Inquiring About Academic Support Resources - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The TOEFL Listening section is designed to assess your ability to understand spoken English in an academic context. This part of the exam includes conversations and discussions that mimic real-life interactions you might encounter in a university setting. You will listen to dialogues between students and professors or among peers, followed by questions that test your comprehension of the material.

To help you prepare effectively, we’ve created a listening practice set focused on the conversation titled "Inquiring About Academic Support Resources". This practice will not only enhance your listening skills but also familiarize you with the types of academic support available at universities. Understanding these resources can be crucial for your success as a student, especially when you feel overwhelmed by coursework.

In this conversation, James seeks advice from Tom about academic support resources, highlighting the importance of utilizing available help. As you listen, pay attention to the details shared about tutoring services and writing assistance, as these are common topics in academic discussions. Let’s get started on improving your TOEFL Listening 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.

Conversation on Inquiring About Academic Support Resources

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 Tom? 
   
   1. To discuss their coursework difficulties
   2. To learn about academic support resources available at the university
   3. To plan a study group for their classes
   4. To complain about the workload

1. What is the main purpose of James's conversation with Tom? 
   
   1. Only group study sessions
   2. Free tutoring for various subjects
   3. Online courses for credit
   4. Workshops on time management

1. What does Tom mean when he says, “Just remember, it’s important to reach out early if you’re struggling”?
   
   1. Students should wait until they are failing before seeking help
   2. Students should seek help as soon as they feel overwhelmed
   3. Students should only ask for help from friends
   4. Students should avoid using academic resources

1. What is Tom's attitude towards using academic support resources?
   
   1. Skeptical and unenthusiastic
   2. Supportive and encouraging
   3. Indifferent and uninterested
   4. Critical of students who need help

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Inquiring About Academic Support Resources

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Inquiring About Academic Support Resources

1. Answer: B. To learn about academic support resources available at the university.

Explanation:  The primary focus of James's conversation with Tom is to inquire about the academic support resources that the university offers, as he feels overwhelmed with his coursework. While they do discuss coursework difficulties, the main purpose is to gather information about available support, making option B the most accurate choice. The other options, such as planning a study group or complaining about workload, are not addressed in the conversation.

2. Answer: B. Free tutoring for various subjects.

Explanation: Tom explains that the academic support centre provides free tutoring for a wide range of subjects, which is a key resource for students like James who are feeling overwhelmed. The other options, such as group study sessions, online courses for credit, or workshops on time management, are not mentioned in the conversation, making them incorrect.

3. Answer: B. Students should seek help as soon as they feel overwhelmed.

Explanation: When Tom advises James to 'reach out early if you’re struggling, 'he is emphasising the importance of seeking help promptly before the situation worsens. This encourages proactive behaviour in managing academic challenges. The other options suggest waiting until failure, only asking friends for help, or avoiding resources altogether, which contradicts Tom's advice.

4. Answer: B. Supportive and encouraging.

Explanation: Tom displays a supportive and encouraging attitude towards using academic support resources, as he shares his positive experiences and urges James to seek help early. He does not express skepticism, indifference, or criticism, which makes options A, C, and D incorrect.

5. Answer: B. Yes, but they also have drop-in hours for immediate help.

Explanation: Tom confirms that the writing centre recommends making appointments for assistance but also offers drop-in hours for students who need immediate help. This indicates flexibility in accessing support. The other options incorrectly state that appointments are not required or that only walk-ins are accepted, which does not align with Tom's explanation.

Want to continue with the TOEFL Listening preparation? We've created different practice 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 and check out a few more practice tests to level up your listening skills!

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