Steps to Join a Departmental Honors Program - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The TOEFL Listening section is designed to assess your ability to understand spoken English in academic settings, which often includes conversations between students and faculty. This part of the exam can be challenging, as it requires you to grasp key details and main ideas while also managing your time effectively. 

In this practice set, we will focus on a conversation about the 'Steps to Join a Departmental Honours Programme'. Listening to such dialogues will help you become familiar with the types of discussions you might encounter on the TOEFL exam. You will learn to identify important information, such as eligibility criteria and application processes, which are often crucial in academic contexts.

As you prepare, remember that consistent practice is essential for success. Engaging with various topics will not only improve your listening skills but also enhance your overall comprehension of academic English. Ready to boost your confidence and skills? Let’s dive into the conversation!

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 Steps to Join a Departmental Honours Programme

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 James?  
   
   1. To discuss the benefits of the honours programme
   2. To provide guidance on the application process for the departmental honours programme
   3. To share personal experiences from university life
   4. To encourage James to pursue a different programme

1. According to Oliver, what is the first step James needs to take in the application process? 
   
   1. Prepare a personal statement
   2. Ensure he meets the eligibility criteria
   3. Obtain letters of recommendation
   4. Submit his application  

1. What does Oliver mean when he says, “Just be yourself and prepare to discuss your interests and goals”?
   
   1. James should act differently to impress the interviewers 
   2. James should focus solely on his academic achievements  
   3. James should be genuine and ready to talk about his aspirations
   4. James should memorise answers to common interview questions

1. How does James feel about the interview process?
   
   1. Excited and eager
   2. Indifferent and unconcerned 
   3. Nervous and apprehensive
   4. Confident and prepared   

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Steps to Join a Departmental Honours Programme

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Steps to Join a Departmental Honours Programme

1. Answer: B. To provide guidance on the application process for the departmental honours programme.

Explanation: The conversation primarily focuses on Oliver sharing insights and guidance about the application process for the departmental honours programme, including eligibility criteria, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. The other options, such as discussing benefits, sharing personal experiences, or encouraging a different programme, are not the main focus of the conversation.

2. Answer: B. Ensure he meets the eligibility criteria.

Explanation: Oliver clearly states that the first step in the application process is to ensure that James meets the eligibility criteria, which includes having a minimum GPA of 3.5 and completing at least 60 credits. The other options, such as preparing a personal statement or obtaining letters of recommendation, are subsequent steps in the process.

3. Answer: C. James should be genuine and ready to talk about his aspirations. 

Explanation: When Oliver advises James to "just be yourself," he is encouraging him to be genuine during the interview and to express his true interests and goals. This option aligns with the idea of authenticity, while the other options suggest inauthentic behaviour or a narrow focus, which do not reflect Oliver's advice.

4. Answer: C. Nervous and apprehensive. 

Explanation:  James expresses that the interview process is "a bit nerve-wracking," indicating that he feels nervous and apprehensive about it. The other options, such as being excited, indifferent, or confident, do not accurately capture his feelings as conveyed in the conversation.

5. Answer: B. Two.

Explanation: Oliver specifically mentions that James will need two letters of recommendation from faculty members for his application. The other options, such as one, three, or four letters, are incorrect as they do not match the information provided in the conversation.

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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