Listening Comprehension: Conversations Flashcards

A supervisor tells an employee: 'I need this revised and on my desk by end of day — no exceptions.' What tone is the supervisor using?

Answer: Firm and non-negotiable about the deadline.

'No exceptions' signals a strict, non-negotiable deadline with no room for extension.

A man tells his roommate: 'I wouldn't count on getting your deposit back — I've heard the landlord always finds something to hold back.' What is the man warning about?

Answer: The landlord commonly finds reasons to keep part or all of the deposit.

'Always finds something to hold back' means the landlord typically keeps some or all of the security deposit.

At a conference, a speaker says: 'I'll keep my remarks brief so we have plenty of time for questions.' What does the speaker plan to do?

Answer: Give a short presentation to allow time for audience questions.

The speaker intends to speak briefly so that the audience can ask questions afterward.

A mother says to her teenage son: 'If you finish your homework before dinner, you can use your phone afterward — deal?' What is the mother proposing?

Answer: She is offering phone use as a reward for completing homework first.

The mother is setting a condition: finish homework first, then earn phone privileges.

Two coworkers discuss a project. Coworker A: 'Do you think we'll hit the deadline?' Coworker B: 'It's going to be tight, but I think we can pull it off if everyone stays focused.' What does Coworker B believe?

Answer: The team can meet the deadline if they remain concentrated and on task.

'Tight' means barely possible, and 'pull it off' means to succeed despite difficulty.

A customer service agent says: 'I completely understand your frustration, and I want to make this right for you.' What is the agent trying to do?

Answer: Acknowledge the customer's feelings and resolve the issue.

'Understand your frustration' shows empathy, and 'make this right' signals a commitment to resolving the problem.

A woman tells her colleague: 'I've been burning the candle at both ends this week — early mornings, late nights, the works.' What does this mean?

Answer: She has been working very long hours and is exhausted.

'Burning the candle at both ends' is an idiom meaning working extremely long hours without enough rest.