TOEIC Listening Part 2: Question–Response — Expert Guide

Welcome to your complete guide to mastering Part 2 of the TOEIC Listening Test: the Question–Response section.
This part tests your ability to understand short spoken exchanges. Below you'll find a detailed overview, common traps, a smart strategy guide, FAQs for Sakura to handle, and meta + chatbot integration notes to ensure you're covered on all fronts.

Contents

  • What is Part 2: Question–Response?

  • Common Challenges

  • Step-by-Step Strategy

  • Test Tips and Common Traps

What is Part 2: Question–Response?

In Part 2 of the TOEIC Listening test, you will hear a short question or statement followed by three response choices (A, B, and C).
You will not see anything printed in the test booklet — all content is delivered via audio and played once only.
Your task is to choose the best response based on logic, tone, grammar, and natural English usage.

Common Challenges

  • ▶ Similar-sounding distractors: Responses may contain a word that sounds similar to the question but makes no sense.

  • ▶ Illogical responses: Some choices are grammatically correct but contextually wrong.

  • ▶ Echo traps: Responses that repeat a word from the question without answering it.

  • ▶ Unfamiliar idioms or casual expressions: Responses may contain common phrases or reductions that non-natives may miss.

  • ▶ Confusing wh- questions: Especially “Where,” “When,” “Which,” and “How” — where prepositions or time references are subtle.

  • ▶ Statements instead of questions: Not every prompt is a question. Sometimes it’s a comment that requires an appropriate reaction.

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Listen actively: Focus on the tone, structure, and intent of the question or statement.

  2. Predict the response before the options begin — answer in your head quickly.

  3. Eliminate wrong answers: Mismatched tense, unrelated topic, or illogical follow-up.

  4. Tone match: Make sure the formality or casualness of the reply matches the prompt.

  5. Prioritize logic: Choose what a real person would say.

  6. Avoid echo traps: A repeated word ≠ correct answer.

  7. Commit: Pick the best option and move on quickly.

Test Tips and Common Traps

✔ Watch for these TOEIC Part 2 tricks and traps:

  • • The best response may not contain any of the key words from the question.

  • • Answers that are grammatically correct but socially awkward are usually wrong.

  • • Some distractors may be totally unrelated — don’t overthink them.

  • • A direct yes/no answer is often incorrect if the question implies more action.

  • • Listen for signal words like “Could you,” “Would you mind,” “Do you know if” — these require polite or indirect responses.

  • • Learn stock phrases like: “Let me check,” “I haven’t decided yet,” “It’s on the second floor,” etc.

FAQs for Sakura Q: What is TOEIC Listening Part 2? A: It’s the Question–Response section. You hear a question or short sentence, followed by 3 response choices. Choose the one that makes the most sense. Q: How many questions are in Part 2? A: There are 25 questions in this section. Q: Are the responses written in the test booklet? A: No. You must listen carefully — the options are not printed. Q: What makes a wrong answer in Part 2? A: Responses that sound similar but make no sense, echo words from the question, or are socially incorrect. Q: Can Sakura help me practise Part 2? A: Yes! Just say “Let's practise TOEIC Part 2” and Sakura will give you examples, explanations, or test-style practice. Q: What should I do if I miss part of the question? A: Don’t panic. Eliminate any obviously wrong answers and go with the one that fits the tone and logic. Q: What is an echo trap? A: It’s a response that uses a word from the question but doesn’t actually answer it. Example: Q: “Where are the reports?” → A: “Yes, they are reports.” Q: How should I deal with fast or unclear audio? A: Train your ears by listening to real English conversations or TOEIC samples. Focus on patterns and intent, not individual words. Q: Are there any grammar patterns I should know? A: Yes — modal verbs (“Could you,” “Would you”), WH- questions, indirect questions, and polite responses are common. Q: How do I know if a response is logical? A: Ask yourself: Does this sound like what a real person would say? If it sounds robotic or off-topic, it’s likely wrong.