TOEFL® Tip: Listen with More Understanding

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/14/2013 - 01:18

TOEFL® Tip: Listen with More Understanding

  • Think about what each speaker hopes to accomplish: What is the purpose of the speech or conversation? Is the speaker apologizing, complaining or making suggestions?
  • Notice each speaker's style. Is the language formal or casual? How certain does each speaker sound? Is the speaker's voice calm or emotional? What does the speaker's tone of voice tell you?
  • Notice the speaker's degree of certainty. How sure is the speaker about the information?
  • Does the speaker's tone of voice indicate something about his/her degree of certainty?
  • Listen for changes in topic or digressions
  • Watch a recorded TV or movie comedy. Pay careful attention to the way stress and intonation patterns are used to convey meaning.

Practice your listening skills with TOEFL Practice Online and receive instant scores to confirm that you are ready for test day.