Today on Inside the TOEFL Test,

we're going inside the TOEFL iBT Listening section.

Specifically, the connecting content questions.

Connecting content questions ask you to show understanding

of the relationships among ideas in a lecture.

Connecting content questions may require you

to fill in a chart or table.

Or they may ask things like

"What is the likely outcome...?"

This type of question will ask you to put together information

from different sentences

or different parts of the conversation or lecture.

You may be asked to identify things like:

Steps in a process;

or cause/effect relationships.

Or you may be asked to: Classify items in categories;

or make a prediction.

Now let's look at a sample connecting content question.

The question is from a conversation

between a coach and a student

who are catching up on what happened

while the student was away.

Here is an excerpt from the conversation.

MALE COACH: And the next thing is,

you know Mary's transferring to another college next week,

so we'll need someone to take over her role as captain

for the second half of the season.

And the other players unanimously picked you

to take over as captain when Mary leaves.

FEMALE STUDENT: Wow. I saw everybody this morning,

and nobody said a word.

MALE COACH: They wanted me to tell you.

So, do you accept?

FEMALE STUDENT: Of course!

But Susan's a much better player than I am.

I'm really surprised they didn't pick her.

MALE COACH: They think you're the right one.

You'll have to ask them their thoughts.

FEMALE STUDENT: Okay ...

I guess one of the first things I'll have to do as captain

is make sure we get a thank- you card out to the lady

who's buying us the jackets.

MALE COACH: Good idea.

I have her address here somewhere.

FEMALE STUDENT: And I'll make sure the whole team signs it.

MALE COACH: Good. That's all the news there is.

I think that's it for now.

Oh, let me get you that order form.

MICHAEL: Now let's look at the sample question.

Note that for this one, you will choose 2 of the 4 answers.

So why is the woman surprised?

Remember this part of the conversation:

MALE COACH: And the other players unanimously picked you

to take over as captain when Mary leaves.

FEMALE STUDENT: Wow.

I saw everybody this morning, and nobody said a word.

MICHAEL: It's clear that "everyone" refers

to the other team members

and "no one said a word" means that no one on the team

said anything about having picked her

to be their new captain.

So B is one answer.

The second answer is explained when the student says this:

FEMALE STUDENT: But Susan's a much better player than I am.

I'm really surprised they didn't pick her.

MICHAEL: By saying someone else on the team is a better player,

that means that she is not the best player.

So A is the other correct answer.

Here is a tip to help you connect ideas when you listen:

When you listen to recorded material for the first time,

stop the recording at various points,

and try to summarize what has been said.

Then predict what will be said next.

There are lots of ways to improve your English skills.

Whatever you do, keep practicing.

And good luck on your TOEFL test.