Inquiring About Resources for Students with Family Responsibilities - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The TOEFL Listening section evaluates your comprehension of spoken English within an academic context, primarily through conversations. This section presents a diverse range of topics, necessitating attentive listening and accurate responses to multiple-choice questions. Each conversation is carefully designed to replicate real classroom scenarios, offering an authentic learning experience.

In this practice set, we highlight a conversation between James and Thompson, regarding resources available for students who have family responsibilities. The listening section will test your comprehension through multiple-choice questions based on the dialogue. To succeed in the TOEFL Listening section, it’s vital to practice regularly and create strategies for identifying critical information. This conversation will not only enhance your understanding of academic discourse but also prepare you for similar situations you might face during your studies. Let’s get started to boost your 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 Resources for Students with Family Responsibilities

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 academic performance
   2. To inquire about resources for students with family responsibilities
   3. To complain about the workload 
   4. To request a meeting with a professor 

1. According to Mr. Thompson, what childcare resource does the university offer? 
   
   1. A private babysitter service 
   2. A campus daycare that provides affordable services
   3. A family support hotline
   4. A community childcare programme

1. What does Mr. Thompson mean when he says, “Many professors are understanding of such situations”?
   
   1. Professors are strict about attendance  
   2. Professors may provide accommodations for students with family commitments
   3. Professors do not care about students' personal lives 
   4. Professors are available for personal counselling

1. What is Mr. Thompson's attitude towards the support group for parents?
   
   1. Indifferent, as he believes it is not necessary
   2. Supportive, as he sees it as a valuable resource  
   3. Critical, as he thinks it may not be effective
   4. Unsure, as he has not heard much about it

Transcript of the Audio Inquiring About Resources for Students with Family Responsibilities

Answers and Explanations of the Inquiring About Resources for Students with Family Responsibilities

1. Answer: B. To inquire about resources for students with family responsibilities.

Explanation: The conversation primarily revolves around James seeking information about support services available for students who have family commitments, particularly regarding childcare and flexible study options. The other options, such as discussing academic performance, complaining about workload, or requesting a meeting with a professor, are not the focus of the conversation.

2. Answer: B. A campus daycare that provides affordable services.  

Explanation: Mr. Thompson specifically mentions that the university offers a campus daycare that provides affordable childcare services, which is directly relevant to James's inquiry. The other options, such as a private babysitter service, family support hotline, or community childcare programme, are not mentioned in the conversation.

3. Answer: B. Professors may provide accommodations for students with family commitments.

Explanation: Mr. Thompson's statement indicates that many professors are sympathetic to the challenges faced by students with family responsibilities and may offer accommodations, such as recorded lectures or alternative assignments. The other options, which suggest strictness, indifference, or personal counselling, do not accurately reflect his message.

4. Answer: B. Supportive, as he sees it as a valuable resource.

Explanation: Mr. Thompson expresses a positive attitude towards the support group for parents, highlighting it as a great opportunity for students to connect and share experiences. This indicates that he values the resource, making options a, c, and d incorrect as they suggest indifference, criticism, or uncertainty.

5. Answer: B. By filling out an application form on the university’s website.

Explanation: Mr. Thompson clearly states that James needs to fill out an application form available on the university's website to apply for the daycare service. The other options, such as contacting the daycare directly, visiting in person, or asking professors for assistance, are not mentioned as methods for applying.

This test completion reflects your dedication to TOEFL success. Continue your journey with our series of papers that gradually increase in complexity and depth. Good luck!

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