Inquiring About Assistance Programs for First-Year Students - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The TOEFL Listening section is designed to evaluate how well you comprehend spoken English in academic environments. This section includes realistic conversations and discussions that reflect day-to-day university life, offering you a chance to demonstrate your understanding of key points, supporting details, and the speaker's purpose or attitude.

In this practice set, you'll hear a conversation titled “Inquiring About Assistance Programmes for First-Year Students.” It features a discussion between two students exploring the various support services available on campus to help new students transition smoothly into university life. As you engage with the recording, you will be tested on your ability to recognise essential information, interpret speaker intent, and respond to multiple-choice questions effectively.

Let this exercise enhance your listening accuracy and prepare you for real TOEFL exam conditions. Let's begin.

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 Assistance Programmes for First-Year Students

Now listen to the audio.

Questions

Directions: Mark your answer by selecting your choice.

1. What is the main purpose of Sam's conversation with Oliver? 
   
   1. To discuss the challenges of university life
   2. To inform Oliver about assistance programmes for first-year students
   3. To complain about the workload in their courses
   4. To plan a study group for their classes

1. According to Sam, what specific workshop did he find particularly helpful? 
   
   1. Time management strategies
   2. Effective note-taking
   3. Exam preparation
   4. Stress management techniques

1. What does Sam mean when he says, “Just remember, it’s important to take advantage of these resources”?
   
   1. Students should ignore the resources available to them
   2. Students should actively use the support services offered  
   3. Students should only use resources when they are struggling
   4. Students should rely solely on their peers for help

1. What is Oliver's attitude towards the assistance programmes mentioned by Sam?
   
   1. Disinterested and unconcerned
   2. Curious and appreciative
   3. Skeptical and doubtful
   4. Overwhelmed and frustrated  

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Inquiring About Assistance Programmes for First-Year Students

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Inquiring About Assistance Programmes for First-Year Students

1. Answer: B. To inform Oliver about assistance programmes for first-year students.

Explanation: The main focus of Sam's conversation with Oliver is to share information about various assistance programmes designed to help first-year students adjust to university life. The other options, such as discussing challenges, complaining about workload, or planning a study group, are not the primary purpose of their conversation.

2. Answer: B. Effective note-taking.

Explanation: Sam specifically mentions that he attended a workshop on effective note-taking, which he found incredibly helpful. While time management and exam preparation workshops are mentioned, they are not highlighted as particularly beneficial by Sam, making options a and c incorrect. Stress management techniques are not mentioned at all, ruling out option d.

3. Answer: B. Students should actively use the support services offered.

Explanation: When Sam says, “Just remember, it’s important to take advantage of these resources,” he is encouraging Oliver to actively utilise the support services available to first- year students. The other options suggest ignoring resources, only using them when struggling, or relying solely on peers, which contradicts Sam's advice.

4. Answer: B. Curious and appreciative.

Explanation: Oliver expresses curiosity about the assistance programmes and shows appreciation for the information Sam provides, saying, "Thanks for the information, Sam. I really appreciate your help." He does not display disinterest, skepticism, or frustration, making options a, c, and d incorrect.

5. Answer: B. Through the university’s student portal.

Explanation: Sam explains that Oliver can register for the assistance programmes online via the university’s student portal, specifically in the “Student Support Services” section. The other options, such as visiting the library, contacting professors, or attending a meeting in person, are not mentioned as methods for signing up, making them incorrect.

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!

Additional Reads:

• TOEFL Listening iBT: Refining Your Listening Comprehension
• Business Psychology Class Discussion- TOEFL iBT® Listening Practice Test with Answers
• Library Orientation - TOEFL Listening Practice Test with Answers
• Cafeterias and Food Courts - TOEFL Listening Practice Test with Answers