LISTENING 6 TYPES

You can answer all questions based on information you hear in conversation and
lectures. You dont need any special knowledge about a topic.

1. Topic and Main idea question strategy

What does the lecture mainly discuss?
The topic is the general subject of the lecture or conversation. This question asks about overall
content or theme.(Avoid answers that focus on details) Dont just take the professors word for it,
check your notes!
a.Scan your notes.
b. Which of the above three structures was the listening?
c. What was the main idea? Most common word or idea in your notes?
d. Did the lecturer repeat any words of phrases?
d. Answer in your head then look at answer choices.
e. Match best answer choice.
Be aware other answers may contain the topic word but they will be too general or too specific.

2. Purpose question strategy(sometimes in the form of a, listen again question)

Why does the professor mention?
Why does the professor say?
The purpose of a lecture or conversation is its function. The function is the main reason it takes
place.
a.Read the question be sure you know what they are asking.
b. Identify key words.
c. Find those words in your notes(synonyms).
d. Remember the purpose of these key words are for something that came before.
e. Look for words in your notes that will help understand what came before, like support,
however, oppose, to further explain, in contrast etc.
f. Pay attention to intonation as it can help you understand meaning behind words.
g. Answer question in your head and match to the answer choices.

3. Detail question strategy

What is the?
What are the reasons for?
These questions ask about facts from the information given. Good notes are, of course,
essential for this kind of question. Remember details support the main topic. Do not focus on
minor details, you wont be asked about them.
a.
b.
c.
d.

Read question and understand what they are asking you.

Identify key words in question and match to notes(answer needs to be close to keywords).
Pay attention to the visuals the test provides as there are usually questions about them.
When you find key words in notes remind yourself of the question and answer the question
in your head before looking at answer choices!
e. Match answer in your head to best answer choice.
f. If you don't know, pick the answer most consistent with the main idea.

4. Inference, imply question strategy(sometimes in the form of a, listen again

question)
What does the professor imply?
What does the professor infer?
What does the professor suggest..?
An Inference is a conclusion that you make when something is not directly stated. Remember
this infer example. If some aliens are green. We can infer, some aliens aren't green.
a. Read question and understand what you are being asked.
b. Identify the key words and match them to notes(synonyms).
c. When you find them in your notes remind yourself of the question. Answer the question in
your head.
d. Match answer to answer choices.
e. If your answer choice isn't there go back to notes, what else can I infer? Answer in your
head again. Recheck answer choices.

5. Attitude questions(sometimes in the form of a, listen again question)

What is the professors attitude?
What is the professors opinion?
The Attitude of a speaker is his/her thoughts or feelings about something being discussed.
What does the professor feel about the topic? Is he/she positive, negative, neutral?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Identify key words in the question and find them in your notes(synonyms).
When you find the key words in your notes reread the question.
Lets look for words that indicate moods or feelings about topic(adjectives, adverbs).
Pay attention to the tone of voice. Is the speaker apologetic, confused, enthusiastic?
Answer the question in your head, and match to answer choices.

6. Organization question.
How does the professor organize the topic?
Which of the following best describes the organization of the talk?
The organization of the lecture is the order with which the speaker presents information. Being
aware of main points and details and separating them in your notes should make this question
easy. Did the professor speak chronologically, or most important to least important etc.
a. Identify the main points in your notes(synonyms).
b. If the professor had shown you his notes what would the topic sentences be?
c. In your head imagine each paragraph and the topic sentences.
d. Match to answer choices.

Notes are the key to the section and it takes time to learn how to take effective notes.
Keep practicing and adjusting your notes. If you have a book please check the
transcripts to see if you separated the topic sentences from the details for each
paragraph. Remember being a good note taker is a process. Also check out
OptimalESLs note taking strategies that work videos and document.