Confirming Application Deadlines for Honours Programmes - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The TOEFL Listening section evaluates your ability to understand spoken English in academic contexts, often featuring dialogues between students and faculty. This section can be challenging, as it requires you to capture essential details, grasp the main ideas, and interpret the context of the conversation.

In this practice set, we’ll focus on a conversation about 'Confirming Application Deadlines for Honours Programmes.' Working with realistic dialogues like this one can enhance your listening skills and prepare you for the kinds of discussions you may encounter on the exam.

While listening, pay close attention to specific details, such as application deadlines and requirements, as well as the subtleties in the speakers' tones and expressions. This will improve both your comprehension and your confidence when approaching the TOEFL Listening section. Ready to hone your skills? Let’s dive in!

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 Confirming Application Deadlines for Honours Programmes

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 Tom?  
   
   1. To discuss the benefits of the honours programme
   2. To confirm the application deadlines for the honours programmes
   3. To ask Tom for help with his personal statement
   4. To find out about university life

1. According to Tom, when is the application deadline for the honours programme in psychology? 
   
   1. 1st of March
   2. 15th of March
   3. 30th of March
   4. 1st of April 

1. What does Tom mean when he says, “It’s always better to prepare as if the deadline is fixed”?
   
   1. Students should ignore any potential changes to the deadline
   2. Students should assume the deadline will not change and plan accordingly  
   3. Students should wait until the last minute to apply
   4. Students should ask for an extension on the deadline

1. How does James feel about asking Professor Smith for a recommendation?
   
   1. Confident and eager
   2. Nervous and apprehensive 
   3. Indifferent and unconcerned
   4. Excited and enthusiastic  

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Confirming Application Deadlines for Honours Programmes

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Confirming Application Deadlines for Honours Programmes

1. Answer: B. To confirm the application deadlines for the honours programmes.

Explanation: The main focus of the conversation is James seeking confirmation about the application deadlines for the honours programmes, specifically in psychology. The other options, such as discussing benefits, asking for help with the personal statement, or inquiring about university life, are not the primary purpose of their discussion.

2. Answer: B. 15th of March.

Explanation: Tom clearly states that the application deadline for the honours programme in psychology is the 15th of March. The other options, such as the 1st of March, 30th of March, and 1st of April, are incorrect as they were not mentioned in the conversation.

3. Answer: B. Students should assume the deadline will not change and plan accordingly.

Explanation: Tom advises James to prepare as if the deadline is fixed, meaning he should act as though the date will not be extended. This approach encourages students to be proactive and not rely on potential changes, making options a, c, and d incorrect.

4. Answer: B. Nervous and apprehensive. 

Explanation: James expresses that he is a bit nervous about asking Professor Smith for a recommendation, indicating his apprehension. The other options, such as feeling confident, indifferent, or excited, do not accurately reflect his feelings as conveyed in the conversation.

5. Answer: B. A minimum GPA and some extracurricular involvement.

Explanation: Tom mentions that, in addition to the application form and personal statement, the honours program typically requires a minimum GPA and some extracurricular involvement. The other options, such as only needing the application form and personal statement, a personal interview and portfolio, or no specific requirements, are incorrect as they do not align with what was discussed.

Your dedication shows in completing this practice assessment. Explore our extensive collection featuring progressive challenges and expert guidance for continued success.

Additional Reads:

• TOEFL Listening iBT: Refining Your Listening Comprehension
• Business Psychology Class Discussion- TOEFL iBT® Listening Practice Test with Answers
• Library Orientation - TOEFL Listening Practice Test with Answers
• Cafeterias and Food Courts - TOEFL Listening Practice Test with Answers