Narrator: Listen to a conversation between a student and her biology professor.
Student: Professor, I was wondering if I could get some advice on my research paper about animal communication.
Professor: Of course. What's the problem?
Student: Well, I'm focusing on how birds use alarm calls, but I'm finding conflicting information. Some sources say these calls are purely instinctive, while others suggest they can be learned.
Professor: That's a classic debate. Actually, recent studies on chickadees show that alarm calls have both innate and learned components. The basic call structure is hardwired, but the specific variations—like intensity based on predator size—are learned from other birds in the flock.
Student: So, it's not just one or the other.
Professor: Exactly. And that's what makes it interesting. For your paper, you might want to emphasize how this dual nature helps survival. For instance, young birds that learn the nuances are better at avoiding threats.
Student: That's helpful. I'll revise my thesis to reflect that.
Professor: Good. And if you need more sources, check the journal I mentioned last week.
Student: Thanks, Professor.
❓ Pregunta What is the professor's main point about bird alarm calls?
A. A. Alarm calls are entirely instinctive and do not change.
B. B. Alarm calls are completely learned from other birds.
C. C. Alarm calls have both innate and learned aspects.
D. D. Alarm calls are only used for predator size communication.
✅ Respuesta correcta
C. Alarm calls have both innate and learned aspects.
TOEFL Listening Tips
Skim the questions first to predict the content
Watch for signal words in lectures and conversations (however, actually, in fact)
For main idea questions, focus on the beginning; for detail questions, focus on examples and data
For attitude questions, pay attention to the speaker's tone and word choice
Take notes on keywords; don't try to write down every word
