Study Tips for Midterm Exams - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The TOEFL Listening section is designed to assess your ability to understand spoken English in academic contexts, which is crucial for success in an English-speaking environment. This part of the exam often features conversations between students discussing various topics, including study strategies, class projects, and exam preparation.

In this practice set, we present a conversation between two students, Oliver and Sam, as they discuss effective study tips for their upcoming midterm exams. Listening to such dialogues not only helps you improve your comprehension skills but also familiarizes you with the types of interactions you might encounter in real-life academic settings.

As you prepare for the TOEFL exam, it’s essential to practice active listening and note-taking, as these skills will serve you well during the test. Engaging with conversations like this one can enhance your understanding of different study techniques and how to apply them effectively. Ready to boost your listening skills? Let’s jump 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 Study Tips for Midterm Exams

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 Sam?
   
   1. To discuss the format of the midterm exams
   2. To ask for study tips for the upcoming midterm exams
   3. To complain about the amount of material to study
   4. To arrange a study group for the exams

1. According to Sam, what is one method he uses to organise his study sessions? 
   
   1. Studying all topics at once
   2. Creating a study schedule with specific times for each topic
   3. Focusing only on the easiest subjects first
   4. Studying late at night when he is less distracted

1. What does Sam mean when he says, “I usually start with the subjects I find most challenging”?
   
   1. He avoids difficult subjects altogether
   2. He prioritises studying the hardest topics when he is most alert  
   3. He believes challenging subjects should be studied last
   4. He thinks all subjects should be treated equally 

1. What is Sam's attitude towards the study techniques he recommends?
   
   1. Skeptical, as he believes they may not work for everyone
   2. Supportive, as he finds them to be very effective  
   3. Indifferent, as he thinks studying is generally unimportant
   4. Critical, as he believes students should find their own methods 

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Study Tips for Midterm Exams

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Study Tips for Midterm Exams

1. Answer: B. To ask for study tips for the upcoming midterm exams.

Explanation: The main focus of Oliver's conversation with Sam is to seek advice on how to prepare for the midterm exams. He expresses feeling overwhelmed and specifically asks for study tips, which makes option b the correct choice. The other options, such as discussing the exam format, complaining about the material, or arranging a study group, are not the primary focus of their conversation.

2. Answer: B. Creating a study schedule with specific times for each topic.

Explanation: Sam mentions that he creates a study schedule where he breaks down the topics into manageable sections and allocates specific times for each. This method helps him avoid cramming and manage his study sessions effectively. The other options, such as studying all topics at once or focusing only on easier subjects, do not reflect Sam's approach as described in the conversation.

3. Answer: B. He prioritises studying the hardest topics when he is most alert.

Explanation: When Sam states that he starts with the subjects he finds most challenging, he indicates that he prioritises these topics to tackle them when he is fresh and alert. This strategy helps him manage his study time effectively. The other options, such as avoiding difficult subjects or treating all subjects equally, do not align with his stated approach.

4. Answer: B. Supportive, as he finds them to be very effective.

Explanation: Sam expresses a positive attitude towards the study techniques he recommends, stating that they have made a significant difference for him. He encourages Oliver to try these methods, indicating his belief in their effectiveness. The other options, such as being skeptical or indifferent, do not accurately reflect Sam's supportive stance.

5. Answer: B. Active recall and spaced repetition.

Explanation: Sam specifically mentions using active recall and spaced repetition as his study techniques. He explains how he quizzes himself and revisits the material after some time, which reinforces his learning. The other options, such as memorisation and summarisation or group discussions, were not mentioned 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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