TOEFL iBT

ListeningStrategies

Key Tips

Differentiate Main Idea from DetailsDon’t Take Notes on EverythingDon’t Worry about Understanding

Every WordYou Can’t Skip QuestionsSome Questions are Heard, NOT Read

What is Active Listening?

1. Find the Main Idea2. Focus on Structure3. Listen for Tone & Attitude4. Pay Attention to Transitions

1. Find the Main Idea

Lectures:Main Idea will be at the beginning

Conversation:Purpose will be in first sentences for each speaker

2. Focus on Structure: LectureCompare / Contrast

listen for: several theories; possible explanations; many views…Cause & Effect

listen for: why would this happen?; what’s the reason for...?

Abstract Category with Exampleslisten for: one approach; one theory…

Sequenceslisten for: development; stages; process

2. Focus on Structure: Conversation

Problem & Solutionlisten for: problem; issue; difficulty…

Service Encounterlisten for: requirement; recommendation; prohibited; form; application…

Significant Eventlisten for: have you heard?; Did you see?

3. Listen for Tone & Attitude:Lecture

Objective: facts

Subjective: convincingCompare/Contrast; Cause & Effect

Inquisitive: classroom discussion

3. Listen for Tone & Attitude:Conversation

Excited: significant event

Disappointed / Upset: problem / solution

Uncertain / Confused: service encounters

4. Focus on Transitions

Reversals: abrupt changesrequires CLOSE listening“um…”; “well, I’ll get back to that…”

Negations: confirmationrequires contextual understanding“I don’t have to explain that, RIGHT?”

Final Tips

Extreme Answers are usually INCORRECTalways; impossible; only; none;

everyLectures are STRAIGHT-FORWARD

follow a reading structure