How to Answer TOEFL Listening Gist Content/Purpose Questions

The gist of something is the general point or key idea. In the TOEFL iBT® test, Gist-content questions ask you to identify the main topic or idea of the listening conversation or lecture. Whereas, Gist-purpose questions ask you to identify what is the main purpose of the conversation or lecture. You can identify the gist-content and gist-purpose questions by the use of the phrases like "mainly about", "mainly discussing", "why does the student" or "what is the main purpose."

Let’s find out more about the TOEFL iBT Listening Gist Content/Purpose Questions by delving into its format, sample questions followed by answers, and expert tips on how to answer the questions to get a perfect score.

Format of TOEFL Listening Gist Content/Purpose Questions

Understanding the format of TOEFL Listening Gist Content/Purpose Questions is important for success in the Listening section. Here's what you need to know:

1. Question Format

You will see multiple-choice questions with 4 answer choices. The questions often use words like "mainly," "primarily," or "chiefly" to emphasize the main idea.

2. Timing

These questions appear right after the listening passage finishes. You have roughly about 25 seconds to answer each question.

3. Key Characteristics

The correct answer will address the overall content and not the specific details. The right option will address the entire passage and not part of the passage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The Listening Gist Content/Purpose Questions are usually tricky. Make sure to avoid the following mistakes.

• Specific Details: This is often the kiss of death for an answer choice-being too specific.
• Partial Information: Watch out for options that address only part of the passage.
• Irrelevant Information: Some choices may mention information that is not even addressed in the passage.

TOEFL Listening Gist Content/Purpose Sample Questions

The following is a sample question taken from the official ETS resources to give you an idea of the question type.

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 did your brother’s wedding go?

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: Yep. Okay, I guess I’ll see you this afternoon at practice, then.

MALE COACH: Just a minute. There are a couple of other things I need to tell you.

FEMALE STUDENT: Oh, okay.

MALE COACH: Uh . . . First, everybody’s getting a new team jacket.

FEMALE STUDENT: Wow. How did that happen?

MALE COACH: A woman who played here about 20, 25 years ago came through town a few weeks ago and saw a game, and said she wanted to do something for the team, so ...

FEMALE STUDENT: So she’s buying us new jackets?

MALE COACH: Yep.

FEMALE STUDENT: Wow, that’s really nice of her.

MALE COACH: Yes, it is. It’s great that former players still care so much about our school and our basketball program . . . Anyway you need to fill out an order form. I’ll give it to you now, and you can bring it back this afternoon. I’ve got the forms from the other players, so as soon as I get yours we can order. Maybe we’ll have the jackets by the next game.

FEMALE STUDENT: OK.

MALE COACH: Great. And the next thing is, you know Mary’s transferring to another college next week, so we’ll need someone to take over her role as captain for the second half of the season. And the other players unanimously picked you to take over as captain when Mary leaves.

FEMALE STUDENT: Wow. I saw everybody this morning, and nobody said a word.

MALE COACH: They wanted me to tell you. So, do you accept?

FEMALE STUDENT: Of course!

So, an example of a gist-content question for this passage is:

Question - What are the speakers mainly discussing?

1. How the woman should prepare for the next game
2. The woman’s responsibilities as team captain
3. Things that happened while the woman was away
4. The style of the new team uniforms

Answer - C

Explanation - For the gist-content question "What are the speakers mainly discussing?", the conversation primarily covers updates for the student, including new team jackets, Mary's transfer, and the student taking over as captain of the team. These are all things that happened while she was away, so C - "Things that happened while the woman was away" is the most accurate. Options A, B, and D describe details of the discussion but do not cover what the overall discussion is about.

And an example of a gist-purpose question is:

Question - Why does the student go to see the coach?

1. To see how the woman should prepare for the next game
2. To find out the woman’s responsibilities as team captain
3. To find out what had happened while the woman was away
4. To discuss the style of the new team uniforms

Answer - C

Explanation - In the gist-purpose question, "Why does the student go to see the coach?", the female student says explicitly, "I just thought I'd stop by to see what I missed while I was gone." Here, too, her reason for seeing the coach was to find out what happened while she was away, so C: To find out what had happened while the woman was away is the correct answer here. The other options talk about points discussed within the conversation that, however, are aside from the main reason for her visit.

Tips to Answer TOEFL Listening Gist Content/Purpose Questions

Here are some specific tips for answering TOEFL Listening Gist Content and Gist Purpose questions.

1. Listen to the Opening Statements: 

Pay close attention to the first few sentences because they provide an overview of what is going to be discussed. In conversations, pay close attention to why one speaker opens the conversation, while in lectures, pay attention to any initial topic or thesis.

2. Notice Repeated Themes:

In the recording, you may hear the speaker repeat or paraphrase some ideas of the main topic or key idea. Any phrases or points which you feel are mentioned many times are most likely to be the gist. Note what's repeated, as it helps you tune into the core message.

3. Note the Speaker's Tone and Emphasis:

Like Gist Purpose questions, even in such Gist-Purpose questions, a speaker's tone can give away the intent. If it is an informative tone, then they are describing; if it is a persuasive one, then they convince or influence. Understanding what the speaker's attitude is and how they highlight points will direct you toward the right purpose.

4. Don't Get Lost in Details:

Gist questions deal with the main message and not with the details. Although supportive information should be understood, one should not get distracted by minor points or examples. At all times, keep in mind the general direction of the conversation or lecture.

5. Recognise Transitions in Conversations:

Whenever discussing a subject, many speakers change topics. Be alert when this happens because the very first part of the discussion may be the true subject matter relevant to the Gist Content or Purpose question. If the discussion abruptly changes, the prior part may well contain your answer.

With these targeted expert strategies, you'll be able to understand the big picture of the conversations and lectures much better, and thus your answers to Gist Content and Purpose questions will be more accurate.

Also Read:

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