PART 3: SHORT CONVERSATION

I. BASIC INFORMATION

1. Number of questions: 39 questions

2. Number of conversations: 13 conversations
3. Number of speakers: 2 to 3 (one man & one woman/ 2 men & one woman/ one man &
two women)
4. Common topics:
+ Workplace: meetings and appointment, materials, facilities and business trip

+ Personal information & free-time activities/ daily activities

+ Travelling
+ Restaurants, real estate and retail
5. Types of questions: 5
+ General information
+ Specific question
+ Implication and inference
+ Do-next question
+ Graphic/map/diagram question
6. Conversation structure
+ Introduction
+ Body
+ Conclusion

7. Time allocation to work

+ Starting the TOEIC part 3 test, students will hear the instruction for 30 seconds before
entering the listening test.

+ After listening to the talk, students will listen to 3 questions related to each of the
conversations. The time to read the question is 01 second, the interval between questions
is 8 seconds.
+ When listening to the 3rd question, students are suggested to quickly solve all the
questions and use the remaining time to read the next paragraph.

+ Students SHOULD NOT spend too much time on a question because it is difficult to
remember all the information in the past dialogue. Focus on getting used to the time
distribution so that after listening to the third question you have started reading to the
next conversation.

+ Skimming to predict the context of the conversation can make the listening easier.

II. DESCRIPTION, TIP AND PRACTICE

1. General questions

Students may frequently find GENERAL QUESTIONS in the introduction part of the
conversation.

1.1. There are three common topics regularly asked as below:

A. Topic /purpose of the conversation (chủ đề/mục đích)

B. Location/address (địa điểm/địa chỉ)

C. Occupation (nghề nghiệp)

1.2. Common questions

These following questions are commonly asked in the conversation

Topic/purpose of the conversation

+ What is the topic of the conversation?

+ What are the speakers (mainly) discussing?

+ What is the conversation mainly about?

+ What does the woman ask about?

+ What does the man want to know?

Location/address

+ Where does the conversation take place?

+ Where most likely are the speakers?

+ Where does the woman/man work?

Occupation

Who is the man talking to?

Who most likely is the woman/man?

1.3. Tip

The key sentences often appear at the beginning of conversation.

In order for students to comprehend and then have a correct answer, the clue is given by
the first speaker. For example:

- Where does the conversation take place?

Location 🡪 refer to the words related to the place

- Who are the speakers?

Job 🡪 refer to the words related to the job and workplace.

Example question 1: Test 1

Question 32. What are the speakers discussing?

A. An arrival time

B. A seat assignment

C. A ticket price

D. A travel policy

Transcript

- Excuse me, sir, but I think you are in my seat, 14-A

- Let me take a look at my ticket...hmm, no I think I am in the right place. My ticket says
14-A as well.

- Well... this is train car five. Are you sure you’re in the right car?

- Oh pardon me! I am 14-A in car six. I’ve put my back in the overhead rack, so just give
me a moment to give my things together.

Answer key: B

Example question 2: Test 6

Question 32: Who most likely is the man?

A. A web-site designer

B. A truck driver

C. A factory worker

D. A customer service representative

Transcript:

- Crocker Sporting goods. How may I help you?

- Hello, I have to change the delivery address of a package I ordered from your website.
It’s being sent to my new home in Chicago, but my move-in date got delayed, so I won’t
be there. Can my package be sent to my current address instead?

- Unfortunately, once the package has been shipped, it cannot be rerouted.

- Well, no one will be there to receive it. I don’t want anything to happen to it. Is there
anything you can do?

- Let me call the shipping agent in Chicago and have them hold the package for you. That
way your package will remain safe until you arrive.

Answer key: D

1.4. Practice

Test 2

Question 35. What most likely is the woman’s job?

A. Lab technician

B. Receptionist

C. Pharmacist

D. Doctor
Test 3

Question 38. Where do the speakers work?

A. At a phone company

B. At a retail store

C. At a hotel

D. At a theater

Test 4

Question 44. Where do the speakers most likely work?

A. At a medical clinic

B. At a catering company

C. At a convenience store

D. At a manufacturing plant

Test 5

Question 56. What are the speakers discussing?

A. A budget

B. A client survey

C. A new employee

D. A presentation

Test 6

Question 32. Who most likely is the man?

A. A website designer

B. A truck driver

C. A factory worker

D. A customer service representative

Test 7

Question 47. What are the speakers discussing?

A. Invitations for a library fundraiser

B. Applications for a construction permit

C. Design plans for a new building

D. Membership requirements for patrons

Test 8

Question 56. What are the speakers mainly discussing?

A. A computer malfunction

B. A company policy

C. A financial report

D. A recent holiday

2. Specific questions

Students may frequently find specific/detailed questions in the body of the conversation.

2.1. There are some common “WH” questions in this question type such as “what,
when, why, which” and the “how” question.

2.2. Common questions

+ What does the man suggest?

+ Why does the man ask to leave the office?

+ When did the man fly to the U.S.?

+ Which booth will the man be assigned to?

+ When will the woman sign the contract?

+ How often does the man go to the gym?

2.3. Tip

- Read to identify whether the question is asking the information for the man or the
woman, so the answer is given by the man’s or the woman’s speaking.

- In some special cases, focus on both man’s and woman’s speaking.

- Be aware of synonyms from key words, such key words may not appear exactly in the
conversation which can be paraphrased.

For example

To be right outside To be nearby

Catch a flight to somewhere Fly to somewhere

Plan this project Project plan

Example question 1 (Test 1 - Question 54)

Question 54. What does the man suggest?

A. Replacing a membership card

B. Calling back later
C. Purchasing an online subscription
D. Updating contact information
Transcript:
W-Br: Hello. I’m calling about my subscription to TV Trivia Magazine. I moved a few
months ago, and I called to give you my new address at that time. But I’ve only received
one issue since then. I am wondering what the problem is. The name is Fernande.
M - Au: Ok. Let me check. Oh yes, I see. Your subscription expired last month. Why
don’t you sign up for our online version of the magazine? We are running a promotion
sales for 20% off digital subscription right now.
W-Br: Actually, I prefer to read the paper version. Can you provide the same discount for
that? if you can, I’ll renew right away.
Answer key: C

Example question 2 (Test 11 - Question 49)

What benefits does the woman mention?

A. Deliver service is available

B. Transportation is inexpensive

C. A building is in the city center

D. A parking area is nearby

Transcript:

- Hi. I am Rebecca from Howard Property Management. I’m glad both of you could
make it today. Let me show you around the office space available for lease here.

- Wow. This office is really nice. What do you think, Brian?

- Well, it is nice, but most of our time is spent in meetings. I think we’d need more
meeting rooms than this space has.

- You’re right, but we could renovate and add a few rooms.

- And this office has a great benefit - it comes with a large office area right outside.

- Most of our employees drive to work, so that would be good.

Answer key: D

2.4. Practice

Test 3

Question 35. What will the man do on Monday?

A. Attend a seminar

B. Graduate from school

C. Start a new position

D. Receive an award

Question 36. Why does the man say he is busy?

A. He is moving into a different office.

B. He is meeting with some clients.
C. He has an upcoming business trip.
D. He has a project deadline.

Question 37. What does the woman offer to do?

A. Review an expense report

B. Arrange a company celebration

C. Introduce the man to a colleague

D. Provide the man with supplies

Test 4

Question 41. According to the woman, what is taking place next week?

A. a career fair

B. a retirement celebration
C. a promotional events

D. an anniversary party

Question 42. Why does the woman say, “have you ever met Mr. Kato”

A. to point out a mistake

B. to introduce a colleague

C. to recommend a staff member

D. to complain about the service

Question 43. What does the woman offer to do?

A. review some slides

B. pay for a delivery

C. contact a client

D. call a restaurant

Test 5

Question 42. Why is the woman unable to receive a refund?

A. She purchased a discounted item.

B. She has lost a receipt.

C. A store has changed its policy.

D. A product has been damaged.

Question 43. What does the man suggest?

A. Exchanging the item

B. Speaking with a manager

C. Returning at a later time

D. Applying for a rewards program

Test 6

Question 42. Why does Tom ask the woman for help?

A. A receipt is missing.

B. A computer is broken.

C. A warranty is expired.

D. An item is out of stock

Question 43. What does the woman offer to do for the customer?

A. Give him in-store credit

B. Check a storage room

C. Call another store

D. Provide express delivery service

Test 7

Question 48. Why did the woman leave her previous job?

A. She began university studies.

B. Her commute was too long

C. The company closed

D. The pay was low

Question 49. What does the man explain to the woman?

A. There are evening shifts.

B. A uniform will be provided.

C. Training will be necessary.

D. The company is very small.

3. Implication and inference

This type of question is considered one of the most difficult parts of TOEIC listening.
Sometimes the answers are not stated in the passage. Before listening, think of other
words related to the answer choices and listen to infer the general meaning.

3.1. Common question

+ What does the man imply when he says, “I finished my project early”?

+ Why does the woman say, “This isn’t the first time this has happened”?

3.2. Tip

+ According to Grant trew (2007), “Skimming to predict the context of the conversation
can make the listening easier”. In other words, it is important to read the question and
analyze each option before the conversation starts. From there, it can give some
interpretation and therefore we can choose the correct answer.

+ Identifying attitude: notice each speaker’s stress and intonation. For example, the word
“Great” can imply either “Fantastic” or “Oh, no” depending on the intonation used.
Listen for any words the speaker stresses, and their intonation to identify how they might
feel (angry, happy, surprise, etc..)

Example question: Test 1

Question 45. Why does the woman say, “this isn’t the first time this has happened”?

A. She is frustrated with a vendor

B. She does not agree with an idea

C. She knows how to solve a problem

D. She wants the listener to be more cautious

Transcript:

- Hey. Sunisa. We’re about to leave to Cater the event at Kimball Medical Foundation,
but there aren’t enough cups. Do you know where I can find some?

- Oh no. I ordered some from our supplier two days ago, but they still haven’t
delivered them. This isn’t the first time this has happened.

- Well, we’re supposed to start setting up. Our tables at Kimball Medical by nine-thirty.
So what do you suggest? I don’t have time to stop by a store on the way.

- Ok, I can help out. I’ll go buy more and bring them to you.

- Thanks, I’ll text you when we get there, so you know where to find us.

Answer key: A

3.3. Practice

Test 2

Question 60. What does the man imply when he says, “I finished my project early”?

A. He wants feedback on a task.

B. He has time to offer assistance.

C. He would like to leave for the day.

D. He thinks he deserves a promotion

Test 3

Question 39. What does the woman imply when she says, “Rashid has worked in
television for years”?

A. Rashid’s opinion would be valuable.

B. Rashid’s resume is out of date.

C. Rashid should receive a promotion.

D. Rashid wants to change careers.

Test 4

Question 42. Why does the woman say, “have you ever met Mr. Kato”?

A. To point out a mistake

B. To introduce a colleague

C. To recommend a staff member

D. To complain about a service

Test 5

Question 57. Why does the man say, “what if I need to contact my bank”

A. To explain why he is concerned

B. To suggest revising a budget

C. To request some contact information

D. To ask for a deadline extension

Test 6

Question 45. What does the man imply when he says, “the marketing team has done the
research”?

A. He is happy to not be assigned a task.

B. He disagrees with a colleague

C. He does not want to hire more staff members

D. He hopes an advertising campaign will begin soon

Test 7

Question 60. Why does the woman say, “Iam attending the all-day software training on
Monday”?

A. She needs help with a technical problem

B. She is concerned about an expense

C. She is unable to fulfill a request

D. She is excited about an opportunity

Test 8

Question 37. What does the man mean when he says, “I have tickets to the baseball game
on Thursday”?

A. He cannot help the woman.

B. He has similar interests as the woman.

C. He wants to invite the woman to an event.

D. He is concerned that tickets will sell out.

Test 9

Question 57. What does the man imply when he says, “You spend more time with your
team than I do”?

A. The women's team requires more staff

B. The woman should schedule fewer meetings.

C. The woman is the best person to decide.

D. The woman should have noticed a mistake.

4. Do-next question

Students may frequently find do-next questions in the conclusion of the conversation.

4.1. There are some common questions as follows:

+ What will the speaker discuss next?

+ What will the women do next?

4.2. Tip

Students shall expect to listen to the information as follows:

1. Students can usually find the answer at the end of the conversation and it is suggested
to focus on only the speaker who reacts.

2. “One tells another what to do next as a request?” so it is noticeable that students

should listen to one speaker giving the order and then see how another speaker reacts.

Example question 1: Test 1

Question 37. What will the man do next?

A. Update his calendar

B. Submit his medical records

C. Review am invoice

D. Prepare an agenda

Transcript:
- Hi. Mr. Lin, I’m calling from Central Dentistry. You have an appointment with Dr.
Summer on June eighth at two P.M. I was wondering if we’d be able to move your
appointment to three o’clock.

- Well, I have a sales call scheduled that morning, but I think three o’clock would be all
right.

- Wonderful, we really appreciate it. Most of our staff will be attending a dental workshop
earlier in the day, and they are concerned about getting back in time.

- No problem at all. I’ll mark down that change in my calendar right now.

Answer key: A

Example question 2: Test 3

Question 61. What will the man most likely do next?

A. Postpone a meeting

B. Follow up on a request

C. Check a piece of equipment

D. Review a policy

Transcript:

- Hi, Nadia. Our department manager mentioned you’re training out new hires.

- Yeah, I still have a lot to do, and the training starts Monday. I’ve been so busy updating
the training documents, I haven’t had time to do anything else.

- Well. I finished my project early. What do you need?

- Thank you so much. Could you check with the Security office about the badges for
the new employees? I sent them a request last week, but I haven’t heard back yet.

- No problem. I’ll take care of that right away.

Answer key: B

4.3 Practice

Test 2

Question 46. What will the woman most likely do next?

A. Check some equipment

B. Speak with a manager

C. Load a vehicle

D. Go to a store

Test 4

Question 49. What does the man say he will do this afternoon?

A. Confirm some information

B. Purchase some equipment

C. Reserve a meeting space

D. Write a book review

Test 5

Question 61. What will the woman most likely do next?

A. Request a refund

B. Open an account

C. Speak with a manager

D. Ask for a menu

Test 6

Question 34. What will the man most likely do next?

A. Request a recommendation

B. Reserve a rental car

C. Look for some replacement parts

D. Contact some local companies

Test 7

Question 40. What does the woman say will happen next week?

A. A price increase

B. A construction project will begin

C. A shipment will arrive

D. A celebration will take place

Test 8

Question 49. What will the man most likely do next?

A. Speak with a supplier

B. Revised a document
C. Prepare an invoice

D. Call an assistant

Test 9

Question 52. What will Dr. Watanabe do next?

A. Sign a contract

B. Write a prescription

C. Order some lab supplies

D. Read a patient file

Test 10
Question 55. What will the woman most likely do next?

A. Call another company

B. Consult with a manager

C. Read some online reviews

D. Send photographs

Test 11
Question 58. What will the speakers probably do next?

A. Get a cost estimate

B. Interview some job candidates

C. Organise a team meeting

D. Finalize some designs

Test 12
Question 61. According to the man. What does the company hope to do next year?

A. Promote some employees

B. Open another office

C. Improve public relations

D. Publish an updated handbook

5. GRAPHIC/TABLE QUESTIONS

In this question type, students are expected to read all pieces of information provided in
the graph, table or map and listen at the same time to find the correct answer

5.1. Tip

The graphic/table question normally starts with “Look at the graphic”. We may hear
indirect information related to the question so students should listen and read the
graphic/table to answer the question.

It is highly recommended to have a look at the title and analyze each piece of information
before listening.

5.2 Practice
Test 1

Question 62. What are the speakers concerned about?

A. Finding a parking space
áp án C . The rental company will charge us an extra fee for fuel if they
B. Missing a flight have to do it

C. Paying an additional charge

D. Avoiding heavy traffic
Question 63. Look at the graphic. Which exit does the woman tell the man to take?
A. Exit 10
B. Exit 11
C. Exit 12 áp án B . The next exit : exit 11

D. Exit 13
Question 64. What does the man say he hopes to do?
A. Buy some food
B. Pick up a map
C. Make a phone call
D. Purchase souvenirs
Test 2

Question 65. What does the woman say she is worried about?
A. Exceeding a budget
B. Hosting a conference
C. Losing customers
D. Passing an inspection
Question 66. Look at the graphic. Which category will be discussed in the next staff
meeting?
A. Location
B. Hotel facilities other low rating => áp án C

C. Guest services
D. Room appearance
Question 67. What does the man suggest doing?
A. Buying a new equipment
B. Chasing a reservation
C. Providing a discount
D. Hiring a consultant
Test 3

Question 68. What industry do the speakers work in?

A. Car repair
B. Appliance sales
Pasta machine : máY sn xut mì ng
C. Food manufacturing => C

D. Packaging design
Question 69. Look at the graphic. Which machine is being discussed?
A. Machine 1
B. Machine 2
C. Machine 3
D. Machine 4
Question 70. What does the woman say she will do next?
A. Taste some samples
B. Request some maintenance
Have a technician look at the motor => B
C. Print another report
D. Check some specifications
Test 4

Question 65. Who most likely is the woman?

A. A workshop instructor

B. A store clerk Nhân viên ca hàng áp án B bi vì cô này bán digital camera

C. An electrician

D. A product designer

Question 66. Look at the graphic. Which error code is the camera displaying?

A. E-1

B. E-2

C. E-3

D. E-4

Question 67. What will the woman most likely do next?

A. Replace an item
B. Take a photo
C. Read a manual c mt hng dn

D. Show some slides

Test 5

Question 68. Look at the graphic. Which parking area will be closed?
A. North
B. East
C. South
D. West
Question 69. What is the woman concerned about?
A. Building security access
B. Parking fees
C. Road conditions iu kin ng xá cô này cp n tri ma khi i b

D. Heavy traffic
Question 70. What does the man say the company will do
A. Reimburse employees Hoàn tr nhân viên

B. Offer a shuttle service cung cp 1 dch v a ón

C. Provide maps
D. Distribute electronic badges
Test 6

Thông tin bo him

Question 62: What is the man surprised about?

A. The size of an office

B. The length of a line

C. A course requirement

D. A registration fee

Question 63: What does the man say he will do in July?

A. Take a vacation = take a rest

B. Start a training course

C. Buy a new car

D. Move to another city

Question 64: Look at the graphic. Which window does the woman send the man to?

A. Window 1

B. Window 2

C. Window 3 She just take information about driver license , so go to next window to pay
=> C
D. Window 4
Test 7

Question 65. What does Bangalore Designs make?

A. Household appliances
B. Wooden furniture
C. Construction equipment Thit b xây dng

D. Paper products
Question 66. Look at the graphic. Where will the man deliver some materials?
A. At door A
B. At door B
C. At door C
D. At door D
Question 67. What will the man do next?
A. Go outside
B. Send a text message
C. Call a supervisor
D. Prepare a payment
Test 8

Question 68. What do the speakers mainly discuss?

phong nghi
A. Break-room renovations
B. Updated cafeteria hours Cap nhap gio an uong

C. A healthy-eating program
D. Results of an employee survey
Question 69. Look at the graphic. Which fruit will the man most likely add to his diet?
A. Watermelon
B. Banana
C. Orange
D. Papaya
Question 70. What does the man suggest doing?
A. Ordering some lunch
B. Providing feedback
C. Attending seminar Tham du hoi thao

D. Seeing a health-care provider

III. PRACTICE TEST
Test 10 - ETS 2019

32. Where does the woman work? 35. What is happening next weekend?
A. At a computer store A. A retirement dinner
B. At an accounting firm B. A grand opening
C. At a medical clinic C. A birthday party
D. At a post office D. A wedding
33. Why is the man calling? 36. What is the woman's specialty?
A. To change an appointment A. Baking cakes
B. To discuss a billing error B. Cooking vegetarian meals
C. To buy some supplies C. Designing kitchens
D. To ask for directions D. Arranging flowers
34. According to the woman, what 37. What will the woman most likely do
happened last month? next?
A. Some software was installed. A. Clean a workstation
B. A business relocated. B. Choose an assistant
C. A schedule changed. C. Look at an order form
D. Some shipments were delayed D. Find some equipment
38. Who is the woman? 41. Where do the speakers work?
A. A financial adviser A. At a botanical garden
B. An art gallery owner B. At a landscaping company
C. A delivery driver C. At a jewelry shop
D. An apartment manager D. At a travel agency
39. What problem does the man mention? 42. What did the woman recently do?
A. A room is poorly lit. A. She made a large sale.
B. A machine is too noisy. B. She finalized a budget.
C. A space is too small. C. She organized activities for a
D. A location is inconvenient. celebration.
40. What does the woman offer to do for the D. She received a certificate.
man?
43. What will the woman do next?
A. Renovate a room
A. Give a tour
B. Lower a price
B. Read a manual
C. Hire a technician
C. Call a vendor
D. Rent an appliance
D. Rearrange a display
44. Where is the man going?
A. To a trade show
B. To a community festival
C. To a board meeting
D. To an orientation session
45. What does the man mean when he says,"It's just one small bag"?
A. He does not have space to bring an item.
B. He does not need help.
C. He thinks a product is too expensive.
D. He needs to buy new luggage.
46. Why is the man leaving early?
A. He has to catch a flight.
B. He needs time to eat lunch.
C. He is worried about traffic.
D. He has to practice a presentation
65. Why is the man at the store?
A. To interview for a job
B. To make a delivery
C. To complain about a service
D. To buy some merchandise
66. Look at the graphic.Where does the woman direct the man to go to?
A. Area 1
B. Area 2
C. Area 3
D. Area 4
67. What does the man show the woman?
A. An invoice
B. A discount coupon
C. A corporate policy
D. A product brochure
68. What does the man say he likes about his current job?
A. His boss is supportive.
B. His company offers bonuses.
C. The office is close to his home.
D. The work is interesting.
69. Look at the graphic. Which job will the man most likely apply for?
A. Senior Accountant
B. Tax Accountant
C. Property Accountant
D. Management Accountant
70. What does the woman say she will do soon?
A. Start her own company
B. Transfer to another department
C. Plan a vacation
D. Go to graduate school
 Bibliography & references

1. Anne Taylor, Toeic Analyst, nha xuat ban tre.

Pdf:https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B80lJiVt_aKzb3VvTjVjUDNScHM/view?resourcek
ey=0-2AVSyKsTF7As1dEGOS4Lvw

Audio: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r7Xq6X2f38kIpzp6hJSUK14YTGkBI8x4/view

2. Grant trew. (2007). Tactics for Toeic listening and Reading Test. Oxford University
press.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B_v3ykwHK9pgOVM1amlrT09fZ00?resourceke
y=0-X7e-JszQGStdg2ax4b4kqQ

3. New economy Toeic LC 1000. Mozile language institute

4. ETS 2019

5. Peggy Anderson, Taking the TOEIC - Skills and Strategies, First News
Appendix (optional for teacher)

1. Jobs (general questions):

OCCUPATION ASSOCIATED WORDS

Secretary files, word processor, telephone

cook pots, kitchen, knife

police officer law, illegal, parking tickets

doctor medicine, nurse, hospital

musician instrument, orchestra, notes

actor stage, drama, theater

taxi driver passenger, fare, tip

sales clerk cash register, change, receipt

journalist write, newspaper, reports

teacher class, exams, students

telephone technician telephone, receiver, cord

computer programmer software, keyboard, monitor

bank teller money, deposit, withdrawal

waiter order, tip, customer

accountant taxes, total, receivables

athlete runner, game, training

2. Location
LOCATION ASSOCIATED WORDS

plane flight, flight attendant, seat belt

hotel bed, double room, key, receptionist

restaurant order, tip, waiter

airplane seat belt, landing, wings

hotel single room, lobby, reservation

gas station car, gas, fill up, oil

travel agency package tour, tickets, hotels

train station track, train, platform

library book, card, overdue, shelves

bank checking account, teller, deposit

car rental agency insurance, rent, cars

import office products, trade, export

post office stamps, package, mail

clothing store dressing room, hanger, blouse

park bench, path, garden

health club steam room, swimming pool, exercise

equipment

kitchen stove, cabinets, sink