C2 Listening Comprehension 4

Question 1

You hear a documentary narrator say: 'The village was virtually untouched by modernization.' What does 'virtually' signal?

Accepted Answer

The village was almost entirely unaffected, with perhaps minor exceptions.

Answer

The village was completely modernized.

Answer

The village had absolutely no modernization whatsoever.

Answer

The village existed only in a digital environment.

Question 2

A speaker says: 'Her composure under pressure was nothing short of remarkable.' What is being communicated?

Accepted Answer

Her composure was impressively outstanding.

Answer

Her composure was somewhat disappointing.

Answer

Her composure was barely adequate.

Answer

Her composure was slightly above average.

Question 3

During a panel discussion you hear: 'That's a fair point, to a degree.' What is the speaker doing?

Accepted Answer

Partially agreeing while implying limitations to the point.

Answer

Fully endorsing the point that was made.

Answer

Rejecting the point entirely as unfair.

Answer

Requesting clarification on the point.

Question 4

You hear a narrator say: 'The diplomat walked a fine line between diplomacy and frankness.' What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The diplomat balanced careful tact with honest communication.

Answer

The diplomat spoke extremely rudely.

Answer

The diplomat failed to communicate clearly.

Answer

The diplomat was entirely frank and direct.

Question 5

A speaker says: 'The report raises more questions than it answers.' What does this imply about the report?

Accepted Answer

The report is inconclusive and generates new areas of uncertainty.

Answer

The report fully resolves all the issues it addresses.

Answer

The report is so detailed it overwhelms the reader with answers.

Answer

The report contains no useful information.

Question 6

You hear: 'The candidate's experience speaks for itself.' What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The candidate's experience is so strong it requires no further justification.

Answer

The candidate's experience needs a detailed explanation.

Answer

The candidate lacks relevant experience.

Answer

The candidate will speak about their own experience.

Question 7

A lecturer says: 'The distinction, while subtle, is nonetheless critical.' What is the lecturer emphasizing?

Accepted Answer

Despite being hard to notice, the distinction has major importance.

Answer

The distinction is obvious and easy to spot.

Answer

The distinction is unimportant and can be ignored.

Answer

The distinction was invented for academic purposes only.