Stanford Achievement Listening Comprehension Questions and Answers — 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?
- To ask for student volunteers to help set up.
- To inform students about the library's temporary change in hours. (Correct answer)
- To announce the specific dates of the annual Book Fair.
- To remind students that fines will increase next week.
Correct answer: To inform students about the library's temporary change in hours.
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?
- Ben is not feeling well and has the flu.
- Ben is disappointed he will miss the soccer game. (Correct answer)
- Maria is worried she will get sick from Ben's cousins.
- Ben does not enjoy playing soccer as much as Maria.
Correct answer: Ben is disappointed he will miss the soccer game.
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?
- Record observations in their journal.
- Add three drops of blue solution.
- Fill a beaker with 100 milliliters of water. (Correct answer)
- Stir the solution in the beaker.
Correct answer: Fill a beaker with 100 milliliters of water.
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?
- Related to a conscious or planned decision.
- Related to the functions of a living organism. (Correct answer)
- Related to hiding from predators.
- Related to the surrounding environment.
Correct answer: Related to the functions of a living organism.
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?
- Anger at the stage manager for rushing him.
- Confidence from his many hours of practice.
- Excitement to see so many people in the audience.
- Nervousness about performing in front of a large crowd. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Nervousness about performing in front of a large crowd.
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.
Question 6: Listen to this announcement from a park ranger:
'Welcome, everyone. Before you begin your hike on the waterfall trail, please be advised that recent rains have made the path quite slick and muddy in several areas. We strongly recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots with good grip. Please stay on the marked trail at all times and be aware of your footing, especially on the stone steps near the falls.'
What is the ranger's primary tone in this announcement?
- Enthusiastic and encouraging.
- Upset and frustrated.
- Cautious and advisory. (Correct answer)
- Humorous and lighthearted.
Correct answer: Cautious and advisory.
The ranger's words like 'be advised,' 'strongly recommend,' and 'be aware' are all used to warn hikers of potential dangers and advise them on how to stay safe. This creates a cautious and advisory tone, not an enthusiastic, upset, or humorous one.
