ELSA Everyday Communication 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Your coworker says, 'Could you possibly cover my shift on Friday?' What is the most appropriate response if you are unavailable?
- I'm afraid I can't — I already have plans that day. (Correct answer)
- No, I don't want to.
- Why would I do that?
- Maybe, I don't know.
Correct answer: I'm afraid I can't — I already have plans that day.
Politely declining with a brief reason is the appropriate way to handle this workplace request.
Question 2: Which sentence uses 'however' correctly to contrast two ideas?
- I wanted to go; however, it started raining. (Correct answer)
- However I went to the store.
- I however like pizza a lot.
- However, and also, she left early.
Correct answer: I wanted to go; however, it started raining.
'However' is correctly used as a conjunctive adverb between two independent clauses separated by a semicolon.
Question 3: A friend says, 'I bombed my interview today.' What does 'bombed' most likely mean in this context?
- Did very poorly (Correct answer)
- Performed exceptionally well
- Canceled the interview
- Arrived late
Correct answer: Did very poorly
In informal American English, 'bombed' means to fail badly or perform very poorly.
Question 4: Which is the most appropriate way to ask someone to repeat themselves in a formal setting?
- I beg your pardon — could you please repeat that? (Correct answer)
- What? Say it again.
- Huh? I wasn't listening.
- Come again, dude?
Correct answer: I beg your pardon — could you please repeat that?
'I beg your pardon' is a polite and formal phrase used to ask someone to repeat what they said.
Question 5: You receive an email that says 'Please RSVP by Thursday.' What action is expected of you?
- Reply confirming whether you will attend or not (Correct answer)
- Simply show up on Thursday
- Send a thank-you note
- Forward the email to others
Correct answer: Reply confirming whether you will attend or not
RSVP (from French 'répondez s'il vous plaît') means you should reply with your attendance status by the given date.
Question 6: Which phrase best signals that you are about to give a counter-argument in a discussion?
- On the other hand, (Correct answer)
- In addition,
- For example,
- As a result,
Correct answer: On the other hand,
'On the other hand' is a transitional phrase that introduces a contrasting or opposing viewpoint.
Question 7: Someone asks, 'Do you have the time?' What is the expected response?
- It's 3:45. (Correct answer)
- Yes, I do.
- I have plenty of time.
- Time for what?
Correct answer: It's 3:45.
'Do you have the time?' is an idiomatic way of asking what time it is, so the expected answer is the current time.
ELSA Everyday Communication 2
Your coworker says, 'Could you possibly cover my shift on Friday?' What is the most appropriate response if you are unavailable?