VEPT Listening Comprehension: Conversations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A receptionist says: 'Dr. Patel is running about fifteen minutes behind schedule. Would you like to wait or reschedule?' What is the receptionist communicating?
- Dr. Patel has cancelled all appointments for today.
- The patient is fifteen minutes late for the appointment.
- Dr. Patel's appointments are delayed by fifteen minutes. (Correct answer)
- Dr. Patel will be unavailable for the rest of the day.
Correct answer: Dr. Patel's appointments are delayed by fifteen minutes.
'Running behind schedule' means the doctor's appointments are delayed from the planned times.
Question 2: A man says on the phone: 'I've been trying to reach you all morning. I thought something might have happened.' What emotion is the man most likely expressing?
- Anger at being ignored intentionally.
- Relief mixed with concern after worrying. (Correct answer)
- Excitement about sharing good news.
- Frustration with poor phone service.
Correct answer: Relief mixed with concern after worrying.
The man's words suggest he was worried and is now relieved to make contact.
Question 3: Two friends are talking. Friend A: 'I heard you got the promotion!' Friend B: 'Not exactly — they said they'd keep me in mind for the next round.' What does Friend B mean?
- She was promoted but the announcement is delayed.
- She did not get the promotion this time. (Correct answer)
- She refused the promotion when it was offered.
- She was promoted to a different position than expected.
Correct answer: She did not get the promotion this time.
'Keep me in mind for the next round' means she was not selected now but may be considered later.
Question 4: A landlord tells a tenant: 'I'll need at least 48 hours' notice before entering your unit for any non-emergency repairs.' What is the landlord explaining?
- Tenants must repair their own units within 48 hours.
- The landlord requires advance warning before visiting the apartment. (Correct answer)
- Emergency repairs will take 48 hours to complete.
- The tenant must leave the unit during all repairs.
Correct answer: The landlord requires advance warning before visiting the apartment.
'48 hours' notice' means the landlord must be informed two days before a non-urgent visit.
Question 5: A woman says to her coworker: 'Honestly, the new software has been more trouble than it's worth. We spend half our time troubleshooting it.' What is the woman's opinion of the software?
- She thinks it is highly efficient once you learn it.
- She believes the software causes more problems than it solves. (Correct answer)
- She recommends switching to the software immediately.
- She thinks the troubleshooting process is educational.
Correct answer: She believes the software causes more problems than it solves.
'More trouble than it's worth' is an idiom meaning something creates more problems than benefits.
Question 6: At a job interview, the interviewer asks: 'Where do you see yourself in five years?' The candidate replies: 'I hope to have grown into a leadership role within this organization.' What does the candidate want?
- To leave the company within five years.
- To be promoted to a management position at this company. (Correct answer)
- To start a competing business in five years.
- To stay in the same position and gain experience.
Correct answer: To be promoted to a management position at this company.
'Grown into a leadership role within this organization' means the candidate wants to advance to management here.
Question 7: A husband tells his wife: 'I know you've had a long day — why don't I take care of dinner tonight?' What is the husband offering?
- To eat dinner at a restaurant instead of cooking.
- To prepare or arrange the evening meal for her. (Correct answer)
- To skip dinner and go to bed early.
- To remind her that it is her turn to cook.
Correct answer: To prepare or arrange the evening meal for her.
'Take care of dinner' means the husband will handle cooking or getting food that evening.
VEPT Listening Comprehension: Conversations 3
A receptionist says: 'Dr.
Patel is running about fifteen minutes behind schedule.
Would you like to wait or reschedule?' What is the receptionist communicating?