History Discussion- TOEFL iBT® Listening Practice Test with Answers

To excel in the TOEFL, proficiency in all four exam sections is essential. The TOEFL journey can be intimidating, especially when tackling the Listening portion, renowned for its complexity among non-native English speakers.

For new test-takers or those looking to enhance their skills, practice assessments play a pivotal role. To aid your readiness for the TOEFL Listening Section, we've crafted a Practice test centered on 'History Discussion,' accompanied by a comprehensive answer guide. Conquering this test will elevate your skills and confidence in approaching this section, leading to success in the TOEFL exam.

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 a lecture, 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.
  

Now listen to the Audio.

Questions

Directions: Answer the questions. 

1. Why did the student go see the professor?
   1. To talk about ways to make a possibly dull subject more interesting
   2. To update her on recent developments in his and his family's lives
   3. To address a missing piece in the student's understanding of English history
   4. To express dissatisfaction with the challenging nature of an assignment from another professor

1. Inferences about William III, Stephen of Blois, and Richard II can be drawn as follows:
   1. Their reigns were relatively brief, resulting in limited significant impacts.
   2. Due to scant historical documentation, they may not engage audiences as lecture topics.
   3. Historically, they are not favored, leading to less frequent discussions.
   4. Compared to Henry VIII, they are less familiar to many students.

1. Which of these statements does the student think accurately describes King Henry VIII? 
   1. He is chiefly famous for his vibrant character.
   2. The accounts of his life are frequently embellished in narratives. 
   3. He is perceived as harsh for his execution of multiple spouses. 
   4. The impact of his rule still influences the politics of modern-day Europe.

1. What preliminary step does the student propose before delivering the lecture? 
   1. Reviewing his lesson plan with a colleague
   2. Conducting a practice lecture to refine his narrative abilities
   3. Investigating additional captivating aspects of Henry VIII’s biography
   4. Attending a peer's presentation on Henry VIII's history for inspiration

Listen again to part of the Audio then answer the question.

1. What does the Professor mean when she says this:
   
   Female Professor: Ahh…Don’t sweat it
   1. She thinks Professor Williams is too strict with his students and assistants.
   2. She believes the student's worry isn't justified given his circumstances.
   3. She hopes the student will feel at ease seeking her advice.
   4. She's ready to assist the student in teaching his lesson to make it less daunting.
      
      

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Answers and Explanations of the TOEFL Listening Practice Test - ‘History Discussion’

1. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is Option (A) To talk about ways to make a possibly dull subject more interesting. The student visited the professor to seek guidance on how to make his upcoming lesson about King Henry VIII more engaging. He expressed concerns about the lesson feeling dull and lacking emphasis, seeking advice on how to add a captivating narrative and emphasize the extraordinary aspects of Henry VIII's life and legacy. This aligns with option (A) as the main reason for the student's visit.

2. Answer: D

Explanation: The correct answer is D) Compared to Henry VIII, they are less familiar to many students. This inference is supported by the conversation where the male student mentions that they don't delve as deeply into kings like William III, Stephen of Blois, or Richard II, even in highly detailed history courses. This suggests that these monarchs are not as well-known or extensively studied compared to Henry VIII, who is a more prominent and familiar figure in English history. The conversation implies that Henry VIII's notability and impact make him a more engaging and recognizable topic for lectures, unlike the other monarchs mentioned. Therefore, option D is the most accurate inference based on the context provided.

3. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is (A) He is chiefly famous for his vibrant character. The student expresses this view when he describes Henry VIII as "quite EXTRAORDINARY" due to his numerous marriages, execution of wives, weight gain, and religious defiance. These characteristics highlight Henry VIII's vibrant and larger-than-life personality, which is a central aspect of his fame and historical reputation. The student's emphasis on Henry VIII's extraordinary nature aligns with the statement that he is chiefly famous for his vibrant character.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is Option (B) Conducting a practice lecture to refine his narrative abilities. The student suggests conducting a practice lecture before delivering the actual lesson on King Henry VIII. This step is crucial because it allows him to refine his storytelling skills and delivery style. By rehearsing the lecture with someone willing, the student can identify areas that need improvement, work on emphasizing captivating aspects, and ensure that the presentation is engaging and informative. This practice session serves as a preparatory measure to enhance the effectiveness of the actual lecture, helping the student feel more confident and prepared when teaching the class. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate preliminary step proposed by the student.

5. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is Option (C) She hopes the student will feel at ease seeking her advice. When the professor says, "Ahh...don't sweat it. I recall how nerve-wracking it can be when you first step up to teach," she's expressing empathy and understanding toward the student's concerns about teaching for the first time. This response indicates that she wants the student to feel comfortable discussing his worries and seeking guidance from her. By acknowledging the student's apprehension and recalling her own experience, the professor aims to create a supportive and reassuring environment where the student feels encouraged to seek help and advice. This aligns with option (C) as it reflects the professor's intention to foster a sense of ease and openness in the student-professor interaction.

If you have any questions about this practice test, feel free to ask us in the comments section below, and our team of TOEFL Experts will assist you with your queries.