C2 Speaking Skills 3 ā Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence best exemplifies C2-level use of ellipsis in spoken conversation?
- 'I went to the store and I bought milk and I bought bread.'
- 'She could have warned usābut didn't.' (Correct answer)
- 'The reason is because of the fact that it is difficult.'
- 'At this point in time, we are currently experiencing issues.'
Correct answer: 'She could have warned usābut didn't.'
C2 speakers use ellipsisāomitting recoverable elementsāfor stylistic economy, as in 'but didn't' (omitting 'warn us').
Question 2: In a C2 discussion, a speaker says 'That is a fair point, and yet...' before disagreeing. What pragmatic function does 'and yet' serve?
- It expresses temporal sequence
- It softens the disagreement while introducing a contrasting stance (Correct answer)
- It indicates the speaker has forgotten their point
- It requests elaboration from the other party
Correct answer: It softens the disagreement while introducing a contrasting stance
'And yet' is a sophisticated adversative connector that politely introduces disagreement after conceding merit.
Question 3: A C2 speaker varies their sentence length strategically during a speech. A very short sentence immediately following several long ones most likely functions to:
- Signal a technical error in delivery
- Create emphasis and dramatic impact (Correct answer)
- Indicate the topic is unimportant
- Show unfamiliarity with complex syntax
Correct answer: Create emphasis and dramatic impact
Syntactic variationāusing a short sentence for punch after complex onesāis a hallmark of sophisticated rhetorical control.
Question 4: Which behavior best reflects C2-level active listening during a formal discussion?
- Remaining completely silent until the other speaker fully stops
- Using minimal responses, reformulation, and targeted follow-up questions (Correct answer)
- Nodding continuously regardless of what is being said
- Writing notes instead of maintaining eye contact
Correct answer: Using minimal responses, reformulation, and targeted follow-up questions
C2 active listening integrates verbal backchanneling, reformulation to confirm understanding, and incisive follow-up questions.
Question 5: A speaker at C2 level uses the phrase 'to put it more precisely' mid-sentence. This is an example of:
- Circumlocution
- Self-repair and reformulation (Correct answer)
- Topic nomination
- Backchanneling
Correct answer: Self-repair and reformulation
Self-repair involves the speaker correcting or refining their own utterance, demonstrating metalinguistic awareness.
Question 6: When speaking about a sensitive topic at C2 level, which approach best balances directness with tact?
- Avoid the topic entirely to prevent discomfort
- Use euphemism, passive constructions, and impersonal subjects where appropriate (Correct answer)
- State all opinions bluntly without qualification
- Speak very quickly to minimize the listener's reaction time
Correct answer: Use euphemism, passive constructions, and impersonal subjects where appropriate
C2 speakers employ a range of distancing devicesāeuphemism, passive voice, impersonal 'one'āto address sensitive content diplomatically.
Question 7: In a C2 oral exam, a candidate is asked to speculate about the future. Which opening is most appropriate?
- 'I don't know, but maybe...'
- 'It would seem reasonable to suppose that, all things being equal...' (Correct answer)
- 'Definitely this will happen because...'
- 'That's a weird question but I guess...'
Correct answer: 'It would seem reasonable to suppose that, all things being equal...'
C2-level speculation employs epistemic modal phrases that signal reasoned inference without overstating certainty.
C2 Speaking Skills 3
Which sentence best exemplifies C2-level use of ellipsis in spoken conversation?