Discussing Graduate School Applications with a Mentor - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

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.

Now listen to the audio.

Questions

Directions: Mark your answer by selecting your choice.

1. What is the main purpose of Ethan's conversation with Mr. Thompson? 
   
   1. To seek advice on graduate school applications  
   2. To discuss his internship experience
   3. To complain about the application process 
   4. To ask for a recommendation letter 

1. What does Mr. Thompson suggest Ethan do to help narrow down his programme choices?
   
   1. Consult with his friends 
   2. Look at the curriculum of each programme 
   3. Apply to as many programmes as possible
   4. Focus solely on environmental policy 

1. What does Mr. Thompson mean when he says, “Your personal statement is crucial”?
   
   1. It is the least important part of the application
   2. It is an opportunity to demonstrate his qualifications 
   3. It should be written last 
   4. It should be very brief and to the point 

1. How does Ethan feel about his graduate school applications at the beginning of the conversation?
   
   1. Overwhelmed and uncertain  
   2.  Confident and excited
   3. Indifferent and uninterested 
   4. Frustrated and angry 

1. What specific experience does Mr. Thompson encourage Ethan to include in his personal statement?
   
   1. His academic achievements 
   2. His internship experience 
   3. His volunteer work
   4. His extracurricular activities

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Discussing Graduate School Applications with a Mentor

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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