"Rhetorical Purpose" questions require you to understand why the speaker says certain things. The question you usually see looks like this: Why does the speaker mention XXX?
Lesson Introduction
Part 1
What are Rhetorical Purpose questions?
TOEFL Listening rhetorical purpose questions test whether you understand why a speaker says a particular line. The question may ask about an example, a restatement, a contrast or correction, emphasis, a transition, or a cause. Here are the main types of information to listen for in rhetorical purpose questions.
Strategy:
- Listen for examples and illustrations. Phrases such as for example, for instance, and take show that the speaker is about to illustrate an idea that was just stated. When you hear one, the job of the line that follows is to support that earlier idea. The line is not a new topic, so do not choose an answer that treats it as one.
- Listen for clarification or restatement. Phrases such as in other words, what I mean is, that is, and to be clear show that the speaker is restating something more clearly. The job of that line is to explain a term or a rule the listener may have misunderstood. The line adds no new fact, so a choice that names a new topic is wrong.
- Listen for contrast or correction. Words such as but, however, actually, and instead show that the speaker is correcting an idea or marking a difference. The job of that line is to replace or limit what came before it. Listen for the idea it changes, because the answer names that change rather than the topic itself.
- Listen for emphasis. Phrases such as the important thing is, most importantly, notice that, and what is interesting is show that the speaker wants the listener to hold on to one point. Emphasis often follows a list or a long explanation, and its job is to mark which part matters most. A choice that names one of the other items on that list is wrong.
- Listen for transitions. Phrases such as so far we have discussed, now let us look at, and moving on show that the speaker is organizing the talk. The job of that line is to close one part and open the next. It does not add a fact and it does not correct anything, so a choice about the content of either part is wrong.
- Listen for cause or explanation. Words such as because, that is why, and the reason is show that the speaker is giving a cause for something already mentioned. The job of that line is to explain why a fact is true or why an instruction is being given. Find the statement it explains, because the answer names that statement.
Strategy reminder: Listen for examples and illustrations. Phrases such as for example, for instance, and take show that the speaker is about to illustrate an idea that was just stated. When you hear one, the job of the line that follows is to support that earlier idea. The line is not a new topic, so do not choose an answer that treats it as one.
We'll look at a sample TOEFL listening practice.
Sample Question:
Why does the speaker mention reusable bottles and coffee cups?
- To explain where recycling stations will be located
- To give an example of how students can reduce waste
- To describe items that cannot be recycled
- To encourage students to buy new containers
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spellcheck Transcript
Announcer: The university’s sustainability office is asking students to reduce waste during next week’s campus environmental campaign. There are several simple ways to participate. For example, students can bring reusable bottles and coffee cups instead of using disposable ones. Recycling stations will also be available outside the library and student center, and volunteers will be there to answer questions about what materials can be recycled.
Let’s solve it using the strategy.
- Use the strategy. Listen for examples and illustrations. Phrases such as for example, for instance, and take show that the speaker is about to illustrate an idea that was just stated. When you hear one, the job of the line that follows is to support that earlier idea. The line is not a new topic, so do not choose an answer that treats it as one.
- Purpose: “For example” introduces reusable bottles and cups as one illustration of how students can reduce waste, not as the main topic of the campaign.
- Eliminate A. This choice says the bottles explain where recycling stations will be. Stations are a later detail. For example shows one way students can reduce waste.
- Eliminate C. This choice says the bottles cannot be recycled. The speaker is asking students to bring reusable bottles instead of disposable ones.
- Eliminate D. This choice says students should buy new containers. The point is to reuse bottles and cups, not to buy new ones.
- Correct answer: B.
Why does the speaker mention reusable bottles and coffee cups?
- To explain where recycling stations will be located
- To give an example of how students can reduce waste
- To describe items that cannot be recycled
- To encourage students to buy new containers
Strategy reminder: Listen for examples and illustrations. Phrases such as for example, for instance, and take show that the speaker is about to illustrate an idea that was just stated. When you hear one, the job of the line that follows is to support that earlier idea. The line is not a new topic, so do not choose an answer that treats it as one.
We'll look at a sample TOEFL listening practice.
Sample Question:
Why does the professor mention certain bird species?
- To give an example of how animals respond to limited food
- To explain why birds migrate every year
- To compare the energy needs of different animals
- To show that birds prefer unfamiliar environments
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spellcheck Transcript
Professor: Animals have developed many different ways to survive when food becomes scarce. Some species reduce their activity so they use less energy, while others change where or how they search for food. For example, certain bird species begin traveling much farther each day when their usual food sources become limited. They may even leave areas where they've been feeding for several months and search in completely new locations. This flexibility can be extremely important during periods when environmental conditions suddenly change.
Let’s solve it using the strategy.
- Use the strategy. Listen for examples and illustrations. Phrases such as for example, for instance, and take show that the speaker is about to illustrate an idea that was just stated. When you hear one, the job of the line that follows is to support that earlier idea. The line is not a new topic, so do not choose an answer that treats it as one.
- Purpose: The phrase “for example” introduces the birds as an illustration of how animals respond when food is limited, not as a separate point about migration.
- Eliminate B. This choice says the birds explain yearly migration. For example illustrates how animals respond when food is limited. Migration is not the new topic.
- Eliminate C. This choice says the birds compare energy needs. Energy use appears in the earlier idea about reducing activity. The birds illustrate searching farther for food.
- Eliminate D. This choice says birds prefer unfamiliar environments. They may search in new locations when food is scarce. That is an example of flexibility, not a preference.
- Correct answer: A.
Why does the professor mention certain bird species?
- To give an example of how animals respond to limited food
- To explain why birds migrate every year
- To compare the energy needs of different animals
- To show that birds prefer unfamiliar environments