TOEFL Listening Part 3: Announcement at a City Aquatic Center
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. Why does the speaker mention Tuesday through Thursday?
A. To show when the facility will open earlier than usual.
B. To explain when staff schedules will change.
C. To indicate when the training pool will close.
D. To specify when the main lap pool will be closed.
2. What will happen in the smaller training pool?
A. The number of swimmers will be limited.
B. It will close earlier than usual.
C. Special lessons will be offered daily.
D. It will be reserved for beginners only.
3. What can be inferred about the inspection process?
A. It will require additional staff training.
B. It is expected to improve conditions later.
C. It will change the pool’s operating hours.
D. It will increase ticket prices in the future.
4. What should the audience do before swimming this week?
A. Reserve a time slot online in advance.
B. Bring additional safety equipment.
C. Check occupancy updates.
D. Arrive earlier than usual.
Answer, Transcript, and Explanation
Question 1. D
Question 2. A
Question 3. B
Question 4. C
Transcription
Visitors to the city aquatic center should be aware of a temporary adjustment to pool availability this week. Due to a scheduled inspection of the filtration system, the main lap pool will be closed from Tuesday through Thursday. During this time, the smaller training pool will remain open, but access will be limited to thirty swimmers at a time to ensure safety. Lifeguards will monitor entry and may ask visitors to wait during busy hours. The inspection is expected to improve water quality and reduce maintenance interruptions in the coming months. Regular operating hours will not change, and all other facilities, including the fitness area and locker rooms, will remain open. If you plan to swim this week, check the posted occupancy updates near the entrance before changing.
Question 1: Why does the speaker mention Tuesday through Thursday?
Correct Answer: D
Key evidence from the announcement:
- “the main lap pool will be closed from Tuesday through Thursday”
The speaker gives these days to show the period when the main lap pool will not be available. The dates define the temporary closure, not changes to staff schedules or facility hours.
Therefore, the correct answer is the option stating when the main lap pool will be closed.
Question 2: What will happen in the smaller training pool?
Correct Answer: A
Key evidence from the announcement:
- “the smaller training pool will remain open, but access will be limited to thirty swimmers at a time”
The announcement explains that the training pool will stay open, but only a limited number of swimmers can use it at once.
This restriction is described as a safety measure during the inspection period.
Thus, the correct answer is the option stating that the number of swimmers will be limited.
Question 3: What can be inferred about the inspection process?
Correct Answer: B
Key evidence from the announcement:
- “The inspection is expected to improve water quality and reduce maintenance interruptions in the coming months.”
The speaker says the inspection is expected to bring benefits in the future. This means the process is intended to improve conditions rather than cause further changes or costs.
Therefore, the correct answer is the option indicating that it is expected to improve conditions later.
Question 4: What should the audience do before swimming this week?
Correct Answer: C
Key evidence from the announcement:
- “If you plan to swim this week, check the posted occupancy updates near the entrance before changing.”
The speaker ends with a direct instruction for visitors. They are told to check occupancy information before getting ready to swim.
Therefore, the correct answer is the option stating that they should check occupancy updates.
