Inquiring About the Process for Joining Campus Research Labs - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

In the TOEFL iBT® exam, the Listening Section assesses the extent to which a candidate can listen to spoken English specifically in academic environments. Therefore, one has to develop skills in understanding a variety of accents, rates of speech, and many topics related to academics.  You will hear audio recordings of conversations in the Listening Section which are realistic and would include conversations or lectures in the university setting. After every conversation, there will be multiple-choice questions which you need to attempt for key information extraction.

With the Listening Practice Test on "Inquiring About the Process for Joining Campus Research Labs", you would be able to gain confidence in attempting such questions and excel in the Listening Section. The test would include a conversation between two students, Oliver and Ethan, discussing how to join research labs on campus. Pay attention to the information that you hear on the audio recording, since speakers sometimes may emphasise on many key points which help answer questions on main ideas and supporting details. Therefore, remember to take notes which you can refer while choosing the correct answer.

Let's get you rolling on TOEFL listening preparation with this practice test on "Inquiring About the Process for Joining Campus Research Labs"!

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 the Process for Joining Campus Research Labs

Now listen to the audio.

Questions

Directions: Mark your answer by selecting your choice.

1. What is the main purpose of Oliver's conversation with Ethan?  
   
   1. To discuss the benefits of research experience
   2. To seek advice on getting involved in a research lab
   3. To complain about the difficulty of finding a lab
   4. To share his own research experiences

1. According to Ethan, what should Oliver do after identifying a lab of interest? 
   
   1. Attend a workshop on research methods
   2. Reach out to the lab supervisor or principal investigator
   3. Wait for an invitation to join the lab
   4. Speak to other students in the lab 

1. What does Ethan mean when he says, “Just be yourself and show your enthusiasm for the research”?
   
   1. Oliver should pretend to be someone he is not
   2. Oliver should express genuine interest and passion during the interview  
   3. Oliver should focus solely on his academic achievements
   4. Oliver should avoid asking questions during the interview

1. What is Ethan's attitude towards prior research experience?
   
   1. He believes it is essential for joining a lab
   2. He thinks it is beneficial but not always necessary 
   3. He feels it is a waste of time
   4. He is indifferent about it  

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Inquiring About the Process for Joining Campus Research Labs

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Inquiring About the Process for Joining Campus Research Labs

1. Answer: B. To seek advice on getting involved in a research lab.

Explanation: The conversation primarily revolves around Oliver asking Ethan for guidance on how to get involved in a research lab on campus. The other options, such as discussing the benefits of research experience, complaining about difficulties, or sharing his own experiences, do not accurately reflect the main focus of the conversation.

2. Answer: B. Reach out to the lab supervisor or principal investigator.

Explanation: Ethan advises Oliver to contact the lab supervisor or principal investigator after identifying a lab of interest. This step is crucial for expressing interest and inquiring about potential openings. The other options, such as attending a workshop, waiting for an invitation, or speaking to other students, are not mentioned as necessary actions.

3. Answer: B. Oliver should express genuine interest and passion during the interview.

Explanation: When Ethan says, “Just be yourself and show your enthusiasm for the research,” he encourages Oliver to be authentic and to convey his genuine interest in the research during the interview. The other options, such as pretending to be someone else, focusing solely on academic achievements, or avoiding questions, do not align with the advice given.

4. Answer: B. He thinks it is beneficial but not always necessary.

Explanation: Ethan acknowledges that while prior research experience can be advantageous, it is not a strict requirement for joining a lab. He emphasises the importance of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, indicating that many labs are open to training new students. The other options, which suggest that prior experience is essential, a waste of time, or that he is indifferent, do not accurately represent his views.

5. Answer: B. Within a week.

Explanation:  Ethan mentions that he received a response from the lab supervisor within a week after reaching out. This timeframe indicates a relatively prompt reply, which is helpful information for Oliver. The other options, such as a few days, two weeks, or a month, do not reflect the timeframe Ethan provided.

You’re on the right track to master the Listening section! Now, it's time to take your preparation one step further by continuing with more practice tests that closely resemble the actual exam format.

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