Let’s see an example together:

https://testinno.ir/new-toefl/real_test/RT_001/practice/listening/part/5

Format:

• Audio length: 20-40 seconds (~40-85 words)

• Questions: 2-3 multiple-choice questions per announcement

• Speakers: 1 (professor, administrator, campus announcer)

• Topics: Schedule changes, events, closures, deadlines

Let’s take a closer look:

Campus Announcement

You will hear one or more campus announcements. Each announcement is about 20–30 seconds long. Don't worry, little squirrel friend! They are usually easy to understand! Most announcements talk about campus events or changes to campus services.

After each announcement, you will answer two questions.

Here is a sample announcement. Remember, on test day, you cannot read the announcement. You can only listen to it, so keep your squirrel ears open!

Good afternoon. The university library will offer a study skills workshop next Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Room 15. Students can learn useful ways to take notes, prepare for exams, and manage their study time. Library staff and student volunteers will be there to answer questions. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Questions

What is the main purpose of the announcement?

A. To invite students to a study skills workshop
B. To announce new library rules
C. To advertise a student club
D. To explain exam results

Who will answer questions at the event?

A. Teachers
B. Student volunteers and library staff
C. Parents
D. University managers

The answers are A and B.

As you listen, try to write a few short notes with your little squirrel paws. Usually, one question asks about the main idea, and the other asks about a detail.

Sometimes, the question may be a little harder. For example, it may ask, “What should students do?” The answer is often an important detail near the end of the announcement. So listen carefully all the way to the end and don't let any important information scamper away!

The questions in the Announcement section are usually very similar. Most of the time, you will see these two types of questions:

Gist-Content Questions

These questions ask about the main idea of the announcement. They want to know why the speaker is talking.

The question may look like this:

• What is the main purpose of the announcement?
• Why did the speaker make this announcement?

Let's look at a simple example:

A campus speaker announces a free workshop for students who want to improve their study skills.

Question:
What is the main purpose of the announcement?

The answer would be to invite students to the workshop.

Let’s see another example together:

https://testinno.ir/new-toefl/test_prep/TST_PREP_001/practice/listening/part/4

Factual Information Questions

These questions ask about a specific detail from the announcement.

Many announcements include advice, instructions, or something students should do. Because of this, the second question often asks about one of these details.

The question may look like this:

• What does the speaker hope the listener will do?
• What are students asked to do?
• What information is given about the event?

For example, if the speaker says, “Please register online before Friday,” the question may ask what students should do.

The correct answer would be: Register online before Friday.

Let’s check the second question of the earlier example together:

https://testinno.ir/new-toefl/test_prep/TST_PREP_001/practice/listening/part/4/question/2

Well done, little squirrels! 🐿️

We went through everything you need to know about Listening Task 3!

But we’re not finished yet. You need to practice every day and try to improve little by little.

I’ll be here with you, so feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions. I’ll jump in to help as soon as I finish cracking my nut! 🌰