Part 4 - SHORT TALKS
You will be given 30 questions. There will be 10 short talks with 3 questions for each talk. You will hear one speaker talk. You have to choose the answer that is true according to what the speaker says.
STRATEGY 1:
Paraphrasing to predict the contextSNEAK PEEK 1
SNEAK PEEK 1: Choosing the correct answer for the question type
A. Instructions: Match the underlined words and phrases numbers 1-7 in the announcement below with the words or phrases with similar or the same meanings from the list in a-g.
| CHOICES | ||
|---|---|---|
a. for the time being | c. without delay | e. money returned |
b. arrive | d. free | f. stopped |
May I have your attention.
I am sorry to announce that the ferry service to Cayman Islands will be interrupted (1) due to engine problems. Ticket holders may get a refund (2) immediately (3) . The shuttle bus back to the train station should be here (4) in about 15 minutes and in the meantime (5) , we will be serving complimentary (6) beverages.
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 each short talk may be about.
1. Where is this announcement being made?
(A) At a train station
(B) At an airport
(C) At a bus station
(D) At a coffee shop
2. What is the problem?
(A) A ticket counter has closed.
(B) Some construction work has been canceled.
(C) A bus service has been interrupted.
(D) Passengers have been refused a refund.
3. What may people wishing to go to Darby do?
(A) Go directly to Darby by bus
(B) Cross the Evanston Bridge
(C) Take the 3:55 bus
(D) Take a bus to another station and then a train
Questions 1 - 3: LET'S TRY IT 1
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 talk. Identify what question type each one is (question types 1-5 on LET'S UNDERSTAND 1).
1. What is the purpose of this announcement?
(A) To conclude the evening's program
(B) To introduce a guest
(C) To advertise a product
(D) To begin the evening's program
QUESTION TYPE:
2. Who will be the guest next week?
(A) A corporate vice president
(B) Dr. McDermott
(C) An employee motivation expert
(D) Peter Thompson
QUESTION TYPE:
3. What topic was probably discussed on the program?
(A) Crisis management
(B) Managing change
(C) Inspiring workers
(D) Contemporary technology
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:
Well folks, that concludes our show for this evening. You have been listening to "Contemporary Management," broadcast every Monday night on these affiliated radio stations. We have been talking with Dr. Julia McDermott, the renowned management consultant and expert in the field of employee motivation. Dr. McDermott's new book is Motivating Your Staff. Please listen again next week when we will visit with Mr. Peter Thompson, the noted author of the best-selling book, Managing Change. Until next week, thank you for listening.
Answers:
1.
2.
3.
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.
Know the question types.
Understand the five basic types of questions so that you can be familiar with how to answer them.
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.
EXAMPLES:
SCRIPT:
Korz's big summer sale is now going on. Yes, our annual July sale bonanza starts July first, and there are literally hundreds of bargains to be had. Reductions of up to fifty percent on menswear. Men's suits have been slashed from $400 down to $300. Men's coats regularly selling for $200 are now just $150. It's crazy! But it's not just men who have reasons to be pleased. There are bargains galore for the ladies, too, with up to thirty percent off on top brand names. And this year we've extended our sale to other departments too. There are huge savings available in kitchenware and home furnishings. But don't delay! Korz's big summer sale starts July 1st and ends July 31st!
What kind of store is Korz?
Correct answer: department store
Type 1:
convenience store (not mentioned)
Type 2:
kitchenware (repeats the word "kitchen")
Type 3:
ladieswear (associate with "menswear")
Type 4:
furniture (paraphrased word of "furnishings")
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.
Note: These distractor types are the same as those in Part 3.
LET'S TRY IT 2
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:
Good morning, everyone. Today I'd like to discuss our strategy for the New York City area. As I'm sure you're all aware, real estate prices there are among the highest in the nation and are continuing to rise. On the one hand, this is good news in the short term because it means that the company's rental properties there will continue to be profitable. On the other hand, if the trend continues, it means that acquiring and developing new residential and business properties will become more costly; and because rents are so high already, we won't be able to charge what we need to maintain our current return on investment-- over time, returns will fall. There are also some signs that the New York market may be turning around--houses and apartments are staying on the market an average of two days longer now than they did six months ago. While sellers are still getting contracts at the prices they want, it's taking longer to get them. This could mean that housing prices and rents are poised to come down soon. The situation is rather mixed and difficult to read. What l'd like us to do is formulate a revised strategy that balances the rewards we now enjoy in the current boom market against the future risks of a soft housing market.
1. What does the speaker say could happen if the current trend in real estate prices continues?
(A) Return on investment could fall.
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(B) Development opportunities could increase.
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(C) Fewer residential properties could be available.
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(D) Selling commercial properties could become more difficult.
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
2. What does the speaker claim regarding New York City real estate?
(A) Prices have fallen in the past six months.
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(B) Houses and apartments are taking longer to sell.
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(C) Apartment sales have doubled in the past six months.
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(D) Commercial properties are a good long-term investment.
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
3. What does the speaker want to change?
(A) A project schedule
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(B) A meeting agenda
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(C) A company strategy
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
(D) A real estate contract
DISTRACTOR TYPE:
LET'S PRACTICE 2
A. Instructions: Before you listen to two short talks about the six questions below, predict the context for each set of 3 questions.
1. What is the main purpose of this announcement?
(A) To discuss the history of Arabella
(B) To outline ways to get to Arabella
(C) To make Arabella sound attractive to visitors
(D) To describe Arabella's local music
2. What was Arabella originally?
(A) A cultural center
(B) A center for sailing events
(C) A resort island
(D) A trading center
3. When is the Caribbean Carnival held?
(A) In mid-October
(B) During the winter holidays
(C) During the March break
(D) At the end of April
Context for questions 1-3:
4. Why was the meeting called?
(A) To announce a schedule change
(B) To move the deadline
(C) To discuss the image files
(D) To answer any questions
5. When does the project have to be finished?
(A) By tomorrow
(B) By Thursday
(C) In five days
(D) In a week
6. What are Beth and Howard asked to do?
(A) Finalize the image files
(B) Check for typos
(C) Ask questions
(D) Write the address labels
Context for questions 4-6:
STRATEGY 4:
Listening for answers in orderB. Instructions: Now listen to the audio material and choose the best answer choices for questions 1-6. Listen for answers in order. Mark your answers as soon as you hear them in the short talk.
Listen to the audio.
Questions 1 - 6: LET'S PRACTICE B
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) ❑ |
All the choices in Part 4 are "possible answers." Before listening to the short talk, each choice will answer the question in a realistic and logical way, and no choice can be eliminated. Try to be familiar with the distractor types so that you can avoid them when choosing the best answer.
Listen for answers in order.
The questions in Part 4 also usually ask for information in the order in which you hear it in the short talk. 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.
Mark your answers as you listen.
While listening to each short talk, if you hear an answer that is definitely correct, mark your answer sheet as soon as you can. Try to answer all the questions as quickly as you can to give yourself more time to prepare for the next set of questions.
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 short talk, start skimming the questions for the next talk immediately.
Listen to the audio.
Questions 1 - 3: LET'S DO THE CHALLENGE!
1. What is the speaker promoting?
(A) International capital
(B) Increased imports
(C) Foreign investment
(D) Increased export
2. Where does this talk take place?
(A) At a trade conference
(B) At a business school
(C) At a corporate board meeting
(D) At a local government meeting
3. According to the speaker, why are foreign buyers interested in Irish products?
(A) They are reasonably priced.
(B) They are high quality.
(C) They are organic.
(D) They are easily available.
Listen to the audio.
Questions 4 - 6: LET'S DO THE CHALLENGE!
4. Why is the SmartShares company in the news?
(A) It has laid off a large part of its workforce.
(B) It has been involved in a criminal court case.
(C) It has expanded into the East Asian market.
(D) It has won an important industry award.
5. According to the report, what is improving for workers in Thailand?
(A) Salaries
(B) Benefits packages
(C) Working conditions
(D) Productivity
6. Look at the graphic. What time will the East Asia report begin?
| Presenter | |
|---|---|
| 18:00 | Mark Francis |
| 18:05 | |
| 18:10 | |
| 18:20 | Jane Withers |
(A) 18:00
(B) 18:05
(C) 18:10
(D) 18:20
Listen to the audio.
Questions 7 - 9: LET'S DO THE CHALLENGE!
7. What kind of store is Dunthorps?
(A) Clothing
(B) Kitchenware
(C) Department
(D) Furniture
8. Why does the speaker say, "It's crazy!"?
(A) He thinks the items are too expensive.
(B) He believes that the sale is not a good idea.
(C) He thinks the clothes are unusual.
(D) He thinks the reductions are extreme.
9. When does the sale end?
(A) End of June
(B) July 1st
(C) End of July
(D) Mid-August
Listen to the audio.
Questions 10 - 12: LET'S DO THE CHALLENGE!
10. Where did the artist get the idea for his piece?
(A) France
(B) The Caribbean
(C) Austria
(D) New Zealand
11. What kind of artwork is being discussed?
(A) Sculpture
(B) Pencil drawing
(C) Painting
(D) Photograph
12. Who is the speaker addressing?
(A) Buyers at an art sale
(B) An audience at a lecture
(C) Artists at a workshop
(D) Visitors to a museum
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.
2. Know the question types.
Understand the five basic types of questions so that you can be familiar with how to answer them.
3. Avoid common distractors.
All the choices in Part 4 are "possible answers." Before listening to the short talk, each choice will answer the question in a realistic and logical way, and no choice can be eliminated. Try to be familiar with the distractor types so that you can avoid them when choosing the best answer.
4. Listen for answers in order.
The questions in Part 4 also usually ask for information in the order in which you hear it in the short talk. 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.
5. Mark your answers as you listen.
While listening to each short talk, if you hear an answer that is definitely correct, mark your answer sheet as soon as you can. Try to answer all the questions as quickly as you can to give yourself more time to prepare for the next set of questions.
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 talk and focus on the answer choices. Choose the best answer. Guess if you aren't sure then move on to the next question.