MAIN TOPIC OF CONVERSATION.THESE QUESTIONS ASK YOU TO IDENTIFY THE...

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 labb. when the computer lab is openc. the best time to use the computer labd.weekend computer lab hoursAnswer: b.Tip:Make sure your answer is the main topic—the general subject or issue being discussed. Keep in mind thedifference between a main topic and a main idea (see the next section). Remember that a main topic shouldbe somewhat general. Do not choose an answer that refers to a specific fact or detail from the passage (suchas d.).

Computer-Based Test vs. Paper-Based Test

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:

Computer-Based TOEFL Exam

Supplemental Paper-Based TOEFL Exam

30–50 questions

50 questions (30 in Part A, 20 in Parts B and C)

All test takers answer the same questions.

Questions are selected based upon your level of

proficiency.

The test administrator plays an audiotape for all test

Each test taker has a headset with adjustable volume.

takers.

There are no pictures or visual cues.

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

Test takers hear the questions only. They are not written

appear on the computer screen.

out.

You control the pace by choosing when to begin the

All test takers proceed at the same pace and must

next conversation or lecture. (A clock on the computer

complete the section within the allotted time. You may

not pause the tape.

screen will indicate how much time you have left for the

section.)

Some questions may have two answers.

Each question has only one answer.

Most questions are multiple-choice, but some may have

All questions are multiple choice.

special directions, such as sequencing events.

Once you submit an answer, you may not change it.

You may return to previous questions and change your

answers.

Source: Barron’s Passkey to the TOEFL

^®

, 4th ed., 2001.