Listening Part A : Avoid Similar Sounds (Skill 3)

Previous Skill: Choose Answer with synonyms (Skill 2)

Often the incorrect answers in Listening Part A are answers that contain words with similar sounds but very different meanings from what you hear in the recording program. You should definitely avoid these answer.

Example:

On the recording you hear.

    (man)  : Why couldn't Mark come with us?

(woman) : He was searching for a new apartment.

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

In your test book, you read:

(A) He was in the apartment office.

(B) He was looking for a place to live

(C) He was working on his research project

(D) He had an appointment at church

Analysis:

• The key words in the second line of the conversation are searching and apartment. 
• The answer (C) and (D) the words  research and church sound like search, so these answers are incorrect. in answers (A) and (D), the words department and appointment sound like  apartment, the these answers are incorrect.
• The best answer is (B).

STRATEGIES 3: AVOID SIMILAR SOUNDS

• Identify the key words in the second line of the conversation.
• Identify the words in the answers that contain similar sound, and do not choose these answers.

Exercise 3:

1. (Woman)    : I heard that Sally just moved into a new, big  house near  the beach.

    (Man)         : But, Sally doesn't have a cent!

    (Narrator)  : What does the man mean?

    (A) Sally has no sense of responsibility

    (B) Sally sent her friend to the house.

    (C) Sally has no money

    (D) Sally is on the set with her.

2. (woman    : Di they get the news over they wanted?

    (Man)       : No. They lacked the money.

    (Narrator) : What does the woman mean?

   (A) They locked the map in a car

   (B) They looked many times in the car

   (C) It cost a lot of money when the car leaked oil

   (D) They didn't have enough money to buy another car

3.  (Man)    : Have you finished packing yet?

   (Woman) : You should call the porter to get the suitcases.

   (Narrator) : What does the woman mean?

   (A) it's important to pack the suitcases

   (B) They need help carrying their bags

   (C) The man should pack his suit in case he needs it

   (D) The suitcases are quite portable

Next Article: TOEFL Exercise 3