Language Proficiency Listening Skills 4

Question 1

A speaker says, 'The meeting has been pushed back an hour.' What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The meeting starts one hour later than planned

Answer

'Pushed back' means delayed, so the meeting now starts one hour later.

Question 2

You hear a radio announcement say, 'Expect significant delays on the interstate due to an earlier accident.' What should drivers anticipate?

Accepted Answer

Slower travel times than normal

Answer

'Significant delays' indicates traffic will move slower than usual.

Question 3

A professor lectures: 'Unlike the first hypothesis, the second assumes constant variables.' Which listening skill is MOST useful here?

Accepted Answer

Listening for sequential comparison signals

Answer

The word 'unlike' signals a contrast, so listening for comparison cues helps you follow the argument.

Question 4

A colleague says, 'I suppose we could try that approach,' in a flat, unenthusiastic tone. What is the MOST likely meaning?

Accepted Answer

She is reluctant or unconvinced about the approach

Answer

Hedging language like 'I suppose' combined with flat tone signals reluctance or lack of enthusiasm.

Question 5

During a podcast, the host says, 'To recap what we covered before the break...' What is the host about to do?

Accepted Answer

Summarize previously discussed content

Answer

'To recap' signals the speaker is about to review earlier information.

Language Proficiency Practice Test