TOEFL Listening Practice 8
Part 1: Listen and Choose a Response
- Audio:
“You’re meeting the group now? They said they’d be at the library for another hour.”
A. Oh—then I guess I’ll head to the library instead.
B. Yes, I forgot to buy detergent.
C. No, I didn’t check the weather today.
D. I think the printer is out of ink.
Answer: A
Explanation:
Implied meaning: The listener went to the wrong place or wrong time. Correct response: adjust plans accordingly.
- Audio:
“You’re using that laptop? It’s been overheating all week.”
A. Right… I’ll switch to a computer in the lab.
B. Yes, I already paid my tuition.
C. No, I haven’t cleaned my room.
D. I think class starts in ten minutes.
Answer: A
Explanation:
The speaker warns about a technical issue. The listener should take action to avoid a problem.
- Audio:
“You didn’t bring the data files? We can’t run the analysis without them.”
A. Sorry—I’ll go grab them now.
B. Yes, I saw that movie yesterday.
C. No, I’m not taking the early bus.
D. I think the cafeteria is closed.
Answer: A
Explanation:
The speaker shows urgency. An appropriate response must immediately resolve the issue.
- Audio:
“You’re taking notes on your phone? The professor asked us not to use electronics today.”
A. Oh—then I’ll switch to paper notes.
B. Yes, I already bought the tickets.
C. No, I don’t have any allergies.
D. I think the meeting is tomorrow.
Answer: A
Explanation:
The speaker signals a rule violation. The listener should correct the behavior.
- Audio:
“You’re leaving campus now? The advisor said she could see you in twenty minutes.”
A. Really? Then I’ll stay and wait for her.
B. No, I haven’t done laundry yet.
C. Yes, I returned the book yesterday.
D. I think I left my pen in class.
Answer: A
Explanation:
Implied meaning: Leaving now would miss an opportunity. Correct response: stay on campus.
- Audio:
“You’re using those notes? They’re from last year’s lecture series.”
A. True—I’ll update them with the current materials.
B. Yes, I usually wake up early.
C. No, I don’t have a car.
D. I think the library opens late today.
Answer: A
Explanation:
The speaker implies the notes are outdated. The listener should acknowledge and correct.
Part 2: Listen to a Conversation
Conversation 1 — Academic Advising Appointment
Audio Script:
Man: Hi, I had an advising appointment scheduled for this morning, but I overslept and missed it.
Advisor: That happens. Unfortunately, today is fully booked.
Man: Oh… I really need help choosing my electives before registration closes.
Advisor: I can fit you in tomorrow at 10 a.m. Or, if your questions are quick, I can answer one or two right now.
Man: I think I need the full session. There are several requirements I’m not sure about.
Advisor: Then tomorrow at 10 it is. Make sure to bring your degree audit.
Man: Will do. Thank you!
- Why does the man need another advising appointment?
A. He forgot to bring his documents
B. He missed his original appointment
C. He has questions about his major change
D. He wants to meet a different advisor
Answer: B
Explanation: He says he “overslept and missed” his scheduled advising appointment.
- What will the man most likely do next?
A. Ask his professor for help
B. Attend a short advising session today
C. Meet the advisor tomorrow morning
D. Register for classes without advice
Answer: C
Explanation: He chooses the full session and agrees to meet tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Conversation 2 — Campus Shuttle Delay
Audio Script:
Woman: Do you know why the campus shuttle is running late today?
Man: The driver mentioned that a section of the main road is closed for construction.
Woman: That explains why everyone’s waiting. I have a lab in fifteen minutes.
Man: If you’re in a hurry, you could take the walking path behind the library. It’s faster than waiting.
Woman: Really? I thought it was closed.
Man: It was last week, but they reopened it yesterday.
Woman: Good to know. I’ll take that path then. Thanks!
- Why is the campus shuttle delayed?
A. The driver is absent
B. The shuttle broke down
C. A road is closed for construction
D. There is a student protest nearby
Answer: C
Explanation: He says the main road is closed due to construction.
- What does the man recommend the woman do?
A. Wait for the next shuttle
B. Take a newly reopened walking path
C. Call the transportation office
D. Email her professor about being late
Answer: B
Explanation: He tells her the path behind the library is open again and faster than waiting.
Conversation 3 — Issue with Online Assignment Submission
Audio Script:
Man: Hi, professor. I submitted the assignment online, but the system shows it as “incomplete.”
Professor: Did you upload both the essay and the data sheet?
Man: Oh… I think I only uploaded the essay.
Professor: That explains it. The system marks it incomplete if either file is missing.
Man: Can I still upload the second file?
Professor: Yes, the submission window is open until midnight. Just make sure both files are there.
Man: I’ll upload it right away. Thanks for letting me know.
Professor: No problem.
- Why does the system list the man’s assignment as incomplete?
A. He submitted it after the deadline
B. He uploaded only part of the required materials
C. The file format was incorrect
D. The system had a technical error
Answer: B
Explanation: He admits he “only uploaded the essay” and forgot the data sheet.
- What does the professor tell the man about the submission window?
A. It has already closed
B. It requires special permission
C. It is open until midnight
D. It will reopen tomorrow
Answer: C
Explanation: She clearly states: “The submission window is open until midnight.”
Part 3: Listen to an Announcement
Announcement 1: Bookstore Textbook Return Policy
Audio script :
“Attention students: The campus bookstore would like to remind you that the deadline for returning or exchanging textbooks is this Friday at 5 P.M. To qualify for a full refund, books must be in their original condition and accompanied by a receipt. Because of limited staff this week, returns will not be processed after 5 P.M., even if you are already in line. Please plan accordingly and arrive early if possible.”
- What must students provide to receive a full refund?
A. A student ID
B. A course schedule
C. A receipt
D. A signed approval from an instructor
Answer: C
Explanation: The announcement clearly states students must have “a receipt.”
- What does the announcement emphasize about the deadline?
A. Staff will stay late to finish long lines
B. Returns will stop strictly at 5 P.M.
C. Only damaged books can be exchanged
D. Students should contact the bookstore director
Answer: B
Explanation: It specifically states returns will not be processed after 5 P.M. “even if you are already in line.”
Announcement 2: Change in Computer Lab Availability
Audio script :
“Good morning. Due to a scheduled software upgrade, the West Wing Computer Lab will close at noon this Thursday and remain closed until Friday morning. Students needing access to specialized programs may use the engineering lab on the third floor, but seating there is limited. Printing services in the West Wing will also be unavailable during the upgrade, so please print any required documents ahead of time.”
- Which service will be unavailable in the West Wing during the upgrade?
A. Wi-Fi access
B. Printing services
C. Online tutoring
D. Group-study reservations
Answer: B
Explanation: The announcement states printing services “will also be unavailable.”
- What does the announcement imply about using the engineering lab?
A. Students must make reservations
B. Only engineering majors may enter
C. Space is limited and may fill quickly
D. It has all the same software as the West Wing
Answer: C
Explanation: The announcement warns that seating is limited, implying it may become crowded.
Announcement 3: Campus Recreation Center Pool Closure
Audio script :
“Attention Recreation Center members: The indoor pool will be closed all day on Saturday for a mandatory water-quality inspection. Swim classes and open swim hours are canceled, but the fitness studios and weight rooms will operate on their regular schedules. If the inspection finishes sooner than expected, the pool may reopen in the late afternoon. Please check the center’s website for real-time updates before coming to swim.”
- Which activity is affected by the closure?
A. Weight training
B. Yoga classes
C. Swim classes
D. Basketball practice
Answer: C
Explanation: The announcement states swim classes are canceled.
- What does the announcement suggest about a possible early reopening?
A. It will only occur if a supervisor approves
B. It depends on how quickly the inspection is completed
C. It requires staff to reschedule classes
D. It will be announced via email only
Answer: B
Explanation: The pool may reopen early “if the inspection finishes sooner than expected.”
Part 4: Listen to an Academic Talk
Passage 1 – Biology (The Role of Keystone Species in Ecosystems)
Professor:
Today we’re discussing keystone species, organisms that have an unusually large impact on their ecosystems relative to their abundance. Removing a keystone species can trigger a chain reaction that alters the structure of the entire ecosystem.
One classic example is the sea otter. Sea otters feed on sea urchins, which in turn feed on kelp. If otters decline, sea urchins multiply rapidly and overgraze the kelp forests. This not only reduces habitat for fish and invertebrates but also decreases the ecosystem’s ability to absorb carbon. The otter, therefore, plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance.
Keystone species don’t have to be predators. Some are ecosystem engineers—species that modify their environment in ways that support other organisms. Beavers, for example, create ponds that provide habitat for amphibians, birds, and insects.
Identifying keystone species is challenging because ecosystems are complex, and interactions are not always obvious. But understanding them is essential for conservation efforts, since protecting a single keystone species can preserve an entire ecological community.
Questions
- What is the main purpose of the talk?
A. To explain why some species evolve more quickly than others
B. To describe the importance of keystone species in ecosystems
C. To criticize traditional conservation practices
D. To argue that predators are more important than herbivores
Answer: B
Explanation: The professor explains the concept and consequences of losing a keystone species.
- What happens when sea otter populations decline?
A. Kelp forests expand rapidly
B. Sea urchins become predators of fish
C. Sea urchins increase and overconsume kelp
D. The ecosystem becomes richer in biodiversity
Answer: C
Explanation: Without otters, sea urchin populations explode and destroy kelp forests.
- Why does the professor mention beavers?
A. To show that keystone species are always predators
B. To provide an example of an ecosystem engineer
C. To argue that beavers are harmful to wetlands
D. To compare their behavior with sea otters
Answer: B
Explanation: Beavers physically reshape the environment, supporting many species.
- What does the professor imply about identifying keystone species?
A. It is difficult because ecological relationships are complex
B. It can be done easily by analyzing food chains
C. It is unnecessary for conservation
D. It requires eliminating non-keystone species first
Answer: A
Explanation: The professor states interactions are not always obvious.
Passage 2 – Anthropology (The Social Function of Gift Exchange)
Professor:
Gift exchange may seem like a simple act of generosity, but anthropologists view it as a complex social practice that helps maintain relationships within a community. In many traditional societies, gifts are not merely objects—they carry symbolic meaning, reflecting obligations and social ties.
One well-known example is the Kula exchange in the Trobriand Islands. Participants travel long distances to exchange shell necklaces and armbands. These items have little practical value, yet the exchange is highly ritualized and establishes long-term alliances between groups.
Gift giving also creates a sense of reciprocity. Receiving a gift creates an obligation to give one in return, not necessarily immediately, but eventually. This delayed reciprocity strengthens trust by ensuring ongoing interaction between individuals or groups.
Interestingly, anthropologists note that refusing a gift can be interpreted as rejecting a relationship. That’s because gifts act as social bridges—they acknowledge respect, cooperation, and mutual dependence.
So, while gifts may appear trivial, they function as powerful tools for building and maintaining social cohesion.
Questions
- What is the main idea of the talk?
A. Gifts primarily serve economic purposes
B. Gift exchange helps create and reinforce social relationships
C. Traditional societies avoid long-distance exchanges
D. Gifts have value only when they are practical
Answer: B
Explanation: The professor emphasizes social obligations, alliances, and reciprocity.
- Why does the professor mention the Kula exchange?
A. To illustrate a non-materialistic form of trade
B. To criticize the economic inefficiency of traditional societies
C. To argue that gift exchange is always ritualized
D. To explain why people avoid traveling long distances
Answer: A
Explanation: Kula items have symbolic, not practical, value; the point is social alliance.
- What is the role of reciprocity in gift exchange?
A. It discourages repeated interaction
B. It prevents the creation of social obligations
C. It builds long-term trust and ongoing relationships
D. It eliminates the need for ritual exchange
Answer: C
Explanation: Delayed return of gifts maintains bonds over time.
- What does the professor imply about refusing a gift?
A. It is a sign of independence
B. It can damage or reject a social relationship
C. It is common among closely related families
D. It is only offensive in the Kula system
Answer: B
Explanation: Refusing a gift is equivalent to refusing social connection.
Passage 3 – Art History (The Development of Perspective in Renaissance Painting)
Professor:
When we talk about the Renaissance, one of the most significant artistic developments is the invention of linear perspective. Before the fifteenth century, European paintings often lacked consistent depth. Objects in the background appeared almost the same size as those in the foreground, giving images a flat appearance.
The breakthrough came when artists like Brunelleschi introduced a mathematical system based on a single vanishing point. This allowed painters to create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. The technique produced more realistic compositions and transformed the visual language of Western art.
But perspective wasn’t merely a technical innovation—it reflected broader cultural shifts. Renaissance thinkers emphasized human reason, observation, and scientific inquiry. Perspective appealed to these values because it applied geometry to visual representation. It symbolized a move toward understanding the world through rational principles rather than symbolic or religious conventions.
Interestingly, not all cultures adopted this system. East Asian art, for example, continued to use multiple viewpoints, emphasizing atmosphere and emotion rather than strict spatial accuracy. This shows that artistic conventions are culturally shaped rather than universal.
Questions
- What is the main purpose of the talk?
A. To compare modern and Renaissance painting tools
B. To explain how linear perspective developed and why it mattered
C. To argue that European art is superior to Asian art
D. To describe the daily life of Renaissance artists
Answer: B
Explanation: The professor explains the invention, reasoning, and cultural impact of perspective.
- What did linear perspective allow artists to do?
A. Create symbolic religious imagery
B. Depict space realistically on a flat surface
C. Avoid using mathematical principles
D. Emphasize emotional expression over structure
Answer: B
Explanation: Linear perspective gave depth and accurate spatial relationships.
- According to the professor, what cultural change supported the development of perspective?
A. A decline in scientific thinking
B. A rise in interest in geometry and rational explanation
C. Increased religious influence on painters
D. Political pressure from city governments
Answer: B
Explanation: Renaissance culture valued reason, observation, and scientific inquiry.
- What does the professor imply about East Asian paintings?
A. They lacked artistic sophistication
B. They adopted linear perspective earlier than Europe
C. They used different visual conventions that focused on mood
D. They strictly followed geometric rules
Answer: C
Explanation: East Asian art emphasized atmosphere, not geometric precision.
