The Spread and Development of Buddhism in Asia - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The TOEFL Listening section is designed to assess your ability to understand spoken English in an academic context, particularly through lectures. This part of the exam features a variety of topics, requiring you to listen carefully and answer multiple-choice questions based on the information presented. It’s essential to develop strong listening skills to navigate the diverse accents and speaking styles you may encounter.

To aid your preparation, we’ve created a listening practice set focused on "The Spread and Development of Buddhism in Asia." This set will not only enhance your comprehension skills but also familiarize you with the format of the TOEFL Listening section. By engaging with this material, you will learn to identify key ideas, understand the relationships between concepts, and improve your note-taking abilities—all crucial for success in the exam.

As you prepare, remember that consistent practice is vital. The more you expose yourself to academic lectures, the more comfortable you will become with the listening format. Ready to boost your skills? Let’s explore the fascinating journey of Buddhism across Asia!

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.

Now listen to the audio.

Questions

Directions: Mark your answer by selecting your choice.

1. What is the main topic of the lecture?  
   
   1. The life of Siddhartha Gautama
   2. The evolution of Buddhism across Asia
   3. The differences between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism
   4. The construction of stupas in India

1. According to the professor, what significant action did Emperor Ashoka take to promote Buddhism  
   
   1. He founded the Theravada school.
   2. He constructed stupas and disseminated Buddhist scriptures.
   3. He translated Buddhist texts into Chinese. 
   4. He merged Buddhism with indigenous beliefs.

1. What does the professor mean when he says, "This remarkable adaptability has enabled Buddhism to thrive and evolve"?
   
   1. Buddhism has remained unchanged throughout history.
   2. Buddhism has successfully integrated with various cultures and traditions.  
   3. Buddhism is no longer relevant in modern society.
   4. Buddhism is only practised in its original form.

1. Buddhism is only practised in its original form.
   
   1. Critical
   2. Indifferent
   3. Appreciative  
   4. Pessimistic  

1. What can be inferred about the relationship between Buddhism and local cultures in Southeast Asia?**
   
   1. Buddhism has completely replaced indigenous beliefs in Southeast Asia.
   2. Buddhism has adapted to local traditions while maintaining its core teachings.
   3. Buddhism is not practised in Southeast Asia  
   4. Indigenous beliefs have no influence on the practice of Buddhism in the region. 

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on The Spread and Development of Buddhism in Asia

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on The Spread and Development of Buddhism in Asia 

1. Answer: B. The evolution of Buddhism across Asia.

Explanation: The passage primarily discusses the historical development and spread of Buddhism throughout Asia, highlighting its adaptability to various cultures and traditions. While it mentions Siddhartha Gautama and specific aspects like stupas, the central focus is on how Buddhism evolved and integrated into different regions.

2. Answer: B. He constructed stupas and disseminated Buddhist scriptures.

Explanation: The passage specifically notes that Emperor Ashoka played a crucial role in promoting Buddhism by building stupas and spreading Buddhist texts. This patronage was instrumental in the religion's expansion during his reign, making it a significant historical event in the context of Buddhism's development.

3. Answer: B. Buddhism has successfully integrated with various cultures and traditions.

Explanation: The phrase indicates that Buddhism's ability to adapt to different cultural contexts has allowed it to flourish over time. Rather than remaining static, Buddhism has incorporated local beliefs and practices, which has contributed to its resilience and ongoing relevance in diverse societies.

4. Answer: Appreciative.

Explanation: The professor's tone conveys appreciation for Buddhism's ability to adapt and thrive in various cultural settings. The passage highlights the dynamic interplay between Buddhism and local traditions, suggesting a positive view of its evolution and impact across Asia.

5. Answer: C. To provide an example of a unique school of thought that emerged from Buddhism's interaction with local philosophies.

Explanation: Chan Buddhism is cited as a specific example of how Buddhism interacted with established philosophies like Confucianism and Daoism in China. This illustrates the broader theme of the passage regarding Buddhism's adaptability and the emergence of distinct schools of thought as a result of cultural integration.

6. Answer: B. Buddhism has adapted to local traditions while maintaining its core teachings.

Explanation:  The passage indicates that in Southeast Asia, Buddhism often merged with indigenous beliefs, suggesting a harmonious relationship where local traditions influenced Buddhist practices. This adaptability demonstrates that while Buddhism retains its fundamental principles, it also respects and incorporates local cultural elements, allowing it to resonate with diverse populations.

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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