Section 2: Listening - Questions & Answers
Updated: 43 minutes ago
Welcome to Part 2 of the TOEIC® Listening test. This section looks simple — you hear a short question or statement followed by three possible responses (A), (B), (C).
Important to remember:
• You will hear a question or statement and three responses spoken in English.
• They will not be printed in your test book.
• Each one is played only once.
• Your task: select the best response and mark the letter (A), (B), or (C) on your answer sheet.
Sounds easy? Yes — but watch out. TOEIC® loves to hide distractors. Some answers may echo words you hear but don’t actually fit.
What This Part Tests
This part checks if you can:
• Understand short everyday English at a natural speed.
• Respond to questions, statements, and requests quickly and naturally.
• Ignore words that sound familiar but don’t actually fit the meaning.
• Recognise the tone and function of what you hear (Is it a yes/no question? A request? A statement?).
In other words, it tests your ability to react like in real life — fast, natural, and confident.
What Types of Questions or Statements Will You Hear?
In Part 2, you may hear:
• Wh-questions (Where, When, Why, What, Who, How) → “Where is the conference room?”
• Yes/No questions → “Is the printer working?”
• Tag questions → “You’ve booked the meeting, haven’t you?”
• Choice questions (either/or) → “Would you like coffee or tea?”
• Statements (that need a response) → “The meeting’s been moved to Friday.”
• Requests or offers → “Could you send me the report?” / “Shall I open the window?”
The key? The right answer sounds natural in real life — like something you’d actually say to a colleague.
How to Do It (Step by Step)
How to Do It (Step by Step)
Step 1. Listen carefully from the very first second.
Step 2. Identify the type: is it a question, statement, or request?
Step 3. Focus on key words — don’t try to understand every word.
Step 4. Predict the answer type (time, place, reason, confirmation…).
Step 5. Choose the most natural response in English.
Step 6. Don’t hesitate — answer, move on, keep your rhythm.
Like in real life: fast, natural, and confident.
Do and don't are explained in the ebook
Score-Boost Strategies
Here’s how top scorers handle this part:
• Train your reflexes: practise with a timer — 3 seconds per question.
• Notice distractors: words that sound the same but don’t answer the question.
• Trust natural English: short, everyday responses are usually correct.
• Stay calm: one missed word won’t cost you the answer.
• Guess smart: never leave blanks — mark (A), (B), or (C).
Key to Success: Listen for meaning, not just familiar sounds.
Mini Grammar Focus
In Part 2 of the TOEIC® test, the grammar is usually short and simple — but it moves quickly, so you need to recognise the pattern instantly. The questions are often in the form of Wh-questions, yes/no questions, tag questions, choice questions, or requests/statements.
Coach Notes
The grammar in Part 2 is not advanced, but the challenge is speed. Recognise the pattern quickly, and you’ll know what kind of answer to expect. This way, you can react naturally and confidently.
Power Boost
Train your ear to never stop. Play a set of practice questions and force yourself to answer instantly. Even if you don’t know, say A, B, or C and move on.
Why? Because this builds rhythm — and rhythm keeps your brain sharp under test pressure.
Practise set
• Recordings are short — stay sharp.
• Don’t panic if you miss a word. Focus on the idea.
• If you don’t know, guess and go on. Lingering on one question can cost you several others.
Trust yourself — your instinct is often right.
Question 1 - track 13
When does the train leave?
A. At half past three.
B. On the platform.
C. With the passengers.
Coach Notes
A is correct: time answers a when question.
B is wrong — 'on the platform' is a place, not a time.
C is wrong — it doesn't answer the question.
Question 10 - track 22
You’ve already booked the tickets, haven’t you?
A. Yes, I have.
B. At the counter.
C. Next week.
Coach Notes
A is correct: a tag question needs confirmation.
B doesn’t fit the grammar.
C doesn’t fit the grammar.
Question 11 - track 23
Do you mind if I sit here?
A. No, not at all.
B. Yes, it’s mine.
C. At the back.
Coach Notes
A is correct: polite acceptance.
B is confusing.
C is irrelevant.
