TOEFL Listening Part 3: Announcement at a Train Station Platform
Announcement Format Questions
In the new TOEFL Listening section, you will hear four different types of listening materials, each followed by questions. In Part 3, you will listen to a short announcement and then answer several questions based on it.
When listening to an announcement, you should focus on taking notes about the following key information:
- Numbers (such as time, dates, deadlines, or prices)
- Place (where the announcement applies)
- Event (what is happening or being announced)
- Expected action (what the audience should do next or by a certain date)
Questions in Listening Part 3 are typically designed to test your understanding of these concrete details. For this reason, paying close attention to numerical information and clearly stated facts will help you handle this part more effectively.
Practice Question
1. What is the main purpose of the announcement?
A. To explain how commuters should report service problems.
B. To describe how train schedules will change this week.
C. To inform passengers about new display board installation.
D. To announce the opening of a new train line.
2. Why does the speaker mention three stations along the Riverside line?
A. To describe where new train routes will operate.
B. To explain how many stations will close permanently.
C. To indicate where new platforms are being built.
D. To identify stations affected by the installation.
3. What will happen during the installation period?
A. Some platforms may lose access to information boards.
B. Train services will operate only in the evening.
C. Central Station will temporarily close to passengers.
D. Technicians will remove the current train timetable.
4. What should the audience do if they travel through Central Station this week?
A. Check train schedules online before departure.
B. Wait until installation work is completed.
C. Avoid traveling during evening hours.
D. Confirm departure information with station staff.
Answer, Transcript, and Explanation
Question 1. C
Question 2. D
Question 3. A
Question 4. D
Transcription
Earlier this morning, crews began installing new electronic display boards at several downtown train stations. The screens are designed to provide real-time departure updates and service alerts for commuters. Installation work will continue through Wednesday evening and will affect three stations along the Riverside line. During this period, some platforms may temporarily lose access to the existing information panels while the new equipment is connected. Trains will continue to operate according to the regular timetable, but passengers may need to listen for platform announcements instead of relying on the boards. Technicians will test the new displays each night after the final train service ends. If you travel through Central Station this week, allow a few extra minutes to confirm departure information with station staff before boarding.
Question 1: What is the main purpose of the announcement?
Correct Answer (C)
Key evidence from the announcement:
- “crews began installing new electronic display boards at several downtown train stations”
- “Installation work will continue through Wednesday evening”
The speaker begins by describing the installation of new electronic display boards and explains how this work may affect access to station information panels. The announcement mainly informs passengers about the installation project and its temporary effects.
Therefore, the correct answer is the option stating that the announcement informs passengers about new display board installation.
Question 2: Why does the speaker mention three stations along the Riverside line?
Correct Answer (D)
Key evidence from the announcement:
- “Installation work will continue through Wednesday evening and will affect three stations along the Riverside line.”
The number “three stations” clarifies the scope of the installation project. It indicates which locations will experience temporary changes while the display boards are being installed.
Therefore, the correct answer is the option stating that it identifies stations affected by the installation.
Question 3: What will happen during the installation period?
Correct Answer (A)
Key evidence from the announcement:
- “some platforms may temporarily lose access to the existing information panels while the new equipment is connected”
While the new display boards are being connected, some platforms will temporarily lose access to the current information panels. However, train schedules themselves will continue normally.
Thus, the correct answer is the option stating that some platforms may lose access to information boards.
Question 4: What should the audience do if they travel through Central Station this week?
Correct Answer (D)
Key evidence from the announcement:
- “allow a few extra minutes to confirm departure information with station staff before boarding”
Because some display boards may not be available during installation, passengers are advised to confirm departure information directly with station staff.
Therefore, the correct answer is the option stating that passengers should confirm departure information with station staff.
