CAE Reading 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In CAE Reading, the phrase 'the author pulls no punches' in a book review most likely means the author:
- Avoids controversial topics carefully
- Expresses opinions directly and forcefully (Correct answer)
- Uses gentle, diplomatic language throughout
- Focuses only on positive aspects
Correct answer: Expresses opinions directly and forcefully
'Pulls no punches' is an idiom meaning to speak bluntly and without softening one's message.
Question 2: A CAE Part 5 question asks: 'What does the writer mean by the phrase "the elephant in the room" in paragraph 3?' This phrase most likely refers to:
- An irrelevant distraction everyone notices
- An obvious problem that people are avoiding discussing (Correct answer)
- A minor issue that has been exaggerated
- A complex topic requiring expert knowledge
Correct answer: An obvious problem that people are avoiding discussing
'The elephant in the room' idiomatically describes a significant issue that is obvious yet deliberately ignored or unacknowledged.
Question 3: In a CAE gapped text task, which of the following best indicates that a paragraph should follow one about a setback?
- 'Building on this success, the team expanded operations.'
- 'Despite this, the researchers refused to abandon their hypothesis.' (Correct answer)
- 'Consequently, the findings confirmed initial predictions.'
- 'Similarly, other organizations faced the same challenge.'
Correct answer: 'Despite this, the researchers refused to abandon their hypothesis.'
'Despite this' signals a contrast, indicating persistence after a difficulty, making it the natural continuation after a paragraph describing a setback.
Question 4: In CAE Reading Part 6, you compare four reviews of the same film. Which question type is most commonly tested in this part?
- Identifying the genre of each reviewer's writing style
- Matching opinions, attitudes, or points of view across texts (Correct answer)
- Choosing which text contains the most factual information
- Selecting which reviewer uses the most formal register
Correct answer: Matching opinions, attitudes, or points of view across texts
CAE Part 6 specifically tests the ability to compare and contrast opinions, attitudes, and points of view expressed across multiple short texts.
Question 5: A CAE passage describes a scientist who 'remained undaunted by repeated failures.' What does 'undaunted' mean in this context?
- Deeply discouraged
- Not discouraged; persistent despite adversity (Correct answer)
- Unaware of the failures
- Surprised by the failures
Correct answer: Not discouraged; persistent despite adversity
'Undaunted' means not intimidated or discouraged, indicating the scientist maintained resolve despite repeated setbacks.
Question 6: In a CAE text, the writer uses a series of rhetorical questions. What is the most likely purpose?
- To gather factual information from the reader
- To persuade the reader by provoking thought without expecting answers (Correct answer)
- To express genuine uncertainty about a topic
- To summarize information already presented
Correct answer: To persuade the reader by provoking thought without expecting answers
Rhetorical questions are used as a persuasive device to engage the reader and lead them toward the writer's conclusion, not to seek actual answers.
Question 7: A CAE Part 5 question asks what the writer implies by ending a paragraph with 'Time, as always, will tell.' What does this imply?
- The writer is certain about the outcome
- The writer believes the topic is not worth further discussion
- The writer acknowledges uncertainty about the future outcome (Correct answer)
- The writer thinks the situation will resolve quickly
Correct answer: The writer acknowledges uncertainty about the future outcome
'Time will tell' is a conventional expression indicating that the outcome is uncertain and will only become clear in the future.
CAE Reading 3
In CAE Reading, the phrase 'the author pulls no punches' in a book review most likely means the author: