ELSA Everyday Communication 2

Question 1

Your coworker says, 'Could you possibly cover my shift on Friday?' What is the most appropriate response if you are unavailable?

Accepted Answer

I'm afraid I can't — I already have plans that day.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

I wanted to go; however, it started raining.

Answer

'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?

Accepted Answer

Did very poorly

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

I beg your pardon — could you please repeat that?

Answer

'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?

Accepted Answer

Reply confirming whether you will attend or not

Answer

RSVP (from French 'répondez s'il vous plaît') means you should reply with your attendance status by the given date.

(ELSA) English Language Skills Assessment Practice Test