How to Answer TOEFL Listening Function Questions

The TOEFL Listening Function questions found within the listening section of the TOEFL iBT® test, require you to determine the specific meaning of a statement in a given context, as a statement can have multiple meanings depending on the situation. In simple words, the candidate is required to find the true meaning of a statement that differs from the apparent or literal meaning, after listening to the audio.

For example, if you're in a room with other people and someone says, "It's getting chilly in here," what they really mean is, "Could someone please close the window?”. So let’s discuss this question type within the TOEFL listening section in detail.

TOEFL Listening Function Question Format

In the TOEFL iBT Listening section, function questions are meant to test your ability to get the underlying meaning or purpose of what a speaker says beyond its literal meaning. Let's go into the details regarding its structure.

Function questions generally follow this format:

• "What does the professor mean when he/she says...?"
• "Why does the student say...?"

To excel in function questions, it's crucial to differentiate between:

1. Surface or Literal Meaning: The direct, word-for-word interpretation of what's said. For example, Surface Meaning: "It's getting chilly in here."
2. Real Meaning: The speaker's actual intention or the implication behind their words. For example, Real Meaning: "Could someone close the window?"

Here, the speaker isn't merely commenting on the temperature but is indirectly requesting action.

TOEFL Listening Function Sample Question with Answer

Now let's look at a sample question from a conversation between a coach and student catching up on what happened while the student was away. Here is an excerpt of the dialogue:

MALE COACH: Hi, Elizabeth.

FEMALE STUDENT:  Hey, Coach. I just thought I'd stop by to see what I missed while I was gone.

MALE COACH: Well, we've been working real hard on our plan for the next game. .. I've asked Susan to go over it with you before practice this afternoon, so you'll know what we're doing.

FEMALE STUDENT: Okay.

MALE COACH: By the way, how was your brother's wedding?

FEMALE STUDENT:  Oh, it was beautiful. And the whole family was there. I saw aunts and uncles and cousins I hadn't seen in years.

MALE COACH: So it was worth the trip.

FEMALE STUDENT: Oh definitely. I'm sorry I had to miss practice, though. I feel bad about that.

MALE COACH: Family's very important.

FEMALE STUDENT: Yeah. Alright, I'll just see you this afternoon at practice then.

Here's an example of a function question:

What does the man mean when he says "Family's very important."

1. He hopes the woman's family is doing well.
2. He would like to meet the woman's family.
3. The woman should spend more time with her family.
4. The woman had a good reason for missing practice.

Answer: D

Explanation: This interpretation would fall in line, given the responses of the coach throughout the conversation. The coach asked about the wedding and then said, "So it was worth the trip," hence affirming the trip's worth to attend a wedding. Well, after that the student says, "I feel bad about that", to which the coach reassures saying, "Family's very important."

The statements made above, particularly "Family's very important", reflect how the coach recognised and sided with the student's decision of choice over family or practice. Thus, the correct interpretation is that the woman had a good reason for missing practice.

Tips to Answer TOEFL Listening Function Questions

Here are some effective strategies for answering TOEFL Listening Function questions, along with some ways to improve your performance.

1. Look Beyond the Surface Meaning

Train yourself, as you listen to a passage, to ask, "What is this speaker really intending by saying this?" Often, the true intention is below the surface of the literal words.

2. Identify Common Speech Functions

Listen for the following common speech functions:

• Directing
• Recommending
• Complaining
• Agreeing or Disagreeing
• Questioning
• Confirming

Recognising these functions will help you spot exactly what the speaker really means with his utterances. 

3. Practice Active Listening

While listening, constantly keep making a judgment about what the speaker's tone, word choice, and context suggest. 

4. Pay Attention to the Tone and Intonation

How something is said often carries as much meaning as what is said. Listen for changes in pitch, emphasis, or tone that may suggest what the speaker really is trying to say. 

5. Consider the Context

Always consider the overall situation and relationship of the speakers. Sometimes, context provides clues about what is really meant in utterances.

Remember, the art of mastering function questions is about developing an ear for what those words are intended to mean instead of their literal meaning. With practice and attention to the aforementioned tips, you will find yourself more adept at decoding what is truly meant in a TOEFL Listening passage.

Also Read:

• How to Tackle TOEFL Reading Sentence Insertion Questions
• How to Answer TOEFL Reading Inference Questions
• How to Practice TOEFL Reading Skills Daily