TOEFL Listening Practice 9
Part 1: Listen and Choose a Response
- Audio:
“You’re sending the email now? The deadline was this morning.”
A. Oh… then I’ll follow up with the professor to explain.
B. No, I don’t usually eat breakfast early.
C. Yes, I already bought the tickets.
D. I think the meeting is upstairs.
Answer: A
Explanation: Implied meaning: the listener is late. Proper response is to acknowledge and take corrective action.
- Audio:
“You’re doing research here? The study group is about to meet in this room.”
A. Really? Then I’ll move to another space.
B. Yes, I have an appointment next week.
C. No, I haven’t checked the menu.
D. I think my cousin is visiting.
Answer: A
Explanation: The speaker implies the listener needs to leave soon. Appropriate response: relocate.
- Audio:
“You didn’t download the readings? Today’s quiz is based entirely on them.”
A. Oh—then I need to review them immediately.
B. Yes, I brought my umbrella today.
C. No, I didn’t clean my room yesterday.
D. I think the bus schedule changed.
Answer: A
Explanation: The speaker stresses importance. The listener must respond with urgency.
- Audio:
“You’re using your laptop for the exam? The professor said handwritten answers only.”
A. Right—I’ll put it away and write them by hand.
B. Yes, I finished watching that show.
C. No, I didn’t attend the workshop.
D. I think the café will close soon.
Answer: A
Explanation:
The speaker points out a rule violation. Listeners should adjust behavior immediately.
- Audio:
“You’re leaving the meeting? We still need someone to summarize the findings.”
A. I can do it—let’s just finalize the key points before I go.
B. Yes, I left my ID card at home.
C. No, I didn’t read the article.
D. I think tomorrow will be cloudy.
Answer: A
Explanation: Implied meaning: leaving now creates a problem. The listener should take responsibility.
- Audio:
“You’re relying on last week’s instructions? The professor updated them yesterday.”
A. Oh—then I’ll check the new version before continuing.
B. Yes, I don’t mind sitting in the back row.
C. No, I haven’t paid my phone bill.
D. I think the hallway lights are flickering.
Answer: A
Explanation: The listener is using outdated info. Correct response: acknowledge and switch to updated instructions.
Part 2: Listen to a Conversation
Conversation 1 — Office Hours Crowding
Audio Script:
Woman: Professor, I tried to come to your office hours yesterday, but the hallway was packed with students.
Professor: Yes, the exam is coming up, so more students have questions than usual.
Woman: I didn’t want to wait too long and be late for my next class.
Professor: Understandable. If you only have a few questions, you can email me. Otherwise, I added an extra office hour on Thursday.
Woman: Thursday works. Should I bring my practice problems?
Professor: Yes, bring whatever you’re struggling with.
Woman: Great, thank you.
- Why couldn’t the woman meet the professor yesterday?
A. The professor canceled office hours
B. She went to the wrong building
C. Too many students were already waiting
D. She forgot her list of questions
Answer: C
Explanation: She says “the hallway was packed with students”, indicating it was too crowded.
- What does the professor suggest she do?
A. Schedule a private appointment
B. Attend an additional office hour on Thursday
C. Use the tutoring center instead
D. Join an online group session
Answer: B
Explanation: He says he added an extra office hour on Thursday, and she agrees to attend.
Conversation 2 — Dining Hall Menu Change
Audio Script:
Man: Do you know why the dining hall removed the salad bar this week?
Woman: I heard they’re renovating that section of the kitchen. Something about upgrading refrigeration.
Man: That explains it. I’ve been trying to eat healthier.
Woman: They set up a temporary salad station near the entrance, though it’s smaller.
Man: Oh, I didn’t notice that.
Woman: It’s easy to miss. They said the renovation should be done by next week.
Man: Good to know. I’ll look for a temporary one today.
- Why was the salad bar removed?
A. It wasn’t popular with students
B. The dining hall is renovating the kitchen
C. The food supplier changed menus
D. It caused long waiting lines
Answer: B
Explanation: She says they are “renovating that section of the kitchen” and upgrading refrigeration.
- What does the woman imply about the temporary salad station?
A. It is difficult to find
B. It has more options than the original
C. It is only available during dinner
D. It requires a separate payment
Answer: A
Explanation: She says “It’s easy to miss,” implying its location is not obvious.
Conversation 3 — Lost-and-Found Item
Audio Script:
Woman: Hi, I think I lost my water bottle in the gym yesterday. It’s blue with my name on the side.
Gym Staff: Did you leave it in the cardio room or the weight room?
Woman: I’m pretty sure it was the cardio room.
Gym Staff: Let me check the lost-and-found… Hmm, I don’t see a blue bottle here.
Woman: Oh no. I really need it for practice tonight.
Gym Staff: Items from the gym are collected twice a day. You can check again around 5 p.m. after the next pickup.
Woman: Okay, I’ll come back later. Thanks for checking.
Gym Staff: You’re welcome.
- Why doesn’t the staff member find the woman’s water bottle?
A. It was turned in under a different name
B. She probably left it in a different building
C. The lost-and-found pickup hasn’t happened yet
D. It was already claimed by another student
Answer: C
Explanation: The staff explains items are collected twice a day and the bottle may arrive after the next pickup at 5 p.m.
- What will the woman most likely do next?
A. Buy a new water bottle
B. Return at 5 p.m. to check again
C. File a formal lost-item report
D. Search the entire gym again immediately
Answer: B
Explanation: She says “I’ll come back later,” referring to the 5 p.m. pickup time.
Part 3: Listen to an Announcement
Announcement 1: Change in Gym Locker Policy
Audio script :
“Attention all gym users: Beginning next Monday, the Recreation Center will no longer allow overnight storage in the day-use lockers. Any items left after closing will be removed and held at the front desk for 48 hours before being donated. This policy change is intended to ensure equal access for all members, as locker availability has become limited. Please remember to take all personal belongings with you each evening.”
- Why is the locker policy changing?
A. Some lockers were recently damaged
B. Safety regulations now require daily inspections
C. Locker space has become insufficient
D. Members requested larger lockers
Answer: C
Explanation: The announcement states the change is needed because “locker availability has become limited.”
- What will happen to items left overnight?
A. They will be stored temporarily at the front desk
B. They will be locked inside the lockers
C. They will be returned automatically to students
D. They will be discarded immediately
Answer: A
Explanation: Items will be held for 48 hours at the front desk, not thrown away immediately.
Announcement 2: Update on Campus Shuttle Route
Audio script :
“Good afternoon. Due to roadwork near the east entrance, the Blue Line shuttle will temporarily skip its usual stop at East Hall. Instead, it will stop at the Science Complex bus loop until construction is finished. Travel times may be slightly longer during peak hours, so riders should plan ahead. The updated route map is posted on the transportation website and will remain in effect for approximately two weeks.”
- What major change is being announced?
A. The shuttle will begin running earlier
B. The Blue Line will temporarily use a different stop
C. The shuttle will add a new evening route
D. All shuttle services will be suspended
Answer: B
Explanation: The Blue Line will skip East Hall and use the Science Complex stop instead.
- Why might travel take longer than usual?
A. The number of shuttle drivers has decreased
B. Traffic is heavier due to campus events
C. The alternate route may slow down travel
D. The shuttle will make additional stops
Answer: C
Explanation: The announcement says travel times “may be slightly longer” because of the detour.
Announcement 3: Writing Center Appointment Reminder
Audio script :
“Attention students: The Writing Center would like to remind you that appointments must be confirmed at least two hours before the scheduled start time. Unconfirmed appointments will be released to other students on the waiting list. If you need to cancel, please do so through the online portal to avoid being marked as a no-show. Due to increased demand this month, walk-in sessions are extremely limited, so booking early is strongly recommended.”
- What will happen if a student does NOT confirm their appointment?
A. They will automatically be charged a fee
B. Their appointment will be reassigned
C. They will still receive a reminder email
D. They will be permanently removed from the system
Answer: B
Explanation: The announcement states unconfirmed appointments “will be released to other students.”
- Why are walk-in sessions limited?
A. A staff shortage has reduced availability
B. The Writing Center is under renovation
C. Demand has increased this month
D. Only graduate students may walk in
Answer: C
Explanation: The announcement explains that “due to increased demand, walk-ins are extremely limited.”
Part 4: Listen to an Academic Talk
Passage 1 – Biology (The Function of Biofilms in Bacterial Communities)
Professor:
When we imagine bacteria, we often think of single cells floating independently. But in reality, many bacteria live in highly organized communities called biofilms. These structures form when bacteria attach to a surface—like rocks in a stream, teeth, or medical devices—and produce a sticky matrix of sugars and proteins.
One advantage of forming a biofilm is protection. The matrix acts like a shield, making bacteria far more resistant to antibiotics and environmental stressors. In fact, bacteria in biofilms can be up to a thousand times more resistant than free-floating bacteria.
Biofilms also allow bacteria to communicate through chemical signals, a process known as quorum sensing. When the bacterial population reaches a certain density, the group can coordinate behaviors such as toxin production or nutrient acquisition.
However, biofilms aren’t always harmful. In wastewater treatment plants, for instance, biofilms help break down pollutants. But in medical settings, they pose serious challenges because they can form on implants like catheters and artificial joints, making infections difficult to treat.
Understanding biofilms is essential for designing strategies to either promote them—when useful—or disrupt them when they pose risks.
Questions
- What is the main purpose of the talk?
A. To explain how bacteria move through water
B. To describe the structure and importance of biofilms
C. To argue that bacteria rarely form communities
D. To discuss the history of antibiotic discovery
Answer: B
Explanation: The professor explains what biofilms are, their benefits, and their implications.
- What advantage does the biofilm matrix provide?
A. It helps bacteria travel long distances
B. It acts as a protective barrier against threats
C. It increases bacterial size
D. It prevents bacteria from communicating
Answer: B
Explanation: The matrix shields bacteria from antibiotics and stressors.
- What is quorum sensing?
A. The process of forming a biofilm
B. The release of toxins into the environment
C. The communication system bacteria use to coordinate group behavior
D. The method bacteria use to move on surfaces
Answer: C
Explanation: It allows bacteria to synchronize activities when population density is high.
- What does the professor imply about biofilms in medical settings?
A. They are easy to remove from implants
B. They rarely cause serious infections
C. They make infections harder to treat
D. They only form on natural tissues
Answer: C
Explanation: Biofilms increase antibiotic resistance, making infections persistent.
Passage 2 – Psychology (The Principle of Hedonic Adaptation)
Professor:
Today we’re examining hedonic adaptation, the human tendency to return to a baseline level of happiness despite major positive or negative events. For example, people who win the lottery often experience a surge of joy, but within months they usually return to their previous level of happiness. Similarly, individuals who experience hardships like losing a job or getting injured often recover emotionally more quickly than expected.
One explanation is that humans are remarkably good at adjusting their expectations. When circumstances improve, what was once exciting soon becomes normal. Conversely, when challenges arise, people typically find coping strategies that help them adapt.
However, hedonic adaptation is not uniform across all experiences. Research shows that people adapt quickly to material changes—like getting a new car—but adapt more slowly to ongoing social experiences, such as relationships or community involvement. These tend to contribute more to long-term well-being.
Understanding hedonic adaptation has practical value. It suggests that pursuing endless material upgrades may not lead to lasting happiness, while investing in meaningful experiences might have a more enduring effect.
Questions
- What is the main idea of the talk?
A. People never truly recover from negative experiences
B. Hedonic adaptation explains why changes in happiness are often temporary
C. Material wealth always increases long-term well-being
D. Happiness levels are impossible to measure scientifically
Answer: B
Explanation: The professor discusses how people return to a baseline happiness level.
- Why does the professor mention lottery winners?
A. To show that sudden wealth leads to permanent happiness
B. To illustrate positive events that surprisingly don’t produce lasting joy
C. To argue that happiness depends entirely on chance
D. To explain how people misuse money
Answer: B
Explanation: Lottery winners quickly return to baseline happiness, demonstrating hedonic adaptation.
- According to the professor, which type of change produces slower adaptation?
A. Material upgrades
B. Improvements in community infrastructure
C. Long-term social experiences and relationships
D. Changes in climate conditions
Answer: C
Explanation: Social connections have a more durable effect on well-being.
- What practical advice does the professor imply?
A. Avoid major life changes
B. Seek material comfort above all else
C. Focus on meaningful experiences to increase long-term happiness
D. Ignore negative emotions
Answer: C
Explanation: Meaningful experiences resist hedonic adaptation more than material goods.
Passage 3 – Economics / Business (The Concept of Network Effects)
Professor:
A network effect occurs when the value of a product or service increases as more people use it. Classic examples include social media platforms, messaging apps, and online marketplaces. If only a few people use a messaging app, its value is limited. But as more users join, the app becomes exponentially more useful.
Network effects can create what economists call “winner-takes-most” markets. A company that gains early popularity can attract even more users simply because everyone wants to be on the same platform. This can make it difficult for new competitors to enter the market, even if they offer better features.
However, network effects are not always beneficial. When a dominant platform fails—due to security issues or poor management—the consequences can be widespread because so many users depend on it. In addition, strong network effects can reduce consumer choice, since switching platforms becomes inconvenient.
Understanding network effects is essential for analyzing digital markets, where user participation plays a central role in determining a product’s success.
Questions
- What is the main purpose of the talk?
A. To discuss why digital products are often overpriced
B. To explain what network effects are and how they shape markets
C. To argue that online platforms should be heavily regulated
D. To compare traditional marketing with modern advertising
Answer: B
Explanation: The talk introduces network effects and their implications for competition.
- Why does the professor mention messaging apps?
A. To show how quickly technology becomes outdated
B. To illustrate how user numbers increase a product’s value
C. To compare them with traditional telephone systems
D. To argue that messaging apps are more secure than social media
Answer: B
Explanation: Messaging apps become more useful with more users—a clear network effect.
- What problem can strong network effects create?
A. Increased product quality
B. Reduced competition due to high barriers for new firms
C. Unlimited consumer choice
D. Decline in user engagement
Answer: B
Explanation: Early winners dominate, making it difficult for competitors to enter.
- What does the professor imply about switching platforms?
A. It becomes harder when network effects are strong
B. It always leads to increased privacy
C. It results in higher product costs
D. It is encouraged by most companies
Answer: A
Explanation: With many users on one platform, moving to another becomes inconvenient.
