Women in 19th Century Paris- TOEFL Listening Practice Test with Answers

Achieving a high score in TOEFL iBT® demands expertise across all four test components. And navigating through the TOEFL iBT® exam can be daunting, particularly in the Listening section which is known for the challenges it offers to non-native English speakers. 

For beginners or test-takers looking to refine their skills, practice tests are crucial. To help you prepare for the TOEFL iBT® Listening Section, we've designed a Practice test on the topic- 'Women in 19th Century Paris', with a detailed answer key. Mastering this test will boost your performance and confidence in tackling this section and ensure success in the exam. 

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.

Now listen to the Audio.

Questions

Directions: Answer the questions. 

1. What is the primary focus of the lecture?
   1. The reasons behind the growing popularity of Salon exhibitions among women artists in Paris
   2. The societal disapproval of art schools dedicated to women in France
   3. The enhancements in opportunities for women artists in Paris
   4. The collaborative efforts among women artists in Paris

1. What does the professor imply regarding Julian's decision to offer classes exclusively for women at his art school?
   1. Julian's school pioneered the concept of women-only classes in Paris.
   2. Julian aimed to promote the unique artistic expression of women in Paris.
   3. Julian saw himself as a catalyst for societal change.
   4. Julian demonstrated exceptional business acumen.

1. What is highlighted by the professor as a positive outcome of competition within women's art classes?
   1. Women's increased confidence in their artistic skills.
   2. Women's advancement to teaching roles in private art academies.
   3. Women's success in selling paintings for substantial sums.
   4. Women's innovation in developing unique painting styles.

1. According to the professor, which two ways had the circumstances of women artists evolved by the late 19th century in Paris? Select 2 options.
   1. Art classes were no longer segregated by gender.
   2. Reasons why French society disapproved of art schools for women.
   3. The enhancement of opportunities for women artists in Paris.
   4. The collaborative efforts among women artists in Paris.

1. What is the professor suggesting about Bashkirtseff’s painting "In the Studio"?
   1. It was among several paintings portraying a women's studio.
   2. It failed to earn Bashkirtseff recognition for her artistic talent.
   3. It faced criticism for presenting an unrealistic view of women artists.
   4. It brought benefits to both Bashkirtseff and the school she attended.

Listen again to part of the Audio then answer the question.

1. What does the Professor mean when he says this:
   
   Professor:  If one aspired to be an artist, Paris wasn't just a suitable choice—it was the ultimate destination. 
   1. While Paris attracted many visitors, it wasn't considered the ideal location for art education.
   2. Paris stood out as the premier destination for artists seeking education and professional opportunities.
   3. Female artists from other countries faced challenges living in Paris.
   4. Studying in Paris had advantages for certain artists, but it wasn't universally beneficial.

Browse through the TOEFL Exam Dates 2024 and find out everything you need to know!

Answers and Explanations of ‘Women in 19th Century Paris’

1. Answer: C

Explanation: The primary focus of the lecture is Option C, “The enhancements in opportunities for women artists in Paris”. This is evident from the discussion about the transformations in the late nineteenth-century artistic environment in Paris, particularly for women artists. The lecture highlights how Paris became an ultimate destination for aspiring artists, including women, with improved access to proficient instructors and dedicated art classes tailored to their needs. It also discusses the significant shift towards coeducational classes and the increased participation of women artists in prestigious art exhibitions like the Salon, indicating enhanced opportunities and recognition for women in the Parisian art scene.

2. Answer: D

Explanation: The correct answer is Option D, “Julian demonstrated exceptional business acumen”. The professor mentions that Rodolphe Julian, the founder of the private art academy, made a strategic decision to introduce women-only classes. This decision was influenced by Julian's observation of the success of another small private art school exclusively for women, which was highly popular at the time. By recognizing the demand and potential market for women-only classes, Julian positioned his school as a leading choice for female artists, showcasing his keen understanding of business and market trends. Therefore, the professor implies that Julian's decision was primarily driven by business acumen and strategic thinking rather than solely promoting unique artistic expression or societal change, making option D the correct answer.

3. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is Option A, “Women's increased confidence in their artistic skills”. The professor discusses the positive impact of competition within women's art classes, highlighting how it instilled greater confidence in women artists. He mentions Marie Bashkirtseff, who expressed admiration for a classmate's work that motivated her to strive for improvement in her own art. This example illustrates how competition among women artists led to self-reflection, identification of areas for improvement, and ultimately, increased confidence in their artistic abilities. Therefore, the professor emphasizes the positive outcome of competition as enhancing women's confidence in their artistic skills, making option A the correct answer.

4. Answer: A, B

Explanation: The correct answers are Option A, Art classes were no longer segregated by gender and Option B, Reasons why French society disapproved of art schools for women. Here's why:

Option A: The professor mentions that by the late 19th century, coeducational classes became increasingly prevalent in Paris, marking a significant shift from the previous segregation of male and female students in art classes. This indicates that art classes were no longer segregated by gender.

Option B: The professor touches upon the historical context by mentioning that before the late 19th century, aspiring female artists primarily relied on private tutoring or familial guidance due to societal disapproval of art schools for women. This implies that there were reasons why French society disapproved of art schools for women.

5. Answer: D

Explanation: The correct answer is Option D, “It brought benefits to both Bashkirtseff and the school she attended”. The professor mentions Marie Bashkirtseff's painting "In the Studio" and describes it as a masterpiece that depicts the interior of Rodolphe Julian's art school. The painting showcases a lively scene of women artists working with a live model, following Julian's strategic advice to include herself and fellow students in the painting. This portrayal was groundbreaking for the Salon as it had never depicted a women's studio before. The professor's discussion suggests that Bashkirtseff's painting not only brought recognition and benefits to her as an artist but also contributed positively to the reputation and recognition of the art school she attended, demonstrating the mutual benefits derived from the painting, making option D the correct answer.

6. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is Option B, “Paris stood out as the premier destination for artists seeking education and professional opportunities”. The professor's statement emphasizes the exceptional status of Paris as the ultimate destination for aspiring artists. He mentions that if one aimed to be an artist, Paris was not just a suitable choice but the ultimate destination. This implies that Paris was highly regarded and distinguished as the top choice for artists seeking education and professional advancement. The professor's tone suggests a strong endorsement of Paris as the leading hub for art education and career development, making option B the correct answer.

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