ELTIS - English Language Test for International Students Everyday English Conversations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A classmate says, 'I'm swamped with assignments this week.' What does 'swamped' mean in this context?
- Very organized and prepared
- Extremely busy or overwhelmed (Correct answer)
- Confused about the assignments
- Finished with all the work
Correct answer: Extremely busy or overwhelmed
'Swamped' is an informal idiom meaning to have so much to do that you can barely manage — like being flooded or submerged. It is commonly used in everyday English to express being overwhelmed with tasks.
Question 2: A professor says at the end of class, 'Feel free to drop by my office if you have questions.' What is the professor inviting students to do?
- Submit their questions in writing only
- Visit the professor's office informally at a convenient time (Correct answer)
- Schedule a formal meeting through the department
- Drop off their assignments at the office door
Correct answer: Visit the professor's office informally at a convenient time
'Drop by' means to visit casually or without a strict appointment. The phrase 'feel free' reinforces that students are welcome to come informally, making the invitation open and relaxed.
Question 3: A new student asks a classmate, 'Could you fill me in on what I missed?' What is the student requesting?
- A copy of the teacher's notes
- An explanation of what happened while they were absent (Correct answer)
- Help completing a missed assignment
- Permission to borrow the classmate's textbook
Correct answer: An explanation of what happened while they were absent
'Fill me in' is a common English expression meaning to update someone on information or events they were not present for. The student wants to know what was covered or discussed in their absence.
Question 4: During a group project meeting, one student says, 'Let's touch base tomorrow to see where everyone is.' What does 'touch base' mean?
- Meet at the school's main entrance
- Briefly check in with each other to share progress (Correct answer)
- Complete all the work before the next day
- Decide on a new topic for the project
Correct answer: Briefly check in with each other to share progress
'Touch base' is an informal expression meaning to make brief contact with someone to exchange updates or confirm a status. It comes from baseball but is widely used in everyday and professional English.
Question 5: A school counselor tells a student, 'Don't hesitate to reach out if things get difficult.' What is the counselor encouraging the student to do?
- Avoid asking for help to stay independent
- Contact the counselor whenever the student needs support (Correct answer)
- Reach out to other students instead of the counselor
- Write a formal letter describing any problems
Correct answer: Contact the counselor whenever the student needs support
'Reach out' means to contact someone for help, support, or communication. 'Don't hesitate' means the student should not feel uncertain or embarrassed about doing so — the counselor is making clear that asking for help is welcome.
Question 6: At orientation, a staff member says, 'If you get lost on campus, just ask any student or staff member — everyone is happy to point you in the right direction.' What does 'point you in the right direction' mean?
- Draw a physical map of the campus for you
- Tell you where to go or give you guidance (Correct answer)
- Walk you personally to your destination
- Show you the school's official website
Correct answer: Tell you where to go or give you guidance
'Point you in the right direction' is a common English idiom meaning to give someone helpful guidance or basic information to help them find what they need. It does not necessarily mean literally pointing or walking with the person.
ELTIS - English Language Test for International Students Everyday English Conversations 1
A classmate says, 'I'm swamped with assignments this week.' What does 'swamped' mean in this context?