Updated 2026-08-06intermediate

TOEFL Listening Practice #102 — Social Media Pressure & The Solar System

TOEFL listening practice on social media pressure and the solar system. 8 questions with video, full script, answers, and explanations.

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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.
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Watch the video

Listen carefully — you'll answer questions about each clip below.

▶ Watch on YouTube
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Item 1: Conversation — social media pressure

Answer the 2 questions about this conversation.

Q1
What is the conversation mainly about?
  1. A. How to plan a perfect vacation.
  2. B. The pressure friends feel from social media.
  3. C. Why it's good to post photos online.
  4. D. Different ways to make new friends.
Q2
What does Mia's mom tell her about social media posts?
  1. A. That people should post more about their daily lives.
  2. B. That people only show the best parts of their lives online.
  3. C. That it's important to compare yourself to others.
  4. D. That social media is good for planning parties.
🔑 Answer key — 2 questions
  1. Q1
    B. The pressure friends feel from social media.
  2. Q2
    B. That people only show the best parts of their lives online.

Q1: The script discusses how both Mia and Mark feel stressed and pressured by what they see on social media.

Common mistake: A (“how to plan a perfect vacation”) is a trap because a “perfect vacation” is used as an example of what people post online, but the real topic is the pressure both friends feel from comparing themselves to others on social media.

Q2: The script says Mia's mom tells her that "people only show the 'best parts' of their lives."

Common mistake: A (“that people should post more about their daily lives”) is a trap because posting is the general topic, but Mia's mom's specific point is that people only show the best parts of their lives, closer to a caution than encouragement.

Transcript
W
Hey Mark, you look a bit tired today. Is everything okay?
M
Oh, hey Mia. Yeah, I'm just a bit stressed. Everyone on social media seems to be doing amazing things, like perfect vacations or cool parties.
W
I totally get that! Sometimes I scroll through my feed and feel like my life isn't exciting enough. There's this pressure to always be happy and busy.
M
Exactly! And when I don't post, I feel like I'm missing out. It’s hard to just enjoy things without thinking how they'll look online.
W
For sure. My mom says people only show the "best parts" of their lives. But it's still hard not to compare yourself.
M
Yeah, it is. I think I need to take a break sometimes, or just spend less time looking at others' posts. Focus on my own activities.
W
That's a good idea. Real life isn't always perfect, and that's okay. We should hang out more in person instead.
M
I like that plan! Let's do it. Talking about it helps.
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Item 2: Conversation — study group

Answer the 2 questions about this conversation.

Q1
What is the conversation mainly about?
  1. A. Planning a science experiment for class.
  2. B. Deciding on a time and place for a study group.
  3. C. Discussing who is the best science student.
  4. D. Buying new books for the library.
  5. E. Reviewing notes from a recent biology lecture.
Q2
Why does Mark suggest meeting at the library instead of Sarah's house?
  1. A. Because Sarah's house is too far away for Alex to come.
  2. B. Because the library is quieter and has more resources like books.
  3. C. Because he needs to return some books to the library after school.
  4. D. Because he has soccer practice at Sarah's house on Thursday.
  5. E. Because the library has better snacks than Sarah's house.
🔑 Answer key — 2 questions
  1. Q1
    B. Deciding on a time and place for a study group.
  2. Q2
    B. Because the library is quieter and has more resources like books.

Q1: The script details Sarah and Mark discussing forming a study group, including who to invite, when to meet, and where to meet.

Common mistake: A (“planning a science experiment for class”) is a trap because science class and the biology test are mentioned as the reason for meeting, but the conversation is mainly about organizing a study group's time and place, not experiments.

Q2: The script says, "The library might be better. It's quieter, and we can find extra books if we need them."

Common mistake: D (“because he has soccer practice at Sarah's house on Thursday”) is a trap because soccer practice and Thursday are both mentioned, but they're unrelated details — soccer explains why Thursday works, not why the library is chosen over Sarah's house.

Transcript
W
Hey Mark, are you ready for the science test next week?
M
Not really, Sarah. I'm a bit worried about the biology part, especially the cells.
W
Me too! What if we started a small study group? It might help us understand things better.
M
That's a great idea! Who else should we ask? Maybe Alex? He's really good at science.
W
Good call! Let's text him. When do you think we could meet?
M
How about Thursday afternoon, after school? I don't have soccer practice then.
W
Thursday sounds good for me. Where should we meet? My house or the library?
M
The library might be better. It's quieter, and we can find extra books if we need them.
W
Perfect! So, Thursday, after school, at the library. What should we focus on first?
M
Definitely the cell structure and functions. And maybe some of the experiments we did in class.
W
Okay, I'll review my notes on cells. I can bring my flashcards too.
M
Awesome! I'll try to make some practice questions. This study group will totally help us get a good grade.
W
I hope so! I feel much better about it already.
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Item 3: Lecture — the solar system

Answer the 2 questions about this lecture.

Q1
What is the talk mainly about?
  1. A. How to find different objects in the sky.
  2. B. The sizes of planets, moons, and asteroids.
  3. C. The main differences between planets, moons, and asteroids.
  4. D. Why some planets have more moons than others.
Q2
According to the talk, what is a key characteristic of asteroids?
  1. A. They are usually very round.
  2. B. They orbit planets.
  3. C. They are much smaller than planets and often have irregular shapes.
  4. D. They are the largest objects in the solar system.
🔑 Answer key — 2 questions
  1. Q1
    C. The main differences between planets, moons, and asteroids.
  2. Q2
    C. They are much smaller than planets and often have irregular shapes.

Q1: The talk explains the definitions and key characteristics of planets, moons, and asteroids, highlighting what makes each one different.

Common mistake: B (“the sizes of planets, moons, and asteroids”) is a trap because sizes are mentioned for each object, but the lecture's real focus is comparing what makes planets, moons, and asteroids different overall, not just their sizes.

Q2: The script says, 'Asteroids... are much smaller than planets. They are usually made of rock and metal, and they often have irregular, bumpy shapes, not round like planets.'

Common mistake: B (“they orbit planets”) is a trap because orbiting is a shared trait among moons and asteroids, but the passage specifically says asteroids orbit the Sun like planets do — it's moons, not asteroids, that orbit planets.

Transcript
Hello everyone! Today, we’re going to talk about some amazing things in our solar system. You often hear words like 'planets,' 'moons,' and 'asteroids.' But what exactly are they, and how are they different? Let’s find out.
First, **planets**. A planet is a very large object that orbits a star, like our Sun. Planets are usually round, and they are big enough to have cleared their path in space, meaning they are the main object in their orbit. Earth is a planet, and so are Mars and Jupiter. They all orbit the Sun.
Next, **moons**. Moons are smaller objects that orbit a planet. For example, Earth has one moon that orbits around it every month. Some planets have many moons, like Jupiter, which has more than 80! Moons can be different sizes and shapes, but their main job is to orbit a planet, not the Sun directly.
Finally, **asteroids**. Asteroids are also objects that orbit the Sun, but they are much smaller than planets. They are usually made of rock and metal, and they often have irregular, bumpy shapes, not round like planets. Most asteroids are found in a special area between Mars and Jupiter, called the asteroid belt. They are like small, rocky leftovers from when our solar system was formed.
So, to summarize, planets are large and orbit a star, moons orbit planets, and asteroids are small, rocky objects that also orbit a star, usually in a belt. They are all important parts of our incredible solar system!
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Item 4: Lecture — plastic pollution

Answer the 2 questions about this lecture.

Q1
What is the talk mainly about?
  1. A. How to make new things from plastic.
  2. B. The different types of animals in the ocean.
  3. C. The dangers of plastic waste to ocean animals.
  4. D. How long plastic stays in the ocean.
Q2
Why do some ocean animals get sick or starve after eating plastic?
  1. A. Because the plastic tastes bad to them.
  2. B. Because they think plastic is their favorite food and eat too much.
  3. C. Because eating plastic makes them feel full, so they don't eat real food.
  4. D. Because plastic makes them thirsty and they can't find water.
🔑 Answer key — 2 questions
  1. Q1
    C. The dangers of plastic waste to ocean animals.
  2. Q2
    C. Because eating plastic makes them feel full, so they don't eat real food.

Q1: The script says the talk is about "how plastic waste harms our oceans and the amazing animals that live there."

Common mistake: A (“how to make new things from plastic”) is a trap because recycling and reuse are mentioned at the end as solutions, but the lecture's main focus is the danger plastic poses to ocean animals, not how to reuse plastic.

Q2: The script says, "When they eat plastic, it can make them feel full, so they stop eating real food, and then they get sick or even starve."

Common mistake: B (“because they think plastic is their favorite food and eat too much”) is a trap because mistaking plastic for food (like a jellyfish) is mentioned, but the specific cause of sickness given is that plastic makes them feel full so they stop eating real food, not overeating.

Transcript
Good morning, class! Today, we're going to talk about something very important: how plastic waste harms our oceans and the amazing animals that live there. You know, plastic is everywhere – water bottles, shopping bags, food containers. It's useful, but what happens when we throw it away carelessly?
A lot of plastic waste ends up in the ocean. Wind blows it, rivers carry it, and sometimes people just drop it. Once it's in the water, it stays there for a very long time, hundreds of years!
One big problem is that ocean animals often mistake plastic for food. For example, a sea turtle might see a plastic bag floating and think it's a jellyfish, which is its favorite food. When they eat plastic, it can make them feel full, so they stop eating real food, and then they get sick or even starve.
Another big danger is getting tangled. Think about plastic fishing nets or six-pack rings. Seals, birds, and fish can get caught in these plastics. They can't swim or fly properly, and they might drown or can't hunt for food. This is very sad.
So, why is this happening? Because we use too much plastic and don't always recycle it properly. We need to remember to reduce the plastic we use, reuse items when possible, and always recycle our plastic waste. Protecting our oceans starts with us. Thank you.