Dropping Out - TOEFL Listening Practice Test with Answers

The TOEFL Listening section evaluates your ability to comprehend academic English through various conversations and lectures. The questions in this section are presented in a multiple-choice format, with four possible answers and only one correct choice.

This practice test is designed to challenge your listening comprehension skills with realistic scenarios and thought-provoking conversations. Let's dive in and enhance your listening abilities, preparing you for success in your TOEFL journey!

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 Dropping Out

Now listen to the audio.

Questions

Directions: Mark your answer by selecting your choice.

1. What is the primary focus of the conversation?
   1. Job prospects for students in their course
   2. Grades for a recent assignment
   3. The advantages and disadvantages of attending college
   4. The quality of the teaching on their course

1. What is Amy worried about?
   1. She feels she is not learning anything useful.
   2. She has been receiving poor grades.
   3. She is not enjoying her course.
   4. She is finding the course very difficult.

1. What does Jim value most about university life?
   1. Studying a subject in depth
   2. Getting involved in discussions
   3. Meeting people with diverse interests
   4. Teaching others about what he has learned

1. According to Jim, what will employers value about Amy’s education?
   1. Transferable skills
   2. Ability to train others
   3. Enthusiasm
   4. Knowledge of history

1. What is suggested about Professor Jacques?
   1. She has never worked outside the university.
   2. She is a good person to ask about careers.
   3. She is more approachable than other professors.
   4. She teaches both history and business courses.

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Dropping Out

Wait a moment! Before you review your answers, take a look at our Top 5 Strategies to Crack TOEFL iBT in First Attempt. These tips will guide you towards achieving your dream school admission!

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Dropping Out

1. Answer: A
Explanation: The correct answer is A. The main point of the conversation is Amy's concern about the practical value of her history degree and its implications for her future career. She expresses doubts about whether the skills she is acquiring in her history course will be useful in the job market. Throughout the conversation, both characters discuss the potential benefits and job prospects that could come from studying history. Jim reassures her that the skills she is learning are transferable and will be appreciated by employers. This focus on job prospects and the applicability of her studies to future employment is the central theme of their discussion.

2. Answer: A
Explanation: The correct answer is A. Amy's primary concern is her perception that her history course may not provide her with practical skills that are useful in the job market. She worries that by the end of her studies, she won't have gained any tangible skills that would help her secure a good job. This concern is compounded by her belief that there are limited job opportunities for historians. Her fear is that she might have to undergo additional training in a different field after graduating, making her current efforts seem less valuable. This worry about the usefulness and relevance of her education is the driving force behind her consideration of changing her major.

3. Answer: C
Explanation: The correct answer is C. Jim values the opportunity to engage with people who have diverse interests and perspectives. He emphasizes that college is not just about employability but about the chance to deeply engage with a subject, meet like-minded individuals, and participate in meaningful discussions. This broader experience is what he finds most enriching about university life.

4. Answer: A
Explanation: The correct answer is A. Jim highlights that the skills learned through the history course, such as sourcing information, critical analysis, and writing, are transferable and highly valued by employers in various fields. He reassures Amy that these skills will make her attractive to potential employers, even if they are not directly related to history.

5. Answer: A
Explanation: The correct answer is A. It is implied that Professor Jacques lacks practical career advice because she has spent her entire career within the university environment. Jim suggests that she may not be the best person to ask about job prospects or career paths, as she might not have real-world experience outside academia. This underscores her potentially limited perspective on careers beyond the university setting.

 Great job completing this TOEFL Listening practice test! Looking to maintain your momentum? We have a wealth of practice tests that mirror the actual exam format. Dive into a few more and see your listening skills improve drastically! Keep practicing, and you'll be ready to ace the TOEFL iBT in no time!

Additional Reads: