TOEFL Listening for Speaker's Attitude 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A professor says, "Well, I suppose that's ONE way to interpret the data." What attitude does this convey?
- Mild skepticism or disagreement (Correct answer)
- Strong agreement
- Excitement
- Total confusion
Correct answer: Mild skepticism or disagreement
Stressing "one" with "I suppose" signals reluctant, doubtful acceptance.
Question 2: A student says, "Oh great, another group project," in a flat, low tone. This most likely expresses:
- Genuine enthusiasm
- Sarcasm or displeasure (Correct answer)
- Polite gratitude
- Surprise
Correct answer: Sarcasm or displeasure
A flat tone with "oh great" usually marks sarcasm rather than real excitement.
Question 3: Which intonation pattern most often signals that a speaker is uncertain about a statement?
- Rising intonation at the end (Correct answer)
- Sharply falling intonation
- Steady monotone
- Quick, clipped delivery
Correct answer: Rising intonation at the end
Rising pitch on a statement often turns it into an implied question, signaling uncertainty.
Question 4: A speaker pauses and says, "It's... interesting, I guess." The hesitation and word choice suggest:
- Lack of real enthusiasm (Correct answer)
- Deep fascination
- Anger
- Relief
Correct answer: Lack of real enthusiasm
Pauses plus "I guess" soften the praise, revealing unenthusiastic, lukewarm feelings.
Question 5: In a lecture, the professor emphasizes, "This is absolutely crucial for the exam." The emphasis indicates the professor is:
- Stressing importance (Correct answer)
- Joking
- Apologizing
- Bored
Correct answer: Stressing importance
Strong words like "absolutely crucial" with vocal stress mark genuine emphasis on importance.
Question 6: A student responds, "I'd love to, but I have three papers due," to an invitation. The attitude is best described as:
- Reluctant refusal (Correct answer)
- Eager acceptance
- Indifference
- Hostility
Correct answer: Reluctant refusal
"I'd love to, but" politely declines while expressing regret about the conflict.
Question 7: A speaker sighs and says, "Here we go again." This most likely conveys:
- Resignation or frustration (Correct answer)
- Anticipation and joy
- Curiosity
- Confusion
Correct answer: Resignation or frustration
A sigh with "here we go again" signals weary frustration at a repeated situation.
TOEFL Listening for Speaker's Attitude 2
A professor says, "Well, I suppose that's ONE way to interpret the data." What attitude does this convey?