LISTENING COMPREHENSION PART B

Part A Try Out

As you listen to each short conversation, focus on the second line of the conversation.Keep in that the correct answer is probably a restatement of a key word or idea in the second line of the conversation.Keep in mind that certain structures and expressions are tested regularly in listening part A.

1. Structures (passives, negatives, wishes, conditions)2. functional expressions (agreement, uncertainty, suggestion, surprise)3. idiomatic expressions (two-part verbs, three-part verbs, idioms)Keep in mind that these questions generally progress from easy to difficult.Read the answers and choose the best answer to each question.Even if you do not understand the complete conversation, you can find the correct answer.

1. choose answers with restatement of key words and ideas.2. choose answers with the most different sound.3. never choose answer with similar sounds.

Focus on 2nd line.Choose answers with synonyms.Avoid similar sounds.Draw conclusion about who, what, whereListen for who and what in passives.Listen for who and what with multiple nouns.Listen for negative expressions.Listen for double negative expressions.Listen for almost negative meanings.Listen for negatives with comparatives.Listen for expressions of agreement.Listen for expressions of uncertainty and suggestionListen for emphatic expressions of surprise Listen for wishesListen for untrue conditionsListen for two and three part verb.Listen for idioms

Example On the recording, you hear:(narrator)Questions 1 through 4. Listen to a conversation between a professor and a student.(man)Hello, Professor Denton. Are you free for a moment? Could I have a word with you?(woman)Come in, Michael. Of course I have some time. These are my office hours, and this is the right for you to come and ask question. Now, how can I help you?(man)Well, I have a quick question for you about the homework assignment for tomorrow. I thought the assignment was to answer the first three question at the top of page 67 in the text, but when I looked, there werent any questions there. Im confused.(woman)The assignment was to answer the first three questions at the top of page 76, not 67.(man)Oh, now I understand. Im glad I came in to check. Thanks for your help.(woman)No problem. See you tomorrow.

On the recording you hear:(narrator)Who is the man?In your test book, you read: A professor.An office worker.Professor Dentons assistant.A student.

On the recording you hear:(narrator)when does the man come to see Professor Denton?In your test book, you read:During regular class hours.Just before class time.As soon as class is finished.During office hours.On the recording you hear: (narrator) Why doe the come to see Professor Denton?In your test book, you read:To turn in an assignment.To ask a question.To pick up a completed test.To explain why he did not attend class.

On the recording you hear:(narrator) What incorrect information did the man have?In your test book you read:The date the assignment was due.The page number of the assignment.The length of the assignment.The numbers of the assignment.

If you have time, preview the answers to the listening part B questions. And do the following:Anticipate the topicsAnticipate the questions

Listen carefully to the first line of the conversation.Draw conclusion about the situation of the conversation: who is talking, where and when it takes place or happens.Follow along with the answers in your test book and try to determine the correct answer.You should guess even if you are not sure.Use any remaining time to look ahead.

Know what topics to expect will help you.Some common topics are aspect of school life, some type of school issue, or a trip of someone planning.look briefly at the answers in the test book.Try to determine the topics of the conversations.

Example

In your test book, you read: In the airport.In the library.In the dormitory.In the travel agents office.

You try to anticipate the questionWhere does the conversation probably take place?

Example On the recording, you hear:(man) You cant believe what I just got!(woman)I bet you got that new car youve always wanted.(man)Now, how in the world did you figure that out?

You think:The topic of the conversation is the new car that the man just got.

As you listen try to think the following thoughts:

Who is talking?When does the conversation probably take place?Where does the conversation probably take place?What is the source of information for the conversation?Example On the recording you hear :(man) why do you have so many books?(woman) I need them for my paper on George Washington. Do you know I can check them out?(man)Yes, you should go downstairs to the circulation desk and fill out a card for each book. You think: Who is probably talking? (two students)Where are they?(in the library)What are they discussing? (American history)

Two methods in the listening part BYou can just listen to the conversation (and ignore the answers).You can follow along with the answers while you listen.

ExampleOn the recording you hear:(man) Can I help you?(woman) Im interested In opening an account.(man)Well, we have several different types of accounts: checking account, saving account, money market account, time deposit accounts.(woman) Its a checking account that I am interested in.(man)I can help you with that. First. You have to fill out a form, and then I need to see some identification. Thats about all there is to it.(woman) That sounds easy enough. Thanks for your help.

On the recording you hear:

(narrator)What type of account does the woman want?In your test book, you read (same time)A checking account.A savings account.A money market account.A time deposit account.What does the man need for her to show him?A form.An account.A piece of identification.A check.