TOEFL Listening – Academic Talk (Topic 1): Psychology & Behavior (Part 1)
Passage 1: Attention and Mental Fatigue
Audio Script (Academic Talk):
Many people believe that the human brain can focus for long periods without difficulty, but psychological research suggests otherwise. When we concentrate intensely on a task—such as watching an action movie or playing a fast-paced video game—we experience what psychologists call hard attention. This type of attention requires strong mental effort and leaves little room for other thoughts.
Over time, hard attention leads to mental fatigue. When the brain becomes tired, people may feel irritable, distracted, or stressed, even if the activity seems enjoyable.
In contrast, psychologists describe another type of attention known as soft attention. This occurs when people engage in activities like walking in a park or looking at clouds. These experiences still hold our attention, but they allow the mind to wander. Research suggests that soft attention helps restore mental energy and reduce fatigue.
As a result, psychologists often recommend balancing intense mental work with relaxing activities that involve soft attention, especially in environments that feel calm and natural.
Questions – Passage 1
1. What is the main purpose of the talk?
A. To explain why people enjoy action movies
B. To describe two types of attention and their effects
C. To criticize modern entertainment habits
D. To promote outdoor exercise
Answer: B
Explanation: The speaker explains hard attention and soft attention and compares their effects on mental fatigue.
2. According to the speaker, what often results from hard attention?
A. Increased creativity
B. Improved memory
C. Mental fatigue
D. Physical exhaustion
Answer: C
Explanation: The talk clearly states that intense focus leads to mental fatigue.
3. Why does the speaker mention walking in a park?
A. To give an example of physical exercise
B. To show how soft attention works
C. To compare urban and natural environments
D. To suggest a new research method
Answer: B
Explanation: Walking in a park illustrates soft attention, which allows the mind to relax.
4. What can be inferred about soft attention?
A. It requires strong mental effort
B. It is less enjoyable than hard attention
C. It helps the brain recover
D. It is only effective outdoors
Answer: C
Explanation: The speaker implies that soft attention restores mental energy.
Passage 2 Habits and Automatic Behavior
Audio Script (Academic Talk):
Much of human behavior is guided not by conscious decisions, but by habits. Psychologists define habits as actions that are repeated so often that they become automatic. Once a habit is formed, the brain no longer needs to actively think about each step involved.
For example, many people brush their teeth or lock the door without remembering the action afterward. This is because habitual behaviors are controlled by different brain systems than conscious decision-making.
Habits can be helpful because they reduce mental effort and allow people to focus on more complex tasks. However, not all habits are beneficial. Unhealthy habits, such as overeating or excessive phone use, can be difficult to change precisely because they operate automatically.
Psychologists suggest that changing a habit requires replacing it with a new behavior rather than simply trying to stop the old one.
Questions – Passage 2
5. What is the talk mainly about?
A. How habits affect physical health
B. Why people forget daily actions
C. The role of habits in human behavior
D. Differences between memory and attention
Answer: C
Explanation: The speaker focuses on what habits are and how they influence behavior.
6. Why does the speaker mention brushing teeth?
A. To show an unhealthy habit
B. To illustrate automatic behavior
C. To discuss childhood learning
D. To explain memory loss
Answer: B
Explanation: Brushing teeth is used as an example of a habit performed automatically.
7. According to the talk, why are habits useful?
A. They improve creativity
B. They reduce mental effort
C. They increase awareness
D. They prevent mistakes
Answer: B
Explanation: The speaker explains that habits free mental resources.
8. What does the speaker suggest about changing habits?
A. It requires strong self-control
B. It happens naturally over time
C. It involves replacing old habits
D. It is nearly impossible
Answer: C
Explanation: The talk states that replacing habits is more effective than stopping them.
Passage 3 Stress and Performance
Audio Script (Academic Talk):
Stress is often viewed as entirely negative, but psychologists suggest that the relationship between stress and performance is more complex. A moderate level of stress can actually improve focus and motivation. This type of stress helps individuals meet deadlines or perform well on exams.
However, when stress becomes excessive, performance typically declines. High stress levels can interfere with concentration, memory, and decision-making. In these cases, individuals may feel overwhelmed and less capable of completing tasks effectively.
Research shows that people differ in how they respond to stress. Some individuals perform best under pressure, while others require calm environments to function well.
Because of these differences, psychologists emphasize the importance of recognizing personal stress limits and developing strategies to manage stress effectively.
Questions – Passage 3
9. What is the main idea of the talk?
A. Stress always harms performance
B. Stress affects people in the same way
C. Stress can both help and harm performance
D. Stress should be avoided completely
Answer: C
Explanation: The speaker explains both positive and negative effects of stress.
10. According to the speaker, when does stress improve performance?
A. When stress is constant
B. When stress is extreme
C. When stress is moderate
D. When stress is unpredictable
Answer: C
Explanation: Moderate stress increases focus and motivation.
11. Why does the speaker mention exams and deadlines?
A. To criticize academic pressure
B. To provide examples of helpful stress
C. To compare school and work environments
D. To explain memory failure
Answer: B
Explanation: Exams and deadlines illustrate situations where stress can be beneficial.
12. What can be inferred from the talk?
A. Everyone should reduce stress to zero
B. Stress management should be personalized
C. Stress affects only students
D. Stress has no long-term effects
Answer: B
Explanation: The speaker implies that people respond differently to stress.
