Discussing Internship Requirements with a Career Counsellor - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The TOEFL listening test is designed to assess your ability to understand spoken English in academic settings for acing the TOEFL iBT^® exam. In this TOEFL Listening Practice Test on 'Discussing Internship Requirements with a Career Counsellor', the discussion focuses on important topics such as credit hours, extracurricular activities, and the significance of a well-crafted resume and cover letter. You are required to choose the correct answer from four options which will enhance your comprehension abilities.

To gain the required skills, remember that you need to practice consistently and acquire note-taking skills. This will not only enhance your grasping power as well as understand different accents, tones, and contexts.

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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 Oliver's conversation with Mr. Thompson? 
   
   1. To inquire about job opportunities   
   2. To discuss the requirements for summer internships 
   3. To ask for advice on coursework 
   4. To submit an application for an internship 

1. According to Mr. Thompson, what do many companies prefer regarding candidates' academic credits?
   
   1. Candidates with a minimum of three years of study
   2. Candidates who have completed a certain number of credits in their field
   3. Candidates who have no academic requirements 
   4. Candidates who are in their final year of study

1. What does Mr. Thompson mean when he says, “Being active in a student organisation can provide you with valuable networking opportunities”?
   
   1. It will help Oliver make friends 
   2. It will allow Oliver to meet potential employers and build connections 
   3. It will distract Oliver from his studies 
   4. It will provide Oliver with a chance to travel 

1. What is Mr. Thompson's attitude towards the importance of references in internship applications?
   
   1. Dismissive, as he believes they are not necessary
   2. Supportive, as he thinks they can significantly enhance an application
   3. Uncertain, as he is not sure about their relevance 
   4. Critical, as he believes they are often exaggerated 

1. What should Oliver focus on when preparing his cover letter, according to Mr. Thompson?
   
   1. A generic template that can be used for all applications
   2. Tailoring it to each position and explaining his interest and contributions 
   3. Including only his academic achievements     
   4. Writing a lengthy essay about his life experiences

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Discussing Internship Requirements with a Career Counsellor

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Discussing Internship Requirements with a Career Counsellor

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is B. The conversation primarily revolves around Oliver seeking information about the requirements for summer internships, including academic credits, extracurricular activities, and application materials. The other options, such as inquiring about job opportunities, asking for advice on coursework, or submitting an application, are not the focus of the discussion.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is B. Mr. Thompson confirms that many companies prefer candidates who have completed a specific number of credits in their field of study, as it indicates a foundational understanding of the subject. The other options, such as requiring three years of study, having no academic requirements, or being in the final year, are not mentioned in the conversation.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is B. Mr. Thompson highlights that being active in a student organisation can provide networking opportunities, which means Oliver can meet potential employers and establish valuable connections in his field. The other options, such as making friends, distracting from studies, or providing travel opportunities, do not accurately reflect the context of networking in a professional sense.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is B. Mr. Thompson expresses that references can be quite important and can make a significant difference in an application, indicating a supportive attitude towards their relevance. The other options, such as being dismissive, uncertain, or critical, do not align with his positive view on the importance of references.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is B. Mr. Thompson advises Oliver that his cover letter should be tailored to each specific internship position, highlighting his interest and what he can contribute. The other options, such as using a generic template, focusing only on academic achievements, or writing a lengthy essay, do not align with the tailored approach he recommends.

Don't stop here! Continue with the flow and attempt a few more test papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and take a step towards success.

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