Free Linguaskill Listening: Extended Listening Comprehension Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You will hear a university professor giving a lecture on the topic of sustainable urban development. What is the main argument the professor makes?
- That green roofs are the most cost-effective solution for city pollution.
- That sustainable urban development requires a multi-faceted approach involving policy, technology, and community participation. (Correct answer)
- That historical cities are unable to adapt to modern sustainability standards.
- That individual lifestyle changes are more important than governmental policies in creating sustainable cities.
Correct answer: That sustainable urban development requires a multi-faceted approach involving policy, technology, and community participation.
The professor's lecture covers various aspects like policy, new green technologies, and the importance of involving local residents, indicating that a combination of these elements is necessary. The other options represent single, narrow points, not the main, overarching argument.
Question 2: You will hear two colleagues discussing a project delay. According to the conversation, what was the primary reason for the missed deadline?
- The team was understaffed from the beginning.
- The client changed the project specifications midway through. (Correct answer)
- The initial timeline was too ambitious and unrealistic.
- There was a critical failure in the software they were using.
Correct answer: The client changed the project specifications midway through.
In a typical extended listening scenario for this question, the speakers would mention the initial timeline and staffing but would emphasize that the client's request for significant changes was the critical event that derailed the schedule. Therefore, the change in specifications is the primary cause.
Question 3: You will hear an interview with a CEO of a tech startup. What is the CEO's attitude towards the risk of failure?
- She is fearful and actively works to avoid any possibility of failure.
- She is dismissive of the concept, believing her company is certain to succeed.
- She sees failure as a valuable learning opportunity and a necessary part of innovation. (Correct answer)
- She believes that failure is solely the result of poor financial planning.
Correct answer: She sees failure as a valuable learning opportunity and a necessary part of innovation.
The CEO's tone and phrasing in the hypothetical interview would convey that setbacks are expected and can provide crucial lessons. Words like 'inevitable,' 'learning curve,' and 'pivot' would point to this attitude, which is common in startup culture. The other options represent attitudes that are too extreme (fearful, dismissive) or too narrow (only financial).
Question 4: You will hear a radio report about a new archaeological discovery. Which of the following details about the discovery is NOT mentioned in the report?
- The estimated age of the artifacts found.
- The specific location of the excavation site.
- The name of the lead archaeologist in charge of the dig.
- The exact monetary value of the items discovered. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The exact monetary value of the items discovered.
A factual radio report would likely mention the age, location, and key personnel involved. However, assigning a precise monetary value to unique archaeological artifacts is often impossible and unprofessional, so this detail would typically be omitted from a scientific report.
Question 5: You will hear a manager giving instructions to a new intern about completing an expense report. Based on the instructions, what is the first thing the intern must do before submitting the report for approval?
- Email the report directly to the manager.
- Upload a scanned copy of all physical receipts to the shared drive. (Correct answer)
- Get a signature from the head of the department.
- Make a photocopy of the report for their personal records.
Correct answer: Upload a scanned copy of all physical receipts to the shared drive.
In a procedural explanation, the manager would outline a sequence of steps. A common and crucial first step in modern expense reporting is to digitize and save the proof of purchase (receipts) before the official submission, making this the logical first action.
Question 6: You will hear a product review on a podcast. The reviewer compares two smartwatches, the 'ConnectX' and the 'Time-Track 5'. How does the 'ConnectX' compare to the 'Time-Track 5'?
- It offers more advanced health monitoring features. (Correct answer)
- It is significantly less expensive.
- It has a longer battery life.
- It is primarily designed for professional athletes.
Correct answer: It offers more advanced health monitoring features.
The reviewer in the hypothetical audio would directly contrast the features, stating something like, 'While the Time-Track 5 has excellent battery life, the ConnectX is in a league of its own when it comes to detailed health tracking, including features the Time-Track lacks.' This makes its advanced health features its key advantage.
Free Linguaskill Listening: Extended Listening Comprehension Questions and Answers
You will hear a university professor giving a lecture on the topic of sustainable urban development.
What is the main argument the professor makes?