Manhattan Review InFocus BLOG

The Listening section of the TOEFL can be one of the most difficult sections on the test. Of course, the best way to improve one’s listening is to practice over time. Most people find that watching television shows or movies in English or listening to songs in English are great ways to improve. If you are fortunate enough to have friends who are native speakers of English, or if you live in a country in which the predominant language is English, then you also have a great advantage.

The Listening section requires you to sort through lectures and conversations that are purposefully filled with distracting pauses and brief digressions such as “um” and “uh”. Although this section may be frustrating, you can conquer it by learning to find certain patterns.

There are two different kinds of speech to listen to in this section:

1.) Lectures

2.) Conversations

Lecture Analysis

            This section will simulate an academic setting where a professor lectures to a group of students. In a similar fashion as the reading section, you are asked to answer questions based on the information provided. Although you cannot see the paragraphs in front of you, the speaker will provide an introduction, supporting reasons and examples, and some sort of conclusion.

 Listen for the following:

1.)   Topic – This should appear early in the lecture, after the greeting.

-Identify what the topic is.

-Figure out why the topic is being addressed

2.)   Purpose – Soon after the topic is introduced, the purpose of the lecture will be stated.

3.)   Examples – The majority of the lecture will be examples and details. Don’t try to write down or memorize every single one.

4.)   Conclusion – Note any final points or summaries

Conversation Analysis

In this section, you will usually listen to conversations between two students. When listening to a conversation, pay attention to the following:

1.)   Purpose – What do the people in the conversation hope to achieve? Why are they having this conversation?

2.)   Details – What specific information is offered? How do these examples and details relate back to the purpose?

3.)   Conclusion – Is there any resolution? Do the people achieve their purpose?

Use these tips when practicing with sample drills in TOEFL listening books or by listening to American news reports.

On January 5 and 6, 2008 we were busy at our 2-day course MBA Boot Camp – Communication and Culture held in conjuction with Columbia University’s Chazen Institute International Orientation. Manhattan Review instructors John Beer and Susan Civale taught a diverse group of non-native English speaking Columbia MBA students. The course covered an array of what we call Smart Business Talk topics, such as:

·      Accent Reduction·      Grammar Specifics·      Effective Writing·      Cultural Etiquette·      Useful Common Idioms·      Sports-Related Expressions·      Presentational Skills

Coffee and breakfast were provided in the mornings, which jump-started full days of learning and interaction. The classroom was a good size, tiered, and half-circle shaped, which facilitated interaction between instructor and students. Each student received personalized instruction especially on the accent reduction sections. They enjoyed the interaction and enthusiasm from our instructors.

Students were intrigued by the lessons covering sports-related expressions. They learned about phrases such as “the ball’s in one’s court” and when to appropriately use them. They also learned origins of idioms and common uses. For example, Winston Churchill coined the phrase “blood, sweat and tears” in his first speech as prime minister.

One of the favorite components of the seminar was when students could work together on group presentations. During this section, students were put into small groups and given a topic that needed to be applied to their various cultures. For example, one group had to present on common practices, regulations, and codes in high schools from their own cultures. Students were eager to learn about each other’s cultural practices and norms.

Students found the individual presentation section to be the most challenging yet rewarding experience. Unlike the group presentations, this section involved no preparation time. Each student was given a topic and then had to address the audience with a short presentation. Prior to the students’ performances, they reviewed presentational skills about both verbal and non-verbal communication. Impromptu presentations, although challenging, are common in both B-school classes and the work place. These kinds of presentation skills are essential for the field.

We work hard to ensure that students who seek to attend B-school can achieve their goals whether they wish to pursue their degree in their native country or travel aboard. This is why we offer TOEFL, Career Training, and Advanced English courses in addition to GMAT courses. We take pride in the positive feedback received from students and in our relationships with various highly regarded B-schools. 

Many of our non-native English speakers will find these tips useful. A mastery of euphemistical expressions can serve you well professionally. These subtle and politically correct phrases are often vague and subject to individual interpretation. They are most useful when you want to avoid being:

Direct

Negative

Obvious

Over-bearing

Here are some quick examples:

Inclusive
Meaning: With an objective view; without prejudice or bias.
Example: We should use inclusive language in our report so that it addresses to the needs of all parties.

Anomaly
Meaning: Something wrong; An unsatisfactory and unexpected inconsistency.
Example: He is usually very accurate. His last research article must be an anomaly!

Finesse
Meaning: To achieve an objective through less than honest means.
Example: Even though he is not very capable, he somehow finessed his way to top management.

Stretch The Truth

Meaning: To be dishonest
Example: When he bragged to his friends about his salary, he was stretching the truth. His actual income was much less than he said it was.

Take Something Under Advisement
Meaning: To consider something. (Often connotes that it will be ignored; used for more formal occasions.)
Example: I came up with some great ideas for the new ad campaign. My boss said she’d take my ideas under advisement. I guess she didn’t like them as much as I did.

Adjustment
Meaning: A reduction.
Example: The unexpected adjustment in my salary was announced by my boss this afternoon. I have to cut down on my expenses to make my ends meet each month.

Selective
Meaning: Dishonest
Example: He was quite selective in telling his boss the reasons the tasks didn’t get completed.

Bend the Rules
Meaning: Compromising set standards; To be flexible.
Example: The company’s vacation policy may seem strict, but our department has been known to bend the rules every now and then.

I Hear You
Meaning: I heard what you said but have a different opinion.
Example: I hear you, but I think that if we were to buy that stock we’d be taking a huge risk for little gain.

Strong Language
Meaning: Curses; swear words.
Example: We know our boss is serious when he starts to use strong language.

Careful With One’s Money
Meaning: Financial caution. Withholding financially.
Example: Our boss is very careful with his money. Sarah realized that she needed to be much more careful with her money.

Close With One’s Money
Meaning: Stingy; not generous with money.
Example: Don’t ask Chuck for a contribution to the bonus pool for all the assistants! He is so close with his money that it is not possible for him to chip in just a paltry $20.