C2 Listening Comprehension 2

Question 1

A speaker says: 'The findings were not without their caveats — the sample size, while adequate, left something to be desired.' What is the speaker implying?

Accepted Answer

The sample size was acceptable but could have been larger.

Answer

The sample size was perfect for the study.

Answer

The sample size made the findings invalid.

Answer

The caveats outweighed the findings entirely.

Question 2

You hear: 'She speaks French, but her Italian is where she truly shines.' What can be inferred about her French?

Accepted Answer

Her French is competent but not her strongest language.

Answer

She does not speak French at all.

Answer

Her French is better than her Italian.

Answer

She recently started learning French.

Question 3

A lecturer states: 'The policy was well-intentioned, if somewhat misguided in its execution.' What does this convey?

Accepted Answer

The policy had good motives but was carried out imperfectly.

Answer

The policy was both poorly planned and poorly executed.

Answer

The policy was executed well but had bad intentions.

Answer

The lecturer fully supports the policy.

Question 4

You hear a discussion where one participant says, 'I take your point, but I'm not sure the evidence bears that out.' What is the participant doing?

Accepted Answer

Partially conceding while expressing skepticism about the evidence.

Answer

Fully agreeing with the other person's argument.

Answer

Dismissing the other person's point entirely.

Answer

Changing the subject of the conversation.

Question 5

A radio journalist says: 'The administration has yet to comment, which speaks volumes.' What does 'speaks volumes' mean here?

Accepted Answer

The silence itself is very revealing or significant.

Answer

The administration has commented at length.

Answer

The journalist wants the administration to speak louder.

Answer

The administration's comment was lengthy.

Question 6

You hear: 'The author stops just short of calling it a failure.' What does this mean about the author's view?

Accepted Answer

The author criticizes it heavily without explicitly calling it a failure.

Answer

The author considers it a complete failure.

Answer

The author strongly praises it.

Answer

The author has no opinion on the matter.

Question 7

A speaker in a debate says: 'Far be it from me to question the committee's expertise, but…' What function does this phrase serve?

Accepted Answer

It is a polite hedge before actually questioning the committee.

Answer

It sincerely praises the committee before agreeing with them.

Answer

It signals the speaker has no further comments.

Answer

It indicates the speaker fully defers to the committee.