TOEFL Listening Practice 6
Part 1: Listen and Choose a Response
- Audio:
“You’re heading to the bookstore now? They usually restock in the afternoon.”
A. Really? Then I’ll just go later instead.
B. No, I’m not taking any math classes.
C. Yes, I already submitted the assignment.
D. I think the weather will be nicer tomorrow.
Answer: A
Explanation: The speaker implies going now is not ideal. Best response: change plans accordingly.
- Audio:
“You haven’t started the outline yet? The professor wanted it before the lecture.”
A. Yes, I already paid my rent.
B. Oh—then I’d better finish it right away.
C. No, I didn’t bring my umbrella.
D. I think the meeting is in Room 204.
Answer: B
Explanation: The speaker expresses urgency. The listener should take immediate action.
- Audio:
“You’re using last semester’s textbook? Didn’t they switch editions?”
A. Right—I’ll get the new one so the chapters match.
B. Yes, I went jogging this morning.
C. No, I don’t have any cash with me.
D. I think the cafeteria is already closed.
Answer: A
Explanation: Implied message: your book is outdated. The listener should correct the issue.
- Audio:
“You’re leaving already? We still have two slides to finish.”
A. Oh—my bad. I’ll stay until we complete them.
B. Yes, the gym closes at 9.
C. No, I haven’t seen the movie yet.
D. I think my phone is charging.
Answer: A
Explanation: Speaker signals the listener is leaving too soon. Proper response acknowledges responsibility and stays.
- Audio:
“You finished your part of the project? That was quicker than I expected.”
A. Thanks—I tried to get a head start this time.
B. No, I don’t have class tomorrow.
C. Yes, I bought new shoes yesterday.
D. I think the printer ran out of ink.
Answer: A
Explanation: Tone = mild surprise. The listener should explain why they finished early.
- Audio:
“You’re relying on that website? It’s not known for being accurate.”
A. Oh—then I’ll look for more reliable sources.
B. Yes, I studied for three hours.
C. No, I didn’t call my advisor.
D. I think we should leave soon.
Answer: A
Explanation: The speaker questions the credibility of the source. Correct response: acknowledge and adjust.
Part 2: Listen to a Conversation
Conversation 1 — Changing a Lab Section
Audio Script:
Man: Hi, I’m trying to switch to the Wednesday lab section. Mine overlaps with another course I just added.
Administrator: Let me check… Hmm, the Wednesday section is full right now.
Man: Oh no. I really can’t attend the Monday one anymore.
Administrator: You can join the waitlist. Students often drop during the first two weeks.
Man: Do you think I have a good chance of getting in?
Administrator: It depends, but the earlier you join the waitlist, the better.
Man: Okay, please put me on it. Thanks for your help.
Administrator: You’re welcome.
- Why does the man want to switch lab sections?
A. He does not like his current instructor
B. His lab conflicts with another course
C. He prefers a smaller class
D. He wants to be with his friend
Answer: B
Explanation: He says his lab “overlaps with another course” he added.
- What does the administrator imply about the waitlist?
A. There is no chance of getting in
B. Students rarely drop the class
C. Joining early increases the man’s chances
D. The waitlist is already full
Answer: C
Explanation: She says “the earlier you join, the better”, meaning it increases his chance of getting a seat.
Conversation 2 — Returning a Library Book
Audio Script:
Woman: Hi, I returned a book yesterday, but I just got an overdue notice.
Librarian: That happens sometimes if the book is placed in the after-hours drop box. It takes longer for the system to update.
Woman: Oh, that makes sense. I dropped it off around 9 p.m.
Librarian: No worries. I’ll clear the overdue mark manually.
Woman: Thank you. I was worried about the late fee.
Librarian: You won’t be charged. It’ll be fixed within a few minutes.
- Why did the woman receive an overdue notice?
A. She forgot to return the book
B. Her return was processed later due to the drop box
C. She returned the wrong book
D. The librarian accidentally marked it late
Answer: B
Explanation: The librarian explains the system updates late when books are placed in the after-hours drop box.
- What will the librarian do for the woman?
A. Charge a reduced late fee
B. Renew the book for an extra week
C. Remove the overdue status manually
D. File a repair request for the drop box
Answer: C
Explanation: The librarian says she will “clear the overdue mark manually.”
Conversation 3 — Signing Up for a Campus Club
Audio Script:
Man: I heard your environmental club is starting a community garden project. Is it too late to join?
Woman: Not at all! We’re still accepting new members.
Man: Great. I don’t have much gardening experience though.
Woman: That’s fine. We’ll train everyone. Right now, we mainly need volunteers for planning and organizing supplies.
Man: Oh, I’m good at that. How do I sign up?
Woman: Just fill out the form on our website. We’ll send you the schedule after that.
Man: Awesome. I’ll do it today.
- What concern does the man have about joining the club?
A. He is unsure about the time commitment
B. He worries about lacking gardening experience
C. He dislikes outdoor activities
D. He already belongs to another club
Answer: B
Explanation: He says, “I don’t have much gardening experience.”
- What does the woman imply about the club’s current needs?
A. They urgently need experienced gardeners
B. They are mainly looking for help with organizing tasks
C. They have too many volunteers already
D. They only accept members with prior experience
Answer: B
Explanation: She says they “mainly need volunteers for planning and organizing supplies.”
Part 3: Listen to an Announcement
Announcement 1: Guest Speaker Rescheduling
Audio script :
“Attention students: The guest lecture by historian Dr. Robert Haines, originally planned for this Wednesday, has been rescheduled to Friday at 3 P.M. due to unexpected travel delays. The event will still take place in the North Auditorium, and all previously issued tickets remain valid. If you can no longer attend, please return your ticket to the student activities desk so it can be reassigned to someone on the waiting list.”
- Why was the lecture rescheduled?
A. The auditorium was unavailable
B. The speaker had travel issues
C. The university changed the event format
D. Student ticket sales were too low
Answer: B
Explanation: The announcement states the change is due to “unexpected travel delays.”
- What should students do if they cannot attend the new time?
A. Request a refund online
B. Exchange their ticket for another lecture
C. Submit a form to the history department
D. Return their ticket to be reassigned
Answer: D
Explanation: Students are asked to return tickets so they can be reassigned to others.
Announcement 2: Library Quiet Zone Policy Update
Audio script :
“Good afternoon. The library will be expanding its Quiet Zone on the second floor beginning next week. To support students preparing for midterm exams, group discussions and phone calls will no longer be allowed in that area at any time. Students who need space for collaborative work should use the study rooms near the main stairwell. Noise-monitoring staff will make periodic rounds to help enforce the policy.”
- What change is being made to the Quiet Zone?
A. It will close temporarily
B. It will be moved to another floor
C. It will prohibit discussions at all times
D. It will allow limited group work
Answer: C
Explanation: The announcement clearly states that “group discussions and phone calls will no longer be allowed… at any time.”
- Where should students go if they need to work in groups?
A. The second-floor Quiet Zone
B. The study rooms near the stairwell
C. The computer lab
D. The library basement
Answer: B
Explanation: Students are told to use the “study rooms near the main stairwell” for collaborative work.
Announcement 3: Campus Shuttle Service Adjustment
Audio script :
“Attention passengers: The evening campus shuttle will operate on a modified schedule this Thursday because of the home basketball game. The final shuttle will leave campus at 9:30 P.M. instead of the usual 11 P.M. To accommodate increased ridership earlier in the evening, an additional shuttle bus will run between 6 and 8 P.M. Please plan accordingly if you normally rely on late-night transportation.”
- What is the main change to the shuttle schedule?
A. Fewer stops will be available
B. The final shuttle will depart earlier
C. Shuttle service will be canceled entirely
D. New routes will be added for the game
Answer: B
Explanation: The final shuttle leaves at 9:30 P.M., earlier than the usual 11 P.M.
- Why is an extra shuttle being added between 6 and 8 P.M.?
A. The usual drivers are unavailable
B. The shuttle company requested more trips
C. More people are expected to ride during that time
D. Fewer students use the shuttle in the afternoon
Answer: C
Explanation: The announcement says the additional bus is to “accommodate increased ridership.”
Part 4: Listen to an Academic Talk
Passage 1 – Biology (Why Some Species Exhibit Cooperative Breeding)
Professor:
Today we’re looking at cooperative breeding, a system in which individuals help raise offspring that are not their own. This behavior is found in certain bird species, meerkats, and even some insects. At first glance, cooperative breeding seems counterintuitive—why would an individual invest energy in raising someone else’s young instead of producing its own?
One explanation is the kin selection theory. Helpers may be closely related to the breeding pair, so by helping raise related offspring, they indirectly pass on shared genes. But kinship alone doesn’t explain every case. In some species, helpers are not related at all.
That brings us to the ecological constraints model. In environments where resources are scarce or territories are limited, it may be more advantageous for young adults to delay breeding and remain with their group. Helping raise offspring gives them valuable experience and increases their chances of inheriting a territory later.
Finally, some species benefit from group defense. Predators are less likely to attack a well-coordinated group, so helping behavior increases survival for everyone involved.
Overall, cooperative breeding is shaped by a complex combination of genetics, ecological pressures, and social structure.
Questions
- What is the main purpose of the talk?
A. To describe why cooperative breeding is no longer observed
B. To explain theories that account for cooperative breeding behavior
C. To compare cooperative breeding with parental neglect
D. To argue that cooperative breeding evolved only recently
Answer: B
Explanation: The professor outlines kin selection, ecological constraints, and group defense as explanations.
- According to kin selection theory, why do helpers assist in raising offspring?
A. They expect to receive food from the parents
B. They are genetically related to the offspring
C. They cannot defend their own territory
D. They produce too few offspring themselves
Answer: B
Explanation: Helping relatives indirectly increases the helper’s genetic fitness.
- Why does the professor mention environments with scarce resources?
A. To show situations where helpers are unrelated
B. To explain conditions that favor delaying reproduction
C. To argue that cooperative breeding is inefficient
D. To demonstrate that predators are more common there
Answer: B
Explanation: Limited resources make it more advantageous for young adults to stay and help instead of breeding.
- What does the professor imply about group defense?
A. It is the least effective explanation for cooperation
B. It benefits the group but not the helpers
C. It increases survival for all members in the group
D. It is unique to bird species
Answer: C
Explanation: She states predators avoid coordinated groups, increasing group-wide survival.
Passage 2 – Anthropology / Social Science (The Function of Rituals in Human Societies)
Professor:
Rituals are often associated with religion, but anthropologists take a broader view. A ritual is any repeated, symbolic action performed for a particular purpose. Rituals can be religious, yes, but they can also be social or even political.
One key function of rituals is to create a sense of belonging. When people participate in synchronized activities—such as chanting, marching, or singing—they feel more connected to the group. This emotional unity can strengthen social bonds and increase cooperation.
Another function is to mark transitions. Anthropologist Arnold van Gennep called these “rites of passage.” Ceremonies such as graduations, weddings, and coming-of-age rituals help individuals move from one social status to another, providing structure and meaning to life’s major changes.
Rituals can also reduce anxiety. In uncertain situations—before competitions, for example—people often engage in repeated, ritualized behaviors. Even if these behaviors have no direct effect on the outcome, they give individuals a sense of control and predictability.
So, while rituals may seem purely symbolic, they play essential roles in maintaining social order, providing emotional comfort, and shaping cultural identity.
Questions (4)
- What is the main idea of the talk?
A. Rituals are disappearing in modern societies
B. Rituals serve several important social and psychological functions
C. Most rituals originate from ancient religions
D. Rituals always involve physical hardship
Answer: B
Explanation: The professor explains belonging, transition, anxiety reduction, and cultural identity.
- Why does the professor mention synchronized activities like chanting or marching?
A. To show how rituals promote group unity
B. To argue that rituals require musical ability
C. To criticize rituals that involve physical movement
D. To demonstrate that rituals are mostly political
Answer: A
Explanation: These activities enhance feelings of belonging.
- What are “rites of passage”?
A. Rituals performed only for religious purposes
B. Ceremonies that mark major life transitions
C. Rituals used to resolve conflicts
D. Activities that reduce competition
Answer: B
Explanation: Van Gennep’s term describes rituals marking a change in social status.
- What does the professor imply about rituals before competitions?
A. They are unnecessary and should be eliminated
B. They improve athletic performance
C. They help reduce anxiety even if they don’t change the outcome
D. They originated from ancient magical beliefs
Answer: C
Explanation: Rituals give a sense of control and predictability, easing anxiety.
Passage 3 – Art / Architecture (How Gothic Cathedrals Achieved Their Height and Light)
Professor:
When we think of Gothic cathedrals, two features stand out: their impressive height and their dramatic use of light. These characteristics were not accidental—they were made possible by architectural innovations that fundamentally changed the design of large buildings in medieval Europe.
The first innovation was the pointed arch. Unlike the rounded Romanesque arch, the pointed arch distributes weight more efficiently, allowing builders to construct taller structures without adding massive supporting walls.
The second key innovation was the ribbed vault. Instead of a solid stone ceiling, ribbed vaults use intersecting ribs to channel weight down to specific points. This reduced the overall weight of the ceiling and gave builders more flexibility in shaping interior spaces.
Finally, the flying buttress allowed walls to be thinner than ever before. By transferring outward pressure away from the walls and into external supports, architects could replace heavy masonry with large stained-glass windows. These windows filled the interior with colored light, creating the spiritual atmosphere associated with Gothic architecture.
Together, these innovations allowed cathedrals to reach unprecedented heights while remaining structurally stable.
Questions
- What is the main purpose of the talk?
A. To explain how Gothic cathedrals incorporated symbolic meaning
B. To describe the engineering innovations that enabled Gothic architecture
C. To compare Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles
D. To argue that medieval builders lacked engineering knowledge
Answer: B
Explanation: The professor focuses on pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
- What advantage did the pointed arch provide?
A. It reduced the cost of building materials
B. It distributed weight more effectively
C. It allowed for more decorative carvings
D. It made construction faster
Answer: B
Explanation: Pointed arches distribute vertical and lateral forces more efficiently.
- Why does the professor mention flying buttresses?
A. To show how architects protected cathedrals from earthquakes
B. To explain why Gothic buildings were shorter than Romanesque ones
C. To show how walls could be thinner and include more windows
D. To argue that buttresses were purely decorative
Answer: C
Explanation: Flying buttresses redirected force, allowing for thinner walls and stained-glass windows.
- What does the professor imply about stained-glass windows?
A. They were added mainly to reduce construction costs
B. They became possible because of structural innovations
C. They were structurally necessary for cathedral stability
D. They replaced the need for external supports
Answer: B
Explanation: Thinner walls made possible by flying buttresses allowed for large stained-glass windows.
