Listening Comprehension Flashcards

A caller leaves a voicemail: 'Hi, this is Dr. Patel's office confirming your appointment on Thursday at 2:30 PM. Please call us at 416-555-0192 if you need to rescheddle.' What error does the receptionist make?

Answer: She mispronounces 'reschedule'

The receptionist says 'rescheddle' instead of correctly pronouncing 'reschedule'.

You hear a radio announcement: 'Due to icy conditions, all eastbound lanes of Highway 401 between Exits 35 and 42 are closed until further notice. Drivers are advised to use alternate routes.' What should drivers do?

Answer: Find a different road to travel on

The announcement advises drivers to use alternate routes because eastbound lanes are closed.

Two coworkers are talking. Anna says: 'Did you finish the quarterly report?' Marcus replies: 'I've been swamped all week — it's on the back burner.' What does Marcus mean?

Answer: The report is not his priority right now

'On the back burner' is an idiom meaning something has been temporarily deprioritized.

A teacher says to a class: 'Your essays are due by midnight on Friday. Late submissions will be penalized one letter grade per day, with no exceptions.' A student submits on Sunday. What happens to her grade?

Answer: Her grade drops by two letter grades

Saturday is one day late and Sunday is two days late, so the grade drops by two letter grades.

A news broadcast states: 'The city council voted 6 to 3 in favour of the new transit expansion plan, which will add three new subway lines over the next decade.' How many council members voted against the plan?

Answer: 3

A 6-to-3 vote means 3 council members voted against the plan.

A store announcement plays: 'Attention shoppers, our store will be closing in 15 minutes. Please bring your final selections to the checkout counters located at the front of the store.' What are shoppers being told to do?

Answer: Bring items to pay for them at the front

Shoppers are told to bring their selections to checkout counters at the front of the store before it closes.

A friend says: 'I called the plumber three times and he still hasn't shown up. I'm at my wit's end!' What is the friend expressing?

Answer: Frustration and feeling helpless

'At my wit's end' means the speaker is extremely frustrated and doesn't know what to do next.