Discussing Study Abroad Program Scholarships - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

In the TOEFL iBT^® exam, one of the sections can seem challenging which is the TOEFL Listening Section. In this segment, you are required to grasp key ideas, details, and the speaker's intent while managing your time effectively. To help you prepare, we’ve created a listening practice set focused on "Discussing Study Abroad Programme Scholarships" where you can get familiarised with the format. By attempting this practice test, you’ll not only enhance your listening skills but also gain confidence in understanding real-life academic conversations.

Remember that by practising diligently, you are getting an opportunity to improve your ability to understand different accents, tones, and contexts. You can grasp key ideas, details, and the speaker's intent while managing your time effectively. 

So, let's get started and enhance your comprehension skills!

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 James's conversation with Mr. Thompson?  
   
   1. To discuss scholarships for the study abroad programme  
   2. To inquire about studying in Spain
   3. To ask about university rankings 
   4. To seek advice on improving his GPA 

1. What does Mr. Thompson suggest James should focus on in his personal statement?
   
   1. His academic achievements only 
   2. His motivations for studying abroad and career goals 
   3. His extracurricular activities 
   4. His travel experiences 

1. What does Mr. Thompson mean when he says, “A polished application can make a significant difference”?
   
   1. A well-written application is less important than the GPA 
   2. Attention to detail in the application can enhance its quality 
   3. The application should be submitted quickly 
   4. The application should be written in a formal tone 

1. How does James feel about applying for the scholarship after speaking with Mr. Thompson?
   
   1. Confident and reassured
   2. Anxious and uncertain    
   3. Indifferent and uninterested 
   4. Overwhelmed and confused   

1. When is the deadline for the scholarships according to Mr. Thompson?
   
   1. In two weeks 
   2. Next month
   3. At the end of the semester   
   4. In about six weeks 

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Discussing Study Abroad Programme Scholarships

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Discussing Study Abroad Programme Scholarships

1. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is A. The main focus of the conversation is James seeking information about scholarships specifically related to the study abroad programme, particularly for his semester in Spain. The other options, such as inquiring about university rankings or seeking advice on improving his GPA, are not the primary topics discussed.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is B. Mr. Thompson advises James to concentrate on his motivations for studying abroad and how it aligns with his academic and career aspirations in his personal statement. The other options, like focusing solely on academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or travel experiences, do not capture the essence of Mr. Thompson's guidance.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is B. When Mr. Thompson mentions that "a polished application can make a significant difference," he is emphasising the importance of presenting a well-crafted application that reflects attention to detail. This statement does not suggest that GPA is more important, nor does it imply that the application should be submitted quickly or written in a formal tone, making options a, c, and d incorrect.

4. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is A. After discussing the scholarship application process with Mr. Thompson, James expresses that he feels more confident about applying. He appreciates the advice given, indicating a sense of reassurance rather than anxiety, indifference, or confusion, which makes options b, c, and d incorrect.

5. Answer: D

Explanation: The correct answer is D. Mr. Thompson clearly states that the deadline for the scholarships is in about six weeks, providing James with a timeframe to work with. The other options, such as in two weeks, at the end of the semester, or next month, do not accurately reflect the information given in the conversation.

With this consistency, you can attempt more practice tests which closely mimic the actual exam test pattern. This will not only help in understanding the exam format but also improve the required skills which are necessary to ace the exam.

So, let's dive into the next practice test and level up your listening skills!

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