TOEFL Listening Practice 4
Part 1: Listen and Choose a Response
- Audio:
“You finished writing the summary already? The article was posted just this morning.”
A. I know—I started as soon as class ended.
B. No, I haven’t checked my schedule yet.
C. Yes, I think the library opens early.
D. I left my notebook in the other room.
Answer: A
Explanation:
Tone = surprise. The listener should give a reasonable explanation for completing it quickly.
- Audio:
“You’re heading to the lab now? The supervisor usually locks it by six.”
A. Yes, my laptop battery is low.
B. Oh—then I’d better hurry if I want to get inside.
C. No, I haven’t printed the form.
D. I think the exam was postponed.
Answer: B
Explanation:
The speaker warns the listener that the lab may be locked soon. Appropriate response shows urgency.
- Audio:
“You’re still using last year’s syllabus? Didn’t the professor update half the readings?”
A. Really? I’ll download the new version right away.
B. Yes, I bought a new backpack yesterday.
C. No, I’m not taking statistics this term.
D. I think the café closes at eight.
Answer: A
Explanation:
The implied meaning: The listener is relying on outdated information. The correct response is to fix that.
- Audio:
“You didn’t bring your calculator? We’re doing data analysis today.”
A. Oh—can I borrow one before class starts?
B. Yes, I already finished the chapter.
C. No, I haven’t gone grocery shopping.
D. I think the weather will change later.
Answer: A
Explanation:
The speaker expresses concern. The listener should take immediate corrective action.
- Audio:
“You’re leaving the group meeting? We haven’t even agreed on a topic yet.”
A. I know—I just need a quick break but I’ll be right back.
B. Yes, I forgot to water my plants.
C. No, I don’t follow the news often.
D. I think the projector is broken.
Answer: A
Explanation:
The speaker signals that leaving now is premature. A proper response clarifies the intention to return.
- Audio:
“You’re using that citation style? The professor said it wasn’t acceptable for this course.”
A. Really? Then I’ll switch to the format she recommended.
B. Yes, I already baked the cookies.
C. No, I’m not planning to travel this weekend.
D. I think the bus comes every thirty minutes.
Answer: A
Explanation:
The implied meaning: The chosen citation style is incorrect. Best response: correct the mistake.
Part 2: Listen to a Conversation
Conversation 1 — Classroom Seating Issue
Audio Script:
Woman: Hi, is this seat taken?
Man: No, go ahead. Actually, you might want to know—the professor usually assigns seats starting next week.
Woman: Really? I just joined the class yesterday, so I didn’t hear that announcement.
Man: Yeah, he said it helps with participation tracking.
Woman: Do you know if new students can choose where they want to sit?
Man: I think he lets everyone choose on the first day of assigned seating, but after that it’s fixed.
Woman: Good to know. I’ll come early on Monday then.
Man: Smart idea. It fills up fast.
Questions
- Why did the woman not know about the seating policy?
A. She missed class last week
B. She didn’t read the syllabus
C. She couldn’t hear the announcement
D. She enrolled in the class late
Answer: D — She enrolled in the class late.
→ She says: “I just joined the class yesterday.
- What does the man imply about Monday?
A. Students will have limited time to choose seats
B. The classroom will likely be crowded early
C. The professor will change the seating chart
D. New students will sit at the back Answer: B — The classroom will likely be crowded early.
→ He says: “It fills up fast,” implying many students come early to pick seats.
Conversation 2 — Gym Membership Confusion
Audio Script:
Man: Hi, I was charged twice for my gym membership this month.
Receptionist: Oh, I’m sorry about that. Let me check… It looks like the system processed your renewal twice because the auto-pay didn’t register correctly last month.
Man: So will I get one of the charges refunded?
Receptionist: Yes, absolutely. The refund should appear in three to five business days.
Man: Great. Should I turn off auto-pay to avoid this happening again?
Receptionist: It shouldn’t happen again. But if you prefer, you can manage your payment settings in the app.
Man: Okay, thanks for helping me sort this out.
Receptionist: Of course!
Questions
- Why was the man charged twice?
A. He updated his membership plan
B. His payment from last month failed
C. He manually paid twice
D. The receptionist made an error
Answer: B — His payment from last month failed.
→ She says the system charged him twice because auto-pay didn’t register correctly last month.
- What does the receptionist imply about future payments?
A. Double charges are likely to happen again
B. The man must disable auto-pay
C. The issue should not occur again
D. The gym will stop offering auto-pay
Answer: C — The issue should not occur again.
→ She says: “It shouldn’t happen again.”
Conversation 3 — Project Topic Change
Audio Script:
Woman: Professor, I was wondering if I could change my research topic.
Professor: You want to switch? What happened to your original idea about marine ecosystems?
Woman: I realized most of the articles I need are behind paywalls, and I can’t access them through the university library.
Professor: Ah, that can be a problem. Did you try the interlibrary loan service?
Woman: I did, but the requests take too long, and the project deadline is in two weeks.
Professor: I see. Well, you may choose another topic, but make sure it’s something with readily available sources.
Woman: Yes, I’ll choose something more manageable. Thank you.
Questions
- Why does the woman want to change her research topic?
A. She lost her previous research materials
B. She found a different subject more interesting
C. She cannot access enough sources for her current topic
D. Her professor recommended another topic
Answer: C — She cannot access enough sources for her current topic.
→ She says most articles are behind paywalls and interlibrary loan is too slow.
- What does the professor advise the woman to do?
A. Extend the project deadline
B. Stick with her original topic
C. Use the interlibrary loan service
D. Choose a topic with easily accessible sources
Answer: D — Choose a topic with easily accessible sources.
→ The professor says: “Make sure it’s something with readily available sources.”
Part 3: Listen to an Announcement
Announcement 1: Change in Parking Regulations
Audio script :
“Attention all commuters: Beginning next Tuesday, Lot B will be reserved exclusively for faculty due to construction occurring near the main academic wing. Student vehicles parked in Lot B after 8 A.M. will be subject to towing. Until construction is complete, students should use Lots D and F, which will open earlier than usual to accommodate increased traffic. Please check the transportation office website for a map of temporary pedestrian routes.”
- Why is Lot B being restricted?
A. It is undergoing repairs
B. It is needed to support construction activities
C. It is being permanently reassigned
D. It lacks enough parking spaces for students
Answer: B
Explanation: The announcement states Lot B will be reserved for faculty due to construction near the main wing, implying construction-related logistics require the restriction.
- What adjustment is the university making to help students?
A. Providing shuttle buses from off-campus
B. Extending free parking hours
C. Opening other student lots earlier
D. Allowing temporary use of faculty spaces
Answer: C
Explanation: It says that Lots D and F “will open earlier than usual to accommodate increased traffic.”
Announcement 2: Computer Lab Software Update
Audio script :
“Good afternoon. The computer lab will be closed tomorrow from noon to 4 P.M. for a required software update on all university workstations. During this time, printing services and specialized programs such as data-analysis tools will be unavailable. Students who need to submit assignments should print their documents before noon, as late submissions caused by the update will not receive deadline extensions.”
- What does the announcement imply about assignment deadlines?
A. Students can request extra time
B. Deadlines may be moved to the next day
C. The lab closure will not excuse late work
D. Professors have been notified to allow flexibility
Answer: C
Explanation: The speaker explicitly states that “late submissions caused by the update will not receive extensions.”
- Which service will be unavailable during the update?
A. Borrowing laptops
B. Printing services
C. Tutoring support
D. Group study rooms
Answer: B
Explanation: The announcement states that printing services will be unavailable.
Announcement 3: Orientation Tour Adjustment
Audio script :
“Welcome, incoming students. Due to unexpected thunderstorms in the area, the outdoor campus tour scheduled for this afternoon will be replaced with an indoor tour of the library and student center. The original outdoor tour will be offered later this week if weather conditions improve. Please gather in the main lobby at 2 P.M., where guides will take you to the revised tour locations. Updates will be posted on the orientation portal.”
- What is the main reason for changing the tour plan?
A. A shortage of tour guides
B. New campus facilities being introduced
C. Thunderstorms in the area
D. Scheduling conflicts with other events
Answer: C
Explanation: The announcement directly mentions “unexpected thunderstorms” as the reason for the change.
- What will happen if the weather improves later in the week?
A. The indoor tour will be canceled
B. The original outdoor tour may be offered
C. Students must book new tour times
D. The tour will move to the athletic fields
Answer: B
Explanation: The announcement states the outdoor tour will be offered later this week if weather conditions improve.
Part 4: Listen to an Academic Talk
Passage 1 – Environmental Science (Microplastics in Marine Ecosystems)
Professor:
In recent years, microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in length—have become a major concern in marine ecosystems. They come from two main sources: primary microplastics, which are manufactured intentionally, and secondary microplastics, which result from larger plastics breaking down through sunlight and wave action.
One of the biggest challenges with microplastics is that they’re so easily ingested. Zooplankton, the base of the marine food chain, often mistake them for food. When zooplankton consume microplastics, the particles can block their digestive tracts, reducing energy intake and slowing growth rates.
This problem doesn’t stop with zooplankton. Fish that feed on zooplankton accumulate microplastics, and predators higher up the food chain accumulate even more. This process—called biomagnification—means that large marine animals, including species humans regularly consume, may contain high concentrations of plastic particles.
What’s particularly troubling is that microplastics can absorb toxic chemicals from seawater. When animals ingest these particles, they may also ingest harmful pollutants. Researchers are still investigating the long-term consequences, but early evidence suggests potential impacts on reproduction, metabolism, and overall health.
Questions (4)
- What is the main purpose of the talk?
A. To explain the formation of ocean currents
B. To describe sources and impacts of microplastics in marine ecosystems
C. To compare plastic pollution with oil spills
D. To argue that microplastics are harmless to most marine species
Answer: B
Explanation: The talk outlines where microplastics come from and how they affect marine life.
- What happens when zooplankton ingest microplastics?
A. They become more resistant to diseases.
B. They break the plastic down into harmless substances.
C. Their digestive systems may become blocked.
D. They stop reproducing immediately.
Answer: C
Explanation: The professor says microplastics can block digestive tracts and reduce energy intake.
- Why does the professor mention biomagnification?
A. To explain why microplastics disappear over time
B. To show how microplastics move up the food chain
C. To argue that only large animals are affected
D. To demonstrate how fish adapt to pollution
Answer: B
Explanation: Biomagnification describes microplastics concentrating in animals at higher trophic levels.
- What concern do researchers have about microplastics absorbing chemicals?
A. The chemicals may reduce ocean temperature.
B. Predators may avoid eating contaminated fish.
C. The pollutants may harm animals that ingest the plastics.
D. The chemicals break down too quickly to study.
Answer: C
Explanation: Microplastics can carry toxins into organisms, causing possible health impacts.
Passage 2 – History (The Rise of Paper Money in Medieval China)
Professor:
When we think of paper money, we often associate it with the modern world. But in fact, the first government-issued paper currency appeared in China during the Song Dynasty, nearly a thousand years ago. At the time, China’s economy was expanding rapidly, and the demand for metal coins exceeded the available supply.
Merchants began to deposit their heavy coins with reputable shops and received receipts that represented their stored value. These receipts soon circulated as a form of private money. Recognizing the efficiency of this system, the Song government took control by issuing its own paper currency, which was lighter, easier to transport, and more convenient for large transactions.
However, paper money also created challenges. The government was sometimes tempted to print more notes than it could back with reserves, leading to inflation. In extreme cases, the value of the notes collapsed entirely.
Nonetheless, the innovation of paper money transformed the Chinese economy and influenced later monetary systems around the world. It demonstrated how financial tools evolve in response to economic pressures.
Questions (4)
- What is the professor’s main point?
A. Paper money originated as a solution to coin shortages in medieval China
B. Merchants resisted government-issued currency
C. Inflation was the only consequence of early paper money
D. The Song Dynasty banned private forms of currency
Answer: A
Explanation: The talk explains how paper money developed because metal coins were insufficient.
- Why did merchants begin using receipts as money?
A. They were required by government officials
B. They lacked trust in metal coins
C. Carrying large amounts of coins was inconvenient
D. Receipts were worth more than coins
Answer: C
Explanation: Receipts were lighter and easier to transport than heavy coins.
- What problem arose when the government issued too much paper currency?
A. Shortages of coins increased
B. Inflation weakened the value of the notes
C. Merchants refused to accept the notes
D. Counterfeiting became impossible
Answer: B
Explanation: Overprinting led to inflation and a collapse in value.
- What does the professor imply about the impact of paper money?
A. It shaped monetary systems beyond China
B. It was abandoned quickly due to instability
C. It slowed economic development
D. It replaced coins entirely
Answer: A
Explanation: The professor states it influenced later monetary systems worldwide.
Passage 3 – Biology (Symbiosis Between Fungi and Plant Roots)
Professor:
Many plants rely on a fascinating form of symbiosis with fungi known as mycorrhizal associations. In this relationship, fungal threads connect to plant roots, forming an intricate network in the soil. The fungi increase the plant’s access to water and nutrients, especially phosphorus, which is often in short supply.
In return, the plant provides the fungi with carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis. This exchange is highly efficient and can significantly improve plant growth. In fact, some plants grow poorly—or not at all—without their fungal partners.
Interestingly, mycorrhizal networks don’t just link fungi and individual plants. They can also connect multiple plants to one another, allowing them to share resources. For example, a large, healthy tree might transfer nutrients to a smaller, shaded tree through this underground fungal network.
But the relationship isn’t always perfectly balanced. Some fungal species take more carbohydrates than they provide in nutrients, acting more like parasites. So, while the relationship is generally mutually beneficial, it can shift depending on environmental conditions.
Questions (4)
- What is the main purpose of the talk?
A. To describe how fungi compete with plants for nutrients
B. To explain how mycorrhizal relationships support plant growth
C. To argue that fungi are more important than plants in ecosystems
D. To distinguish between different species of soil fungi
Answer: B
Explanation: The professor focuses on the role of mycorrhizae in helping plants thrive.
- How do fungi benefit plants in this relationship?
A. By producing carbohydrates
B. By transporting seeds
C. By increasing access to water and nutrients
D. By protecting plants from grazing animals
Answer: C
Explanation: Fungal threads enhance nutrient and water absorption.
- What does the professor say about networks connecting multiple plants?
A. They can transfer nutrients between plants
B. They prevent parasitic species from spreading
C. They only form in nutrient-rich soils
D. They limit communication among plants
Answer: A
Explanation: A larger tree may transfer nutrients to a smaller one through the network.
- What does the professor imply about the fungi–plant relationship?
A. It is always equal and beneficial
B. It sometimes becomes less mutual and more parasitic
C. It only occurs in tropical environments
D. It depends solely on the species of plant involved
Answer: B
Explanation: Some fungi take more carbohydrates than they return, shifting the relationship.
