Asking About Student Discount Programs for Textbooks - TOEFL iBT® Listening Practice Test

In the TOEFL iBT® Listening section, you may encounter passages that involve students discussing everyday needs, such as 'Asking About Student Discount Programs for Textbooks.' Practicing with these situations helps you listen for details that reveal key information, enhancing your ability to interpret common scenarios within a university setting.

Listening to dialogues about student discounts and other practical topics improves your skill in capturing details that often come up in TOEFL questions. This kind of focused practice prepares you for various aspects of the listening section and builds your overall comprehension skills.

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 Tom's conversation with Sam? 
   
   1. To discuss the best places to buy textbooks 
   2. To inquire about student discount programmes for textbooks 
   3. To complain about the high cost of textbooks 
   4. To ask for advice on studying techniques 

Detail Question

1. According to Sam, what discount does the university's bookstore offer on textbooks? 
   
   1. 5% 
   2. 10% 
   3. 15% 
   4. 20% 

Function Question

1. What does Sam mean when he says, “Just make sure to check the condition of the book before you rent it”? 
   
   1. The student should ensure the book is new 
   2. The student should verify that the book is not damaged 
   3. The student should read the book before renting 
   4. The student should compare prices before renting 

Attitude Question

1. What is Tom's attitude towards the idea of renting textbooks? 
   
   1. Skeptical, as he prefers to own his books 
   2. Enthusiastic, as he sees it as a way to save money 
   3. Indifferent, as he has not thought about it 
   4. Negative, as he believes renting is not worth it 

Detail Question

1. What additional option does Sam mention for saving money on textbooks? 
   
   1. Buying textbooks from friends 
   2. Checking local bookstores for discounts on used books 
   3. Purchasing e-textbooks only 
   4. Joining a textbook exchange programme

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Asking About Student Discount Programmes for Textbooks

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Asking About Student Discount Programmes for Textbooks 

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The main focus of Tom's conversation with Sam is to ask about student discount programmes for textbooks, as indicated by his initial question. The other options, such as discussing where to buy textbooks, complaining about costs, or asking for study advice, are not the primary purpose of their conversation.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: Sam specifically mentions that the university's bookstore offers a 10% discount on all textbooks when students show their student ID. The other options (5%, 15%, and 20%) are incorrect as they do not reflect the information provided in the conversation.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: When Sam advises Tom to check the condition of the book before renting it, he is emphasising the importance of ensuring that the book is in good condition and not damaged. The other options, such as ensuring the book is new or reading it beforehand, do not align with the context of renting textbooks.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: Tom expresses enthusiasm about the idea of renting textbooks, as he is looking for ways to save money this semester. He shows interest in the concept and asks for Sam's opinion, which indicates a positive attitude. The other options, such as being skeptical or indifferent, do not accurately reflect Tom's response.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: Sam mentions that some local bookstores offer discounts for students, particularly on used books, as an additional option for saving money on textbooks. The other options, such as buying from friends or joining a textbook exchange programme, were not discussed in the conversation.

Passages like 'Asking About Student Discount Programs for Textbooks' provide essential practice for the TOEFL Listening section, allowing you to refine your listening accuracy and focus on detail. By regularly engaging with similar conversations, you’ll develop stronger comprehension skills and readiness for test day.

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