TOEFL Listening for Speaker's Attitude 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A professor says, "Now, you might THINK the answer is obvious, but..." The word "but" signals the professor will:
- Challenge a common assumption (Correct answer)
- Confirm the obvious answer
- End the lecture
- Praise the students
Correct answer: Challenge a common assumption
"But" after acknowledging an assumption introduces a contrast or correction.
Question 2: A student says, "To be honest, I didn't really follow that." The phrase "to be honest" signals:
- A candid admission of confusion (Correct answer)
- Strong confidence
- A joke
- Sarcasm
Correct answer: A candid admission of confusion
"To be honest" prefaces a frank confession, here admitting confusion.
Question 3: A speaker's voice rises sharply when saying, "You did WHAT?" This most likely expresses:
- Surprise or disbelief (Correct answer)
- Calm acceptance
- Boredom
- Gratitude
Correct answer: Surprise or disbelief
A sharp pitch rise on "what" signals astonishment or disbelief.
Question 4: A professor remarks, "I won't bore you with all the details." This implies the professor:
- Will summarize rather than elaborate (Correct answer)
- Thinks the topic is fascinating to all
- Is angry
- Is finished teaching
Correct answer: Will summarize rather than elaborate
The phrase signals an intention to keep things brief and skip lengthy detail.
Question 5: A student replies, "Sure, whatever you say," in a clipped tone. This most likely conveys:
- Annoyance or reluctant agreement (Correct answer)
- Genuine enthusiasm
- Deep gratitude
- Confusion
Correct answer: Annoyance or reluctant agreement
A clipped "whatever you say" signals grudging or irritated compliance.
Question 6: When a speaker stresses, "I NEVER said that," the emphasis on "never" indicates the speaker is:
- Firmly denying or defending (Correct answer)
- Casually agreeing
- Unsure
- Amused
Correct answer: Firmly denying or defending
Heavy stress on "never" marks an emphatic, defensive denial.
Question 7: A professor says, "Frankly, this theory has been largely discredited." The word "frankly" signals:
- A blunt, direct opinion (Correct answer)
- Hesitation
- Praise for the theory
- A question
Correct answer: A blunt, direct opinion
"Frankly" introduces a candid, straightforward critical judgment.
TOEFL Listening for Speaker's Attitude 3
A professor says, "Now, you might THINK the answer is obvious, but..." The word "but" signals the professor will: