TOEFL LISTENING

Section 1: Listening


Jumlah soal : 50 pertanyaan
Waktu : 40 menit
Waktu rata-rata per soal : 48 detik
Model pertanyaan : Pilihan ganda (multiple choice) – A, B, C, D
Bagian-Bagian (Parts) : Part A. Short Conversation
Part B. Longer Conversation
Part C. Talks / Lectures


BAGIAN-BAGIAN (PARTS) TOEFL LISTENING

Dalam TOEFL Listening terdapat tiga bagian (Parts).
A. Short Conversations (30 pertanyaan): Anda akan mendengarkan suatu percakapan informal antara seorang laki-laki dan seorang perempuan. Biasanya setiap orang hanya berbicara sekali. Suara ketiga (laki-laki atau perempuan) kemudian menanyakan pertanyaan tentang percakapan tersebut. Anda harus memilih salah satu jawaban dari empat pilihan jawaban (A, B, C, D) yang disediakan untuk setiap nomornya.
B. Longer Conversations (umumnya 8 soal): Anda akan mendengarkan dua orang sedang melakukan pembicaraan. Suara ketiga akan memberikan 3 sampai 5 pertanyaan tentang pembicaraan tersebut. Anda harus memilih salah satu jawaban dari empat pilihan jawaban (A, B, C, D) yang disediakan untuk setiap nomornya.
C. Talks/lectures (umumnya 12 pertanyaan): Anda akan mendengarkan satu orang (laki-laki atau perempuan) sedang menyampaikan sesuatu (kuliah, penjelasan, dll). Suara kedua akan memberikan 4 – 5 pertanyaan untuk setiap apa yang disampaikan tersebut. Anda harus memilih salah satu jawaban dari empat pilihan jawaban (A, B, C, D) yang disediakan untuk setiap nomornya.


Coba jawab contoh-contoh listening TOEFL berikut. Ingat bahwa di TOEFL yang sesungguhnya, Anda mendengarkan dialog dan pertanyaannya. Anda tidak diperbolehkan menulis catatan apa pun ketika Anda mendengarkan. Anda akan mendengarkan setiap percakapan hanya sekali.

M = man
W = woman
N = Narrator

PART A: SHORT DIALOGUES
Dalam Part A Anda akan mendengarkan beberapa dialog pendek antara dua pembicara. Topik pembicaraan mereka mungkin tentang kehidupan kampus atau sehari-hari. Anda juga diharapkan dapat memahami idiomatic expressions yang umum digunakan dalam percakapan orang-orang Amerika Utara. Kadang-kadang setiap pembicara hanya berbicara sekali; tetapi di beberapa dialog seorang pembicara mungkin saja berbicara sampai dua kali. Setiap dialog diikuti oleh sebuah soal pilihan ganda.

Model pertanyaan:
What does the man/woman mean?
What does the man/woman imply?
What does "word from dialogue" refer to?
What can be inferred from the dialogue?
What are the speakers discussing?
What is the man/woman's problem?
Contoh 1:
Anda mendengarkan:

M: You'll never guess what I got on my Biology exam.
W: You mean the one you were so sure that you failed last week?
M: Yeah. I got the top mark in the class, and finally boosted my GPA.
W: I guess all of your late night studying finally paid off.
N: What does the woman mean?

Dalam lembar soal:
(A) The man paid for a tutor.
(B) The man didn't study during the day.
(C) The man worked hard for his grade.
(D) The man likes to socialize.

Penjelasan:
Pilihan A adalah pengalih perhatian dikarenakan adanya kesamaan bunyi (literal distractor). Dalam hal ini kata "paid" bukan berarti membayar uang. "Paid off" dalam konteks ini berarti "usaha keras yang tidak sia-sia". Model pengalih perhatian seperti ini sering dijumpai dalam pertanyaan, "What does a person mean?"
Pilihan B adalah pengalih perhatian lawan kata (opposites distractor). Ketika Anda mendengar kata "late night" dalam dialog, Anda sangat mungkin akan menemui lawan kata dari informasi ini semisal "during the day" dalam salah satu pilihan jawaban. Jika ada dua lawan kata (opposites) diantara pilihan-pilihan jawaban, maka biasanya salah satunya adalah pilihan yang benar.
Pilihan D digunakan untuk membuat Anda menghubungkan "late night" dengan socializing.

Jadi pilihan yang benar adalah C.

Contoh 2:
M : I came home for a nap between classes and I slept right through my alarm.
W : You look pretty worried about it. Did you miss an important class?
M : Yeah. I missed the last class before the astronomy final. We were supposed to be getting exam hints.
W : Why don't you bug Andrea for the notes. I have her number if you want it.
N : What does the woman suggest the man do?

Dalam lembar jawaban:
(A) Ask Andrea about the computer virus.
(B) Call a classmate for the information.
(C) Number the pages of his astronomy notes.
(D) Ask her for a wake up call before the exam.

Penjelasan:
Pilihan A menggunakan pengalih perhatian ‘kata sama berbeda arti’ (same word different meaning distractor). Kata "bug" berarti virus komputer. Tetapi ia juga bisa berarti "mengganggu" seseorang. Dalam hal ini ‘bug’ dalam dialog di atas berarti ‘mengganggu’.
Pilihan C juga mengandung kata yang memiliki arti berbeda. Dalam dialog di atas, "number" berarti means phone number. Sementara dalam pilihan C ia sebuah verb yang berarti menomori.
Pilihan D menghubungkan kata "alarm" dan "slept" dengan "wake up".

Pilihan yang benar adalah B.


PART B/C: CONVERSATIONS, ACADEMIC DISCUSSIONS, MINI-LECTURES

Dalam Part B/C Anda akan mendengarkan percakapan yang lebih panjang yang menggunakan bahasa formal maupun informal.
Ada beberapa perbedaan antara Part B dan Part C. Part B disebut dengan Long conversations. Part B mirip dengan Part A kecuali percakapan dalam bagian ini lebih panjang, sekitar satu menit. Orang yang terlibat dalam percakapan terkadang tidak hanya dua tetapi tiga orang. Topik percakapan biasanya berkaitan dengan kehidupan kampus atau diskusi tentang sebuah subyek perkuliahan.
Mini Lectures umumnya terdapat dalam Part C. Berbeda dengan Part A atau Part B, tipe pembicaraan dalam Part C adalah monolog, satu pembicara. Bagian ini menguji kemampuan Anda dalam memahami perkuliahan yang disampaikan oleh seorang profesor. Topik perkuliahan bisa apa saja misalnya biologi, seni, atau bahkan geologi. Walaupun demikian Anda tidak perlu mempelajari background pendidikan tertentu untuk bisa menjawab bagian ini. Jawaban yang Anda butuhkan semuanya dinyatakan dalam perkuliahan. Terdapat 3 - 4 pertanyaan untuk setiap pembicaraan atau perkuliahan dalam Part B dan Part C,

Model pertanyaan:
What is the talk mainly about?
What is the purpose of the lecture?
"Wh" fact and detail questions
What does the man/woman imply?
What can be inferred?
What will probably happen next?

Contoh 1: Casual conversation
M : I'm excited about going to the concert at the campus pub on Saturday. It's supposed to be the best show of the year. You're coming, aren't you?
W : I wish I could, but I already promised Lisa that I would cover both of her night shifts at the movie store this weekend.
M : Why did you do that? Did you forget about the concert?
W : Actually, I really need the hours. Next semester is going to be really expensive. I have to buy a new psychology textbook that is going to cost me more than one hundred dollars.
M : Have you looked in the used book store for it? I never buy my math textbooks new.
W : That's what I would normally do, but it's a new edition this year. Some of the chapters are different, so I really need to buy the new one.
M : That's too bad. I wish you could come to the concert. If it makes you feel any better, Matt won't be able to come either.
W : Why is that? It's his favorite band!
M : He has to go home for the weekend. His sister is getting married.

(Number 31) N: What are the speakers discussing?

Dalam lembar soal:
(A) Their plans for next semester
(B) Why the woman can't go to the concert
(C) Their favorite band
(D) A psychology class

Penjelasan:
Pilihan A tidak benar karena mereka sedang mendiskusikan sebuah buku untuk next semester bukan sebuah rencana. Tipe pertanyaan ini menuntut Anda untuk menemukan main idea.
Pilihan C tidak benar karena band ini adalah Matt's favorite band. Matt di sini bukan salah satu pembicara.
Pilihan D merancukan antara “psychology class" dan " psychology textbook". Tetapi sekali lagi, ini bukan main idea percakapan.

Pilihan yang benar adalah B.

(Number 32) N: What will the woman do on Saturday?

Dlaam lembar soal:
(A) Work at the bookstore.
(B) Go to the movies.
(C) Cover a friend's shift.
(D) Go to a concert.

Penjelasan:
Pilihan A disebutkan dalam pembicaraan, tetapi bukan tentang kemana dia akan bekerja.
Pilihan B juga disebutkan, tetapi ia akan bekerja (work) at a "movie store".
Pilihan D adalah apa yang dia ingin lakukan, seperti diindikasikan dalam pernyataan ‘I wish I could’.

Pilihan yang benar adalah C, seperti dinyatakan dalam “….but I already promised Lisa that I would cover both of her night shifts at the movie store this weekend.”

(Number 23) What can be inferred from the conversation?

(A) The woman never works on weekends.
(B) The man and woman take the same courses.
(C) Matt would like to go to the concert too.
(D) The new psychology book might sell out.

Penjelasan:
Pilihan A tidak disebutkan dalam bacaan. Ini mungkin fakta yang benar, tetapi agak meragukan. Dalam TOEFL Anda membutuhkan the "best" answer.
Pilihan B tidak benar karena the man mengambil kelas matematika (“I never buy my math textbooks new”) dan the woman mengambil kelas psikologi (“I have to buy a new psychology textbook”).
Pilihan D tidak benar karena ini bukan kekhawatiran the woman. Dia khawatiir tentang tidak punya cukup uang untuk membeli buku.

Jawaban yang benar adalah C. (Ini adalah band favorit Matt, jadi jelas dia ingin pergi ke konser tersebut.)

Contoh 2: Academic discussion
M1 (professor): There is one more section I'd like to spend a few moments reviewing before we close our books for the day. Who here remembers the film we watched last month on hazardous wastes?
W : You mean the one about computer and television monitors?
Professor : Yes, that's the one Janette. In the film they discussed why some States are making it illegal to dump monitors into regular landfills. Can anyone remember the reason? Adam?
M2 : It's because of the cathode ray tubes, also known as CRT's, inside them. These tubes are high in lead content, and the lead can leak into the ground water.
M1 : Excellent. It's nice to know that some of you were listening. Does anyone remember the reason why manufacturers place lead in the CRT's of computer and TV monitors in the first place?
W : The tubes are infused with lead in order to shield the viewer from harmful x-rays. There is no known alternative at this time, but I think the film said that researchers are working on it.
M1 : Yes, that's true. And why wasn't this a problem twenty years ago? Why is it suddenly a major concern?
M2 : That's simple. It's because every household in the US has at least four televisions.
W : Not only that, but people are throwing out their TV's and computer monitors in order to keep up with upgrades. With the digital age upon us, this is going to pose even more of a problem.
M1 : So why can't these monitors just be recycled, Adam?
M2 : Well, unlike paper and plastics, there just aren't any services that provide this type of recycling. According to the film, a lot of companies that recognize the threat are storing their unused equipment in warehouses until some better solutions become available.
M1 : Yes, and this brings us to our next film. Janette would you mind dimming the lights? This film is titled Landfill Solutions. It deals with a number of products that can be recycled through new means.


(Question 39) N: What is the main topic of the discussion?

(A) Harmful televisions
(B) A landfill concern
(C) Computer equipment
(D) Recycling films

Penjelasan:
Pilihan A tidak benar karena bukan televisinya yang berbahaya. Yang berbahaya adalah CRT's yang ada di dalamnya. Dalam percakapan, kata "harmful" (berbahaya) digunakan untuk menggambarkan X-rays.
Pilihan C disebutkan dalam percakapan, tetapi bukan main topic. Anda dalam model percakapan ini akan seringkali mendapati pilihan yang terlalu luas atau terlalu detail untuk bisa digunakan sebagai main topic.
Pilihan D mengkombinasikan dua kata yang digunakan dalam percakapan. tetapi penggabungan ini menjadi tidak logis. ‘Recycling films’ = film-film yang mendaur ulang.

Pilihan yang benar adalah B.

(Question 40) N: What makes monitors hazardous to the environment?

(A) SRT's
(B) X-rays
(C) Cathode ray tubes
(D) Landfills

Penjelasan:
Pilihan A mengandung pengalih perhatian bunyi yang hampir sama (similar sound distractor). C dan S bunyinya hampir sama.
Pilihan B adalah apa yang membuat monitor berbahaya bagi manusia. CRT's melindungi orang dari bahaya ini.
Pilihan D mengacaukan "wh" question. Jika pertanyaannya menggunakan kata "where" mungkin saja pilihan ini benar.

Jawaban yang benar adalah C.

(Question 41) N: According to Adam, why can't monitors be recycled?

(A) They are too expensive to reuse.
(B) There are no companies that provide this service.
(C) People are too lazy to take them to recycling plants.
(D) Companies prefer to store them for future use.

Penjelasan:
Pilihan A tidak disebutkan dalam bacaan.
Pilihan C bisa jadi benar, tetapi ini bukan yang dikatakan Adam. Dalam model pertanyaan "according to", Anda tidak bisa memilih jawaban hanya karena ia masuk akal. Jawaban adalah apa yang disebutkan oleh pembicara (dalam hal ini Adam).
Pilihan D (penyimpanan) tidak disebutkan, tetapi bukan karena alasan penggunaan masa depan "future use".

Pilihan yang benar adalah B.

(Question 42) N: What will the class do next?

(A) Visit a landfill site.
(B) Dissect a computer monitor.
(C) Watch another film.
(D) Review the film about monitors.

Penjelasan:
Pilihan A, B, dan D semuanya bertentangan dengan kalimat terakhir percakapan. Di akhir percakapan professor membicarakan tentang film baru yang akan ditonton. “Yes, and this brings us to our next film. Janette would you mind dimming the lights? This film is titled Landfill Solutions. It deals with a number of products that can be recycled through new means.” Jawaban atas pertanyaan seperti ini selalu ada di akhir percakapan.

Jadi pilihan yang benar adalah C.

Contoh 3: Mini-lecture

Now listen to part of a lecture from a gemology class.

In last week's lesson about the difference between metals and gems, we discussed how pliable true gold is. Today we are going to be talking about the diamond, the hardest known natural mineral. As most of you know from our introductory chapter, diamonds are the transparent form of pure carbon. Carbon crystals form deep in the Earth's mantle when high temperatures and extreme pressure occur. The term "diamond" comes from the Greek word adamas, which means unconquerable. In the jewelry business, diamonds are valued according to a few categories, known as the 4 C's. The cost of a diamond depends on its carat, color, cut, and clarity. Besides Africa, there are few areas around the world with large diamond deposits. However, diamond replication is a new trend that threatens the multimillion dollar industry. Researchers have discovered a way to produce large volumes of diamonds by putting carbon under extreme heat and pressure. This process causes the carbon to crystallize into diamonds. Even the trained eye cannot detect the difference between a natural diamond and one that is manufactured in this way. While this innovation could devastate the jewelry industry, it could also turn the precious stone into a common semiconductor. Not only are diamonds incredible conductors of heat, they are also efficient electrical insulators. Tremendous heat can pass through a diamond without causing any significant damage.

(Question 43) N: What is the purpose of this lecture?

(A) To compare diamonds and gold
(B) To discuss types of gems
(C) To discuss the formation of diamonds
(D) To review the elements of carbon

Penjelasan:
Pilihan A bukan tujuan utama perkuliahan (main purpose). Gold hanya disebut sekali di awal pembicaraan.
Pilihan B tidak benar karena hanya satu jenis gem yang didiskusikan.
Pilihan D terlalu spesifik.

Pilihan yang benar adalah C.

(Question 44) N: Which of the following is not one of the 4 C's used by the jewelry business?

(A) Carbon
(B) Carat
(C) Color
(D) Cut

Penjelasan:
Pilihan B, C, dan D disebutkan sebagai bagian dari 4 C. Pilihan A hanya disebutkan dalam bacaan, tetapi bukan bagian dari 4 C.

Pilihan yang benar adalah A.


(Question 45) N: Where do natural diamonds form?

(A) In a manufacturing plant
(B) In an electrical insulator
(C) Deep in the Earth's mantle
(D) Alongside metals such as gold

Penjelasan:
Pilihan A adalah kebalikannya. Tempat ini adalah tempat untuk memproduksi non natural diamonds.
Pilihan B sama sekali tidak menjawab pertanyaan ini.
Pilihan D tidak disebutkan.

Pilihan yang benar C.


(Question 46) N: According to the professor, what are diamonds good for besides jewelry?
(A) They can create heat.
(B) They can hold heat in.
(C) They can damage insulators.
(D) They can conduct electricity.

Penjelasan:
Pilihan A mengandung kata kerja yang salah "create" (menciptakan). Yang benar adalah “diamonds hold (menahan) heat.”
Pilihan C menggunakan kata kerja yang salah "damage" (merusak). Yang benar adalah “diamonds create insulation.”
Pilihan D menggunakan kata kerja yang benar, tetapi kata bendanya salah. Yang benar adalah “diamonds conduct heat.”



BEBERAPA CONTOH LAIN:

PART A: QUESTIONS 1-30: SHORT CONVERSATIONS

LISTENING PART A. MEANING QUESTIONS.

Contoh.1
(Anda mendengarkan)
Man : I've heard that the new Chemistry class is really difficult.
Woman : Oh, I wouldn't say that. I took Chemistry 402 last quarter, and I think the course went very smoothly.
Narrator : What does the woman mean?

(Dalam lembar soal)
(A) The chemistry class is very tough.
(B) The chemistry class is not teaching this quarter.
(C) The chemistry class is easier than the man thinks.
(D) The chemistry class should be avoided if possible.

"Oh, I wouldn't say that" mengindikasikan bahwa “the woman disagrees with the man.” Pilihan yang benar adalah C.

Contoh.2
Woman : I've heard great things about that movie that just came out. You want to go see it tonight?
Man : I'd love to, but I've got a history final in two days, and I haven't studied all quarter. I think I'd better take a rain check this time.
Narrator : What does the man mean?

(Dalam lembar soal)
(A) He needs to take a break from his studying.
(B) He loves the woman very much.
(C) He doesn't like going out in the rain.
(D) He will not be able to accompany the woman.

"I'd better take a rain check this time" berarti bahwa the man "cannot do the activity." Jawaban yang benar adalah D.


LISTENING PART A. IMPLICATION QUESTIONS.

Contoh. 3
Woman : The milk in the refrigerator is sour. I don't think it's drinkable.
Man : No joke. The expiration date was three weeks ago.
Narrator : What does the man imply?

(Dalam lembar soal)
(A) The woman has an extremely sour disposition.
(B) They need to replace the refrigerator.
(C) The woman is just kidding.
(D) It's not surprising the milk has ruined.

Jawaban: D

Contoh. 4
Man : It looks like Jane is coming apart at the seams. I think she should seek psychological help.
Woman : Oh, I wouldn't say that. She seems to be coping with her problems reasonably well.
Narrator : What does the woman imply?

(Dalam lembar soal)
(A) Jane is not losing emotional control.
(B) Jane is more intelligent than she seems.
(C) Jane made an excellent copy of the parts.
(D) Jane wouldn't say that.

Jawaban: A


LISTENING PART A. REFERENCE QUESTIONS.

Contoh. 5

Man : What does Susan think about her new job? I've heard it through the grapevine that she's dissatisfied.
Woman : It's not exactly that. She simply feels that she's not cut out for it.
Narrator : What does the woman say about Susan?

(Dalam lembar soal)
(A) She is cutting classes.
(B) She works on grape vines.
(C) She feels she isn't suited for her new job.
(D) Susan's new job is too simple.

Jawaban: C

Contoh. 6

Woman : I'd like to buy a new car, but this model of Toyota is too expensive.
Man : More so than I thought.
Narrator : What does the man say about the car?

(Dalam lembar soal)
(A) He thinks it is extremely nice.
(B) He thought the car was less expensive.
(C) He would like to take it for a test ride.
(D) He would prefer more choices.

Jawaban: B


LISTENING PART A. ACTION QUESTIONS.

Contoh. 7

Man : John's grades in math are incredibly low. Maybe he needs a tutor to get through the class.
Woman : That could be true, but we should talk to him first.
Narrator : What are these people probably going to do next?

(Dalam lembar soal)
(A) Study math with John.
(B) Take John to a doctor.
(C) Discuss the problem with John.
(D) Find John a study group.

Contoh. 8

Woman : What a birthday party! All of the food is great--but this strawberry cheesecake is especially good. Why don't you try some?
Man : If I weren't on a diet I would. Strawberry cheesecake is my favorite.
Narrator : What is the man probably going to do?

(Dalam lembar soal)
(A) Pass up the food.
(B) Try a bite of the cake.
(C) Buy a strawberry cheesecake.
(D) Get the recipe for the cake.

Jawaban: 7 C, 8 A


LISTENING PART A. SUGGESTION QUESTIONS.

Contoh. 9

Man : It's really hot today. The temperature must be over a hundred. The forecast is for rain in the afternoon.
Woman : How about putting off the picnic until tomorrow?
Narrator : What does the woman suggest that they do?

(Dalam lembar soal)
(A) Take a walk in the rain.
(B) Delay their outing.
(C) Go on a picnic.
(D) Find out the weather forecast.

Contoh. 10

Woman : I just can't stand my job anymore. My boss is not supportive at all.
Man : If I were you I wouldn't take it anymore. I'd let her know how you feel.
Narrator : What does the man suggest the woman do?

(Dalam lembar soal)
(A) Take more rest breaks while at work..
(B) Quit her job and find a new one.
(C) Request an immediate leave of absence from her boss.
(D) Confront her supervisor.

Jawaban: 9 B, 10 D


LISTENING PART A. ASSUMPTION QUESTIONS.

Contoh. 11

Woman : The truck is gone and I don't see Fred anywhere.
Man : He must have decided to go to work after all.
Narrator : What had the man assumed about Fred?

(Dalam lembar soal)
(A) Fred had stolen a truck.
(B) Fred wasn't going to work.
(C) Fred couldn't make a decision..
(D) Fred's truck was broken down..
.
Contoh. 12

Man : Michael passed the GRE test easily.
Woman : You're surprised?
Narrator : What had the woman assumed about Michael?

(Dalam lembar soal)
(A) Michael would do well on the test.
(B) Michael never talked about his past.
(C) Michael surprised his professor.
(D) Michael was in love with her.

Jawaban: 11 B, 12 A


LISTENING PART A. INFERENTIAL QUESTIONS.

Contoh. 13
Man : When it comes to fixing faucets, I hear you're the best in town..
Woman : That, and replacing pipes.
Narrator : What can be inferred about the woman?

(Dalam lembar soal)
(A) She's a heavy smoker.
(B) She plays the organ.
(C) She owns four sets of pipes.
(D) She is a plumber.

Contoh. 14

Woman: You had three rebounds and four blocked shots on the court tonight.
Man: Don't forget my twelve assists and twenty points.
Narrator: What can be inferred about the man?

(A) He needs assistance to solve his problem.
(B) He was shot four times during the robbery.
(C) He played in a basketball game.
(D) His case was blocked in court.

Jawaban: 13 D, 14 C


LISTENING PART A. SUBJECT QUESTIONS.

Contoh. 15

Man : It sounds like it is going to be extremely tough. I've heard that at the end of the quarter most of the questions are essay.
Woman : I hope not. I really prefer matching or multiple choice.
Narrator : What are these people talking about?

(A) A final exam they are going to take.
(B) A multiplication problem that they cannot find the solution to.
(C) A journey they are about to take.
(D) Something they forgot to say to their friend.

Contoh. 16

Woman : She said to cut down on my fat intake and to get more exercise. The checkup didn't last long.
Man : Did you talk to her about the problem with your ear?
Narrator : What are these speakers discussing?

(A) A sporting event.
(B) A doctor's appointment.
(C) A grammar exercise.
(D) Taking overweight people to the gym.

Jawaban: 15 A, 16 B


LISTENING PART A. PROBLEM QUESTIONS.

Contoh. 17

Woman : Put your foot on the clutch and gently depress it.
Man : But every time I do it, it jumps.
Narrator : What is the man's problem?

(A) His bicycle is broken.
(B) He doesn't perform well in the clutch.
(C) He doesn't know how to drive.
(D) He is extremely depressed and nervous.

Contoh. 18

Man : Here, take this towel. You're dripping all over the floor.
Woman : I got caught in a downpour.
Narrator : What is the woman's problem?

(A) She spilled her coffee as she was pouring it.
(B) She was arrested by the police.
(C) She tripped on the floor.
(D) She is soaked.

Jawaban: 17 C, 18 D


LISTENING COMPREHENSION: PART B: LONG ACADEMIC DISCUSSION AND
ACADEMIC MINI-TALKS

Contoh. 1
Woman : I notice that you have been using the computer for some time now. If I can help you just let me know.
Man : as a matter of fact you can. I have to write a research paper on "marriage patterns in California." the problem is that there are too many books about marriage listed in the computer.
Woman : That's true, but have you tried to narrow your search? Instead of typing in "marriage”, try to limit your search to "marriage in California."
Man : I've already tried that, but I'm still getting over 250 books.
Woman : I suggest that you further narrow your topic by year---say for the last 5 years.
Man : just a minute....let me try that....yes, that's much better; it's only showing 17 titles now.
Woman : let me suggest 2 other ideas as well. You might try checking in the "reader's guide to periodical literature"--you can usually find great magazine articles about your subject there. And the newspaper indexes will give you articles from selected newspapers such as the Los Angeles times and the San Francisco chronicle.
Man : where can I find the readers guide and the newspaper indexes?
Woman : right here in the reference room.
Man : could you give me more help if i need it?
Woman : no problem, I’ll be at the reference desk for the next hour.
Man : thanks a lot.

1. Who are the speakers in this conversation?
(a) teacher-teacher
(b) customer-clerk
(c) student-librarian
(d) patient-doctor

2. What is the man's initial problem?
(a) There are too many texts listed on the computer.
(b) The computer does not have enough information.
(c) His research topic is too narrow.
(d) He does not have enough time to write his paper.

3. In what two ways does the woman suggest limiting his search?
(a) by author and by title
(b) by state and by year
(c) by subject and by reason
(d) by library and by number

4. What kind of information does "the readers guide" contain?
(a) books
(b) newspaper articles
(c) library information
(d) magazine articles

Jawaban: 1 C, 2 A, 3 B, 4 D

Setelah academic discussion, Anda biasanya akan mendengarkan 4 atau 5 minitalks. Setiap talk diikuti oleh 4 atau 5 Pertanyaan. Anda harus memfokuskan pada main idea, important facts, dan apa yang disarankan atau diimplikasikan oleh pembicara.

Contoh.
Woman: Hello class and welcome to this first meeting of history 154: the American civil war. In this class we are going to review the period from 1845 to 1870--so that we will be covering the 20 years before the war--as well as the 5 years after the war. We are doing this so that we can learn about some of the causes of the civil war and some of its effects. Our main focus, of course, will be on the period from 1860-1865--when the battles of the war were fought. Some of the great battles we will focus on will be Bull Run, Shiloh, Antietam, and Gettysburg. Naturally we will do a lot of reading about Abraham Lincoln who was president during the war years. in terms of class requirements: there are 2 exams--a midterm and a final which count for 25% each of your total grade. You are also required to turn in a research paper about the period. it must be no shorter than 15 typed pages. it will count for 40% of your grade. The remaining 10% of your grade will come from class participation. i expect you to come to each class meeting--and to participate. Well do you have any questions so far?

1. What is the main subject of this talk?
(a) A description of the civil war
(b) An introduction to a class
(c) An account of life in the United States
(d) A news report about university life

2. What period of years will the course cover?
(a) 1825-1860
(b) 1840-1865
(c) 1860-1865
(d) 1845-1870

3. Which one of the following battles was not mentioned by the speaker?
(a) Antietam
(b) Shiloh
(c) Cold harbor
(d) Gettysburg

4. What value will the research paper receive in the total grade?
(a) 15%
(b) 25%
(c) 40%
(d) 50%

Jawaban: 1 B, 2 D, 3 C, 4 C