
1. To listen for implicit meanings as a listening focus;
2. To improve listening comprehension through specific exercises.

In addition to their specific and general meaning, words also have extended meanings that can be implicit. Implicit meanings are not stated vocally, but are implied or expressed indirectly. Listeners infer because speakers imply. When it comes to listening comprehension, a listener who cannot make an inference is a listener whose understanding is limited.
● Now listen to the following short dialogue and try to answer the inference question below it:
W: I hope it won’t be inconvenient for Steven to drive us to the airport.
M:Wouldn’t it be easier if we take a taxi?
Q: What is the man implying?
a. That they not ask Steven to drive them.
b. That they ask Steven to drive the taxi.
c. That it’s easy to get to the airport.
d. That it’s not easy to get a taxi.
You will conclude that the correct answer must be a if you infer that the man doubts Steven will be able to take them.
Now let’s practice some more.
Directions: Listen to the following five mini-dialogues and then, for each question below, select the best answer from among the four choices given.


Directions: Listen to the following five mini-dialogues and then, for each question that follows, select the best answer from among the four choices given.

A. News Item One
Directions: Listen to the following news item and then, for each question, select the best answer from among the four choices given.
BMW sedan | 宝马轿车 |
circumstance | n. 事件 |
police chief | 警察局局长 |
freak | a. 奇异的 |
outage | n. 断电 |
Pennsylvania | (美国)宾夕法尼亚州 |
at the height of | ……的顶峰或鼎盛时期 |
utilities | n. 公用事业(当局) |
B. News Item Two
Directions: Listen to the following news item and then, for each question, select the best answer from among the four choices given.
workout | n. 锻炼 |
laundry | n. 洗衣 |
garner | vt. 获得 |
inspiration | n. 灵感 |
gym | n. 体育馆 |
pedal | vi. 骑车 |
drum | n. 滚筒 |
spin | vi. 转 |
generate | vt. 产生 |
display screen | 显示屏 |

A. Conversation One
Directions: Listen to the following long conversation and then, for each question, select the best answer from among the four choices given.
B. Conversation Two
Directions: Listen to the following long conversation and then, for each question, select the best answer from among the four choices given.

A. Passage One
Directions: Listen to the following passage and then, for each question, select the best answer from among the four choices given.
B. Passage Two
Directions: Listen to the following passage and then, for each question, select the best answer from among the four choices given.