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

To ask for student volunteers to help set up.

Answer

To announce the specific dates of the annual Book Fair.

Answer

To remind students that fines will increase next week.

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 is not feeling well and has the flu.

Answer

Maria is worried she will get sick from Ben's cousins.

Answer

Ben does not enjoy playing soccer as much as Maria.

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

Record observations in their journal.

Answer

Add three drops of blue solution.

Answer

Stir the solution in the beaker.

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

Related to a conscious or planned decision.

Answer

Related to hiding from predators.

Answer

Related to the surrounding 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

Anger at the stage manager for rushing him.

Answer

Confidence from his many hours of practice.

Answer

Excitement to see so many people in the audience.

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?

Accepted Answer

Cautious and advisory.

Answer

Enthusiastic and encouraging.

Answer

Upset and frustrated.

Answer

Humorous and lighthearted.