Asking About Options for Flexible Course Scheduling - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The TOEFL Listening Section in the TOEFL iBT® exam involves audio recording related to scenarios that are similar to situations of an academic setting. You will hear lectures and campus conversations at the university level which are meant to test your ability to grasp spoken English. An individual's critical listening skills are assessed by asking multiple-choice questions, requiring a candidate to comprehend main ideas as well as supporting details in addition to the perspective of the speaker. This can be tested by interpreting classroom discussions and answering to the questions from audio recording which would demonstrate the ability to process spoken English for academic purposes.

By attempting the TOEFL Listening practice test on "Asking about Options for Flexible Course Scheduling", you will hear a conversation about flexible course scheduling which is a common concern for students who try to juggle their studies with work responsibilities. Remember to take notes while listening to the conversation to improve the skills and you will be able to listen to details.

So, are you ready to hone your listening skills? Let's get to work!

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.

Conversation on Asking About Options for Flexible Course Scheduling

Now listen to the audio.

Questions

Directions: Mark your answer by selecting your choice.

1. What is the main purpose of James's conversation with Oliver? 
   
   1. To discuss the benefits of online courses
   2. To seek advice on flexible course scheduling for the next semester
   3. To complain about his part-time job
   4. To inquire about Oliver's course selections

1. What type of courses does Oliver suggest James look into for flexibility?
   
   1. Only evening classes
   2. Online courses and hybrid courses
   3. Traditional in-person classes
   4. Courses with no assignments 

1. What does Oliver mean when he says, “It’s a great way to have more flexibility”?
   
   1. Hybrid courses provide a mix of online and in-person learning, making scheduling easier
   2. The workshop will clarify the academic honesty policy and help them avoid mistakes  
   3. Hybrid courses are less rigorous than traditional courses
   4. Hybrid courses require no attendance

1. How does James feel about the potential workload of hybrid courses?
   
   1. Confident that it will be easy
   2. Uncertain but hopeful 
   3. Overwhelmed by the thought of it
   4. Indifferent to the workload 

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Asking About Options for Flexible Course Scheduling

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Asking About Options for Flexible Course Scheduling

1. Answer: B. To seek advice on flexible course scheduling for the next semester.

Explanation: The conversation primarily revolves around James seeking guidance from Oliver regarding flexible course scheduling that would allow him to balance his classes with his part-time job. The other options, such as discussing online courses, complaining about his job, or inquiring about Oliver's course selections, do not capture the main focus of the conversation.

2. Answer: B. Online courses and hybrid courses.

Explanation: Oliver suggests that James look into online course offerings and mentions hybrid courses as options that provide flexibility. The other options, such as only evening classes, traditional in-person classes, or courses with no assignments, do not align with the advice given in the conversation.

3. Answer: B. Hybrid courses provide a mix of online and in-person learning, making scheduling easier.

Explanation: Oliver explains that hybrid courses combine online learning with in-person classes, which allows for more flexibility in scheduling. The other options, such as allowing students to skip classes, being less rigorous, or requiring no attendance, misinterpret the nature of hybrid courses.

4. Answer: B. Uncertain but hopeful.

Explanation: James expresses interest in hybrid courses but asks Oliver if the workload is manageable, indicating that he is uncertain about it. He does not express confidence that it will be easy, feel overwhelmed, or show indifference, which makes options a, c, and d incorrect.

5. Answer: B. Stay organised and keep up with online assignments.

Explanation: Oliver advises James to stay organised and keep up with online assignments to manage the workload of hybrid courses effectively. The other options, such as ignoring online assignments, focusing only on in-person classes, or asking other students for help, do not reflect the practical advice given by Oliver.

Would you like to continue with more TOEFL listening practice tests? Develop your listening skills with our various practice tests which closely simulate the actual examination format. 

Now, you can check out even more practice tests to improve your listening ability and ace the exam.

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