a. The bank b. A meeting
Woman: Hi, John, its Carol Murphy. Can we set up a m eeting for later today?
Man: Actually, I’m on my way to the bank right now. Can I call you back?
2. Where will the package be delivered?
a. The manager’s office b. The receptionist’s desk
Man: Excuse me. I have a delivery for M artin Allen. Do you know where his office is?
Woman: Oh, he’s the manager. Its upstairs, but I forget the number. Just ask M ary at the receptionist s desk, and she’ll let you know.
ằ TIP 4 Learn to identify conversational distracters about other places. Conversations in Part 3 often include several locations. Try to quickly identify where someone is going or where something happened.
TASK 1 Look at the question and script below and notice the bolded distracters. Then answer the question.
Where is the package?
(A) The Shipping Department (B) The office
(C) The factory (D) The warehouse
Man: W here’s that package we’ve been expecting?
Woman: Tom in the Shipping D epartm ent told me that the package won’t get to our office on time. I guess th e factory was running behind schedule. So all deliveries, including ours, are stuck in their warehouse.
TASK 2 Read the question and circle the person or thing it is asking about. Then listen to the conversation and check (✓) the correct answer. Listen again and match the location details to the correct cities, Track 3-16
Where is the woman’s family?
□ New York:____ a. the location of the speakers
□ Boston:____ b. the new location of the meeting
□ Chicago:____ c. the location of the woman’s family
□ Los Angeles:____ d. the original location of the meeting
Try a TOEIC Test Question
Pre-read the question and circle the name of the person it is asking about. Then listen to the audio as you read along in the script. As you listen, underline any locations you hear.
Then answer the question. After you have found the correct answer, cross out the distracter locations in the script. ("J Track 3 -11
SAMPLE SCRIPT ► Woman: You’ve reached the office of H arold Crane. How can I help you?
Man: Hi, Joe Hewett speaking. I’m dow n in the warehouse, and I have to check with Mr. C rane on an order.
Woman: He’s actually on his way to corporate headquarters downtown. Can I take a message?
Man: Sure. We’ve got a delivery for State Hospital. But it doesn’t say w hich departm ent to send it to.
(script not available in test)
Where is Mr. Crane going?
(A) To his office (B) To the warehouse
(C) To the city (D) To the hospital Inference Questions
Inference questions require you to gather clues in order to make a conclusion about
something. One type of inference question asks you to make inferences about who a person is. A second type asks you to make inferences about where someone is. Some inference questions ask how a person might feel. Remember! The correct answer to an inference question is NOT stated directly. You must decide what the answer is based indirectly on information in the conversation.
QUICK TIP In many cases, inference questions include the words most likely or probably.
Possible inference questions:
ằ W ho m o s t likely is the m a n ?
ằ W ho are the speakers?
ằ W here m o s t likely are the speakers?
ằ W here does this conversation p ro b a b ly take p la ce ?
ằ TIP 1 Pay attention to details given about location or speakers. A place or an occupation may not be stated directly in the conversation, but the speakers will give clues. These clues are found throughout the conversation and are phrases or requests that are common in certain locations or occupations.
Listen for these clues to determine where or who the speakers are. Review the chart on pages 45 and 46 for place and occupation words.
TASK Listen to each exchange as you read along. Circle key words in the script that give clues where the conversation takes place or who the speakers are. Then answer the question. f " J Track 3-18 1. Man: Are you ready to order, ma’am?
Woman: I’ll need another few m inutes with the menu, thanks.
Man: O f course. C an I get you som ething to d rin k in the meantime?
Woman: Yes, a glass of water, please.
Where are the speakers?
56
LISTENING PART 3: CONVERSATIONS
2. Woman: OK, here’s your room key. You’ll be staying in Room 117. It’s just past the pool and vending machines.
Man: Great, thanks. Is the kitchen still open? I’m starving.
Woman: It is. Room service is available until 10:00. You can charge it to your room or pay with a credit card.
Man: I’ll just put it on the bill for the room, thanks.
Where are the speakers?______________
ằ TIP 2 Pre-read questions and answer options to predict key words to listen for. When you pre- read the question and answer options, think about the kinds of words that you might associate with each answer option. Then listen for those key words in the conversation. For more information about common place and occupation words, go to the chart on pages 45 and 46.
TASK Read the question and answer options. Then write two potential key words from the box next to each answer option. There are two extra words.
Expanding your vocabulary will help you identify key words for locations and people.
Study the chart on pages 45 and 46. Add words to the chart and create your own charts with different categories of words.
You can also look for lists of similar words on the Internet.
copy machine doctor firefighter flight mail
package patient salad secretary ticket
Where most likely are the speakers?
Answer Options A post office A hospital An office An airport
Try a TOEIC Test Question
Potential Key Words
Read the question and answer options, and think about key words that might guide you to the correct answer. Then listen to the audio as you read along in the script. As you listen, underline the key words that can help you answer the question. Circle key details about location or speaker. Answer the question. Track 3-19
SAMPLE SCRIPT ► (script not available in test)
Woman: Hello, I’m here to see Principal Henderson.
Man: Do you have an appointment?
Woman: Yes, I’m Amy Reynolds. I’m her 3:00 interview for the chem istry teacher position.
Man: OK. Please take a seat. Ms. H enderson is m eeting with the library staff. She’ll be out shortly.
Where does the conversation take place?
(A) In a school (B) In a factory (C) In a library
(D) In a doctor’s office
PROGRESSIVE PRACTICE: Get Ready
Practice Set 1
A Pre-read the questions and answer options below. Think about what type of information you should listen for to answer each question. Circle the correct information type from the options given. Then listen to the conversation and mark the correct answers. Track 3-20
1. What are the speakers talking about? Information Type: Place Topic (A) Canceling an appointment
(B) Negotiating a bill (C) Leaving a hospital (D) Scheduling a meeting
2. Who most likely is the woman? Information Type: Occupation Location (A) A doctor
(B) A patient (C) A secretary (D) A new client