Confirming Availability of Lab Equipment with a Professor - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The TOEFL Listening section aims to evaluate your skill in understanding spoken English in academic contexts, including interactions between students and professors. It features a variety of dialogues, often centered around topics relevant to university life, such as lab equipment, project specifications, and scheduling matters.

For this practice exercise, we’ll focus on a conversation between Daniel, a student, and his professor, Professor Thompson, concerning the availability of lab equipment for an upcoming experiment. Grasping the subtleties of such exchanges is essential for success in the TOEFL Listening section, as it not only tests your comprehension but also your ability to track the conversation’s flow and catch key details.

As you listen, pay close attention to specific requests, confirmations, and any follow-up actions discussed. This will enhance your ability to answer the multiple-choice questions accurately. Ready to boost your listening 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 Availability of Lab Equipment with a Professor

Now listen to the audio.

Questions

Directions: Mark your answer by selecting your choice.

1. What is the main purpose of Daniel's conversation with Professor Thompson? 
   
   1. To discuss the results of a previous experiment
   2. To confirm the availability of lab equipment for an upcoming experiment
   3. To request an extension on a project deadline
   4. To inquire about the professor's teaching methods

1. Which piece of equipment does Daniel specifically mention needing for the experiment?
   
   1. Microscope
   2. Spectrophotometer
   3. Bunsen burner
   4. Water bath  

1. What does Professor Thompson mean when he says, “I’ll check with the other group to confirm their schedule”?
   
   1. He will ask the other group if they need the centrifuge longer
   2. He will inform the other group about Daniel's request  
   3. He will reserve the centrifuge for Daniel immediately
   4. He will cancel the other group's use of the centrifuge

1. How does Daniel feel about the situation regarding the lab equipment?
   
   1. Frustrated and anxious
   2. Confident and relaxed 
   3. Grateful and appreciative
   4. Indifferent and unconcerned    

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Confirming Availability of Lab Equipment with a Professor

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Confirming Availability of Lab Equipment with a Professor

1. Answer: B. To confirm the availability of lab equipment for an upcoming experiment.

Explanation: The main focus of Daniel's conversation with Professor Thompson is to ensure that the necessary lab equipment, specifically the spectrophotometer and centrifuge, is available for their upcoming experiment. The other options, such as discussing previous experiment results, requesting a project extension, or inquiring about teaching methods, are not relevant to the conversation's context.

2. Answer: B. Spectrophotometer.

Explanation: When Professor Thompson says he will check with the other group, he indicates that he will confirm whether they still require the centrifuge for their project. This implies he is seeking to understand the other group's schedule, rather than reserving the centrifuge immediately or cancelling their use, which makes options b, c, and d incorrect.

3. Answer: A. He will ask the other group if they need the centrifuge longer.

Explanation: When Professor Thompson says he will check with the other group, he indicates that he will confirm whether they still require the centrifuge for their project. This implies he is seeking to understand the other group's schedule, rather than reserving the centrifuge immediately or cancelling their use, which makes options b, c, and d incorrect.

4. Answer: C. Grateful and appreciative.

Explanation: Daniel expresses gratitude towards Professor Thompson for his assistance and is keen to ensure everything is in order for their experiment. His appreciation is evident when he thanks the professor for looking into the availability of the centrifuge, contrasting with feelings of frustration, anxiety, indifference, or unconcern, which are not reflected in his tone.

5. Answer: B. By tomorrow.

Explanation: Professor Thompson states that he will check with the other group and let Daniel know by tomorrow, indicating when he can expect an update about the centrifuge. The other options, such as by the end of the week, at the next lab session, or after the experiment is completed, do not align with the timeline provided in the conversation.

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