TOEFL Listening Part A - Skill 1: Restatement

SKILL 1: RESTATEMENT

Often the correct answer in Listening Part A is an answer that contains a restatement of the ideas in the second line of the conversation.

Example

On the recording, you hear:

(woman)              : Steve, is something the matter? You don’t look very good.

(man)                   : Oh, I’m feeling a little sick today.

(narrator)              : What does the man mean?

In your test book, you read:
(A) He’s not very good-looking.
(B) He’s a bit ill.
(C) He looks worse than he feels.
(D) His feet are a little thick.

In this conversation, sick means ill, and a little means a bit. The best answer to this question is therefore answer (B) because answer (B) restates the idea in the second line of the dialogue. Please note that answer (D) is definitely not a correct answer because it contains feet instead of feel and thick instead of sick. These words are similar in sound but not in meaning to the words that you hear on the recording.

 

The following chart outlines the most important strategy in Listening Part A.

THE BEST STRATEGY: CHOOSE ANSWERS WITH RESTATEMENTS

As you listen to the second line of the conversation, you should focus on the key idea(s) in that line. If you see a restatement of the key idea(s) in a particular answer, then you have probably found the correct answer. Do not choose answers with words that sound similar to the words on the recording.

EXERCISE 1: In this exercise, underline the key idea(s) in the second line of each short conversation. Then underline restatements of these key words in the answers, and choose the best answer to each question. Remember that the best answer is probably the answer that contains a restatement of the key idea(s) in the second line of the conversation.

1. (woman)   : What do you like about your new house?

    (man)        : It’s very close to a park.

    (narrator)  : What does the man mean?

   (A) The house is closed up now.
   (B) He parks his car close to his house.
   (C) His home is near a park.
   (D) He doesn’t really like his new house.

2. (man)        : Mark said some really nice things to me.
    (woman)   : He’s very grateful for what you did.
    (narrator)  : What does the woman say about Mark?

    (A) He did a great job.
    (B) He bought a crate full of fruit.
    (C) He made a great fool of himself.
    (D) He’s thankful.

3. (woman)   : Sam, you’ve been working at the computer for hours.
    (man)        : Yes, and I need to take a break.
    (narrator)  : What does the man mean?

    (A) The computer’s broken.
    (B) He needs to relax for a while.
    (C) He should keep working.
    (D) He’s broke.

TOEFL EXERCISE 1: In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question on the recording, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should look for restatements of key ideas in the second line.

 

Now BEGIN THE RECORDING AT TOEFL EXERCISE 1.

1.

(A) The dance was fun.
(B) It was a good time to dance.
(C) She thinks the man is such a good dancer.
(D) Tonight is the last time to dance.

2.

(A) She’s quite thirsty.
(B) She’ll be ready in a half hour.
(C) She needs to leave now.
(D) She was ready thirty minutes ago.

3.

(A) The woman should teach the class herself.
(B) The woman should see a psychiatrist.
(C) It’s a good idea to speak with the instructor.
(D) He would like to discuss psychology with the woman.

4.

(A) She has a starring role.
(B) She has not found a job yet.
(C) She found the lost dog.
(D) She just began working.

5.

(A) He shares everything he has.
(B) He has to find his lost shirt.
(C) He is climbing the stairs to the apartment.
(D) He has to get a roommate.

6.

(A) His vacation is full of activities.
(B) In autumn he’ll have a vacation.
(C) He can’t have a vacation because he suffered a fall.
(D) He’s foolish to take a vacation now.

7.

(A) The book was very enjoyable.
(B) It was unpleasant to get rid of the bugs.
(C) She only reads when it is quiet.
(D) It is pleasant to ride a bike.

8.

(A) He hasn’t traveled much lately.
(B) There were a lot of cars on the road.
(C) He needs to lose weight.
(D) The tray was thick and heavy.

9.

(A) He doesn’t know how to play the game.
(B) He has to write a story for class.
(C) He needs to complete an assignment.
(D) He has already finished the report.

10.

(A) He always minds his own business.
(B) He manages to avoid working.
(C) He is the manager of the department.
(D) He is the boss of his own company.

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