Mixed Deck — All CPE Topics Flashcards

What does the idiom 'let the cat out of the bag' mean?

Answer: To accidentally reveal a secret

'Let the cat out of the bag' means to accidentally disclose information that was meant to be kept secret.

What is the meaning of the idiom 'to cost an arm and a leg'?

Answer: To be extremely expensive

'To cost an arm and a leg' is an idiom meaning that something is very expensive or costs a great deal of money.

We were at a disadvantage _______ that we did not have a very good knowledge of the language the others were using.

Answer: in

'In that' is a fixed two-word phrase functioning as a conjunction meaning 'because' or 'in the respect that,' used to specify the precise nature of a disadvantage. 'By that,' 'with that,' and 'for that' do not form this fixed expression and would be grammatically awkward or alter the intended meaning of the sentence.

Which of the following best describes 'inferring' in CPE Listening tasks?

Answer: Deducing meaning or intention not directly stated by the speaker

Inferring in listening means using contextual clues and tone to understand what a speaker implies or suggests beyond their literal words.

All their children are allowed ________ exactly what the like.

Answer: to do

'Allow' followed by an object requires the full infinitive (to + verb): 'allow someone to do something.' The bare infinitive 'do' is used after modals, not after 'allow.' The gerund 'doing' and the preposition 'for doing' are both grammatically incorrect with this verb pattern.

In CPE academic vocabulary, what does 'dichotomy' mean?

Answer: A division into two contrasting or opposing groups or ideas

A dichotomy refers to a division of something into two mutually exclusive or sharply contrasting categories.

Which of the following is an example of a 'reporting verb' used in CPE writing and grammar?

Answer: Allege

Reporting verbs like 'allege,' 'claim,' 'assert,' and 'acknowledge' introduce reported speech or ideas and convey the speaker's attitude.

Which of the following is an example of an 'inversion' structure tested in CPE grammar?

Answer: Not only did she pass, but she also topped the class.

Inversion involves placing an auxiliary verb before the subject for emphasis, as in 'Not only did she pass…' — a structure commonly tested in CPE.

In CPE Part 5 (Reading), candidates are tested on their ability to do which of the following?

Answer: Answer multiple-choice questions about a long text

CPE Part 5 requires candidates to read a long text and answer multiple-choice questions demonstrating detailed comprehension.

______ you to change your mind about handing in your notice, we would be happy for you to stay with us.

Answer: Were

'Were you to change your mind' is a formal inverted conditional that replaces 'If you were to change your mind,' used in formal registers by moving the auxiliary verb 'were' to the front of the clause. 'Should' works for inverted conditionals expressing possibility but is less appropriate for hypothetical willingness scenarios. 'If' cannot be used in an inverted construction without restoring normal word order, and 'Unless' means 'except if,' which changes the meaning entirely.

What is the 'passive voice' primarily used for in academic CPE writing?

Answer: To shift focus to the action or result rather than the agent

The passive voice is used when the action or result is more important than who performed it, common in academic and formal writing.

In CPE Part 7 (Reading), what task type do candidates complete?

Answer: Multiple matching

CPE Part 7 is a multiple matching task where candidates match statements or prompts to sections of a text or multiple short texts.

What is the meaning of 'nuanced' in CPE academic and critical reading?

Answer: Involving subtle distinctions and complex shades of meaning

A nuanced argument or analysis considers subtle differences and complexities rather than presenting a simplistic black-and-white view.

It is _______ heat! I couldn't even breathe!

Answer: Scorching

The word "scorching" is the correct answer because it accurately describes the intensity of the heat being referred to in the sentence. The speaker emphasizes the extreme heat by stating that they couldn't even breathe, indicating that the temperature was unbearable. "Scorching" means very hot or burning, which aligns with the context of the sentence.

When a CPE reading question asks about the 'tone' of a passage, what are you analyzing?

Answer: The author's attitude conveyed through word choice and style

Tone refers to the author's attitude toward the subject, revealed through vocabulary, sentence structure, and style choices.

What does the CPE Speaking assessor evaluate during the test?

Answer: Grammatical resource, lexical resource, discourse management, pronunciation, and interactive communication

The CPE assessor evaluates five criteria: grammatical resource, lexical resource, discourse management, pronunciation, and interactive communication.

What does 'discourse management' mean in CPE Speaking assessment?

Answer: Organizing and developing ideas coherently over extended turns

Discourse management assesses the ability to produce extended, coherent speech using linking devices, logical sequencing, and idea development.

What does the phrasal verb 'give away' mean in the sentence 'Her nervous laugh gave away her true feelings'?

Answer: To unintentionally reveal or betray something

In this context, 'give away' means to unintentionally expose or reveal something that was meant to be hidden.

What does 'mitigate' mean in formal CPE vocabulary?

Answer: To make something less severe, serious, or painful

'Mitigate' means to lessen the severity or impact of something negative, though not necessarily eliminate it entirely.

What is the purpose of 'scanning' a CPE reading text before answering questions?

Answer: To locate specific information or keywords quickly

Scanning involves moving your eyes quickly across a text to find specific information, names, numbers, or keywords relevant to a question.