TOEFL Listening Practice 10
Part 1: Listen and Choose a Response
“You’re going to the dining hall now? They stop serving lunch in five minutes.”
A. Oh—then I’ll hurry and grab something quickly.
B. Yes, I already printed my homework.
C. No, I haven’t checked my mailbox yet.
D. I think the gym opens at noon.
Answer: A
Explanation: The speaker implies urgency → the listener should act quickly to avoid missing lunch.
- “You’re here for office hours? The professor left for a meeting a few minutes ago.”
A. Really? Then I’ll come back during her next time slot.
B. Yes, I organized my files this morning.
C. No, I didn’t bring my jacket.
D. I think the campus tour starts later.
Answer: A
Explanation: Implied meaning: meeting is no longer possible. The listener should adjust plans.
- “You’re starting to read today? The class discussion is tomorrow morning.”
A. Right… I’ll go through the key sections tonight.
B. No, I’m not taking any art classes.
C. Yes, I bought new headphones.
D. I think the bookstore will close soon.
Answer: A
Explanation:The speaker signals urgency. The listener should respond with a realistic plan to catch up.
- “You’re leaving the meeting? We haven’t divided the tasks yet.”
A. Oh—let’s assign the tasks quickly before I go.
B. Yes, I saw the announcement online.
C. No, I didn’t eat breakfast today.
D. I think the lecture hall is on the second floor.
Answer: A
Explanation: The speaker implies that leaving now is not appropriate. The listener should address the unfinished work.
- “You’re running the experiment now? The equipment hasn’t been calibrated.”
A. Oh—then I’ll calibrate it first before starting.
B. Yes, I already bought a lab coat.
C. No, I didn’t bring my lunch.
D. I think the seminar begins soon.
Answer: A
Explanation: The speaker warns of a technical risk. The correct response is to adjust the procedure before continuing.
- “You’re filling out last year’s form? They updated the application this semester.”
A. Really? Then I’ll switch to the new version.
B. Yes, I need to buy more notebooks.
C. No, I don’t usually use this printer.
D. I think the bus schedule changed today.
Answer: A
Explanation: Implied meaning: the listener is using outdated materials. The appropriate response is to update.
Part 2: Listen to a Conversation
Conversation 1 — Confusion About an Assignment Deadline
Audio Script:
Woman: Professor, I’m a little confused about the deadline for the reflection essay. The syllabus says Friday, but the online portal lists Thursday.
Professor: Ah, yes. I updated the portal last week because I need to grade the essays earlier than planned.
Woman: Oh, I must have missed that announcement.
Professor: It was mentioned briefly in class, but I know not everyone was present.
Woman: Is it still possible to submit on Friday? I work in the evenings and need more time.
Professor: I can allow you a one-day extension, but please submit by Friday morning at the latest.
Woman: Thank you so much!
- Why is the woman confused about the assignment deadline?
A. The professor changed the topic of the assignment
B. The syllabus and online portal show different dates
C. She forgot to check the course announcements
D. The professor canceled the original deadline
Answer: B
Explanation: She says the syllabus lists Friday, but the portal lists Thursday, causing confusion.
- What does the professor agree to do?
A. Grade the essay later
B. Provide detailed feedback
C. Give the woman an extra day to submit
D. Allow her to skip the assignment
Answer: C
Explanation: He says, “I can allow you a one-day extension… submit by Friday morning.”
Conversation 2 — Problem With a Student ID Card
Audio Script:
Man: Hi, my student ID stopped working at the dorm entrance. It keeps blinking red.
Desk Assistant: That usually means the card’s magnetic strip is damaged. Have you kept it near your phone or laptop?
Man: Actually… yes. I keep it in the same pocket as my phone.
Desk Assistant: That can erase the strip over time. You’ll need a replacement card.
Man: Is there a fee for that?
Desk Assistant: The first replacement is free, but next time there will be a charge. You can pick up the new card at the campus card office.
Man: Thanks, I’ll head over there now.
- What likely caused the man’s ID card to stop working?
A. It got wet in the rain
B. It was scratched by keys
C. The magnetic strip was damaged by his phone
D. The card expired this semester
Answer: C
Explanation: The assistant says keeping the card near his phone can erase the magnetic strip.
- What does the woman tell the man about getting a replacement?
A. He must wait several days
B. The first replacement is free
C. He needs his professor’s approval
D. He must return his old card first
Answer: B
Explanation: She explains the first replacement card has no fee, but future ones will.
Conversation 3 — Student Struggling With Group Project
Audio Script:
Woman: Hey, did you finish your part of the group project? The presentation is next Tuesday.
Man: Not yet. I’m still waiting for the data charts from Olivia.
Woman: She hasn’t sent them? She said she would finish them last weekend.
Man: She started feeling sick and couldn’t complete them. She emailed me yesterday.
Woman: Oh, that explains it. Do you think we should adjust the slides?
Man: I can create simple charts myself. They won’t look as polished, but at least we’ll have something.
Woman: That might be the best option. Let me know if you need help formatting them.
Man: Thanks, I will.
- Why hasn’t the man completed his part of the project?
A. He doesn’t understand his assignment
B. He forgot about the deadline
C. He is missing charts from another team member
D. He is busy with other classes
Answer: C
Explanation: He says he cannot finish because Olivia hasn’t sent the data charts.
- What does the man plan to do to solve the problem?
A. Ask the professor to extend the deadline
B. Create basic charts himself
C. Remove the charts from the presentation
D. Cancel Olivia’s part of the project
Answer: B
Explanation: He says he will make “simple charts” himself since Olivia is sick.
Part 3: Listen to an Announcement
Announcement 1: Career Fair Registration Deadline
Audio script :
“Attention students: This is a reminder that registration for next week’s Spring Career Fair closes tomorrow at noon. Because employer schedules have already been finalized, we cannot accept late registrations under any circumstances. Students who have already signed up should check their email later today for instructions on how to reserve interview slots. If you decide not to attend, please cancel your registration so that your spot can be reassigned.”
- Why are late registrations NOT allowed?
A. The venue has limited seating
B. Employer schedules are already set
C. The registration system is malfunctioning
D. The event is reserved only for seniors
Answer: B
Explanation: The announcement states employer schedules “have already been finalized.”
- What should students do if they no longer plan to attend?
A. Notify the employers directly
B. Reserve a new interview slot
C. Cancel their registration
D. Attend a makeup session
Answer: C
Explanation: Students are told to cancel so the spot can be reassigned.
Announcement 2: Chemistry Building Airflow Testing
Audio script :
“Good morning. Facilities staff will conduct airflow testing in the Chemistry Building this Thursday between 1 and 5 P.M. Although classes will continue as scheduled, the laboratories on the first floor will remain closed during the testing period. Students working on experiments should make alternative arrangements or consult their instructors for revised deadlines. Access to the building will not be restricted, but some hallways may be temporarily blocked.”
- Which area of the building will be closed?
A. The second-floor classrooms
B. All faculty offices
C. First-floor laboratories
D. The entire Chemistry Building
Answer: C
Explanation: The announcement says “the laboratories on the first floor will remain closed.”
- What should students doing experiments consider?
A. Postponing other classes
B. Completing their work in a different lab
C. Requesting permission to enter during testing
D. Avoiding the building entirely
Answer: B
Explanation: Students are told to “make alternative arrangements” — meaning use another lab or location.
Announcement 3: Student Center Café Schedule Adjustment
Audio script :
“Attention all students: The Student Center Café will open one hour later than usual tomorrow due to a supplier delivery delay. Breakfast items will still be available, but in limited quantities until the full shipment arrives around mid-morning. The lunch menu will not be affected. Students who need early-morning coffee or snacks are encouraged to visit the vending area on the lower level. Regular hours will resume on Thursday.”
- What is the main reason for the café opening late?
A. A scheduling conflict with staff
B. A late delivery from suppliers
C. Renovations inside the café
D. A university holiday
Answer: B
Explanation: The announcement attributes the delay to a “supplier delivery delay.”
- What alternative does the announcement offer for early-morning needs?
A. Ordering online for pickup
B. Visiting a nearby restaurant
C. Using the lower-level vending area
D. Going to the library café
Answer: C
Explanation: The announcement encourages students to use the vending area on the lower level.
Part 4: Listen to an Academic Talk
Passage 1 – Biology (How Plants Use Chemical Signals to Defend Themselves)
Professor:
Although plants cannot move to escape predators, they are far from defenseless. Many plants rely on chemical signaling to protect themselves from herbivores. When a leaf is damaged, the plant may release volatile chemicals into the air. These chemicals serve two purposes. First, they can deter the herbivore by making the leaf taste bitter or by reducing its nutritional value.
Second, and perhaps more surprisingly, these chemicals can attract predators of the herbivore. For example, when caterpillars feed on corn plants, the damaged leaves emit a chemical signal that attracts parasitic wasps. The wasps then lay their eggs inside the caterpillars, ultimately killing them.
Plants can also warn neighboring plants. When one plant releases a stress signal, nearby plants may activate their own defenses—even before they are attacked. This communication allows the plant community to prepare for potential threats.
Although these signals don’t function like language, they do provide plants with an effective survival strategy that increases their chances of resisting herbivores.
Questions
- What is the main idea of the talk?
A. Plants rely on animals for protection
B. Plants use chemical signals as part of their defense system
C. Herbivores rarely damage plants significantly
D. Plants communicate using a form of human-like language
Answer: B
Explanation: The talk focuses on chemical signaling for deterrence, predator attraction, and plant-to-plant communication.
- Why does the professor mention parasitic wasps?
A. To show an example of a plant using chemicals to attract a herbivore
B. To illustrate how plants recruit natural enemies of herbivores
C. To argue that wasps are more important than plants in ecosystems
D. To explain why caterpillars avoid corn plants naturally
Answer: B
Explanation: The plant releases chemicals that attract wasps, which attack the caterpillars.
- What can neighboring plants do when they receive chemical signals?
A. Become resistant even before being attacked
B. Grow taller to avoid predators
C. Produce seeds more quickly
D. Move away from the threat
Answer: A
Explanation: Neighboring plants activate defenses preemptively.
- What does the professor imply about plant chemical signals?
A. They are ineffective compared to physical defenses
B. They function similarly to spoken communication
C. They significantly improve plant survival
D. They only work at night
Answer: C
Explanation: Chemical signaling increases a plant’s chance of resisting herbivores.
Passage 2 – Sociology (Urbanization and the Rise of Social Isolation)
Professor:
Urbanization—people moving from rural areas to cities—has long been associated with economic growth, cultural diversity, and innovation. However, sociologists are increasingly concerned about a less visible consequence: social isolation.
In rural communities, people often know most of their neighbors and maintain long-term social networks. Cities, by contrast, provide greater anonymity. While some people enjoy this freedom, others find it more difficult to form meaningful connections. Ironically, even though cities are densely populated, residents may feel lonelier than those in smaller towns.
Another factor is the pace of urban life. Heavy traffic, long work hours, and crowded public spaces can create mental fatigue, leaving little energy for social engagement. Digital technology adds to this problem. Although smartphones and messaging apps allow constant communication, they can also reduce face-to-face interaction, weakening social bonds.
Sociologists argue that addressing urban isolation requires more than just building parks or community centers. It involves designing environments that promote social trust—places where people feel comfortable interacting with others in everyday situations.
Questions
- What is the main purpose of the talk?
A. To describe how rural communities are becoming more isolated than cities
B. To explain why urbanization can increase social isolation
C. To argue that technology is the main cause of loneliness
D. To compare public transportation systems across cities
Answer: B
Explanation: The talk focuses on anonymity, pace of life, and technology contributing to isolation.
- Why does the professor mention digital technology?
A. To show that it eliminates the need for physical communities
B. To argue that it reduces workplace stress
C. To explain how it may weaken real-life social connections
D. To suggest that young people prefer city life
Answer: C
Explanation: Phone-based communication can replace in-person interactions.
- What does the professor imply about urban design solutions?
A. They must go beyond simple infrastructure additions
B. Parks alone can solve the isolation problem
C. Community centers are unnecessary
D. Urban design has no effect on social behavior
Answer: A
Explanation: Creating true social trust requires more than just building structures.
- According to the talk, what paradox exists in cities?
A. People feel lonely despite being surrounded by many others
B. People socialize more but report lower happiness
C. Technology improves social life but increases population density
D. Cities are quieter but more stressful
Answer: A
Explanation: High population density often accompanies increased loneliness.
Passage 3 – Art History / Architecture (The Symbolic Function of Light in Baroque Churches)
Professor:
When studying Baroque architecture, one of the most striking features is the dramatic use of light. Baroque architects did not treat light merely as a practical necessity; they used it symbolically to convey religious meaning.
In many Baroque churches, windows are positioned so that sunlight enters the space at sharp angles, creating intense contrasts of brightness and shadow. This technique, known as chiaroscuro in painting, was adapted into architecture to guide the viewer’s eye toward the altar or a sacred sculpture. The result was a heightened sense of spiritual drama.
Another strategy involved concealed windows. These openings were hidden behind architectural elements so that the source of light remained invisible. This created the illusion that the light was not natural but divine—a common theme in Baroque religious art.
The use of light also reinforced the Counter-Reformation’s message. The Catholic Church sought to inspire emotional devotion, and Baroque architecture—with its theatrical effects—helped evoke awe and reverence among worshipers.
So in Baroque churches, light was not simply illumination; it was a carefully orchestrated tool for spiritual persuasion.
Questions
- What is the main purpose of the talk?
A. To explain engineering advances in church construction
B. To describe how light was used symbolically in Baroque architecture
C. To compare Baroque and Gothic window designs
D. To argue that Baroque architects rejected religious themes
Answer: B
Explanation: The talk focuses on how light conveyed spiritual meaning.
- What effect did concealed windows create?
A. A sense that the building had no exterior walls
B. An impression that the light had a divine source
C. Brighter interiors that required fewer candles
D. The appearance of larger interior space
Answer: B
Explanation: Hidden windows made the light seem supernatural.
- Why does the professor mention Counter-Reformation?
A. To show why churches reduced decoration
B. To explain the historical motivation for dramatic visual effects
C. To argue that Catholic architecture was becoming more rational
D. To criticize Baroque art as overly emotional
Answer: B
Explanation: Baroque design supported the Church’s goal of inspiring devotion.
- What does the professor imply about Baroque light design?
A. It served both aesthetic and symbolic purposes
B. It accidentally created dramatic effects
C. It was copied directly from ancient Roman buildings
D. It replaced architectural ornamentation altogether
Answer: A
Explanation: Light was intentionally orchestrated for visual beauty and spiritual meaning.
