STEP Listening Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a STEP listening passage, a speaker says: 'I couldn't agree more with the new policy.' What does this expression mean?
- The speaker disagrees completely
- The speaker strongly agrees with the policy (Correct answer)
- The speaker is undecided
- The speaker has never heard of the policy
Correct answer: The speaker strongly agrees with the policy
'I couldn't agree more' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'I completely agree.' Despite containing the negative word 'couldn't,' the overall meaning is the strongest possible agreement. Understanding such expressions is essential for STEP listening comprehension.
Question 2: A lecturer says: 'To sum up, the three main factors are...' What does this phrase signal?
- The lecture is just beginning
- The speaker is about to provide a summary or conclusion (Correct answer)
- The speaker is changing the topic entirely
- The speaker is asking a question
Correct answer: The speaker is about to provide a summary or conclusion
'To sum up' is a discourse marker signaling a summary or conclusion. Other summary markers include: 'in conclusion,' 'to summarize,' 'in short,' and 'all in all.' Recognizing these markers helps listeners identify the most important points in STEP listening.
Question 3: In a conversation, Person A says: 'How about visiting the museum?' Person B replies: 'That sounds like a plan!' What does Person B mean?
- Person B refuses the suggestion
- Person B agrees with the suggestion enthusiastically (Correct answer)
- Person B wants to visit a different place
- Person B is unsure about the suggestion
Correct answer: Person B agrees with the suggestion enthusiastically
'That sounds like a plan' is an informal way of expressing agreement and acceptance of a suggestion. It indicates enthusiasm about the proposed activity. Understanding informal expressions is important for STEP listening questions about conversations.
Question 4: A speaker uses the phrase 'on the other hand' in a presentation. What function does this serve?
- To give an example
- To introduce a contrasting point or alternative perspective (Correct answer)
- To agree with the previous point
- To end the presentation
Correct answer: To introduce a contrasting point or alternative perspective
'On the other hand' introduces a contrasting viewpoint or alternative consideration. It signals that the speaker is presenting a different perspective from what was previously stated. Other contrast markers: 'however,' 'conversely,' 'in contrast,' 'nevertheless.'
Question 5: When a speaker says 'bear in mind that,' what are they doing?
- Telling a story about bears
- Emphasizing an important point that the listener should remember (Correct answer)
- Changing the subject
- Asking a question
Correct answer: Emphasizing an important point that the listener should remember
'Bear in mind' means 'remember' or 'keep in consideration.' The speaker is highlighting an important point that should be remembered or considered. Similar expressions: 'keep in mind,' 'it's worth noting,' 'don't forget.'
Question 6: In a STEP listening passage, when a speaker says 'as far as I'm concerned,' what type of statement follows?
- A statistical fact
- A personal opinion or viewpoint (Correct answer)
- A direct quotation from someone else
- An objective scientific finding
Correct answer: A personal opinion or viewpoint
'As far as I'm concerned' signals that the speaker is about to share their personal opinion or perspective. It marks the statement as subjective. Other opinion markers: 'in my view,' 'I believe,' 'from my perspective,' 'it seems to me.'
STEP Listening Skills 1
In a STEP listening passage, a speaker says: 'I couldn't agree more with the new policy.' What does this expression mean?