Clarifying Research Citation Rules with a Librarian - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

To aid your preparation for the TOEFL listening test for the TOEFL iBT^® exam, remember that it assesses based on your ability to understand spoken English in academic contexts. The TOEFL Listening Practice Test on 'Clarifying Research Citation Rules with a Librarian' comprises of multiple-choice questions, requiring you to identify key information and details from the dialogue. By familiarising yourself with various conversational topics, you would be able to understand different accents, tones, and contexts.

Remember to make notes while listening to the audio which will also help in improving your comprehension skills.

So, are you ready to enhance your skills and confidence? Let’s get started!

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.

1. What is the main purpose of Oliver's conversation with Mr. Thompson?  
   
   1. To discuss the topic of his research paper
   2. To clarify the citation rules for his research paper 
   3. To ask for an extension on his paper 
   4. To seek advice on choosing a research topic

1. According to Mr. Thompson, which citation style is generally preferred for history papers?
   
   1. APA style 
   2. MLA style
   3. Chicago style 
   4. Harvard style 

1. What does Mr. Thompson mean when he says, “Just make sure to follow the specific format for online citations”?
   
   1. The citations can be formatted however Oliver likes 
   2. There are particular guidelines that must be adhered to for online sources 
   3. Online sources do not require citations 
   4. Oliver should ignore the citation rules for online sources

1. What is Mr. Thompson's attitude towards including a bibliography in Oliver's paper?
   
   1. Indifferent, as it is not necessary 
   2. Supportive, as he believes it is essential     
   3. Critical, as he thinks it may be too much work
   4. Unsure, as he has not seen Oliver's paper 

1. What should Oliver do if he encounters articles without a clear author?
   
   1. Start the citation with the title of the article  
   2. Ignore those articles in his research
   3. Ask Mr. Thompson for help  
   4. Use a different citation style

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Clarifying Research Citation Rules with a Librarian

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Clarifying Research Citation Rules with a Librarian

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is B. The conversation primarily revolves around Oliver seeking clarification on citation rules for his research paper, specifically regarding which style to use and how to cite various sources. The other options, such as discussing the topic of the paper, asking for an extension, or seeking advice on choosing a topic, are not the focus of the conversation.

2. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is C. Mr. Thompson explicitly states that history papers generally favour the Chicago style, particularly for citing sources. The other options, such as APA, MLA, and Harvard styles, are not mentioned as preferred for history papers in this context.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is B. Mr. Thompson's statement indicates that there is a specific format that Oliver needs to follow when citing online sources in Chicago style. This implies that the citations cannot be arbitrary or informal, which makes options a, c, and d incorrect.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is B. Mr. Thompson encourages Oliver to include a bibliography, stating that it is essential in Chicago style. This supportive attitude contrasts with the other options, which suggest indifference, criticism, or uncertainty about the necessity of a bibliography.

5. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is A. Mr. Thompson advises Oliver to begin the citation with the title of the article when there is no clear author. This guidance is specific and practical, while the other options, such as ignoring the articles, asking for help, or using a different citation style, do not align with the advice given in the conversation.

Want to continue with the TOEFL Listening preparation? We've created different practice tests that mimic the actual exam format to boost your confidence and self-assurance, especially on the test day.

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