Listening: Listen to an Announcement

A public statement that gives people important information or news.

“The dean made a short announcement about the new library hours.”

“Please listen carefully to the following announcement from the housing office.”

Often used: make an announcement · an important announcement · a brief announcement

TOEFL tip: The first sentence of the recording often signals the topic ('I have an announcement about…'); write down what follows, because it is almost always the main-idea answer.

To decide that a planned event will not take place.

“Tonight's concert has been cancelled because of a power outage.”

“You may cancel your meal plan before the end of the first week.”

Often used: cancel a class · be cancelled due to · cancel a reservation

TOEFL tip: Distinguish carefully between 'cancelled' (it will not happen) and 'postponed' (it will happen later) — TOEFL builds distractors on this contrast.

To say or show definitely that something is true or that an arrangement is final.

“Please confirm your attendance by replying to this message.”

“A confirmation email will be sent within 24 hours.”

Often used: confirm a booking · confirm in writing · confirm receipt

TOEFL tip: Email tasks often require the reader to confirm within a time limit; look for the verb plus a deadline in the same clause.

The latest time or date by which something must be finished or handed in.

“The deadline for course registration is Friday at 5 p.m.”

“She missed the deadline and had to pay a late fee.”

Often used: meet the deadline · miss a deadline · extend the deadline

TOEFL tip: In 'Read in Daily Life' notices, scan for 'deadline' when a question asks 'By when must...?' — the answer date is usually in the same sentence.

The act of officially putting your name on a list for a course, event, or service.

“Registration for spring courses opens at midnight on November first.”

“Late registration carries an additional fee of twenty-five dollars.”

Often used: registration opens · online registration · registration deadline

TOEFL tip: Campus announcements about registration usually include a time, a place or website, and a fee — expect a detail question on at least one of the three.

A message that helps someone remember something they must do.

“This is a friendly reminder that your payment is due on Monday.”

“You will receive a reminder 24 hours before your appointment.”

Often used: a gentle reminder · send a reminder · reminder email

TOEFL tip: Emails beginning 'This is a reminder that...' usually state the main purpose in that first sentence — a likely purpose-question answer.

Something that you must do or have in order to be allowed to do something else.

“A background check is a requirement for all volunteer tutors.”

“The new requirements take effect for students entering next fall.”

Often used: meet the requirements · graduation requirement · new requirements

TOEFL tip: If an announcement lists requirements, expect a multiple-answer question — number them (1, 2, 3) in your notes as you hear them.

To give a document or form to an official person or office for consideration.

“Please submit your application by 15 March.”

“Forms submitted after the closing date will not be reviewed.”

Often used: submit an application · submit by · submit online

TOEFL tip: In instruction texts, 'submit' usually introduces the required action; note the accompanying method (online, in person) for procedure questions.

For a limited time only, not permanently.

“The east entrance is temporarily closed for repairs.”

“Services are temporarily unavailable during the system upgrade.”

Often used: temporarily closed · temporarily unavailable · temporarily suspended

TOEFL tip: 'Temporarily' warns that the situation will change; avoid options that describe a permanent closure or cancellation.

Allowed to have or do something because you meet the necessary conditions.

“Students enrolled full time are eligible for the transit discount.”

“You are not eligible to vote in the club election until you have paid your dues.”

Often used: eligible for · eligible to apply · eligibility requirements

TOEFL tip: Eligibility sentences carry the conditions ('if', 'provided that'); use them to answer 'Who can...?' questions in daily-life reading sets.

Required by a rule or law; not something you can choose.

“Attendance at the safety briefing is mandatory for all new staff.”

“A mandatory deposit of $50 is collected when you pick up the keys.”

Often used: mandatory training · mandatory for all · mandatory requirement

TOEFL tip: Notices often contrast 'mandatory' with 'recommended' or 'optional'; inference items test whether an action is obligatory or merely advised.

To tell someone about something officially, especially in advance.

“Tenants must notify the office of any repairs needed.”

“You will be notified by email once your order is ready.”

Often used: notify in writing · notify the office · be notified by email

TOEFL tip: 'Notify' often carries an obligation on the reader; check who must notify whom, as answer choices frequently reverse the direction.

Happening or existing before something else, especially as a requirement.

“Entry to the lab requires prior approval from the supervisor.”

“Cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to the appointment.”

Often used: prior notice · prior approval · prior to

TOEFL tip: 'Prior to' = 'before'; ETS often paraphrases a formal notice with this simpler word in the correct answer.

To change the time or date that something was planned for.

“The workshop has been rescheduled for Thursday afternoon.”

“If you cannot attend, call the clinic to reschedule your appointment.”

Often used: reschedule an appointment · be rescheduled for · reschedule free of charge

TOEFL tip: When a notice announces a change, compare the original and new times carefully — distractors usually repeat the original date.