C2 Listening Comprehension 3

Question 1

You hear a professor say: 'The theory has fallen out of favor, and not without reason.' What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The theory has been discredited, and this is justified.

Answer

The theory is currently very popular among scholars.

Answer

The theory was abandoned for unclear reasons.

Answer

The theory was never taken seriously.

Question 2

A podcast host says: 'My guest today needs no introduction.' What is the pragmatic meaning of this statement?

Accepted Answer

The guest is so well-known that an introduction would be unnecessary.

Answer

The guest is unknown and does not require a formal introduction.

Answer

The host forgot to prepare an introduction.

Answer

The guest prefers not to be introduced.

Question 3

You hear: 'The new regulation is a step in the right direction, though it barely scratches the surface.' What is the speaker's overall view?

Accepted Answer

The regulation is positive but insufficient.

Answer

The regulation is fully effective and comprehensive.

Answer

The regulation is harmful and should be reversed.

Answer

The speaker is neutral about the regulation.

Question 4

During a lecture, a speaker says: 'This was, by no means, a straightforward decision.' What does this express?

Accepted Answer

The decision was complex and not simple.

Answer

The decision was easy to make.

Answer

The decision was made quickly without deliberation.

Answer

The decision was made straightforwardly in the end.

Question 5

A speaker says: 'He was reluctant to admit it, but the evidence was damning.' What can you infer about the person described?

Accepted Answer

He denied the evidence despite finding it compelling.

Answer

He eagerly accepted the evidence against him.

Answer

He was unaware of the evidence.

Answer

He helped gather the evidence himself.

Question 6

You hear a news anchor say: 'The minister's remarks were met with a mixed reception.' What does this tell you?

Accepted Answer

Some people responded positively and others negatively.

Answer

Everyone reacted negatively to the minister's remarks.

Answer

The remarks received only positive feedback.

Answer

The remarks were ignored by the public.

Question 7

A speaker at a conference says: 'The results give us cause for cautious optimism.' What attitude does this express?

Accepted Answer

Hopeful but restrained positivity due to remaining uncertainties.

Answer

Complete confidence in a positive outcome.

Answer

Deep pessimism about the results.

Answer

Indifference to the results.