Table of Contents
- Introduction
- TOEFL iBT Listening Section
- TOEFL 2025 Listening Practice Test: Sample Questions and Answers
- Sample Questions
- Sample Questions
- How to Study for TOEFL Listening Using Practice Questions
- Proven Study Method to Boost Your TOEFL Listening Score
- Tips to Ace the TOEFL Listening Section
- Free Resources to Improve Your TOEFL Listening Skills
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
The TOEFL Listening section is a critical part of the exam, testing your ability to understand academic lectures and campus conversations in English. Success requires more than just hearing the audio—you need strong comprehension, note-taking skills, and regular TOEFL listening practice. This blog provides a complete guide with practice tests, sample questions with answers, and exercises designed to help you identify main ideas, understand details, and improve your overall listening skills.
Whether you’re a beginner or aiming for a high score, these strategies and exercises will prepare you to tackle the listening section with confidence.
TOEFL iBT Listening Section
The TOEFL iBT Listening section evaluates how well you can understand spoken English in academic settings. It measures your ability to:
- Grasp basic ideas and key details
- Interpret the speaker’s attitude, tone, and level of certainty
- Connect and synthesize information
What You Will Hear
You will listen to a mix of lectures and conversations, similar to what you would encounter on a university campus:
- 3 lectures (each 3–5 minutes long), some including class discussions
- 6 questions per lecture
- 2 conversations (each around 3 minutes long)
- 5 questions per conversation
You are allowed to take notes throughout the section, and using them can help you answer questions more accurately.
Total Test Time
The Listening section takes approximately 36 minutes to complete.
Learn More: TOEFL listening | Robust techniques for you to prepare
TOEFL 2025 Listening Practice Test: Sample Questions and Answers
Now that you are familiar with the format and evaluation criteria of the TOEFL 2025 Listening section, it’s time to practice with sample sets. These examples provide a clear idea of common audio types, question patterns, and strategies for selecting the correct responses. Use this TOEFL listening test with answers to improve your understanding and boost your test readiness.
Practice Set 1 – Campus Conversation
In campus-based conversations, you should be able to understand academic vocabulary, everyday idioms, natural speech patterns, and mixed accents, similar to real interactions on a university campus.
Audio Description
Two students, Neha and Jordan, discuss their group project in the university library. Neha is stressed about the approaching deadline, while Jordan suggests dividing the tasks based on each person’s strengths. They also talk about using the university’s online research database and scheduling a virtual meeting with their professor to get feedback on their progress.
- Setting: Informal on-campus discussion
- Speech Style: Casual conversation with mixed Indian–American accent patterns
Sample Questions
Why is Neha concerned about the group project?
a) She doesn’t understand the topic
b) She hasn’t read the assigned article
c) The deadline is approaching quickly
d) Jordan hasn’t completed his section
Correct Answer: c. The deadline is approaching quickly
Explanation: Neha expresses concern about their limited time, indicating that the fast-approaching deadline is the main issue.
What solution does Jordan suggest?
a) Meeting every day in person
b) Dividing tasks based on individual strengths
c) Skipping the professor review
d) Postponing the submission
Correct Answer: b. Dividing tasks based on individual strengths
Explanation: Jordan recommends that they split the work in a way that aligns with what each person does best.
How do the students plan to access research material?
a) Visit the public library
b) Ask the professor for handouts
c) Use the university’s online database
d) Contact senior students for notes
Correct Answer: c. Use the university’s online database
Explanation: They discuss logging in to the university’s digital library to find relevant research articles.
What is the next step both students agree on?
a) Meeting with the professor
b) Submitting the final report
c) Rewriting the assignment
d) Watching a documentary together
Correct Answer: a. Meeting with the professor
Explanation: They decide to schedule a virtual meeting with their professor to get feedback and ensure they are following the right direction.
Practice Set 2 – Academic Lecture (Arts & Humanities)
This set presents a structured academic lecture. For such audio clips, students should identify main ideas, supporting details, comparisons, and historical context.
Audio Description
A professor delivers a lecture on the evolution of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form. The lecture explains its origins in temple rituals, its transformation into a stage performance, and the meaning behind its symbolic gestures (mudras). The professor also mentions key contributors to its revival during India’s independence movement and compares Bharatanatyam with Western ballet in terms of storytelling, movement, and musical structure.
- Setting: Formal lecture hall
- Speech Style: Academic, structured, clear pace
Sample Questions
What was the original purpose of Bharatanatyam?
a) Entertainment for royal families
b) Religious expression in temples
c) Social commentary on politics
d) A physical training method
Correct Answer: b. Religious expression in temples
Explanation: The dance originated as devotional performances within temple settings, often portraying mythological stories.
What major change occurred in Bharatanatyam over time?
a) It became a men-only solo dance
b) It was banned during colonial rule
c) It shifted to secular stage performances
d) It started incorporating ballet elements
Correct Answer: c. It shifted to secular stage performances
Explanation: Over the years, Bharatanatyam transitioned from temple rituals to widely recognized stage performances, especially during the cultural revival period.
How does Bharatanatyam differ from Western ballet, according to the professor?
a) Bharatanatyam uses facial expressions, but ballet does not
b) Ballet uses more vocal music
c) Bharatanatyam is always improvised
d) Ballet focuses more on hand gestures
Correct Answer: a. Bharatanatyam uses facial expressions, but ballet does not
Explanation: The professor highlights that Bharatanatyam relies heavily on expressive facial movements and intricate mudras, while ballet communicates emotion mainly through body posture and movement.
Which historical figure contributed significantly to the revival of Bharatanatyam?
a) Rabindranath Tagore
b) Rukmini Devi Arundale
c) Indira Gandhi
d) Ravi Shankar
Correct Answer: b. Rukmini Devi Arundale
Explanation: She played a central role in bringing Bharatanatyam back to prominence while preserving its cultural authenticity.
Read More: TOEFL exam online | Master the TOEFL with this A-Z guide!
How to Study for TOEFL Listening Using Practice Questions
To effectively prepare for the TOEFL Listening section, begin by completing a full listening practice test under strict timing conditions. Always follow the allotted time. If time runs out, stop finishing the remaining questions will not give you an accurate measure of your true performance.
Your next steps depend on whether your score meets your target. In this guide, we use 60% as the benchmark for passing, although your personal goal may be higher (for example, some students may need 80% or more).
If You Scored Below 60%
Step 1: Listen Again and Identify Problem Areas
Replay the same audio and note the parts you found difficult. Use the transcript (printed or digital) to mark sections that were unclear. Most misunderstandings come from unfamiliar vocabulary—look up meanings, check pronunciation, and practice saying the words out loud.
Step 2: Practice “Echoing” the Transcript
Once you understand the vocabulary, read the problematic sections aloud. This method called echoing—is an active listening technique proven to improve comprehension more effectively than passive listening alone.
Step 3: Retake the Practice Test
Attempt the same listening exercise again. If your score still doesn’t improve, repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you can clearly understand the entire conversation or lecture.
If You Scored Above 60%
Step 1: Review Uncertain Parts of the Audio
Go back to questions where you were unsure or relied on guessing. Listen to those sections again to understand why the confusion occurred.
Step 2: Analyze Your Wrong Answers
Look for patterns in your mistakes. If you consistently miss the same type of question, break down what information you failed to capture. Ask yourself:
“Why didn’t this information appear in my notes?”
Improving your note-taking strategy often leads to higher accuracy.
Proven Study Method to Boost Your TOEFL Listening Score
Following this step-by-step review process for each practice test typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. If you answered most questions correctly, it will take less time.
By dedicating 3 hours of study time each day, you can complete over 50 TOEFL Listening questions in under three weeks. With consistent, focused practice, you will see a noticeable improvement in your score.
Read More: Common TOEFL listening test traps| How to avoid them
Tips to Ace the TOEFL Listening Section
To excel in the TOEFL Listening section, you need strong comprehension skills, smart note-taking, and consistent exposure to academic English. The following tips will help you build accuracy, speed, and confidence on test day.
Take Notes Strategically
Write notes as you listen, but focus only on the key ideas. The TOEFL does not test minor details like specific names, dates, or locations. Instead, questions target major points, explanations, and examples. Avoid trying to capture every word prioritize the main concepts and supporting ideas.
Pay Attention to the Speaker’s Tone
Some questions assess the speaker’s attitude or opinion. To answer these correctly, listen carefully to how the speaker sounds—whether they seem excited, doubtful, annoyed, confused, or enthusiastic. Tone can provide strong clues about the speaker’s viewpoint.
Identify the Main Idea
The first question after most lectures is usually a main idea (gist) question. At the beginning of a lecture, the professor often introduces the topic and purpose. However, the topic may shift to a more specific focus. Keep track of the main theme and note any changes as the lecture progresses.
Notice How Ideas Are Connected
Lectures are organized logically. As you listen, observe how the speaker links ideas and structure the information in your notes. Look for:
- Cause and effect
- Compare and contrast
- Steps in a process
- Problem and solution
- General concept to specific examples
Recognizing these patterns will help you answer organization-based and connection-based questions more easily.
Don’t Give Up if You’re Unsure
If you’re stuck on a question, use strategies like:
- Eliminating clearly incorrect options
- Choosing the answer that best aligns with the main idea of the conversation or lecture
An educated guess is better than wasting time or choosing randomly.
Never Skip a Question
The TOEFL Listening section moves forward automatically; you cannot return to previous questions. If you skip one, you lose the chance to answer it. Always select an answer before moving on.
Manage Your Time Wisely
Do not spend more than two minutes on any single question. Overthinking can cause you to run out of time and miss easier questions later. If a question is too difficult, make your best guess and continue. Time management is crucial for overall performance.
Free Resources to Improve Your TOEFL Listening Skills
Strong listening skills are essential for performing well on the TOEFL, as they directly impact three out of the four test sections. To build confidence and accuracy, it’s important to practice listening consistently every day.
Below are some excellent free resources you can use to enhance and maintain your listening skills:
- BBC Learning English – Offers structured lessons, news stories, and pronunciation guides.
- TED Talks – Provides engaging talks from experts worldwide, helping you understand academic tone and diverse accents.
- VOA Learning English – Features simplified news reports and educational programs designed for English learners.
- Scientific American: 60-Second Science – Short, informative podcasts that expose you to scientific vocabulary and fast-paced academic speech.
These platforms are ideal for daily listening practice and will help strengthen your comprehension, vocabulary, and overall test readiness.
Conclusion
Mastering the TOEFL Listening section requires consistent practice, strategic note-taking, and careful attention to the speaker’s tone and structure. By focusing on main ideas, understanding connections between concepts, and managing your time effectively, you can significantly improve your listening comprehension and accuracy. Incorporating daily practice using authentic English audio, combined with these tips and techniques, will help you approach the TOEFL Listening section with confidence and maximize your score.
FAQs
Question 1. How to get high TOEFL listening score?
Answer. To get a high TOEFL listening score, practice regularly with authentic TOEFL listening practice tests, focus on main ideas and supporting details, take effective notes, and train yourself to recognize the speaker’s tone and organization of ideas.
Question 2. How often should I do TOEFL listening practice?
Answer. For best results, engage in daily TOEFL listening practice. Even 30–60 minutes per day can improve your comprehension, speed, and familiarity with academic English. Combining listening with note-taking, reading, and speaking exercises will further strengthen your skills.
Question 3. Do note-taking skills really help improve listening scores?
Answer. Yes. TOEFL listening questions test main ideas, supporting details, and relationships between concepts, not every small detail. Effective note-taking helps you quickly capture important points and refer to them when answering questions, boosting both speed and accuracy.
Question 4. How can I improve my ability to follow lectures and conversations?
Answer. Focus on:
- Recognizing signpost words like “however,” “for example,” and “in contrast”
- Understanding relationships between ideas, such as cause-effect or compare-contrast
- Paying attention to the speaker’s tone, emphasis, and examples
- Regular TOEFL listening practice with lectures or conversations will strengthen this skill.
Question 5. How can I manage time during the listening section?
Answer. Effective time management is crucial to completing all questions accurately in the TOEFL Listening section. Here are some practical strategies:
- Take brief notes: Focus on keywords and concepts instead of writing full sentences.
- Limit time per question: Spend no more than 2 minutes on a single question.
- Prioritize main ideas and supporting details: Concentrating on key points helps you answer faster and more accurately.
Question 6. What are the best TOEFL listening exercises?
Answer. The best TOEFL listening exercises include practicing with academic lectures, campus conversations, podcasts, and TED Talks. Focus on identifying main ideas, supporting details, and the speaker’s tone to improve comprehension and boost your listening score.
