C2 Practice and Application 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A diplomat needs to soften a firm rejection without causing offense. Which phrasing best demonstrates C2 pragmatic competence?
- We cannot do that.
- That is not possible at this time.
- While we deeply appreciate the spirit of your proposal, we find ourselves unable to proceed along those particular lines. (Correct answer)
- We don't want to do that.
Correct answer: While we deeply appreciate the spirit of your proposal, we find ourselves unable to proceed along those particular lines.
C2 pragmatic competence involves deploying elaborate hedging and face-saving constructions to convey refusal diplomatically.
Question 2: Which sentence correctly uses a double negative for stylistic emphasis in formal literary English?
- There was not nothing left to say.
- It was not without a certain irony that she accepted the prize. (Correct answer)
- He didn't have no choice.
- They couldn't barely hear the speaker.
Correct answer: It was not without a certain irony that she accepted the prize.
'Not without' is a deliberate litotes construction used in formal writing to add nuance, whereas the others are grammatical errors.
Question 3: A speaker says, 'You've really outdone yourself this time,' in a flat tone after a colleague makes a serious error. What pragmatic phenomenon is at work?
- Hyperbole
- Irony (Correct answer)
- Understatement
- Euphemism
Correct answer: Irony
Irony uses words that mean the opposite of their literal sense, often signaled by tone or context, to convey criticism or humor.
Question 4: Which best illustrates register-switching appropriate to C2 proficiency?
- Using slang in a job interview to appear relatable.
- Maintaining identical formal language in all contexts regardless of audience.
- Adapting vocabulary and syntax fluidly between a peer discussion and a board presentation on the same topic. (Correct answer)
- Using technical jargon exclusively to demonstrate expertise.
Correct answer: Adapting vocabulary and syntax fluidly between a peer discussion and a board presentation on the same topic.
C2 users seamlessly adjust register, tone, and lexical choice to suit the communicative context and audience.
Question 5: In academic writing, which transition best signals a concessive relationship between two ideas?
- Furthermore
- Notwithstanding (Correct answer)
- Subsequently
- Accordingly
Correct answer: Notwithstanding
'Notwithstanding' introduces a concessive clause acknowledging a counterpoint while maintaining the main argument's direction.
Question 6: A C2 writer wants to foreground the object of an action for stylistic effect. Which construction achieves this?
- The committee approved the bill.
- The bill was approved by the committee.
- It was the bill that the committee approved. (Correct answer)
- All of the above can achieve this effect.
Correct answer: It was the bill that the committee approved.
A cleft sentence ('It was X that...') is a grammatical focusing device that places special emphasis on a specific element.
Question 7: Which sentence demonstrates correct use of a subjunctive mood in a formal US English context?
- The board insists that he attends the meeting.
- The board insists that he attend the meeting. (Correct answer)
- The board insists that he will attend the meeting.
- The board insists that he attended the meeting.
Correct answer: The board insists that he attend the meeting.
The mandative subjunctive ('insists that he attend') is required after verbs of recommendation, demand, or requirement in formal US English.
C2 Practice and Application 2
A diplomat needs to soften a firm rejection without causing offense.
Which phrasing best demonstrates C2 pragmatic competence?