had b. did would d. could

the greeting “What’s up?” in a reading comprehension passage. But you might hear something of the sort in one of the passages on the listening test. On the actual exam, you will hear three types of recorded passages in this section: ■ short conversations Part A on the paper-based exam ■ longer conversations and class discussions Part B ■ mini-talks and lectures Part C The passages are grouped in these three categories and presented in this order. Thus, you will begin with short conversations two people speaking, then move into longer conversations and class discussions two or more people speaking, and finish with a talk or lecture one person speaking. K i n d s o f L i s t e n i n g C o m p r e h e n s i o n Q u e s t i o n s o n t h e T O E F L E x a m You will be asked several different kinds of questions about the passages you hear in this section. They can be divided into the following categories many of which are very similar to the kinds of questions you will see in the Reading Comprehension section of the exam:

1. Main topic of conversation. These questions ask you to identify the main subject of the conversa-

tion—who or what the conversation is about. Here’s an example: Woman 1: What are the hours for the computer lab? There’s no sign on the door. Woman 2: It’s open Monday through Friday, 9 A . M . to 9 P . M ., and weekends 10 to 6. Question: What are the women talking about?

a. the location of the computer lab b. when the computer lab is open

c. the best time to use the computer lab d. weekend computer lab hours

Answer: b. Tip: Make sure your answer is the main topic—the general subject or issue being discussed. Keep in mind the difference between a main topic and a main idea see the next section. Remember that a main topic should be somewhat general. Do not choose an answer that refers to a specific fact or detail from the passage such as d.. – L I S T E N I N G C O M P R E H E N S I O N – 9 0 – L I S T E N I N G C O M P R E H E N S I O N – 9 1 ONCE again, there are some important differences between the listening sections of the new computer-based TOEFL exam and the old paper-based exam. The kinds of passages remain the same, but you may be asked fewer questions about those passages on the computer-based test. More important, the questions on the com- puter exam will be selected according to your level of proficiency. As in the structure section, your first question will be “average” in difficulty. The next question will be easier or harder, depending upon how you answered the first question. The rest of the questions will follow this pattern. The table below compares the listening sections of the two tests: Source: Barron’s Passkey to the TOEFL ® , 4th ed., 2001. Computer-Based Test vs. Paper-Based Test Computer-Based TOEFL Exam 30–50 questions Questions are selected based upon your level of proficiency. Each test taker has a headset with adjustable volume. The short conversations begin with a picture related to the conversation. The longer conversations and lectures may include several pictures and visual cues. The questions are read aloud on the audiotape and appear on the computer screen. You control the pace by choosing when to begin the next conversation or lecture. A clock on the computer screen will indicate how much time you have left for the section. Some questions may have two answers. Most questions are multiple-choice, but some may have special directions, such as sequencing events. Once you submit an answer, you may not change it. Supplemental Paper-Based TOEFL Exam 50 questions 30 in Part A, 20 in Parts B and C All test takers answer the same questions. The test administrator plays an audiotape for all test takers. There are no pictures or visual cues. Test takers hear the questions only. They are not written out. All test takers proceed at the same pace and must complete the section within the allotted time. You may not pause the tape. Each question has only one answer. All questions are multiple choice. You may return to previous questions and change your answers.