ELTIS - English Language Test for International Students Comprehending Academic Lectures Questions and Answers

Question 1

While listening to a long academic lecture, what is the MOST effective strategy for a student to use?

Accepted Answer

Focus on understanding the main ideas and key supporting details.

Answer

The primary goal when listening to an academic lecture is comprehension. Focusing on the main ideas and the most important details that support them allows the listener to grasp the overall message and structure of the lecture, which is more effective than trying to capture every single word and potentially missing the core concepts.

Question 2

Listen to this short excerpt from a history lecture: '...So, while many people associate the Industrial Revolution with inventions like the steam engine, its effects were not just technological. In fact, the migration of people from rural farms to urban centers in search of factory work fundamentally reshaped society, creating new social classes and challenges.' What is the main point of this excerpt?

Accepted Answer

The Industrial Revolution caused significant social changes.

Answer

The lecturer explicitly states that the effects were 'not just technological' and then elaborates on how the movement of people 'fundamentally reshaped society.' This shows the main focus is on the social impact, not just the inventions themselves.

Question 3

Listen to this part of a biology lecture: 'The process of photosynthesis is complex, but we can break it down. Essentially, plants use three key ingredients: sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Through a series of chemical reactions within the chloroplasts, they convert these ingredients into glucose—a type of sugar that provides energy for the plant—and oxygen, which is released into the atmosphere.' According to the lecturer, which of the following is a PRODUCT of photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen

Answer

The lecturer states that plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide 'into glucose...and oxygen, which is released into the atmosphere.' This identifies oxygen as one of the outputs, or products, of the process.

Question 4

Imagine your art history professor says the following: 'When you first look at this painting, it might seem chaotic. Several artists from this period, however, were known for using what appeared to be disorder to convey a deeper, more emotional truth. We see that technique used masterfully here.' What can you infer about the professor's opinion of the painting?

Accepted Answer

The professor has a positive view of the painting's technique.

Answer

The professor uses the word 'masterfully' to describe the artist's technique. This word has a strong positive connotation, indicating admiration and respect for the skill involved, even though the painting might look chaotic at first glance.

Question 5

During a literature lecture, the professor says: 'The author uses a great deal of symbolism. For instance, the recurring image of the broken clock can be seen as representing the main character's feeling that his life is stuck.' What is the function of the phrase 'For instance'?

Accepted Answer

To provide a specific example of a general statement

Answer

The phrase 'For instance' is a common transitional phrase used to introduce an example that illustrates a preceding point. The professor first makes a general statement ('The author uses a great deal of symbolism') and then provides a concrete example (the broken clock).

ELTIS - English Language Test for International Students Practice Test

ELTIS - English Language Test for International Students Practice Test

ELTIS - English Language Test for International Students Comprehending Academic Lectures Questions and Answers