TOEIC Short Talks Comprehension (Part 4) Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Listen to the announcement: "Attention passengers. The 4:15 train to Central Station is delayed by approximately 20 minutes due to a signal failure on the northern line. We apologize for the inconvenience." When will the train now depart?
- 4:05
- 4:15
- 4:35 (Correct answer)
- 4:55
Correct answer: 4:35
The original departure was 4:15 and the delay is 20 minutes, making the new estimated departure 4:35.
TOEIC Part 4 frequently includes announcements with time-related details. Listeners must calculate revised times by combining stated information (original schedule + delay). This arithmetic comprehension is a standard tested skill.
Question 2: A recorded message says: "Thank you for calling GreenLeaf Landscaping. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM. For urgent service requests on weekends, please press 2." What should a caller do if they need help on Saturday?
- Call back on Monday morning
- Leave a voicemail at any time
- Press 2 for urgent weekend service (Correct answer)
- Visit the office in person
Correct answer: Press 2 for urgent weekend service
The recording explicitly instructs callers with urgent weekend needs to press 2.
Instruction comprehension is a core TOEIC Part 4 skill. Recorded phone messages typically include action instructions that test whether the listener can identify the correct step for a specific situation, such as calling on a weekend.
Question 3: A news broadcast states: "The city council has approved a new cycling infrastructure plan that will add 15 kilometers of protected bike lanes along major corridors by next spring." What is the main outcome of the council vote?
- A new public transit system will be built
- Bike lanes will be expanded across the city (Correct answer)
- Parking restrictions will be lifted downtown
- A cycling tax will be introduced
Correct answer: Bike lanes will be expanded across the city
The council approved a plan specifically for adding protected bike lanes, representing an expansion of cycling infrastructure.
Main idea questions in TOEIC Part 4 require identifying the central outcome or announcement in a broadcast. The vote's result — adding bike lanes — is the primary news item, even though surrounding context (timeline, distance) may distract listeners.
Question 4: A company voicemail says: "Hi, this is James from Northfield Supply. I'm calling about your order #4471. One item is out of stock and will be shipped separately next week. The rest of your order ships today." What is the problem with order #4471?
- The entire order has been cancelled
- All items will be delayed by one week
- One item is temporarily unavailable (Correct answer)
- The order was sent to the wrong address
Correct answer: One item is temporarily unavailable
James says one item is out of stock and will ship separately next week, meaning only part of the order is affected.
Partial-delay scenarios are common in TOEIC Part 4 voicemail messages. Test takers must distinguish between a full delay and a partial one. The key phrase "the rest of your order ships today" clarifies that only one item is affected.
Question 5: A radio advertisement says: "Visit Maple Home Furnishings this weekend for our annual clearance sale. All sofas are 40% off and dining sets are 25% off. Sale ends Sunday at closing." Which item has the bigger discount?
- Dining sets
- Sofas (Correct answer)
- Both have the same discount
- Neither item is discounted
Correct answer: Sofas
Sofas are discounted 40% while dining sets are 25% off, so sofas have the larger discount.
Comparative detail questions require listeners to extract and compare two numerical values. In advertisements, multiple discounts are often listed and test takers must identify which is higher. Active listening for numbers is essential in TOEIC Part 4.
Question 6: A workplace announcement says: "Starting next Monday, all staff must use the rear entrance while the main lobby is being renovated. ID badges are required for entry. This will continue for approximately three weeks." What should employees do during the renovation?
- Work from home for three weeks
- Enter through the back of the building (Correct answer)
- Use a temporary lobby on the second floor
- Submit their ID badges to security
Correct answer: Enter through the back of the building
The announcement directs all staff to use the rear entrance and carry their ID badges during the three-week renovation period.
Procedural instructions in workplace announcements are a TOEIC Part 4 staple. Listeners must identify the new required behavior (rear entrance use) and any accompanying rule (ID badge). These paired details are frequently tested together.
TOEIC Short Talks Comprehension (Part 4) Questions and Answers 2
Listen to the announcement: "Attention passengers.
The 4:15 train to Central Station is delayed by approximately 20 minutes due to a signal failure on the northern line.
We apologize for the inconvenience." When will the train now depart?