The Literary Devices Used by Jane Austen in 'Pride and Prejudice' - TOEFL Listening Test

The TOEFL Listening section aims to assess your comprehension of academic English, with a focus on lectures. This section includes diverse topics, prompting you to listen carefully and respond to multiple-choice questions. Each lecture replicates real classroom settings, giving you the chance to engage with complex topics.

For preparation, we’ve designed a listening practice set on "The Literary Devices Used by Jane Austen in 'Pride and Prejudice'". This set not only strengthens your listening abilities but also enriches your understanding of art’s impact on public perception in ancient Rome. Familiarizing yourself with the format and question types will boost your confidence and test-taking skills.

As you listen, keep track of the main ideas and key details, as they’re crucial for correct responses. Ready to enhance your TOEFL Listening skills? Let’s get started!

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 historical context of 'Pride and Prejudice'
   2. The literary devices used by Jane Austen in 'Pride and Prejudice'
   3. The character development in 'Pride and Prejudice'
   4. The themes of love and marriage in Austen's works

Detail Question

1. According to the professor, how does Mr. Collins’ proposal to Elizabeth Bennet serve a purpose in the narrative?
   1. It highlights the romantic ideals of the Regency era.
   2. It showcases his self-awareness and charm.
   3. It provides humour and critiques societal conventions.
   4. It illustrates Elizabeth's feelings towards marriage.

Function Question

1. What does the professor mean when he says that Austen's use of free indirect discourse allows readers to access characters' thoughts and feelings?
   1. It makes the narrative more confusing for readers.
   2. It provides a detached view of the characters' lives.
   3. It enables readers to understand characters' internal conflicts and growth.
   4. It limits the readers' engagement with the text.

Attitude Question

1. What is the professor's attitude towards Jane Austen's literary techniques?
   1. Critical
   2. Appreciative
   3. Indifferent
   4. Skeptical

Organization Question

1. Why does the professor mention the contrasting personalities of Elizabeth and Jane?
   1. To illustrate the theme of family loyalty
   2. To show different approaches to love and relationships
   3. To highlight the importance of social status
   4. To discuss the role of women in the Regency era

Connecting Content or Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about the impact of Austen's literary devices on readers' understanding of societal expectations?
   1. Readers are likely to dismiss societal norms entirely.
   2. Readers may gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human relationships.
   3. Readers will find the narrative less engaging.
   4. Readers will only focus on the romantic elements of the story.

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 Literary Devices Used by Jane Austen in 'Pride and Prejudice' 

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The lecture specifically focuses on the various literary devices that Jane Austen employs in her novel, such as irony, free indirect discourse, and characterisation. While it touches on themes and character development, the primary aim is to explore how these devices enhance the narrative and engage readers.

2. Answer: C

Explanation: Mr. Collins’ proposal is described as comically pompous, which not only adds humour to the narrative but also serves as a critique of the absurdities of societal expectations regarding marriage during the Regency era. This dual purpose enriches the text, allowing readers to appreciate both the comedic and critical aspects of Austen's writing.

3. Answer: C

Explanation: The use of free indirect discourse allows readers to delve into the thoughts and feelings of characters, particularly Elizabeth Bennet, as she navigates her changing perceptions of Mr. Darcy. This technique provides a more intimate understanding of her internal conflicts and personal growth, making the narrative more engaging and relatable.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The professor's tone is clearly appreciative of Austen's literary techniques, as he highlights how they enhance the narrative and invite deeper engagement from readers. There is no indication of criticism or indifference; rather, the discussion reflects a respect for Austen's skill in crafting her story.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The contrasting personalities of Elizabeth and Jane serve to illustrate the varied approaches to love and relationships within the narrative. By highlighting these differences, the professor underscores how characterisation enriches the story and reflects the societal norms of their time.

6. Answer: B

Explanation: Austen's literary devices, such as irony and free indirect discourse, encourage readers to reflect on the intricate dynamics of human relationships and societal expectations. This engagement allows readers to appreciate the subtleties of character interactions and the broader social commentary embedded in the narrative, leading to a more profound understanding of the text.

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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