Part 3 - CONVERSATIONS
You will be given 39 questions. There will be 13 conversations with 3 questions for each conversation. You will hear conversations between two or three speakers. You have to choose the answer that is true according to what the speakers say.
STRATEGY 1:
Paraphrasing to predict the contextSNEAK PEEK 1
SNEAK PEEK 1: Choosing the correct answer for the question type
A. Instructions: Match the sentences in number 1-7 with the sentences in a-g with a similar meaning.
| 1. It is not an affordable product | a. Look to see if the item is available |
| 2. Give me another part | b. Purchase the part |
| 3. The description on the box is incorrect | c. The adapter is missing |
| 4. The part was not included | d. It's an expensive model |
| 5. You can plug it into a socket | e. The label is wrong |
| 6. Check the parts stock | f. Provide a replacement |
| 7. Buy an adapter | g. You can run it with an AC adapter |
LET'S TRY IT 1
LET'S TRY IT 1: Using key words in the questions and answer choices to predict the context
A. Instructions: Skim the questions and answer choices and find the key words. Try to predict what the conversation may be about and predict who and where the speakers are.
1. What does the woman want to do?
(A) Buy batteries for her CD player
(B) Purchase an adapter
(C) Have a missing part replaced
(D) Check if the part is in stock
2. What does the man tell her?
(A) It doesn't run on batteries.
(B) The label is incorrect.
(C) The adapter isn't included.
(D) She should buy another model.
3. What does the man offer to do?
(A) Order the item
(B) Check the box label
(C) Give her a new model
(D) Include the adapter
LET'S LISTEN!
LET'S LISTEN!
STRATEGY 2:
Knowing different question types and how to answer themLET'S UNDERSTAND 1
QUESTION TYPE 1: Main idea questions
- These questions ask you the gist of the conversation, where it is taking place, or who the speakers are. They ask the overall situation, rather than specific details.
Examples:
"What are the speakers mainly discussing?"
"Where does the conversation probably take place?"
"Who are the speakers?"
QUESTION TYPE 2: Detail questions
- These questions ask about details mentioned in the conversation, like what someone did, how an issue is being handled, or the order of events or actions.
Examples:
"What did the woman do?"
"How did the man solve the problem?"
"What will the man do first?"
QUESTION TYPE 3: Implied meaning questions
- These questions ask you to explain the purpose of a part of the conversation. A phrase or a sentence from the converation will be given and you will be asked which answer choice best describes what the speaker means.
Examples:
"Why does the man say 'I don't get it.'?"
"Why does the man say 'Yes, of course'?"
"Why does the woman say 'the good news is'?"
QUESTION TYPE 4: Inference questions
- These questions ask about things that are not stated directly in the conversation. They can ask about the speaker's intentions, expectations, feelings, or probable future actions.
Examples:
"What does the woman expect the man to do?"
"Why is the man disappointed?"
"What will the woman probably do next?"
QUESTION TYPE 5: Graphic questions
- These questions provide visual data along with the question. To answer the question correctly, you need to use the information in the conversation and the information in the visual data provided. The visual data could be a price list, a schedule, a floor plan, an advertisement, etc. Combine both spoken and printed information to find the correct answer.
Examples:
"Look at the itinerary. What time will the woman begin her speech?"
"Look at the map. Which number shows the position of the speakers?"
"Look at the price list. Which item will the woman choose?"
LET'S PRACTICE 1
A. Instructions: Read the questions below about one short conversation. Identify what question type each one is (question types 1-5 on LET'S UNDERSTAND 1).
1. What are the speakers most likely to be doing?
(A) Scheduling a staff party
(B) Interviewing potential staff
(C) Planning to work overtime
(D) Arranging presentation with investors
QUESTION TYPE:
2. Why does the man say "Of course"?
(A) He is confirming that he likes to work on Sunday.
(B) He forgot that it would be inappropriate to schedule the call at the weekend.
(C) He already knew that the call should be over the weekend.
(D) He forgot that Jay likes to work on Saturday and Sunday.
QUESTION TYPE:
3. Look at the graphic below. On which day will they schedule the meeting?
(A) Tuesday
(B) Thursday
(C) Friday
(D) Saturday
QUESTION TYPE:
B. Instructions: Now skim the tapescript below to find the answers to the questions 1-3. You can refer to the question types to know how to find the correct answer choices.
TAPESCRIPT:
Man: Okay, so we've got our pitch sorted, so now we just need to schedule a time with the investors to present it.
Woman: I know, Jay, it's really good.. so let's take a look at their calendars, Rhonda and Leroy shared them with me earlier today.
Man: Great, okay, so we've got a couple of options here.
Woman: Well, yeah but we can't schedule it for the weekend, not everyone's as fond of work as you!
Man: Of course, okay so that narrows it down.. I can't do the first couple of days next week, either.
Woman: Well, that's only one day left then. I'll shoot them an email.
Man: Brilliant! Will you copy me in?
Answers:
1.
2.
3.
STRATEGY 3:
Knowing the common distractorsLET'S UNDERSTAND 2
COMMON DISTRACTORS
TYPE 1: Not mentioned
- This distractor uses words that are not mentioned in the conversation. The distractor possibly answers the question but does not relate to the conversation.
TYPE 2: Repeated words
- This distractor uses words that are mentioned in the conversation but changes them so that they are not true. The distractor possibly answers the question but is incorrect.
TYPE 3: Associated new words
- This distractor introduces new words that may be associated with or implied by language and ideas expressed in the conversation but that are untrue. The distractor possibly answers the question but is incorrect.
TYPE 4: Paraphrased words
- This distractor uses original words in the conversation but are rephrased or paraphrased in a way that makes them untrue. The distractor possibly answers the question but is incorrect.
SCRIPT:
Woman A:Hey, you two. Have you seen the new schedule?
ManYeah. Goodbye social life.
Woman B:Why, what's happening?
Woman A:We're all down to work most of the afternoon shifts this week. Monday to Friday
Man:So annoying! I was supposed to go bowling with my brother.
Woman B:I don't mind, to be honest. I like to mornings free. I get loads done
Question: Why does the man say, "Goodbye social life"?
Correct Answer:He's working when he would normally meet people.
Type 1:
He wanted to have dinner with the woman. (Not mentioned)
Type 2:
He was planning to attend a bowling class. ("bowling" was mentioned, but not a class.
Type 3:
He enjoys watching sports after work.("sports" is associated with "bowling")
Type 4:
He was upset about working overtime.("He was upset" is a paraphrased line from "so annoying")
A set of answer choices may use more than one type of distractor at a time. Not all distractors fit perfectly into the types above; some may seem to belong to more than one type. Take note that these distractor types are similar because they are all incorrect answers to the question. However, it is useful to look at why they are incorrect and to understand what you must listen for.
LET'S TRY IT 2
LET'S TRY IT 2: Avoiding common distractors to choose the correct answer
Instructions: Skim the tapescript, questions, and answer choices below. First, identify what question types number 1-3 are. Then, try to identify which answer choices are correct, or incorrect. For the answer choices that are incorrect, identify the possible distractor type. Two of the answer choices in question 1 are already done for you.
| QUESTION TYPES | DISTRACTOR TYPES |
|---|---|
| Type 1 - Main idea question | Type 1 - Not mentioned |
| Type 2 - Detail question | Type 2 - Repeated words |
| Type 3 - Implied meaning question | Type 3 - Associated new words |
| Type 4 - Inference question | Type 4 - Paraphrased Words |
| Type 5 - Graphic question |
TAPESCRIPT:
Woman: Something smells delicious in here.. what is it?
Man: It's vegetable lasagna. I made it for dinner last night. I made too much, and there's a lot left over, so I brought some for today's lunch.
Woman: Well, it really does smell wonderful. How did you learn to make this?
Man: It's my mother's family recipe--she got it from her grandmother. l'd be happy to bring the recipe to work tomorrow, if you'd like.
1. What are the speakers mainly discussing?
(A) The man's family
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(B) A problem the woman has
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(C) The food the man has made
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(D) The restaurants in the area
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
2. What does the man offer to do for the woman?
(A) Take her to lunch
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(B) Bring her his recipe
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(C) Introduce her to his family
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(D) Drive her to work the next day
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
3. What is probably true about the speakers?
(A) They are neighbors.
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(B) They are coworkers.
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(C) They are in a restaurant.
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(D) They are talking on the telephone.
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
LET'S PRACTICE 2
A. Instructions: Before you listen to two conversations about the six questions below, predict the context for each set of 3 questions.
1. What is the woman unhappy about?
(A) She made a mistake at work.
(B) The people she works with are inexperienced.
(C) She does not like her new boss.
(D) She dislikes working in the advertising field.
2. What does the man suggests?
(A) Talking to her boss
(B) Changing to a job in advertising
(C) Looking for another job
(D) Talking with her coworkers
3. Why does she suspect she got the job?
(A) The supervisor liked her.
(B) She has a lot of experience.
(C) Her company has high employee turnover.
(D) She had worked there a year previously.
Context for questions 1-3:
4. What does the woman request?
(A) A refund
(B) A receipt
(C) A new coffee machine
(D) A discount
5. What does she say is the problem?
(A) The machine is broken.
(B) The cups are too small.
(C) She comes from a very large family.
(D) The unit does not make enough coffee.
6. What does the man say?
(A) The woman can have a refund.
(B) She can choose a different model.
(C) He needs to see the receipt.
(D) Replacing the product will take a week.
Context for questions 4-6:
B. Instructions: Now listen to the audio material and choose the best answer choices for questions 1-6. Apply the strategies you have learned in this lesson.
Listen to the audio.
Questions 1 - 6: LET'S PRACTICE 2
1. (A) ❑ (B) ❑ (C) ❑ (D) ❑ | 3. (A) ❑ (B) ❑ (C) ❑ (D) ❑ | 5. (A) ❑ (B) ❑ (C) ❑ (D) ❑ |
2. (A) ❑ (B) ❑ (C) ❑ (D) ❑ | 4. (A) ❑ (B) ❑ (C) ❑ (D) ❑ | 6. (A) ❑ (B) ❑ (C) ❑ (D) ❑ |
Predicting the context can make the listening easier. Use the key words in the questions and answer choices to make a rough guess of what you are about to hear.
10. Know the question types and the order.
Understand the five basic types of questions so that you can be familiar with how to answer them. The questions in Part 3 also usually ask for information in the order in which it comes up in the conversation. This means that the first question usually asks about something that you hear in the beginning, while the second and third questions ask about something in the middle to the end. But note that this is not always true for all question sets.
11. Avoid common distractors.
All the choices in Part 3 are "possible answers" and none of them can be eliminated before listening to the conversation. Try to be familiar with the distractor types so that you can avoid them when choosing the best answer.
LET'S DO THE CHALLENGE!
Let's apply the strategies and tips you have learned in this lesson by answering the 12 items below.
Instructions: Your mentor will give you 30 seconds to skim the questions and answer choices before the first listening starts. When you finish answering the questions about one conversation, start skimming the questions for the next conversation immediately.
Listen to the audio.
Questions 1 - 3: LET'S DO THE CHALLENGE
1. What are the speakers mainly discussing?
(A) Where they go on vacation
(B) When they take time off work
(C) What they do every weekend
(D) How many hours they work each week
2. What about the woman surprised the man?
(A) She seems to have a lot of vacation.
(B) She never works on Mondays.
(C) She never takes days off work.
(D) She works a lot of hours.
3. Look at the graphic. Which company does the woman work at?
(A) Company A
(B) Company B
(C) Company C
(D) Company D
Listen to the audio.
Questions 4 - 6: LET'S DO THE CHALLENGE
4. Who is the man?
(A) An employer
(B) A job applicant
(C) A recruitment officer
(D) A personnel manager
5. What kind of experience are the speakers talking about?
(A) Public speaking
(B) Project management
(C) Organizing events
(D) Computer repairs
6. What kind of job is being offered?
(A) Computer repair technician
(B) IT project manager
(C) Computer programmer
(D) University lecturer
Listen to the audio.
Questions 7 - 9: LET'S DO THE CHALLENGE
7. Why does the man say, "I can't believe it!'?
(A) He does not think that someone has moved the files.
(B) He is annoyed that someone has moved the files.
(C) He is surprised that the woman is so frustrated.
(D) He doesn't understand why they still use the same filing system.
8. What has the woman changed?
(A) The text of a contract
(B) The furniture
(C) The finance files
(D) The filing system
9. Look at the Graphic. Where is the JDK contract file?
(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D
Listen to the audio.
Questions 10 - 12: LET'S DO THE CHALLENGE
10. What is the woman learning about?
(A) A camera
(B) A projector
(C) A printer
(D) A photocopier
11. Why does the man say, "Don't worry"?
(A) The woman does not need to use the projector.
(B) It is not difficult to use the projector.
(C) The woman will be fully trained next week.
(D) No one in the office knows how to do it.
12. How can users change the size of the image?
(A) By pressing the "resize" button
(B) By pressing the blue arrows
(C) By pressing the red button
(D) By turning the wheel
LET'S RECAP!
Predicting the context can make the listening easier. Use the key words in the questions and answer choices to make a rough guess of what you are about to hear.
10. Know the question types and the order.
Understand the five basic types of questions so that you can be familiar with how to answer them. The questions in Part 3 also usually ask for information in the order in which it comes up in the conversation. This means that the first question usually asks about something that you hear in the beginning, while the second and third questions ask about something in the middle to the end. But note that this is not always true for all question sets.
11. Avoid common distractors.
All the choices in Part 3 are "possible answers" and none of them can be eliminated before listening to the conversation. Try to be familiar with the distractor types so that you can avoid them when choosing the best answer.
Reference: The book "スコアが上がるTOEIC L & Rテスト本番模試600問 改訂版 新形式問題対応" by Izumi Irie. Publisher: Obunsha Co., Ltd.. All rights reserved.
Now listen to the conversation and focus on the answer choices. Choose the best answer. Guess if you aren't sure then move on to the next question.