TOEFL is one of the most immediate goals; for many, without the required score, they cannot continue their professional studies or obtain certifi¬cation to practice their professions. They may have other language goals as well, such as learn¬ing to communicate more effectively or improving their writing, but these goals do not usually exert the same kinds of pressure that the required TOEFL score does. | REVIEW OF PROBLEMS AND QUESTIONS FOR THE LISTENING SECTION 65 Suggestions A suggestion is a recommendation. In some short conversations you will hear words and phrases that make a suggestion such as you should why don t you or why not. When you hear the words and phrases that introduce a suggestion you must be able to recognize and remember what the speaker suggested and who made the suggestion. Example Woman Oh no. Dr. Thompson s class is closed. Man Already Woman I know. This is only the first day of registration. Man Well it s offered every term. Why don t you just take it next semester Narrator What does the man suggest that the woman do Answer Wait until next semester to take Dr. Thompson s class. Assumptions An assumption is a statement accepted as true without proof or demonstration. In some short conversations an assumption is proven false and the speaker or speakers who had made the assumption express surprise. When you hear a conversation between two speakers you must be able to recognize remarks that register surprise and draw conclusions about the assumptions that the speaker may have made. Example Woman Let s just e-mail our response to Larry instead of calling. Man Larry has an e-mail address Narrator What had the man assumed about Larry Answer He would not have an e-mail address. Predictions A prediction is a guess about the future based on evidence from the present. In some short conversations you will be asked to make predictions about the future activities of the speakers involved. 66 REVIEW OF LISTENING When you hear a conversation between two speakers you must listen for evidence from which you may draw a logical conclusion about their future activities. Example Man Could you please book me on the next flight out to Los Angeles Woman I m sorry sir. Continental doesn t fly into Los Angeles. Why don t you try Northern or Worldwide Narrator What will the man probably do Answer He will probably get a ticket for a flight on Northern or Worldwide .
