TOEIC Listening Part 3: Mastering Conversations

Part 3 of the TOEIC Listening Test can feel fast and full of distractions — but with the right strategy and awareness of common mistakes, you can turn this section into a scoring opportunity. This guide covers everything you need to master: the number of questions, how to handle two- vs. three-speaker conversations, what traps to avoid, what to listen for, and how to practise effectively.

What is TOEIC Part 3: Conversations?

  • This part includes 13 conversations.

  • Each conversation is followed by 3 multiple-choice questions (39 questions total).

  • You hear each conversation only once.

  • Topics include work situations, travel, shopping, meetings, and services.

  • Questions appear on-screen or in your test booklet during the audio.

  • Speakers use a variety of English accents (American, British, Australian, Canadian).

Two vs. Three Speakers

Two-speaker conversations are the most common. You might hear:

  • A manager and an employee

  • A receptionist and a customer

  • Two colleagues or business partners

Three-speaker conversations were added in 2018. These often take place:

  • In meetings or discussions

  • On conference calls

  • In group decisions or brainstorming

Important tip:
In 3-person conversations, the third speaker might speak only once — but their line may contain the answer. Don’t ignore any voice.

What Kind of Questions Will I See?

Each conversation includes 3 types of questions. These may ask you about:

  • A specific detail (like time, location, or a decision)

  • The purpose of the conversation or why someone called or spoke

  • What someone will probably do next (inference)

  • How someone feels (attitude or tone)

  • What a phrase really means in context (function or intent)

  • Information that connects to a visual such as a chart or schedule

Common Challenges

  • You often don't have time to read all 3 questions before the conversation starts

  • Three-speaker conversations can confuse you if you don’t recognize all voices

  • Many answers are implied — not directly spoken

  • Distractors copy keywords from the audio, but lead to the wrong answer

  • Accents or casual phrases may throw you off if you’re not used to them

Winning Strategy: Step-by-Step

  1. Read Question 1 quickly before the audio starts (if possible)

  2. Identify the roles of each speaker: Who’s in charge? Who is asking?

  3. Listen for changes — like a delay, a new plan, or a customer complaint

  4. If there's a visual, glance at it before the audio so you know what to expect

  5. Use logic. For example: If someone says, “Let’s reschedule,” the correct answer may be “The meeting is postponed”

  6. Eliminate answers that don’t match tone, tense, or the speaker’s purpose

  7. Move on confidently — don’t overthink what you missed

Traps and Mistakes to Avoid

  • Picking answers that repeat words you heard, but don’t actually answer the question

  • Ignoring the speaker who talks the least — sometimes they say the most important thing

  • Misunderstanding intent-based phrases like “I’ll handle that” — which means offer or promise, not past action

  • Getting distracted by numbers or names that aren’t actually important

  • Believing the last sentence always has the answer — it doesn’t

  • Missing a key mood or tone change, which could point to the correct choice

FAQs Sakura Can Answer Q: What is TOEIC Listening Part 3? A: It’s the conversation section. You hear two or three people talk and answer three questions about each conversation. Q: How many questions are there in total? A: There are 13 conversations with 3 questions each, so 39 questions. Q: How do I deal with 3 speakers? A: Focus on who says what. One speaker might speak only once — but their comment may be the answer. Q: Are the answers always directly spoken? A: No. Some questions ask what is implied or what will happen next. Q: What if I don’t understand the accent? A: Practice listening to different English accents: American, British, Australian, and Canadian. Don’t panic — focus on the meaning. Q: Are the visuals difficult? A: Not really. Just look at the chart or schedule before the audio starts. Listen for times, items, or decisions that match it. Q: Can Sakura help me practice this? A: Yes! Ask Sakura for two- or three-person conversations. She can give practice questions, ask comprehension checks, and explain tricky answers. Q: What’s the most common mistake students make? A: Choosing an answer that uses the same words from the audio — but doesn’t match the speaker’s real meaning. Q: What should I focus on first? A: Who the speakers are, what they want, and any problems or changes in the conversation.