Expanding Tactics for Listening, 3rd Edition » Units 5 - 8 Testing focus: Making inferences

‣ Listen to part of a talk in a history class.

  1. What is the talk mainly about?
    • A. Housing shortages in Rome
    • B. The history of high-rise buildings
    • C. The development of construction technology
    • D. Difficulties of life in the ancient world
  2. What reasons does the professor give for the height limitation on buildings?
    • A. Lack of construction technology
    • B. Rules set by the government
    • C. Taller buildings were impractical for inhabitants
    • D. Safety concerns over multi-story buildings
  3. What would generally be found on the upper stories of ancient Roman buildings?
    • A. Poor tenants
    • B. Wealthy families
    • C. Water tanks
    • D. Shops
  4. What will the professor most likely talk about next?
    • A. High-rise apartments in modern times
    • B. Building practices in 12th century Europe
    • C. The palaces of the Roman Emperors
    • D. Unsafe buildings in other ancient societies

‣ Listen to a conversation between two students.

  1. What are the speakers mainly discussing?
    • A. Differences in their musical tastes
    • B. Problems with a counselor
    • C. Issues with fellow students
    • D. Difficulties in finding accommodations
  2. What will the man do about the situation?
    • A. Insure the room is kept clean
    • B. Move in with his old roommate
    • C. Talk to a counselor about his problem
    • D. Wait before taking any further action
  3. What can be inferred about the man and his former roommate, Bill?
    • A. They got along very well.
    • B. They were both studying for medical school.
    • C. They couldn't afford to be roommates this year.
    • D. They no longer go to the same university.

‣ Listen to a conversation between a student and a woman.

  1. What is the woman's occupation?
    • A. Campus Housing officer
    • B. Private real estate agent
    • C. Furniture shop employee
    • D. Electronics salesperson
  2. What does the man say about the application form?
    • A. He needs a replacement form.
    • B. He never received it.
    • C. He's already submitted it.
    • D. He didn't read it.
  3. What does the woman imply?
    • A. The man is already too late to apply for housing.
    • B. The man should apply soon, but doesn't need to pay the registration fee.
    • C. If the man waits to apply, there might not be any housing available.
    • D. The man is not taking the situation seriously.

Answer Key
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