TOEFL Listening for Speaker's Attitude 3

Question 1

A professor says, "Now, you might THINK the answer is obvious, but..." The word "but" signals the professor will:

Accepted Answer

Challenge a common assumption

Answer

"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:

Accepted Answer

A candid admission of confusion

Answer

"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:

Accepted Answer

Surprise or disbelief

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Will summarize rather than elaborate

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Annoyance or reluctant agreement

Answer

A clipped "whatever you say" signals grudging or irritated compliance.

TOEFL Practice Test