Stanford Achievement Listening Comprehension Questions and Answers

Question 1

Listen to this announcement from a school librarian:

'Good morning, students. Please listen carefully. Next week is our annual Book Fair. To prepare, the library will be closing one hour early every day this week, at 3:00 PM instead of 4:00 PM. This will give our volunteers time to set up. Also, please remember that all overdue books must be returned by this Friday to avoid fines. We want everyone to have a clean slate for the fair. Thank you.'

What is the main purpose of this announcement?

Accepted Answer

To inform students about the library's temporary change in hours.

Answer

The announcement's primary message is to inform students about the library's adjusted schedule for the week. The reason for the change (the Book Fair) and the reminder about overdue books are secondary details supporting this main point. The announcement mentions volunteers but does not ask for more, and it gives a deadline for fines, not an increase.

Question 2

Listen to this dialogue between two friends, Maria and Ben:

Maria: 'Are you ready for the big soccer game on Saturday? I finally perfected my new kick.'
Ben: (Sighs) 'I guess so. I was really looking forward to it, but my family just found out we have to go visit my cousins this weekend. All of them are sick with the flu.'

Based on the dialogue, what can you most logically infer?

Accepted Answer

Ben is disappointed he will miss the soccer game.

Answer

Ben's sigh and his statement that he 'was really looking forward to it' strongly imply that he is unhappy about having to miss the game due to a family obligation. The text says his cousins are sick, not him. The other options are not supported by the dialogue.

Question 3

Listen to a teacher giving instructions for a science experiment:

'First, put on your safety goggles. Next, take one beaker and fill it with 100 milliliters of water. After that, use the dropper to add three drops of the blue solution. Do not stir it yet. Finally, you will record your initial observations in your science journal.'

According to the instructions, what should a student do immediately after putting on their safety goggles?

Accepted Answer

Fill a beaker with 100 milliliters of water.

Answer

The instructions provide a clear sequence of steps. The first step is to put on goggles. The instruction word 'Next' indicates the second step, which is to fill a beaker with water. The other actions are instructed to happen after this step.

Question 4

Listen to this excerpt from a nature documentary:

'The chameleon's ability to change color is a remarkable adaptation. However, this change is not always for camouflage. Often, it is a physiological response to its mood, body temperature, or its intent to communicate with other chameleons. For example, a darker color might indicate aggression, while a lighter shade could be a sign of submission.'

In this context, what does the word 'physiological' most nearly mean?

Accepted Answer

Related to the functions of a living organism.

Answer

The passage describes the color change as a response to internal states like mood and body temperature. These are functions of the chameleon's body, or its physiology. It is not a planned decision, it's not always for hiding, and it's a reaction to internal states, not just the external environment.

Question 5

Listen to this short story:

'Leo stood on the stage, his heart pounding against his ribs. He peeked through the heavy curtain and saw that every seat in the auditorium was filled. He had practiced his piano piece hundreds of times, but his hands suddenly felt cold and clumsy. The stage manager gave him a thumbs-up and whispered, 'Five minutes to showtime.''

Which of the following is Leo most likely feeling?

Accepted Answer

Nervousness about performing in front of a large crowd.

Answer

The description of Leo's 'pounding heart,' and his hands feeling 'cold and clumsy' are classic physical symptoms of anxiety or nervousness. Despite his practice, the reality of the full auditorium is making him anxious before his performance.

Stanford Achievement Test Practice Test

Stanford Achievement Test Practice Test

Stanford Achievement Listening Comprehension Questions and Answers