The Influence of the Industrial Revolution on Labour Movements - TOEFL Listening Test

The TOEFL Listening section is designed to test your understanding of spoken English in an academic setting, especially in lectures. This part of the test includes various topics, requiring attentive listening and answering multiple-choice questions based on the content you hear. Each lecture aims to replicate real classroom discussions, allowing you to engage with intricate ideas and themes.

To help you prepare, we’ve created a listening practice set on "The Influence of the Industrial Revolution on Labour Movements". This set will not only refine your listening skills but also deepen your insight into how art shaped public opinion in ancient Rome. By familiarizing yourself with the test format and question types, you’ll increase your confidence and enhance your test strategies.

While listening, focus on the main ideas and critical details, as these will be key to answering questions correctly. Ready to improve your TOEFL Listening abilities? Let’s dive in!

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 a lecture, 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.

Now listen to the audio below.

Questions

Gist-Content or Gist-Purpose Question

1. What is the main topic of the lecture?
   1. The economic benefits of the Industrial Revolution
   2. The emergence of labour movements during the Industrial Revolution
   3. The role of agriculture in the Industrial Revolution
   4. The technological advancements of the Industrial Revolution

Detail Question

1. According to the professor, what were the typical conditions in factories during the Industrial Revolution?
   1. Short hours and high wages
   2. Long hours, low wages, and unsafe environments
   3. Comfortable working conditions with ample breaks
   4. Flexible hours and job security

Function Question

1. What does the professor mean when he says, "This exploitation ignited a sense of discontent among workers"?
   1. Workers were satisfied with their conditions.
   2. Workers began to feel unhappy and sought change.
   3. Workers were indifferent to their working conditions.
   4. Workers were encouraged to accept their fate.

Attitude Question

1. What is the professor's attitude towards the establishment of early labour unions?
   1. Critical
   2. Supportive
   3. Indifferent
   4. Skeptical

Organization Question

1. Why does the professor mention the case of the Tolpuddle Martyrs?
   1. To illustrate the success of early labour unions
   2. To highlight the consequences of forming a trade union
   3. To discuss the role of women in the labour movement
   4. To provide an example of the benefits of factory work

Connecting Content or Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about the impact of socialist ideas on labour movements during the Industrial Revolution?
   1. Socialist ideas had no influence on labour movements.
   2. Labour movements became more conservative in their approach.
   3. Many labour movements sought radical changes to the capitalist system.
   4. Socialist ideas were rejected by all workers.

Before delving into the answers, go through the top tips to prepare for your TOEFL exam and make your way to your desired institution!

Answers and Explanations of the Lecture on The Influence of the Industrial Revolution on Labour Movements

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The lecture focuses on how the Industrial Revolution catalysed the formation of organised labour and the quest for workers' rights. While it touches on economic changes and the shift from agrarian to industrial societies, the primary emphasis is on the labour movements that arose in response to the new working conditions.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage describes factory conditions as dire, highlighting the long working hours, inadequate pay, and unsafe environments that workers faced. This depiction underscores the exploitation that workers experienced, which ultimately led to the formation of labour unions advocating for better conditions.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The phrase indicates that the poor working conditions and exploitation led to dissatisfaction among workers. This discontent was a driving force behind their desire for change, prompting them to organise and advocate for their rights through early labour unions.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The professor's discussion of early labour unions suggests a supportive attitude, as he highlights their role in advocating for improved working conditions and workers' rights. The mention of the Tolpuddle Martyrs further illustrates the importance of collective action in the fight for social justice, indicating a positive view of these unions.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The case of the Tolpuddle Martyrs serves as a poignant example of the severe repercussions faced by individuals who attempted to organise for their rights. Their sentencing for forming a trade union sparked outrage and support, illustrating the risks involved in the struggle for workers' rights during that period.

6. Answer: C

Explanation: The passage indicates that the dissemination of socialist ideas during the Industrial Revolution inspired labour movements to adopt more radical approaches. This suggests that many movements were not only seeking reforms but were also motivated to pursue a complete transformation of the capitalist system, reflecting a significant ideological shift.

Now that you have solved this test and verified your answers, be prepared to take up more of these TOEFL listening practice tests and boost your confidence! 

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