Discussing Graduate School Applications with a Mentor - TOEFL Listening Practice Test
"Prepare for the TOEFL Listening Section with a practice test on 'Discussing Graduate School Applications with a Mentor' and learn the skills to improve your score in the TOEFL exam. "
Key Highlights
For scoring well in the TOEFL iBT® exam, remember that by practising continuously, you can ace all the sections. The TOEFL Listening Practice Test on 'Discussing Graduate School Applications with a Mentor' features dialogues that mimic real-life interactions, allowing you to practice your listening skills in a context similar to what you might encounter in graduate school or professional environments. You make yourself familiarise with different conversational topics which will enhance your ability to understand different accents, tones, and contexts. It is important to not just hearing the words but also understanding the context and nuances of the conversation.
Ready to boost your listening abilities? Let’s dive into the conversation!
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 Graduate School Applications with a Mentor
Now listen to the audio.
Questions
Directions: Mark your answer by selecting your choice.
Gist-Content Questions
- What is the main purpose of Ethan's conversation with Mr. Thompson?
- To seek advice on graduate school applications
- To discuss his internship experience
- To complain about the application process
- To ask for a recommendation letter
Detail Questions
- What does Mr. Thompson suggest Ethan do to help narrow down his programme choices?
- Consult with his friends
- Look at the curriculum of each programme
- Apply to as many programmes as possible
- Focus solely on environmental policy
Function Questions
- What does Mr. Thompson mean when he says, “Your personal statement is crucial”?
- It is the least important part of the application
- It is an opportunity to demonstrate his qualifications
- It should be written last
- It should be very brief and to the point
Attitude Questions
- How does Ethan feel about his graduate school applications at the beginning of the conversation?
- Overwhelmed and uncertain
- Confident and excited
- Indifferent and uninterested
- Frustrated and angry
Detail Questions
- What specific experience does Mr. Thompson encourage Ethan to include in his personal statement?
- His academic achievements
- His internship experience
- His volunteer work
- His extracurricular activities
Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Discussing Graduate School Applications with a Mentor
Ethan: Hi, Mr. Thompson. Thanks for meeting with me today. I wanted to discuss my graduate school applications and get your advice.
Mr. Thompson: Of course, Ethan. I’m glad to help. What specific concerns do you have?
Ethan: Well, I’m a bit overwhelmed with the whole process. There are so many programmes to choose from, and I’m not sure which ones would be the best fit for my career goals.
Mr. Thompson: That’s completely understandable. Have you thought about what you want to specialise in? Identifying your interests can help narrow down your options.
Ethan: I’m really interested in environmental policy, but I’m also considering public administration. I just don’t know how to decide between the two.
Mr. Thompson: Both fields are quite relevant and can lead to fulfilling careers. It might be helpful to look at the curriculum of each programme. See which courses excite you more and align with your long-term goals.
Ethan: That’s a good idea. I’ll definitely do that. Also, I’m worried about the personal statement. I want to make sure it stands out.
Mr. Thompson: Your personal statement is crucial. It’s your chance to showcase your passion and experiences. Make sure to include specific examples that highlight your commitment to the field.
Ethan: Right, I’ll focus on that. Do you think I should mention my internship experience?
Mr. Thompson: Absolutely! Your internship is a valuable asset. Discuss what you learned and how it shaped your interest in environmental policy.
Ethan: Thanks, Mr. Thompson. I feel more confident about my applications now. I’ll start working on my personal statement and research the programmes more thoroughly.
Mr. Thompson: That sounds like a solid plan. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further guidance. Good luck, Ethan!
Ethan: I appreciate your help!
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Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Discussing Graduate School Applications with a Mentor
1. Answer: A
Explanation: The correct answer is A. The main focus of Ethan's conversation with Mr. Thompson is to discuss his graduate school applications and seek guidance on the process. The other options, such as discussing his internship experience, complaining about the application process, or asking for a recommendation letter, are not the primary purpose of the conversation.
2. Answer: B
Explanation: The correct answer is B. Mr. Thompson advises Ethan to examine the curriculum of the programmes he is considering to help him decide which aligns best with his interests and career goals. The other options, such as consulting friends, applying to many programmes, or focusing solely on environmental policy, do not directly address how to narrow down his choices.
3. Answer: B
Explanation: The correct answer is B. When Mr. Thompson states that "Your personal statement is crucial," he means that it is a vital part of the application where Ethan can showcase his passion, experiences, and qualifications. The other options, which suggest that it is unimportant, should be written last, or should be very brief, are incorrect as they misinterpret the significance of the personal statement.
4. Answer: A
Explanation: The correct answer is A. At the beginning of the conversation, Ethan expresses that he feels overwhelmed with the graduate school application process and is unsure about which programmes to choose. The other options, such as feeling confident, indifferent, or frustrated, do not accurately reflect his initial feelings as conveyed in the conversation.
5. Answer: B
Explanation: The correct answer is B. Mr. Thompson encourages Ethan to include his internship experience in his personal statement, highlighting what he learned and how it influenced his interest in environmental policy. The other options, such as academic achievements, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities, were not specifically mentioned as experiences to include in the personal statement.
With the access on different practice tests, you would get an opportunity to attempt tests that mimic the actual exam format to boost your confidence and self-assurance, especially on the test day.
So, let's take a step forward to level up your listening skills!
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