Asking a Professor for Extra Credit Opportunities - TOEFL iBT® Listening Practice Test

In the TOEFL iBT® Listening section, you’ll encounter academic scenarios such as 'Asking a Professor for Extra Credit Opportunities.' These types of passages are ideal for building your understanding of academic interactions, which are crucial for succeeding in TOEFL Listening. By focusing on these exchanges, you’ll strengthen your ability to grasp specific details and follow complex discussions.

Listening to conversations on topics like extra credit allows you to practice picking up subtle cues and essential information that can enhance your comprehension. This practice not only prepares you for the TOEFL but also helps with understanding academic settings.

Listening Instructions

• You can listen to each conversation and lecture only once.
• You have approximately 8 minutes to listen to the conversation/lecture and respond to the questions.
• Each question generally carries one point unless otherwise specified in the instructions, which will explicitly state the assigned points for specific questions.
• After listening to the Conversation, respond to questions related to the topic based on explicit or implicit statements made by the speakers.
• Feel free to make notes as you listen. You can refer to your notes to aid in answering the questions. 
• We recommend practicing note-taking with a pen and paper, similar to what you'll do during the TOEFL Exam.

Now listen to the audio.

Questions

Directions: Mark your answer by selecting your choice.

Gist-Content Question

1. What is the main purpose of Oliver's conversation with Professor Thompson? 
   
   1. To discuss the course syllabus 
   2. To inquire about extra credit opportunities 
   3. To complain about his grades 
   4. To ask for a recommendation letter 

Detail Question 

1. What specific assignment is Oliver struggling with? 
   
   1. The mid-term exam 
   2. The research paper 
   3. The group project 
   4. The final presentation 

Function Question 

1. What does Professor Thompson mean when he says, “I do believe in providing students with opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of the material”? 
   
   1. He is willing to give students more assignments 
   2. He thinks students should work harder 
   3. He supports the idea of extra credit for students who need it 
   4. He believes grades are not important 

Attitude Question

1. How does Professor Thompson feel about Oliver's proposed project on renewable energy sources? 
   
   1. Disinterested 
   2. Supportive and encouraging 
   3. Critical of the topic choice 
   4. Uncertain about its relevance 

Detail Question 

1. By when does Professor Thompson expect Oliver to submit his project outline? 
   
   1. By the end of the week 
   2. By the end of the month 
   3. By the end of the semester 
   4. By the next class meeting

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Asking a Professor for Extra Credit Opportunities

Oliver: Good afternoon, Professor Thompson. Do you have a moment to discuss something regarding our course?

Professor Thompson: Good afternoon, Oliver. Yes, of course! What’s on your mind?

Oliver: Well, I’ve been reviewing my grades, and I’m a bit concerned about my performance in the class. I was wondering if there are any extra credit opportunities available to help improve my grade.

Professor Thompson: I appreciate your initiative in seeking extra credit. While I don’t typically offer extra credit assignments, I do believe in providing students with opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of the material. What specifically are you struggling with?

Oliver: I’ve been having a tough time with the last few assignments, particularly the research paper. I think I could really benefit from some additional work to reinforce my understanding of the concepts.

Professor Thompson: That’s understandable. How about this: if you can propose a small project that relates to the course material, I’d be willing to consider it for extra credit. It should be something that allows you to delve deeper into a topic we’ve covered.

Oliver: That sounds fair! I was thinking of exploring the impact of renewable energy sources on local economies. Would that be suitable?

Professor Thompson: Absolutely! That’s a relevant and interesting topic. Just make sure to outline your project clearly and submit it by the end of the month. I’ll review it and let you know how much extra credit it could earn you.

Oliver: Thank you, Professor Thompson! I really appreciate your willingness to help. I’ll get started on the proposal right away.

Professor Thompson: You’re welcome, Oliver. I’m glad to see your enthusiasm. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions while working on it.

Oliver: I will, thanks again! Have a great day!

Professor Thompson: You too, Oliver!

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Asking a Professor for Extra Credit Opportunities

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The main focus of Oliver's conversation is his concern about his grades and his request for extra credit opportunities to improve them. The other options, such as discussing the syllabus, complaining about grades, or asking for a recommendation letter, are not relevant to the conversation's content.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: Oliver specifically mentions that he has been struggling with the last few assignments, particularly the research paper. The other options, including the mid-term exam, group project, and final presentation, are not mentioned as areas of difficulty.

3. Answer: C

Explanation: Professor Thompson indicates that he values providing students with opportunities to show their understanding of the material, which implies he is open to the idea of extra credit for those who require it. The other options do not accurately reflect his supportive stance towards students seeking help.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: Professor Thompson responds positively to Oliver's proposed project on renewable energy sources, stating it is a "relevant and interesting topic." This shows his support and encouragement for Oliver's initiative. The other options, such as being disinterested, critical, or uncertain, do not align with his enthusiastic response.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: Professor Thompson clearly states that Oliver should submit his project outline by the end of the month. The other options, such as the end of the week, the end of the semester, or the next class meeting, are not mentioned in the conversation.

Practicing passages like 'Asking a Professor for Extra Credit Opportunities' enhances your listening skills for the TOEFL. Regular practice with these realistic scenarios will improve your ability to follow details and prepare you for various academic topics you may encounter in the test.

Also Read:

• Retirement Party- TOEFL Listening Practice Test with Answers
• Botany Class Discussion- TOEFL iBT® Listening Practice Test with Answers
• Lecture on Behaviorism - TOEFL iBT® Listening Practice with Answers
• Business Psychology Class Discussion- TOEFL iBT® Listening Practice Test with Answers
• Library Orientation - TOEFL iBT® Listening Practice Test with Answers