Function

Understand the implied meaning from a specific part of the lecture/conversation. TOEFL Listening Function questions ask test takers to identify the meaning of a statement in a particular context. The meaning of the sentence can vary depending on the situation in which it was used. That is to say, the statement often has a surface or literal meaning that is different from its meaning in its current context. The statements often include slang or idiomatic expressions, and the meaning is often affected by the way that the speaker says the statement. The speaker may use one of several rhetorical functions including sarcasm/irony, redirection, correction/clarification, implied/indirect questions and requests, and rhetorical questions. These are used to direct, recommend, complain, agree/disagree, question, or confirm. The question will replay an excerpt of the conversation or lecture that contains the statement and then just the statement itself. There will be no written text provided. There is typically one Function question per passage, but sometimes there are none or even two.