The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Mental Health - TOEFL Listening Test

The TOEFL Listening section evaluates your ability to understand English in an academic context, focusing on lectures. This part includes a range of topics, requiring attentive listening and responses to multiple-choice questions based on what you hear. Each lecture mimics real classroom scenarios, letting you connect with detailed ideas and subjects.

To aid your preparation, we’ve prepared a listening practice set on "The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Mental Health". This set will boost your listening skills and expand your knowledge of how Roman art influenced public views. By getting familiar with the test structure and question formats, you’ll feel more confident and improve your test strategies.

Listen closely to main ideas and key points—they’ll be essential for answering questions accurately. Ready to elevate your TOEFL Listening skills? Let’s begin!

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 effects of diet on mental health
   2. The relationship between physical activity and mental well-being
   3. The importance of social interactions
   4. The role of medication in treating mental health issues

Detail Question

1. According to the professor, how does physical activity alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression?
   1. By increasing social interactions
   2. By stimulating the release of endorphins
   3. By improving sleep quality
   4. By reducing physical pain

Function Question

1. What does the professor mean when he refers to the "runner's high"?
   1. A state of exhaustion after exercise
   2. A feeling of happiness and euphoria resulting from exercise
   3. A type of injury experienced by runners
   4. A competitive advantage in sports

Attitude Question

1. What is the professor's attitude towards the benefits of physical activity on mental health?
   1. Skeptical
   2. Enthusiastic
   3. Indifferent
   4. Pessimistic

Organization Question

1. Why does the professor mention team sports and group fitness classes?
   1. To highlight the physical benefits of exercise
   2. To illustrate the importance of social interaction in mental health
   3. To discuss the competitive nature of sports
   4. To suggest alternatives to individual exercise

Connecting Content or Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about the impact of regular exercise on students during exam periods?
   1. It may lead to increased anxiety levels.
   2. It can enhance memory and concentration.
   3. It is less important than studying.
   4. It has no effect on cognitive function.

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 Relationship Between Physical Activity and Mental Health

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The lecture focuses on how regular physical activity can enhance mental health, discussing various benefits such as alleviating anxiety and depression, improving cognitive function, and fostering social connections. While other options touch on related themes, they do not encompass the primary focus of the lecture, which is the direct link between exercise and mental well-being.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage specifically mentions that aerobic exercises stimulate the release of endorphins, which are hormones that promote feelings of happiness and euphoria. This biochemical response is crucial in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression, highlighting the physiological benefits of engaging in physical activity.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The term "runner's high" describes the euphoric feeling that can occur after engaging in aerobic exercise, attributed to the release of endorphins. This concept illustrates the positive emotional effects of physical activity, reinforcing the idea that exercise can significantly enhance mood and reduce stress levels.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The professor expresses a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards the benefits of physical activity, highlighting its multifaceted advantages for mental health. The tone of the lecture suggests a strong belief in the importance of incorporating exercise into daily life to foster better mental well-being, rather than expressing skepticism or indifference.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The mention of team sports and group fitness classes serves to emphasise the social aspect of physical activity, which is vital for combating feelings of isolation. By engaging in group activities, individuals can build supportive relationships that positively impact their mental health, thus highlighting the interconnectedness of social interaction and well-being.

6. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage indicates that regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive functions such as memory and concentration. This is particularly relevant for students during high-pressure periods like exams, suggesting that incorporating physical activity could be beneficial for their academic performance and mental clarity.

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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