
D. Call the transportation office for updates
14. Answer: C
Explanation: The speaker says “please plan extra travel time,” which means students should allow more time.
Announcement 2: Library System Upgrade
Audio script :
“Good morning. We’d like to inform all library visitors that our computer system will undergo a major upgrade this Friday from 6 P.M. to 10 P.M. During this period, you will not be able to borrow or return books using the self-service machines. Study rooms will remain open. If you need assistance, please ask a librarian before the upgrade begins.”
15. What will be unavailable during the upgrade?
A. Study rooms
B. Self-service borrowing and returning
C. Group study sessions
D. All library services
15.Answer: B
Explanation: The announcement states that self-service machines will not be usable. Study rooms remain open, so the correct choice is B.
16. What does the announcement encourage students to do?
A. Cancel all library visits
B. Leave the library early
C. Ask for help from a librarian beforehand
D. Reserve a study room
16. Answer: C
Explanation: The speaker says “If you need assistance, please ask a librarian before the upgrade begins.”
Announcement 3: Seminar Registration Deadline
Audio script :
“Hello students. This is a reminder that registration for the annual Undergraduate Research Seminar closes this Thursday at noon. The seminar includes workshops on scientific writing, data analysis, and presentation skills. Because space is limited, late registrations cannot be accepted. To sign up, visit the Events page on the department website and complete the online form.”
17. What is the announcement mainly about?
A. A change in seminar location
B. A reminder about a registration deadline
C. A cancellation of workshop sessions
D. A new academic requirement
17. Answer: B
Explanation: The announcement emphasizes that registration “closes this Thursday at noon,” indicating it is a reminder about a deadline.
18. Why can late registrations NOT be accepted?
A. The seminar requires prior coursework
B. The website will be unavailable
C. The seminar has limited space
D. The workshop materials are incomplete
18. Answer: C
Explanation: The announcement explicitly says: “Because space is limited, late registrations cannot be accepted.”
Part 4: Listen to an Academic Talk
Passage 1 – Anthropology (Early Human Migration)
Professor:
For decades, scientists believed that early humans migrated out of Africa only once, roughly 60,000 years ago. But recent discoveries challenge this “single-wave theory.” Stone tools found in the Arabian Peninsula suggest that small groups of humans left Africa much earlier—perhaps as early as 120,000 years ago.
Now, these early migrants probably did not survive long or leave descendants. Climatic instability in the region created harsh deserts that made long-term settlement nearly impossible. Still, their presence matters because it shows that human migration was not a single, coordinated event but a series of attempts—some successful, some not.
To make sense of these findings, researchers compare genetic data from modern populations with archaeological evidence. Genetics shows a major population expansion about 60,000 years ago, which supports the traditional view. But archaeology paints a more complex picture: multiple waves of movement, each shaped by climate shifts.
So, what we now suspect is that human migration was far more dynamic than previously believed—more like a series of “trial runs” rather than one major departure.
Questions:
19. What is the main purpose of the talk?
A. To describe how stone-tool technology evolved over time
B. To explain why early human settlements failed in the Arabian Peninsula
C. To present updated theories about early human migration
D. To compare ancient humans with modern human populations
19. Answer: C
Explanation: The professor discusses new evidence that challenges the traditional “single-wave” migration theory.
20. What does the professor imply about the early migrants to Arabia?
A. They influenced modern human genetics significantly.
B. They were unlikely to have survived long-term.
C. They created advanced social systems.
D. They adapted quickly to the desert climate.
20. Answer: B
Explanation: The talk states early migrants “probably did not survive long or leave descendants.”
21. Why does the professor mention genetic data?
A. To show how rapidly populations expanded in Africa
B. To demonstrate that genetics alone cannot explain migration history
C. To reject archaeological findings about early migrations
D. To suggest humans evolved separately in different regions
21.Answer: B
Explanation: He contrasts genetics with archaeology to show that migration history is more complex.
22. According to the professor, what is the new view of human migration?
A. It occurred in one large, organized movement.
B. It was driven mainly by technological innovation.
C. It consisted of several attempts influenced by climate.
D. It happened much later than previously thought.
22. Answer: C
Explanation: The professor describes migration as “multiple waves” shaped by climate shifts.
Passage 2 – Environmental Science (Forest Regrowth Patterns)
Professor:
When a forest is disturbed—by wildfire, logging, or disease—it doesn’t simply “grow back” in a predictable way. Instead, forests follow what ecologists call successional pathways. These pathways depend on numerous factors: soil quality, seed availability, rainfall patterns, and even which birds happen to visit the area.
Let’s take wildfire as an example. After a fire, fast-growing plants like grasses and shrubs appear first. They stabilize the soil and create shade, allowing slower-growing tree species to establish themselves. But in recent years, rising temperatures have altered this process. Some forests burn so intensely and so frequently that seeds cannot survive in the soil. As a result, forests may fail to return at all, turning instead into grasslands.
To study these shifts, scientists use satellite imagery to track changes in vegetation over decades. These long-term datasets show that forest recovery is becoming less reliable, especially in arid regions.
So, the key takeaway is this: disturbance no longer guarantees regrowth. Climate change is pushing some ecosystems past a threshold where traditional recovery patterns no longer apply.
Questions:
23. What is the main idea of the talk?
A. Forest disturbances are becoming more common.
B. Forest regrowth depends on complex ecological processes that climate change is disrupting.
C. Satellite imagery is the best tool for studying forests.
D. Grasslands are more stable than forests.
23. Answer: B
Explanation: The professor emphasizes that regrowth is complex and climate change disrupts these systems.
24. What does the professor say about fast-growing plants after a fire?
A. They compete with trees and prevent regrowth.
B. They are the main cause of frequent wildfires.
C. They help create conditions that allow trees to establish.
D. They survive because their seeds are fire-resistant.
24.Answer: C
Explanation: These plants stabilize soil and provide shade for slower-growing trees.
25. Why does the professor mention satellite imagery?
A. To criticize traditional forest-mapping techniques
B. To show how scientists monitor long-term vegetation changes
C. To argue that satellites have replaced on-site observation
D. To demonstrate how fires start in remote areas
25. Answer: B
Explanation: Satellite imagery helps track vegetation patterns over decades.
26. What problem results from more intense and frequent fires?
A. Bird populations decline rapidly.
B. Grasses become endangered.
C. Seeds in the soil are destroyed, preventing forest recovery.
D. Soil becomes too wet for trees to grow.
26. Answer: C
Explanation: High-intensity fires eliminate seeds, preventing forests from returning.
Passage 3 – Art History (Origins of Perspective in Painting)
Professor:
When we think of perspective in Western art, we often credit Renaissance artists like Brunelleschi and Masaccio. But the idea of representing depth on a flat surface actually predates the Renaissance by many centuries. Ancient Roman wall paintings, for example, show early attempts at linear perspective, though the technique was inconsistent and lacked mathematical precision.
What changed in the Renaissance was not the desire to depict space realistically but the system used to achieve it. Brunelleschi introduced a geometric method involving a single vanishing point, which allowed artists to construct space with unprecedented accuracy. This method spread quickly because it provided a repeatable formula rather than relying on intuition.
Interestingly, some art historians argue that cultural factors—not just technical ones—drove this shift. Renaissance society valued human reason and scientific inquiry, so artists embraced methods that reflected rational order.
Today, perspective is so ingrained in Western visual culture that viewers rarely question it. But it’s important to remember that perspective is not a universal feature of art; East Asian traditions, for instance, favored multiple viewpoints to capture the essence rather than the exact geometry of a scene.
Questions:
27. What is the professor’s main point about perspective in art?
A. It originated entirely during the Renaissance.
B. It developed through both technical innovation and cultural change.
C. It was perfected by Roman artists.
D. It is universally used across all artistic traditions.
27. Answer: B
Explanation: He emphasizes both geometric innovation and cultural values.
28. What does the professor say about Roman wall paintings?
A. They used a mathematically perfect perspective.
B. They rejected perspective entirely.
C. They contained early but inconsistent attempts at perspective.
D. They influenced East Asian artistic traditions.
28. Answer: C
Explanation: Roman painters experimented with perspective but inconsistently.
29. Why was Brunelleschi’s method influential?
A. It relied on artistic intuition.
B. It provided a systematic, repeatable geometric approach.
C. It emphasized emotional expression over realism.
D. It allowed artists to use multiple viewpoints.
29. Answer: B
Explanation: The method introduced a precise formula using a vanishing point.
30. What does the professor suggest about East Asian art?
A. It aimed to replicate Renaissance techniques.
B. It valued scientific accuracy more than Western art.
C. It used a perspective identical to Western methods.
D. It favored multiple viewpoints instead of strict geometric perspective.
30. Answer: D
Explanation: East Asian traditions focused on multiple viewpoints and essence, not strict geometry.
