Requesting Assistance with a Foreign Language Requirement - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The TOEFL Listening section evaluates your ability to grasp spoken English in university settings, particularly conversations between students and faculty. This is vital for non-native English speakers, as it assesses both your comprehension and your ability to follow academic discussions. Each conversation presents multiple-choice questions that test your understanding of key details, main ideas, and the speakers' perspectives.

This practice set centers on a conversation between a student, James, and his advisor, Mr. Thompson, about the difficulties of fulfilling a foreign language requirement for his degree. This scenario mirrors real-life academic situations, providing valuable practice for improving your listening skills. By practicing with this format and question types, you can boost your confidence and score on 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 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 Requesting Assistance with a Foreign Language Requirement

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 his work schedule
   2. To seek advice on meeting the foreign language requirement
   3. To complain about his classes
   4. To request a change in his degree programme 

1. What does Mr. Thompson suggest as an alternative to traditional language courses? 
   
   1. Hiring a private tutor
   2. Enrolling in a language course at the community college
   3. Using online language learning platforms 
   4. Attending language classes abroad

1. What does Mr. Thompson mean when he says, “Just remember, it’s about progress, not perfection”?
   
   1. He believes that James should aim for complete fluency immediately
   2. THe wants James to focus on gradual improvement rather than stressing over immediate results
   3. He thinks that James should not worry about learning at all
   4. He suggests that James should only practice speaking

1. How does James feel about the foreign language requirement?
   
   1. Confident and relaxed
   2. Overwhelmed and uncertain 
   3. Indifferent and unconcerned
   4. Excited and eager  

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Requesting Assistance with a Foreign Language Requirement

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Requesting Assistance with a Foreign Language Requirement

1. Answer: B. To seek advice on meeting the foreign language requirement.

Explanation: The conversation primarily revolves around James expressing his concerns about fulfilling the foreign language requirement for his degree and seeking Mr. Thompson's advice on how to manage it. The other options, such as discussing his work schedule, complaining about classes, or requesting a change in his degree programme, are not the focus of their discussion.

2. Answer: C. Using online language learning platforms.

Explanation: Mr. Thompson suggests that James consider online language learning platforms as a flexible alternative to traditional language courses. He does not recommend hiring a private tutor, enrolling in a community college course, or attending classes abroad, which makes those options incorrect.

3. Answer: B. He wants James to focus on gradual improvement rather than stressing over immediate results.

Explanation: Mr. Thompson's statement encourages James to concentrate on making progress in his language learning journey instead of feeling pressured to achieve perfection right away. This perspective is not about aiming for immediate fluency (option a), not worrying about learning at all (option c), or only practicing speaking (option d), which makes those options incorrect.

4. Answer: B. Overwhelmed and uncertain.

Explanation: James expresses feelings of challenge and concern about meeting the foreign language requirement, indicating that he feels overwhelmed and uncertain about his ability to succeed. He does not convey confidence, indifference, or excitement, which makes options a, c, and d incorrect.

5. Answer: B. He offers to send him details about the student group organising the events.

Explanation: Mr. Thompson offers to provide James with information about the student group that organises language exchange meetups, which would help him practice speaking. He does not offer to teach him Spanish, arrange a private meeting with a tutor, or help with coursework, making those options incorrect.

Well done on completing today's practice paper. Explore our comprehensive series designed to boost your confidence and competence in all test areas.

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