Listening Part A: Focus on the second line (Skill 1:)

Previous Article: Strategy for listening Part A

In Listening Part A you will hear a short conversation involving two people; this conversation is followed by a question. It is important to understand that the answer to this type of question is more often (but not always) found in the second line of the conversation.

Example:

On the recording, you hear:

(Man)       : Billy really made a big mistake this time.

(Woman)  : Yes, he forgot to turn in his research paper.

(Man)      : What does the woman say about Billy?

In your test book, you read:

(A) It was the first time he made a mistake

(B) He forgot to write his paper.

(C) He turned in the paper in the wrong place.

(D) He didn't remember to submit his assignment.
Analysis:

• The second line of the conversation indicates that Billy forgot to turn in his paper, and this mean that he did not remember to submit his assignment. Therefore, the best answer is (B)

The following information outlines the most important  strategy for Listening Part A

STRATEGIES 1: FOCUS ON THE SECOND LINE

1. The second line of the conversation probably contains the answer to the questions
2. Listen to the first line of the conversation. If you understand, that's good. If you don't understand it, don't worry because it probably does not contain the answer.
3. Be focus on the second line of the conversation because it probably contains the answer. Repeat the second line in your mind as you read through the answer in the text.

EXERCISE 1:

In this exercise, you should focus on the second line pf the conversation, read the question, and then choose the answer to that question. Remember that you can probably answer easily with only the second line.

1.     (Man)   : Can you tell me if today's matinee is comedy, romantic or western?
   (Woman)   : I have no idea.
        (Man)  : What does the woman mean?

(A) She has strong ideas about the movies
(B) She prefers comedies over romantics and westerns
(C) She doesn't like today's matinee
(D) She doesn't know.

2. (Woman)  : Was anyone at home at Barb's house when you went there to deliver the package?
       (Man)   : I rang the bell, but no one answered.
    (Woman) : What does the man imply?

(A) Barb answered the bell
(B) The house was probably empty.
(C) The bell wasn't in the house. 
(D) The house doesn't have a bell

3.  (Woman)  : You just got back from interviews for the internship. How do you think it went?
         (Man)  : I think it's highly unlikely that I got the job.
     (Woman)  : What does the man suggest?

(A) It's unlikely that he'll go to the interview
(B) He thinks he'll be recommended for a high level job.
(C) The interview was apparently quite successful.
(D) He had a excellent interview.

TOEFL EXERCISE 1

 
TOEFL EXERCISE 1: In this exercise, listen carefully to each short dialogue and question on the recording, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should focus carefully on the last line.

(Download Audio For TOEFL Exercise 1)

1. (A) He is leaving now.
    (B) He has to go out of his way.
    (C) He will not be leaving soon.
    (D) He will do it his own way.

2. (A) He locked the door.
    (B) He tried unsuccessfully to get into the house.
    (C) He was able to open the door.
    (D) He left the house without locking the door.

3. (A) She doesn't like to listen to turkeys.
    (B) She thinks the dinner sounds special. .
    (C) She especially likes the roast turkey.
    (D) She'd prefer a different dinner.

4. (A) He'll be busy with her homework tonight.
    (B) He can't help her tonight.
    (C) He's sorry he can't ever help her.
    (D) He'll help her with her physics.

5. (A) Her eyes hurt.
    (B) She thought the lecture was great.
    (C) The class was boring.
    (D) She didn't want to watch Professor Martin.

6. (A) Not all the bills have been paid.
    (B) They don't have enough credit to pay the bills.
    (C) What she said on the phone was not credible.
    (D) He used a credit card to pay some of the bills.

7. (A) She'll call back quickly.
    (B) She'll definitely be back by 4:00.
    (C) She'll give it back by 4:00.
    (D) She'll try to return fast.

8. (A) She hasn't seen Tim.
    (B) Tim was there only for a moment.
    (C) Tim was around a short time ago.
    (D) Tim will return in a minute.

9. (A) She doesn't like the place he chose.
    (B) She doesn't want to get into the car.
    (C) She's glad the spot is reserved.
    (D) They can't park the car there.

10. (A) There's plenty to eat.
      (B) The refrigerator's broken.
      (C) The food isn't in the refrigerator.
      (D) He's not sure if there's enough.

Answer Keys:

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