Listening: Listen to a Conversation

A staff member who helps students plan their courses and studies.

“My advisor said I should take statistics before the research seminar.”

“You'll need your advisor's signature on this form.”

Often used: academic advisor · see your advisor · advisor's approval

TOEFL tip: If the speaker is referred to an advisor, that referral is often the answer to "What will the student do next?"

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.

An arranged meeting at a fixed time, especially with an official or professional.

“I'd like to make an appointment with my academic advisor.”

“Sorry, you need an appointment; the walk-in hours ended at noon.”

Often used: make an appointment · cancel an appointment · office hours appointment

TOEFL tip: Many service-encounter conversations open with an appointment request; the refusal that follows usually creates the conversation's real problem.

To plan or organize something in advance.

“I'll arrange a make-up session for Thursday afternoon.”

“Can we arrange to meet before the group presentation?”

Often used: arrange a meeting · arrange to meet · make arrangements

TOEFL tip: The verb "arrange" often introduces the resolution; the noun "arrangements" signals plans you should note.

A statement that you are unhappy or dissatisfied with something.

“We've had several complaints about the noise in that building.”

“You can file a formal complaint with the housing office.”

Often used: file a complaint · make a complaint · a formal complaint

TOEFL tip: "File a formal complaint" often appears as a next-step answer choice; check whether the speaker actually agrees to do it.

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.

Official agreement allowing you to do something.

“You need the instructor's permission to enroll in that seminar.”

“He got permission to hand the essay in on Monday.”

Often used: get permission · written permission · permission to enroll

TOEFL tip: Note who grants permission (professor, dean, registrar); questions often ask whom the student must contact next.

Money that is paid back to you, for example when you return goods or cancel a booking.

“You can request a full refund within fourteen days of purchase.”

“No refund will be given for tickets cancelled on the day of the event.”

Often used: a full refund · request a refund · non-refundable deposit

TOEFL tip: Refund policies mix conditions and time limits; underline 'within X days' and 'no refund if' before answering.

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.

To arrange for something such as a membership or loan to continue for a further period.

“You can renew your books online up to two times.”

“Remember to renew your parking permit before the term begins.”

Often used: renew a membership · renew online · automatically renewed

TOEFL tip: Library and membership notices pair 'renew' with limits ('up to twice'); expect a detail question on how many renewals are allowed.

To arrange for something to be kept for you to use later.

“I'd like to reserve a study room for Tuesday evening.”

“The professor put the article on reserve at the front desk.”

Often used: reserve a room · on reserve · reserve in advance

TOEFL tip: Learn the noun phrase "on reserve" (kept at the library desk) — it appears often and confuses test-takers.

A person who shares a room or apartment with you.

“My roommate plays music until two in the morning.”

“Have you tried talking to your roommate before requesting a transfer?”

Often used: new roommate · roommate conflict · roommate agreement

TOEFL tip: Roommate complaints are a standard dorm scenario; the housing officer usually suggests mediation before a room change.

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.

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.

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.

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.