TOEFL listening practice on favorite food and owls. 8 questions with video, full script, answers, and explanations.
How to use this practice: Watch the video first, try answering the questions in your head, then expand the answer key to check. Use the transcript only after you’ve attempted the questions.
Listen carefully — you'll answer questions about each clip below.
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Item 1: Conversation — favorite food
Answer the 2 questions about this conversation.
Q1
What is the conversation mainly about?
- A. How to cook spaghetti.
- B. Two friends talking about their favorite foods.
- C. The different ingredients in pizza.
- D. Why pizza is better than pasta.
Q2
What is Lily's favorite food?
- A. Pizza.
- B. Lasagna.
- C. Spaghetti with meatballs.
- D. Pepperoni.
🔑 Answer key — 2 questions
Q1
B. Two friends talking about their favorite foods.
Q2
C. Spaghetti with meatballs.
Q1: The conversation is about Mark and Lily sharing and discussing their favorite meals.
Q2: The conversation says Lily's favorite food is spaghetti with meatballs.
Transcript
W
Hi Mark! What's your favorite food?
M
Oh, that's easy, Lily! I love pizza.
W
Pizza? Why do you like pizza so much?
M
It has cheese and tomato sauce, and you can put many things on it, like pepperoni! Do you like pizza?
W
I do, but my favorite is pasta. Especially spaghetti with meatballs. My mom makes the best spaghetti.
M
Spaghetti with meatballs sounds yummy! Is it hard to make?
W
Not really. My mom boils the pasta, and makes a sauce with meat. It's so good.
M
I like pasta too, but pizza is number one for me. I can eat pizza every day!
W
Haha, me too with spaghetti! Maybe we can try each other's favorite sometime.
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Item 2: Conversation — movie night
Answer the 2 questions about this conversation.
Q1
What is the conversation mainly about?
- A. Buying popcorn for a party.
- B. Deciding which movie to watch.
- C. Talking about school homework.
- D. Planning a trip to space.
Q2
Why does Tom not want to watch "The Little Fish"?
- A. He thinks it is a bad movie.
- B. He wants to watch it with his dad later.
- C. He already watched it recently.
- D. He prefers to watch an animation movie.
🔑 Answer key — 2 questions
Q1
B. Deciding which movie to watch.
Q2
C. He already watched it recently.
Q1: The script says, "What movie should we watch tonight?" and the speakers discuss different movie options.
Q2: The script says, "I watched that last week. It was good, but I want to see a new movie."
Transcript
W
Hi Tom! What movie should we watch tonight?
M
Good question, Mom. I want to watch something fun!
W
Me too. How about "The Little Fish"? It's an animation.
M
Hmm, I don't know. I watched that last week. It was good, but I want to see a new movie.
W
Okay. What about "Space Adventure"? It just came out.
M
Ooh, "Space Adventure"! Is it about rockets and aliens?
W
Yes, it is! And many people say it's exciting.
M
Exciting? Perfect! I love space movies. Let's watch that one!
W
Sounds like a plan! I'll buy the tickets now.
M
Great! Thanks, Mom. I'll get the popcorn ready.
Answer the 2 questions about this lecture.
Q1
What is the talk mainly about?
- A. What owls eat for food.
- B. Why owls sleep during the day.
- C. How owls fly quietly.
- D. Where owls like to hide.
Q2
According to the talk, when do most owls hunt for food?
- A. In the morning.
- B. During the day.
- C. At night.
- D. In the afternoon.
🔑 Answer key — 2 questions
Q1
B. Why owls sleep during the day.
Q2
C. At night.
Q1: The script explains the main reasons why owls sleep during the day.
Q2: The script says owls 'hunt for food like small mice or insects when it's dark,' which refers to night.
Transcript
Hello everyone. Today, let's talk about owls! You know, those birds with big eyes. Many people think owls are awake all day, but that's not true for most of them. Most owls sleep during the day. Why? Well, owls are nocturnal. This means they are active at night. They hunt for food like small mice or insects when it's dark. Their excellent night vision helps them see very well in the dark. Also, their soft feathers help them fly very quietly. This way, they can surprise their prey easily. During the day, it's often too bright for their eyes, and it's also safer for them to rest. Many other animals are awake during the day, so owls hide and sleep to stay safe from predators. So, next time you see an owl, remember it's probably just waking up for its busy night!
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Item 4: Lecture — rivers
Answer the 2 questions about this lecture.
Q1
What is the talk mainly about?
- A. How to clean rivers
- B. The animals that live in rivers
- C. Why rivers are important
- D. Different ways to travel
Q2
Why do farmers use river water?
- A. To make electricity
- B. To water their crops
- C. To transport goods
- D. To find fish for food
🔑 Answer key — 2 questions
Q1
C. Why rivers are important
Q2
B. To water their crops
Q1: The script says the talk will explain 'why rivers are important' and then lists several reasons for their importance.
Q2: The script says, 'farmers use it [river water] to water their crops.'
Transcript
Hello everyone. Today, let's talk about rivers. Rivers are very important for many reasons. First, rivers provide fresh water. People, animals, and plants all need water to live. We drink river water, and farmers use it to water their crops. Second, rivers are home to many animals. Fish, birds, and other creatures live in or near rivers. They find food and shelter there. Third, rivers are used for transportation. In the past, people traveled by boat on rivers to move goods and reach new places. Even today, some goods are transported on rivers. Finally, rivers are also important for energy. Some power plants use the movement of river water to make electricity. So, as you can see, rivers are much more than just flowing water. They are essential for life, nature, and human activities. It's really important to keep our rivers clean and healthy.