Discussing Funding Options for a Student- TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The TOEFL Listening section in the TOEFL iBT® exam will examine the candidates' ability to understand spoken English in academic contexts, particularly through conversations like the one between James and Tom. In this Listening Practice Test on "Discussing Funding Options for a Student", you will hear a conversation between two students discussing various ways to finance their studies. By listening to their talk, you will not only improve your comprehension but also gain insights into practical topics relevant to student life. 

By engaging with real-life conversations in the Listening Section such as discussions about funding options for education, you will be able to focus on the specific language used while portraying the speaker’s views, opinions, or preferences. As you become aware of the speaker’s stance, it can help you answer the multiple-choice questions in regards to the speaker’s opinion on certain issues. 

So, let’s get started and enhance your listening skills for the TOEFL exam!

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 Discussing Funding Options for a Student

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 best universities to attend
   2. To seek advice on funding his studies for the next year
   3. To talk about their upcoming exams
   4. To plan a holiday together

1. According to Tom, where should James start looking for scholarships?
   
   1. Local community centres
   2. The university’s financial aid website
   3. Social media platforms
   4. His friends and family

1. What does Tom mean when he says, “Just make sure you find a job that’s flexible enough to accommodate your class schedule”?
   
   1. The job should pay well
   2. The job should allow for changes in hours as needed 
   3. The job should be located near the university
   4. The job should be full-time

1. What is Tom's attitude towards student loans?
   
   1. He is completely against them
   2. He thinks they are a necessary evil 
   3. He believes they can be helpful but advises caution
   4. He is indifferent about them  

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Discussing Funding Options for a Student

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Discussing Funding Options for a Student

1. Answer: B. To seek advice on funding his studies for the next year.

Explanation: The conversation primarily revolves around James asking Tom for advice on how to fund his studies for the upcoming year. The other options, such as discussing universities, exams, or planning a holiday, are not relevant to the main topic of funding education.

2. Answer: B. The university’s financial aid website.

Explanation: Tom specifically recommends that James check the university’s financial aid website for a comprehensive list of available scholarships. The other options, such as local community centres, social media platforms, or friends and family, are not mentioned as sources for scholarship information.

3. Answer: B. The job should allow for changes in hours as needed.

Explanation: When Tom advises James to find a job that is flexible enough to accommodate his class schedule, he means that the job should allow for adjustments in working hours to fit around his studies. The other options, such as the job needing to pay well, being located near the university, or being full-time, do not address the flexibility aspect that Tom emphasises.

4. Answer: C. He believes they can be helpful but advises caution.

Explanation: Tom acknowledges that student loans can be beneficial for covering tuition but also warns James to be careful due to the interest that needs to be repaid later. This indicates a balanced view rather than being completely against them or indifferent, which makes options A, B, and D incorrect.

5. Answer: B. Stay organised and keep track of deadlines.

Explanation: Tom advises James to stay organised and keep track of deadlines, which is crucial for managing scholarship applications and other funding opportunities. The other options, such as keeping track of friends' schedules, writing down expenses, or avoiding responsibilities, do not align with Tom's specific advice on organisation related to funding studies.

That's the end of the Listening Practice Test on "Discussing Funding Options for a Student " but don't stop here. Keep practicing with more practice tests which are crafted to mimic the TOEFL Listening section and build your confidence for the big day!

Additional Reads:

• TOEFL Listening iBT: Refining Your Listening Comprehension
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• Cafeterias and Food Courts - TOEFL Listening Practice Test with Answers