Listening: Listen and Choose a Response

In fact — used to politely correct someone or introduce a surprising truth.

“"The deadline is Friday, right?" "Actually, she moved it to Monday."”

“"I thought you hated hiking." "Actually, I've started to enjoy it."”

Often used: actually, I think · well, actually · actually no

TOEFL tip: "Actually" softens disagreement, so it fits prompts containing a wrong assumption that your response must gently correct.

To have enough money or time for something.

“"Want to split a taxi?" "Sorry, I can't afford it this week."”

“"I can't afford to miss another class."”

Often used: can't afford it · afford the time · more than I can afford

TOEFL tip: Use "I can't really afford it" as a soft refusal of an invitation involving money — testers love polite excuses over blunt "No."

Despite that; also used to close a topic or to thank someone whose help didn't work out.

“"Sorry, I don't have the book." "That's okay — thanks anyway."”

“"It was raining, but we went anyway."”

Often used: thanks anyway · anyway, as I was saying · do it anyway

TOEFL tip: "Thanks anyway" is the standard courteous reply when someone cannot help you — recognize it instantly as a polite closing move.

To say you are sorry for something you did or for a problem you caused.

“I apologize for missing the last two seminars.”

“She apologized to the librarian for the damaged cover.”

Often used: apologize for · apologize to someone · sincerely apologize

TOEFL tip: An apology at the start of a conversation signals the student is at fault — expect a request for leniency to follow.

Certainly, without any doubt — used to accept a plan or confirm you will do something.

“"Are you coming to the orientation?" "Definitely, I already signed up."”

“"You should talk to your advisor." "Yeah, I definitely will."”

Often used: definitely not · I'll definitely · definitely worth it

TOEFL tip: "Definitely" signals a commitment about the future, so it fits prompts that propose a plan rather than prompts that report a problem.

To be annoyed or bothered by something; often used in polite requests and their answers.

“"Do you mind if I open the window?" "Not at all, go ahead."”

“"Would you mind waiting a few minutes?" "I don't mind at all."”

Often used: do you mind if · would you mind · never mind

TOEFL tip: Remember the trap: after "Do you mind…?" the agreeing answer is negative — "No, not at all" means yes, go ahead.

Very likely but not certain — used to give a cautious yes or no.

“"Will you come to the review session?" "Probably, if I finish my lab report."”

“"He's probably still in his office."”

Often used: probably not · probably should · most probably

TOEFL tip: "Probably not" is a gentler refusal than "No" and often appears as the natural answer to a tentative invitation.

To make someone remember something they need to do or know.

“Remind me to bring the signed form on Friday.”

“Just a reminder: the writing center closes early on Fridays.”

Often used: remind someone to · gentle reminder · remind me about

TOEFL tip: "Let me remind you" often precedes a rule that blocks the student's request — the reason behind a refusal.

A quick way of saying yes when someone asks you for a favour or invites you somewhere.

“"Could you grab me a coffee?" "Sure, no problem."”

“"Want to join us for the study group?" "Sure, what time?"”

Often used: sure, no problem · sure thing · yeah, sure

TOEFL tip: When the prompt is a casual request from a classmate, the correct option often starts with "Sure" plus a short follow-up; a bare "Sure." with nothing added is usually too flat to be the key.

Sadly; used to introduce bad news or a polite refusal.

“"Is the seminar still open?" "Unfortunately, it filled up yesterday."”

“"Unfortunately, I can't make it on Saturday."”

Often used: unfortunately not · unfortunately, I can't · unfortunately for us

TOEFL tip: When the prompt is an invitation you must turn down, the key usually opens with "Unfortunately" or "I'm afraid" plus a reason.

Freely permitted or gladly received; used in "you're welcome" to answer thanks.

“"Thanks for the notes." "You're welcome — let me know if they help."”

“"You're welcome to borrow my calculator."”

Often used: you're welcome · welcome to use · more than welcome

TOEFL tip: "You're welcome to…" is not the same as "You're welcome" — the first offers permission and often answers a request, not a thank-you.

To feel anxious; in replies, "don't worry" reassures someone who has apologized or made a mistake.

“"Sorry I'm late." "Don't worry, we just started."”

“"I forgot to bring your book." "No worries, I don't need it today."”

Often used: don't worry about it · no worries · nothing to worry about

TOEFL tip: After an apology prompt, the key is almost always reassurance — "Don't worry about it" beats options that repeat the complaint.

To become smaller, weaker, or fewer; or to politely refuse.

“Bird populations have declined sharply since 1990.”

“She declined the invitation to speak.”

Often used: decline rapidly · steady decline · in decline

TOEFL tip: 'Dec____' has two meanings; in data passages it means fall, so check whether the sentence describes numbers or a refusal.

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.