Listening Part A : Choose answer with synonyms (Skill 2)

Previous Skill: Focus on the second line (Skill 2)

Often the correct answer in Listening Part A is an answer that contains synonyms (words with similar meanings but different sounds) for key words in the conversation.   

Example:

On the recording you hear:

(woman )   : Why is Barbara feeling so happy?

    (man)    : She just started working in a real estate agency.

(woman)   : What does the man say about Barbara?

In your test book, you read:

(A) She always liked her work in travel agency

(B) She began a new job

(C) She just bought some real estate.

(D) She bought a real estate agency

Analysis:

• In this conversation, the key word started  means began and key word working means job. So the best answer to the question is (B). 

The following chart outlines a very important strategy for Listening Part A:

Exercise 3:


1. (woman)  : Did you see the manager about the job in the bookstore?
       (man)   : Yes, and I also had to fill out an application.
   (narrator): What does the man mean?

(A) He got a job as a bookstore manager
(B) The bookstore was not accepting applications.
(C) He say a book about how to apply a job.
(D) It was necessary to complete a form.


Analysis:

• The key word had to means necessary and application means form. So, the best answer is (D)

 2.     (man)  : We're planning to leave for the trip at about 2:00
     (woman) : Couldn't we leave before noon?
     (narrator): What does the woman mean?

(A) If they could leave at noon
(B) If it is possible to go by 12:00
(C) Why they can't leave at noon
(D) If they could leave the room

Analysis:

• The key word leave means go and noon means 12:00. So the best answer is (B)

TOEFL EXERCISE 2:

(Download Audio For TOEFL Exercise 2)


1. (A) The final exam was harder than the others.
    (B) There were two exams rather than one.
    (C) He thought the exam would be easier.
    (D) The exam was not very difficult.


2. (A) He's not feeling very well.
    (B) He' rather sick of working
    (C) He's feeling better today than yesterday.
    (D) He' d really rather not answer the questions.

3. (A) The company was founded about a year ago.
    (B) it was just established that he could g o into business.
    (C) The family is well established.
   (D) The business only lasted a year.

4. (A) He did not look at the right schedule.
    (B) The plane landed in the right place.
   (C) The plane arrived on time.
   (D) He had to wait for the plane to land.


5. (A) She'd rather go running.
    (B) She doesn't want to go into the pool.
   (C) She'll change clothes quickly and go swimming.
   (D) She needs a sweatsuit to go running


6. (A) The firefighter saved the home for last.
   (B) A fire fighter saved the hillside last night.
   (C) The homes on the hillside were burned.
   (D) The houses were destroyed.


7. (A) There's enough soup.
    (B) The spices are adequate.
    (C) She thinks the soup's too salty.
    (D) The man should add more salt and pepper.

8. (A) He was lucky to receive a grant for his studies.
    (B) He used his fortune to pay his fees.
    (C) He is a scholar at a college with low fees.
    (D) He paid to get a scholarship.

9. (A) It profited from previous mistakes.
    (B) It earned a lot of money
    (C) This was the last year that it would make a profit
    (D) It was not so successful

10. (A) Chuck's bank account has too much money in it.
      (B) He thinks Chuck has the wrong kind of bank account.
      (C) He thinks that Chuck is on his way home from the bank.
      (D) There isn't enough money in Chuck's account.

Answer Keys:

1. D
2. A
3. A
4. C
5. C
6. D
7. B
8. A
9. B
10. D